The next few days settled into a strange, unsettling rhythm for Kai. Each morning, the System issued a new "Daily Quest," usually a variation of "Morning Mobilization" or a new one like "Urban Navigation Practice" (which involved taking a specific, complex route through District 7's labyrinthine back alleys – eerily similar to his old courier routes) or "Sensory Acuity Training" (requiring him to identify specific sounds or scents in a crowded marketplace). The rewards were usually small amounts of EXP and occasionally another minor consumable – a "Nutrient Pellet" that barely nudged his Anima Core Stability, or a "Focus Charm" that temporarily sharpened his perception even further, making school an even more intense experience.
He completed them dutifully, a strange mix of fear and reluctant curiosity driving him. The EXP bar on his status screen slowly crept upwards: 70/100, then 85/100. The prospect of "Level 2" and what "advanced System functions" or "Anima evolutions" it might bring was both a source of hope and profound dread. Hope that he might gain control, dread at what new horrors might be unlocked.
His Anima Core Stability, however, remained a persistent worry. It fluctuated, dipping whenever he exerted himself or even when the System noted "heightened emotional states." The Nutrient Pellets did little to offset the decline. The System's gentle, persistent reminders about the efficacy of "Tier 2 (bio-organic) sustenance" were a constant, chilling whisper in the back of his mind. He ignored them, a knot of self-loathing tightening in his gut every time the thought of the alley surfaced. He was terrified of what would happen when the stability dropped too low, but even more terrified of what he might have to do to prevent it.
The Minor Stamina Elixir remained untouched in his System Inventory. He was wary of consuming anything "gifted" by the System, unsure of potential side effects or dependencies. But an opportunity, or rather a necessity, presented itself during a mandatory Physical Education class. District 7's PE was notoriously brutal, designed more to weed out the weak than promote actual fitness. Today's exercise was a timed endurance run around the school's crumbling perimeter track.
Kai, despite his enhanced base stats, found himself flagging. The PE instructor, a grizzled ex-Apex enforcer named Grigor, pushed them relentlessly. Leo, surprisingly resilient, was keeping pace, but Kai felt the familiar burn in his lungs, a phantom ache from his pre-transformation days, coupled with the System's notification: [Stamina levels rapidly depleting. Anima Core Stability dropping.]
Panicked at the thought of an "uncontrolled manifestation" in front of the entire class, Kai made a split-second decision. As he rounded a blind corner of the track, hidden from Grigor's view for a precious few seconds, he mentally accessed his inventory. 'System, use Minor Stamina Elixir!'
[Minor Stamina Elixir consumed. Stamina regeneration boosted by 20% for 1 hour.]
A cool, invigorating surge flowed through him, almost instantly quelling the burn in his muscles and lungs. It wasn't a burst of raw power, but a smooth, efficient recovery. He felt his breathing even out, his legs regain their strength. He picked up his pace, easily catching up to Leo, who shot him a surprised, impressed look.
"Where'd that second wind come from, Kai?" Leo panted, genuinely amazed. "You looked like you were about to keel over!"
"Just… found my rhythm," Kai managed, offering a weak smile. The System chimed in: [Stamina levels stabilizing. Anima Core Stability holding at 68%.] He'd avoided immediate disaster, but the reliance on a System-provided consumable left a bitter taste.
His relationship with Leo was becoming increasingly strained. His best friend was no fool. The sudden physical improvements, Kai's evasiveness, his occasional moments of distraction as he interacted with the unseen System – Leo noticed it all.
"You're different, Kai," Leo said one afternoon as they were walking home, his voice unusually serious. "And not just the muscles. You're… jumpy. Secretive. What's really going on? Did you get tangled up with some off-world tech? Some black-market MOD-boosters? You know that stuff can fry your brain, right?"
Kai flinched at the mention of MOD-boosters. "It's nothing like that, Leo. I'm fine. Just… got a lot on my mind."
"Yeah, I can see that," Leo said, his gaze searching. "But you're not sharing any of it. We used to tell each other everything, man. Remember dreaming about the MBL? About getting our own Animas? Now you look like you've seen a ghost every other minute."
Kai wanted to confide in him, desperately. But how could he explain? 'Hey Leo, I got fused with some alien tech, turned into a monster that eats people, and now an internal computer game is giving me daily quests?' He'd sound insane. Or worse, Leo might be terrified of him. The thought of losing his best friend, his only real anchor to his old life, was unbearable.
"I… I can't explain right now, Leo," Kai said, his voice low. "But I promise, I'm not in any danger from… boosters or anything like that. It's complicated."
Leo looked disappointed, hurt even. "Complicated usually means trouble, Kai. Just… be careful, okay? And know I've got your back, even if you won't tell me what you're up against."
The sincerity in Leo's voice was like a knife twisting in Kai's gut. He was pushing away the one person who might understand, or at least try to. But the secret of his Anima, of the System, and especially of the hunger, felt too monstrous to share.
That night, as he lay in bed, the System flashed another message: [Anima Core Stability: 65%. Sustenance Advisory: Tier 2 assimilation recommended within 24 standard hours to prevent potential instability events.]
The countdown had begun.