'A kid,' Viktor thought, glancing at Nyx. But he quickly pushed that thought aside.
'No, I shouldn't think like that,' he corrected himself, his mind adjusting to the new reality. 'After all… the world's not the same anymore.'
As Nyx helped him to his feet, Viktor couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief, despite the young boy's cold demeanor.
"Name," Nyx said flatly, his voice commanding, though he hardly looked at Viktor.
"It's Viktor," the man replied, his voice strained.
Nyx already knew. He had been reading Viktor's status screen.
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PLAYER: VIKTOR MARSH
LEVEL: 1
STATUS: MODERATELY INJURED
TALENT: SHIFT | TIER: B
__________________________________
'My first time using 'Offsight' on a human,' Nyx thought, examining the data. Viktor's talent was intriguing. Nyx's mind raced with calculations of how to use this new pawn.
Viktor's voice broke through Nyx's thoughts. "What's your name?" he asked, unsure of who had just saved his life.
"Nyx," he responded, his voice calm and distant. He stepped back, appraising Viktor with a cold gaze. "I don't take in burdens."
Viktor's eyes widened at the statement. Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees in front of Nyx, his voice filled with determination. "As long as I get my revenge, I'll follow you."
Nyx's eyes narrowed. "Do you seek vengeance by your own hand or through someone else's?" His voice held an edge of menace, testing Viktor's resolve.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Viktor's expression darkened. "Mine," he answered, his voice as cold as Nyx's.
A faint, approving smirk appeared on Nyx's face. "Good choice."
Nyx knew that if Viktor had chosen to rely on someone else's strength for his revenge, it would've exposed his weakness. But this man, broken as he seemed, still possessed the fire of independence—useful.
"Stand," Nyx commanded, with a subtle wave of his hand.
Viktor rose from his knees, standing tall despite the injuries covering his body.
"Do you know what your talent is?" Nyx asked, his voice testing for ignorance or understanding.
"Talent?" Viktor repeated, confusion evident on his face.
'Interesting,' Nyx thought, intrigued by Viktor's lack of knowledge. This world was changing fast, and not everyone was keeping up.
"Say 'Status,'" Nyx instructed.
"Status," Viktor echoed. A translucent blue panel appeared before him, surprising him for the second time in as many minutes.
"What the...?" Viktor muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Can you see this?" he asked, looking at Nyx.
"No. Only you can," Nyx replied calmly. His suspicion had been confirmed: the status screen was personal to each player, visible only to them.
"What does your talent say?" Nyx continued, keeping his voice cool but interested in the potential this man might possess.
Nyx's skill, Offsight, could reveal the name of someone's talent but not its full details—yet. He knew more powerful abilities might provide further information, but for now, he was content to listen.
"It says 'Shift,' Tier B," Viktor read aloud, still bewildered. "Allows the user to shift from point A to point B."
"What does that mean?" Viktor asked, genuinely puzzled.
"We won't know until we test it," Nyx responded, calm as ever.
As Viktor processed this, Nyx's mind worked rapidly. 'Some people don't even know they have talents,' he reflected, 'while others may have them and not understand how to use them.' His cold, calculating gaze lingered on Viktor for a moment longer.
Nyx knew that Viktor's Shift ability could be an invaluable asset, depending on its limits. With proper guidance, this pawn could be shaped into a powerful tool.
For now, however, Nyx remained patient. He had always known that power came not just from one's own abilities, but from how effectively one could manipulate others to achieve the same ends.
Viktor, still confused but now armed with knowledge, stared at Nyx with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Nyx's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. 'He'll learn soon enough,' Nyx thought to himself, as he turned away, his eyes scanning the blood-soaked streets for their next move.