Chapter 9: The Predator System

The night was very quiet in the neighborhood. Only one light shone on the street—coming from Ethan's room. Inside, Ethan sat cross-legged on the floor, having a conversation with Mary, who floated about the room with playful ease.

"It took you long enough, host. Do you know how lonely I was?." Mary teased, her voice light and mischievous. She reached out and ran her finger through Ethan's hair, only to be rejected by his hands.

"If you're done messing around, can we get back to our conversation?" Ethan replied, a hint of irritation in his tone.

Mary laughed. "No need to be so stiff. I'm just joking. You should loosen up a bit. It's not like the end of the world is coming any time soon."

Ethan carefully watched her as she drifted around the room, her movements graceful and carefree. Suddenly, her playful mood soon shifted.

"Okay, now you're creeping me out," Mary said suddenly. "Why are you staring at me like that? Even if I am beautiful, you shouldn't act like a creep. You'll never get a girlfriend if you keep this up."

A brief look of anger flashed across Ethan's face and veins seemed to pulse on his forehead (like the one you see on cartoons). Though he could feel his temper rising, he managed to keep his calm and said, "You don't need to worry about me finding a girlfriend."

"So, why were you watching me like that?" Mary asked, her tone half amused and half curious. Ethan paused before answering, his voice measured. "You've changed. Previously, you weren't so.....friendly "

Mary narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at him. "First of all, that's rude. You should not talk to anyone like that, especially a beautiful women like me." She said as she put her hand on her chest. "And second, I didn't really change. When we first met, I tried to act all cold and emotionless—like an AI. Now, you're seeing the real me."

"And why did you feel the need to act that way?" Ethan asked, genuinely curious.

Mary giggled. "I wanted to surprise you and see your reaction when I reveal it later. But my sisters thought it might hurt our relationship and hinder our future cooperation, so I went back to my usual way of talking."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You have...sisters?"

"There it is ," Mary said, pointing at Ethan. "There's that racist way of talking again. Just so you know, I—"

"Alright, alright, I won't say anything like that again," Ethan interrupted, rubbing his temple. "Don't start lecturing me now. I really don't have time for that."

Mary rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Typical human behavior—too busy to admit your mistakes."

"Can we just drop this?" Ethan sighed. "I don't have time for this banter."

Hey, it's not my fault you ended up in a fight with that pig-looking mob boss," Mary said, her tone scolding. "By the way, that was a great show. You fighting for your sister? Impressive. And I really liked the part where you took down those two henchmen and made that big bodyguard back off with just a word. And do I really need to say anything about the slap to that pig? Perfect. Absolutely flawless," Mary added, kissing her hand like an Italian.

Ethan's eyes widened. "You saw that?"

"Yeah, I can be present anywhere that you are. But I didn't really like how easily you took down those two. You should've struggled a bit, given me some drama, and then said some cheesy line as you finally defeated them. But you did not even use your ability, for heaven's sake," Mary complained. "Seriously though, how did you defeat them with just one clean hit each? You're not that strong—I can tell just by looking at you."

"I was fighting to end it quickly, not to entertain you," Ethan said firmly. "Fighting is about precision, not just brute force. And the reason I was able to beat them so easily is simple. It's because I have a shit ton more experience than them. Real experience. They didn't even know how to use their abilities properly. So I would appreciate it if you do not doubt how I defeated them. That's just pure insult to me."

Mary smirked. "Well alright, I am sorry. I should not have underestimated you. But next time, if you don't put on a good show, I'm demanding a refund."

Ethan sighed. "Can we just get back to the main point? You haven't even shown me how to use this 'Predator System.' How am I supposed to give you a good show if I don't know the basics?"

"Oh, that's right. I completely forgot! Teehee." With that, Mary quickly slid down and took a seat, making sure to sit up properly this time.

"Let's start from the beginning," Mary said, her tone steady in the quiet room. "The predator system is a gift to make you stronger—only by growing stronger can you help me. As for what I want, we can clear that up later. Are you following me?"

Ethan gave a small, attentive nod.

Mary continued, "The system is pretty generic, much like the ones you see in novels or anime. By the way, have you seen 'Solo Leveling'? That was a great show. And speaking of great shows, I really enjoyed Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power."

"Get back to the point," Ethan snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Jeez, no need to get so worked up—I was just trying to lighten the mood, Your attitude just insults those great work, you know." Mary teased, playfully booing him. "Anyway, the system's main features include a window that lets you see your stats and those of your opponents. There's also a mission board where you can accept tasks. Some missions are optional, while others are mandatory; fail them, and the punishments can range from minor setbacks to death."

She paused, watching his reaction, then added with a proud smile, "And then there's the most powerful feature: the ability to steal other people's skills, although that comes with some conditions and restrictions."

"Hmm. Anything else I need to know?" Ethan asked flatly.

"No, nothing else you need at the moment," Mary replied with a hint of irritation. "And would it kill you to play along for a bit, to show some emotions, you sad old kid?" She pouted and huffed.

"Sorry, but I've already lost my calm once today. I don't want to experience that again," Ethan murmured. "It's like not only my body but my mind has reverted to when I was a child."

