Normal Life

Ethan Lewis walked home with unprecedented clarity of mind. For the first time in three years, he felt this relaxed. The malice that had perpetually shrouded him was gone. Everything around him seemed normal now—no streetlights morphing into giant snakes, no pedestrians twisting into monsters, no flames raining from the sky.

He glanced at the black wristband on his arm, a gift from Grace Quinn and a symbol of his identity as a "Manager."

"This wristband was created by the World Will. Binding it with your blood forms a contract with the World itself," Grace had explained earnestly. "We use it to communicate, receive missions—mostly Level 1 anomalies. When a Level 2 paranormal event occurs, the band turns red. It also monitors your surroundings for supernatural threats."

"Completed missions earn积分 (points) redeemable for supplies. Check the兑换 (exchange) menu later," she'd added before leaving. "My number's saved in the system. Call if you need anything."

Ethan hadn't hesitated. Joining the "Managers" felt inevitable—a path where he could reclaim his true self. The moment his blood touched the wristband, his stats materialized:

Name: Ethan Lewis

Age: 18

Occupation: Student

Authority: Manager (Low-tier)

Alienation Level: 6

Points: 0

Redeemables: None

But other metrics surprised him:

Vitality: 10

Strength: 100 kg (Max: 140 kg)

Speed: 7 m/s

Intelligence: 96

Reaction: 10

Vision: 7 (???)

Even measures my limits? This thing's advanced," Ethan muttered. His strength peaked at 140 kg—respectable but far from extraordinary. His speed, 7 meters per second, edged close to elite athlete territory. Vitality likely correlated with health and combat stamina—a theory he'd need to test.

Walking home, he savored the unfamiliar calm. Yet dread lingered—his house held a mother twisted by the World Will's hostility. Though she'd never acted on her murderous impulses, unlike strangers who'd attack without hesitation.

"Back so soon, Ethan?" Mrs. Liu, the street vendor, grinned, holding out an apple. "Take one—fresh today!"

Ethan pocketed the fruit uneaten. "For my mom. She barely leaves home these days." He hurried off, ignoring her indignant scoff.

As he neared his alley, the wristband chimed. Its screen had turned bloodred—a Level 2 Paranormal Event. Before he could react, the crimson darkened to obsidian, then shifted to sickly violet.

Grace's warning echoed: "Never engage anomalies alone! Wait for enhancements!"

But the wristband's final alert pulsed in grim certainty—

ALERT: Level 3 Aberration Detected.