The newly unlocked "Skill Tree" and the waiting attribute points were a focal point for Kai amidst the turmoil of his thoughts. It was a tangible, albeit terrifying, aspect of his new existence that he could influence. He spent what felt like hours staring at the System's overlays in the dim light of the abandoned factory, the city's distant hum a backdrop to his internal debate.
The skill point was the easier decision. The "Basic Anima Concealment" skill under the "Anima Control" branch called to him. The thought of better hiding his glowing eyes, the occasional shimmer of scales, or any other involuntary tells of his transformation was a desperate need. If he was to have any chance of navigating his old life, or even just surviving encounters in the city without drawing immediate, hostile attention, concealment was paramount.
'System, allocate 1 Skill Point to Basic Anima Concealment,' he thought, his intent firm.
[Skill Point Allocated. New Skill Acquired: Basic Anima Concealment (Rank 1/5).] [Basic Anima Concealment (Rank 1): Reduces passive Anima signature by 10%. Allows conscious suppression of minor, non-combat Anima manifestations (e.g., pupil slit, minor dermal changes) with moderate focus. Reduces involuntary manifestation chance under stress by 5%.]
A new sensation washed over him – a subtle feeling of control, like a set of internal reins he hadn't realized he was missing. He focused on his eyes, picturing his old, normal pupils. The amber glow in his vision seemed to dim slightly, and when he cautiously summoned a puddle's reflection, his pupils were, for the first time since the transformation, almost perfectly round. A wave of relief, so profound it almost buckled his knees, washed over him. It wasn't perfect, the System noted "moderate focus" was required, but it was a start. It was a shield.
Next were the three undistributed attribute points. His stats were already significantly higher than his human baseline, particularly Strength, Vitality, and Stamina, thanks to the gruesome "sustenance" he'd acquired. Agility and Perception had received smaller boosts. Cognition had only ticked up by one point from the level-up itself.
He considered his options. More Strength or Vitality would make him even more formidable, a better predator – a thought that still sickened him. But Agility would make him faster, better at escaping, better at not having to fight. Perception would sharpen his already enhanced senses, perhaps allowing him to avoid trouble altogether. Cognition… could that help him understand the System better? Or resist it?
The System offered no guidance, its interface remaining impassively neutral. The choice was his.
He decided to spread them out, a cautious approach. 'Allocate 1 Attribute Point to Agility.' [Agility: 8 -> 9] 'Allocate 1 Attribute Point to Perception.' [Perception: 8 -> 9] 'Allocate 1 Attribute Point to Cognition.' [Cognition: 7 -> 8]
He felt subtle shifts with each allocation. A lightness in his limbs with the Agility boost. The cacophony of the distant city seemed to resolve into slightly more distinct layers of sound with the Perception increase. The Cognition point didn't bring a flash of insight, but he felt a marginal sharpening of his thoughts, a slightly better ability to focus amidst the System's constant presence.
His Anima Core Stability was still at 90%. The "Anima Core Stabilizer (Minor)" he'd received from the previous day's quest sat in his inventory. [Anima Core Stabilizer (Minor): Upon consumption, immediately restores 10% Anima Core Stability. Single use.] He decided to save it for an emergency.
As dusk deepened, casting long shadows that seemed to writhe in the corners of his enhanced vision, Kai knew he couldn't hide in the ruins forever. He had to return home. The new skill, the small boosts to his attributes, gave him a sliver more confidence, but the underlying anxieties remained. The hunger would return. The System would demand.
He made his way back through the darkening streets, practicing his newfound "Anima Concealment." He focused on keeping his aura dampened, his eyes normal. It took effort, a constant, low-level mental hum, but it seemed to work. He drew fewer overt stares than he had the previous day at school.
When he got home, Leo was waiting on his stoop, looking worried. "Kai! Man, where have you been? You missed school, your mom was freaking out a bit. You okay? You look… better than yesterday, actually. Less like you've seen a ghost, more like you've just had a really long nap."
Kai managed a weak smile. The concealment was working, at least on a superficial level. "Yeah, just… needed to clear my head. Feeling a bit more myself now." It was a lie, of course. He felt less like himself than ever. But he also felt a grim resolve solidifying. He was tied to this System, this Anima. Fearing it wouldn't change that. Understanding it, controlling it – that was his only path forward.
That night, the Daily Quest was simple: "Rest and Recovery Cycle." The objective was to get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep. The reward? A small amount of EXP and a "Calming Draught."
As he lay in bed, the city's muted sounds filtering through his window, Kai felt the immense weight of his new reality. He had taken his first tentative steps in actively shaping his abilities. But each step was on a path paved with blood and illuminated by the cold, calculating light of the System. The anxieties were far from gone; they had merely been joined by a fragile, desperate hope for control.