After the status window finished explaining the ranks and categories of abilities, a sudden line of cold text appeared on the screen:
[ Do you have any questions, user? ]
I hesitated for a moment, as if it were mocking me after shattering the last fragments of my grand dreams. I replied bitterly, a lump forming in my throat:
"Now you ask me that __after crushing my dreams ?!"
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down from the shock that still wrapped around my thoughts. Then I added in a quieter voice—one still burning with curiosity:
"…Fine. Actually, I do have one more question."
A moment of silence followed, as if the system was waiting for the words to fall from my heart. Then, with its usual cold detachment, came the reply.
[ Ask. ]
My curiosity was reignited. I was ready to uncover any truth that might help me understand what was happening inside me. There was something important I needed to know:
"What exactly is this Awareness level?"
The response came instantly—clear, simple, yet profound:
[ Awareness is, quite simply, the understanding that you exist. That you feel, that you think, that you perceive what happens around you. When you're aware, you're not just living—you know that you're alive. ]
I gave a faint smile. I already understood what awareness meant. So I replied with a mix of frustration and urgency:
"I know that… I mean, what's its function exactly? Why should I have Awareness at all? What's its importance in the context of my abilities?"
Silence followed.
Then, the words returned—but this time laced with mystery and evasion:
[ I'm sorry, user. I cannot tell you. ]
Those words felt like a wall of silence slamming shut in front of the door to the truth—deepening my confusion and amplifying the sense that there were far more complex secrets at play than I had imagined.
I stood there, staring at the screen, my eyes searching the status window for a hint of mercy… a glimmer of hope. But all I saw was that cold, pale blue glow—unforgiving and silent.
A wave of disappointment washed over me… yet beneath it stirred the fire of determination. This felt like the beginning of a new journey—a quest for knowledge that wouldn't simply be handed to me. I would have to discover it myself.
Still unable to suppress my growing curiosity, I continued without hesitation:
"And why can't you tell me?"
I expected a slightly more detailed explanation. Instead, the reply was just as cold and flat:
[ I cannot tell you that either. ]
I let out a long, slow sigh, as if the air in my chest had been trapped for too long and was finally escaping. I then said, trying to console myself:
"Well, whatever… It's not like I'll die if you don't tell me."
I paused, regaining my composure. Then I decided to shift the conversation toward something more exciting. I had gotten most of the answers I needed… now it was time for the real moment.
With growing eagerness, I asked:
"So… since I've asked most of my questions—can I get my superpower now?!"
I held my breath for a moment, waiting for the response. It came quickly:
[ Yes, you can. ]
I smiled to myself. Those words were like a cool breeze after a long wait. I had only one thing left to do:
"Alright then… What should I do to receive my superpower?"
The voice from the window responded calmly, but with clarity—as if guiding me toward a long-awaited secret:
[ Simply say: "Superpower, reveal." A card will appear on the screen. Touch it with your hand, and you'll be able to read the details: its rank, what the power is, and the conditions for using it. After reading, the card will disappear automatically. At that moment, the power will be yours. ]
Time seemed to freeze in my mind. I imagined that card—the one that would define the course of my life from here on. Would it be something ordinary or something truly extraordinary? Would I be able to control it? What conditions would it impose on me?
My heart began to race—a blend of anticipation and anxiety. But deep inside, I felt a fire of excitement awaken in my soul… urging me to take this step. Perhaps this was the beginning of an unforgettable story.
That rush of excitement burned inside me. I couldn't wait any longer. With speed and enthusiasm, I shouted:
"Superpower, reveal!"
In an instant, a yellow card appeared before me—elegant and eye-catching. Its smooth, glossy surface shimmered gently under the light, and its edges were adorned with intricate, minimalist designs. I felt an irresistible urge to touch it.
I reached out eagerly and laid my hand on the card. Lines of text began to form before my eyes—each word appearing as if woven by magic:
[ Category: F-Class ]
[ Power: Minor Movement Speed Increase ]
[ Description: You can perform simple movements, such as raising your hand or taking a step, slightly faster than usual. However, the difference does not exceed the speed of an average human. ]
[ Usage: Slight improvement in daily physical performance. ]
[ Conditions: None, due to the weakness of the ability. ]
I held the card for a moment, admiring its neat design. My eyes landed on "F-Class."
I gave a half-mocking smile and thought to myself:
"Well… it's not like I was expecting anything amazing."
Then I looked at the power itself:
"Minor movement speed increase."
I wondered aloud:
"What does that even mean?"
I continued reading carefully, realizing that yes—this really was an ordinary power.
Then I looked at the usage:
"Okay… maybe I won't tire as easily. Let's be optimistic."
That glimmer of optimism was a tiny flicker of light in the darkness of low expectations.
Finally, my eyes reached the conditions section. I read aloud with a hint of sarcasm:
"None, due to the weakness of the ability."
I let out a soft laugh from deep within my chest and thought with amused irony:
"Even the card admits the power is weak… hah… ha."