The Secrets I Forgot

Neph of the story

“Neph of the story? Seriously?”

Rin glanced at the Script Writer floating in the air, still writing into nothingness before suddenly stopping.

So it writes on its own now? And what was it even writing?

He set that thought aside and focused on his body. He felt stronger than ever before, and strangely lighter. There was also a sensation like he could do things he couldn’t do before, but he restrained himself from testing anything recklessly. He raised his right hand and grabbed the stone in front of him, examining it carefully.

Then a player window appeared in front of him.

[ Name: Rin

Nickname: Author.

Age: 17

Sex: Male

Category: Supernatural Being

Neph: Story

Stage: 1

Assimilation rate of first phase of Neph power: 10%

Threat level: Must be taken seriously

Supernatural abilities: Enhanced senses, History reader, Scene choosing, Mental overload, False history creation.

Satisfaction points: 1 / 5 ]

---

From the information he had received, “Stages” simply meant the different evolution phases one must go through via the essence in question.

In other words, assimilation of Neph powers was done in four stages or phases, according to the information given by Charly. In each stage, one must gradually assimilate part of the Neph’s powers and knowledge.

For example, he was at Stage 1, meaning he had to fully absorb the first phase before advancing to Stage 2.

He looked at the floating window and asked Charly:

“I have the Neph of Story… does it have a link with Script Writer? Why did I obtain Script Writer before even getting this Neph?”

[ Charly also does not fully understand Script Writer… but Script Writer is a simple manifestation of part of the Story essence. Now that the host has obtained authority over “Story,” Script Writer has evolved. ]

[ Although the same limitations remain, Script Writer can now write on its own based on the host’s thoughts. It can also write without the host’s consent when the host is in danger and cannot think of what to write. ]

Rin looked at the feather and finally understood why it was writing on its own.

However… why did he obtain it before even gaining authority over Story? What the hell did that wishing tree do?

“History reader?”

A new window appeared.

[ History Reader: The host can read, like a story, everything that happened in a given location within the past 3 days. ]

Nice. That’ll be useful for investigating the Khalthu’ra night.

But then Charly added:

[ The host must be careful not to attempt reading certain existences. ]

“…”

Yeah. Of course.

“What about Scene Choosing, Mental Overload, and False History Creation?”

[ Scene Choosing: The host can select a past scene he has witnessed and recreate it by choosing who reenacts it. It can be the host or another person. Additional information will be sent to the host.

Limitation: 10 uses per day. Cannot reproduce scenes beyond the host’s level. ]

Rin understood quickly.

For example, he could take a scene of himself teleporting and striking a creature and recreate it. If he chooses himself as the reenactor, he would perform it again; if he chooses another person, they would do it instead.

[ Mental Overload: The host can copy stories he remembers or has witnessed and transfer them into an opponent’s mind, causing information overload that leads to instant madness if abused.

Limitation: 10 uses per day. ]

[ False History Creation: The host can create illusions, making people perceive or hear things that are not real in the present.

Limitation: 15 uses per day. ]

Interesting… I feel a bit relieved.

Rin sat on the bed, thinking about what abilities he would gain after further assimilation. He was only at 10%, yet already had this much power.

He then asked quickly:

“What about my mother? What are her powers and her Neph?”

[ Obtain remaining satisfaction points and you will know more. ]

Ah. Rin felt disappointed.

[ However, for now, the host should note that she obtained her Neph before the host and assimilates rapidly as her obsession grows. She is currently stronger than the host. ]

“…What?”

So she’s stronger than me? Even with Script Writer?

He gave a small laugh, half amused, half reassured.

So I don’t really need to protect her that much in this world…

But that thought didn’t come from indifference. Rin’s instinct to protect that woman had always been strangely strong.

Back on Earth, after his father left them, his mother had raised him alone. That memory alone made his expression darken for a second.

He smiled faintly, a mix of excitement and fear.

“Alright… can I start my investigation?”

Tomorrow was Monday. He had to go to university. Rin's friends would be useful for investigation.

Charly’s voice responded:

[ Yes ]

Before he could say anything else, Rin’s attention was pulled to a new message appearing on the mirror, written in blood.

<< Yo! I heard you just obtained a Neph. I’m really happy for you. Why not come to Hideo’s house to celebrate?

Mr. Nygoroth >>

Rin forced a smile.

Charly sniffed coldly.

[ The host should ignore this fraudulent nuisance. ]

Yeah… I know… Rin sighed with a smile.

[ However, Charly has deeply analyzed the message received earlier today on the rooftop and its origin. ]

[ Conclusion: the host can trust this woman. ]

Rin froze.

Wait… how do you know? It’s a woman?

He didn’t know what to say.

So I need to be careful of Nygoroth who seems friendly… but trust someone who sent a creature after me?