[April 15th, 2024]
Rey stepped into his home, where the warm scent of food drifted from the kitchen. His mother stood at the stove, while Emmy busied herself beside her, handing over spices and bowls. The homely scene softened his chest.
For a moment, he wished time could freeze right there.
"I'll just change and wash up," he called out with a smile, heading upstairs.
In his room, he dropped his bag in its usual corner and pulled out fresh clothes.
But before he could slip out of his uniform, his outfit began to writhe against his skin, threads rippling as if alive.
"What the—hey! What are you doing?" Rey yelped.
The fabric melted, pulling together into a slick, liquid-like form before reshaping itself—a grinning face formed on the surface.
Zero.
"Kid, you forgot her ability already. You've used it half a dozen times today to run away," Aiden's voice reminded him, dry as ever.
[Relax. I'll handle this.]
Zero's voice flowed into his head as the living cloth morphed, her body consuming the outfit and seamlessly replacing it with a fresh set.
Before Rey could even react, Victor finally broke his silence, his tone sharp and mocking.
"Look at that. The universe's deadliest weapon reduced to… a walking wardrobe. How glorious."
Aiden snorted and stepped back, not daring to get in between them.
[Forgotten who I am already, have you?]
Zero's voice dripped with menace.
Her form slithered across Rey's stomach, liquid tendrils sinking into his navel. Rey winced. "Ouch—hey, what are you—" But the pain wasn't his.
Across from him, Victor doubled over, screaming as invisible pressure constricted his real body. His face twisted in agony, sweat dripping down as if unseen coils were crushing him.
Even Aiden, usually unfazed, shifted uncomfortably, recalling what Zero had once done to Victor in the past.
Rey blinked in alarm. "What's happening to him?"
"Don't look at me," Aiden muttered, folding his arms.
Victor clawed at the air, begging through clenched teeth. "F-fine! Yes! You're worthy! Just stop—ahhh!"
[Don't you dare call me that again,]
Zero hissed.
At once, the constricting force vanished, Victor collapsing with a groan as the leftover essence spun around him like rings of Saturn. He nodded furiously, cowed into silence.
Zero smirked through the fabric.
Aiden cleared his throat, trying to steer things back on track. "Enough drama. I've found something important—"
But he was cut off when Emmy poked her head through the doorway. "Brother, dinner's ready!"
Rey seized the escape like a lifeline. "Coming!" He hurriedly gestured to Zero to finalize his outfit.
In seconds, she shifted his clothes into something neat—a blend of casual wear and school formality. Rey gave her a quick nod and bolted downstairs.
The dining table overflowed with dishes, steam rising from platters that shimmered under the light. Rey's eyes widened. "Whoa… did a festival break out while I was gone? So much food—and my favorites too."
Jasmine set down a ladle, smiling gently. "It's to celebrate your last day of school. I thought you'd bring your friends, like you did last year. But you came home alone, so now it looks like we've cooked for nothing."
Her words tightened his chest.
"Where are your friends, Rey?" she asked softly.
He hesitated, then offered a carefully crafted mix of truth and lies. "Evan… he left. Moved to another kingdom. His aunt told us today when James and I went to see him. We celebrated a little, then I headed home." He forced a small laugh. "Sorry, Mom. Guess I ruined your plans."
Jasmine's face fell, but she quickly smoothed it over with a smile. "I see. You usually bring them along, so I was ready this time. I even made extra."
"Then don't worry. If we can't finish, I'll hand it to someone who needs it," Rey reassured. Emmy brightened beside her, and Jasmine's heart warmed at her son's thoughtfulness.
"Alright then," she said softly. "Let's eat before it gets cold."
Rey dug in eagerly, savoring the rich flavors—until his system screen abruptly flickered to life.
[Note: Host has consumed the item {Devouring Body}. Effect is amplified tenfold.]
[Item's level is too low for direct effect. Please consume higher-tier items for stronger results.]
[Detection: Consumed food contains chemical traces harmful to the host. Impact mitigated by {Godly Adapter}.]
[Resistance increasing. Continue consumption to build immunity.]
Rey froze mid-bite. The passive ability… Victor's trait. It was kicking in. Waste and toxins were being neutralized before they could even harm him.
"Son? Is something wrong?" Jasmine's voice pulled him back.
He forced a grin. "Nothing. Just… dazzled by how good this tastes."
"Oh, it's just ordinary food." She waved him off, but her smile brimmed with pride.
Bite after bite, the screen flickered again, each time strengthening his resistance. By the time he set down his plate, his immunity was complete.
[Immunity acquired. Resistance skill not generated due to low-tier.]
[System note: Do not be dismayed, host. Minor skills are hidden to prevent screen clutter.]
Rey let out a small sigh. No flashy new skill, but the effect was still there. Honestly, it was better this way. Too many useless pop-ups would drive him crazy.
"Mom, can I get seconds?" he asked.
Jasmine froze. "You… want more?"
She had never once seen her son ask for seconds. She quickly rose to refill his plate, her heart quietly swelling with joy.
-To be Continued-