"About that—" Mary began slowly, as if she'd been caught red-handed. "Remember the fix I did on you yesterday? It also reset your emotions back to your childhood state. You can still control your feelings, but your default is now that of a child."

"And why didn't you mention that until now? You are not going to tell me that you forgot this too, will you?" Ethan asked in a low and angry tone.

Mary scratched the back of her head and giggled, "Well, teehee— you got me. I forgot."

"Alright, that's enough. Sit down," Ethan ordered, pointing to the floor.

"Yes, sir," Mary replied, stopping her floating and sitting down in a respectful, almost dogeza like manner.

Ethan then spent a full thirty minutes washing her.

{Damn that's a lot of time scolding for someone who said he does not have any time.}

After 30 minutes

Mary remained seated in the same position—only now, she looked like a lifeless doll, as if her soul had quietly slipped away. Ethan stood nearby, preparing to test the system.

"STATUS," Ethan commanded in his mind. Immediately, a blue screen materialized before his eyes.

 {Ok, so I wanted to create the system window in a table like I did on the other three sites, but it seems like Web novel does not have a table function. I will try to present it in a good way but tell me if you have any suggestion. Also if you want to see how I made my system in other platforms, I will leave a link.

https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108212/predators-gambit/chapter/2136010/chapter-9-the-predator-sys}

{

 Status Screen

Name: Ethan

Title :None

 Stats

Strength: 14

Speed: 17

Stamina: 18

Vitality :16

Intelligence :48

Dexterity: 13

Status Effects: None

 Ability

 Innate Ability

Blaze / Rank C / Proficiency 5%

– Generates and controls fire at will. Heat intensity and range depend on proficiency.

 Acquired Ability

Unyielding Focus / Rank C- Passive / Proficiency 100%

Effect: Increases mental clarity and focus, allowing the user to work and think at peak efficiency for extended periods.

Stolen Ability: None

}

"So, this is my status window?" he asked aloud. Mary didn't answer immediately; her expression was troubled, as if expecting an apology for his earlier scolding. But instead of softening the moment, Ethan being Ethan, simply glared at her, his eyes intense, as if trying to burn a hole right through her with his stare.

"Yes, yes—these are your stats," Mary replied hastily, clearly trying to avoid more scolding.

Ethan scanned the display and frowned. "So, is this good or bad? I have no reference."

"Well," Mary teased, "twenty is the average for a non-combatant. So besides intelligence, which is way above normal, everything else is just plain pitiful." Her tone held a playful bite, as if she were taking gentle revenge for his earlier scolding.

Ethan stayed silent, and Mary grew nervous, fearing he was about to launch into another round of scolding for her comment. But to her surprise, Ethan simply smiled.

"So, this is my starting point huh?" he said, stretching his arms. "Looks like I've got a lot to work on." He paused for a moment before adding, "So, what about the other two functions?"

Mary leaned forward, returning to her playful tone seeing how Ethan is back to normal.

"The mission system is mostly random. You never know when a mission will pop up or what it will be. But it's designed to help the host improve. So you can expect something challenging and rewarding."

"And then there's the skill-stealing part of the system—you get to choose which skill to target, though there are requirements for some and tasks for each of them. These tasks are random too, mainly based on the rank of the ability you want to steal and how compatible you are." Mary continued.

"So if I choose a skill and complete the task that the system gave me, I will get that skill completely?" Ethan asked.

"Well, not exactly. Depending on how you complete the missions, you'll either get the exact ability, a weaker version, or sometimes nothing at all," Mary explained. "However, I've removed the requirements for the first steal, so you can take it without any trouble. But just so you know, this applies only to the first one. Keep that in mind."

"Hmm, that's good news." Ethan mused, lost in thought. "So, is there a beginner's mission to help me grow, like in those novels you mentioned?"

Mary chuckled and playfully smacked his arm. "Actually, there is. And here I thought you never read any novels." She continued, " You will receive a mission soon enough. You'll get a few choices for the first mission—each with its own advantages and disadvantages. They usually lasts about a month, more than enough time to grow."

Ethan's only response was a quiet "Hmm," and a strange silence settled between them.

After a long silence, Mary finally broke it. "So, have you decided?" she asked.

"Decided what?" Ethan replied.

Mary's tone sharpened. "What do you mean by 'What'? The system isn't just for showing you your stats or doing missions you know. its name is 'Predator' for a reason. I'm asking if you've chosen who your first prey will be."

Ethan smirked. "Oh, that? Yeah, I've already decided."

Mary's eyes lit up with anticipation. "So, who is it?"

"You'll know when the time comes," Ethan replied with a teasing smirk.

"WHAT? YOU UNGRATEFUL BRAT!" Mary shouted, her voice cracking with anger as she began flailing around wildly. "After everything I've done for you—" She began flying frantically as if she became crazy while hurling every type of insult she knows at him.

"Quiet down, will you?" Ethan interrupted, covering his ears. "You'll wake my sister up. Also I never said I wouldn't tell you who it was. Even if I did tell you now, you wouldn't know him anyway. So, what's the point?"

Mary paused midair, her anger simmering down just enough to let her speak. "Well, would it really kill you to explain nicely instead of making me mad for no reason?"

"Yeah, yeah. I am sorry. Let me check on my sister to see if she woke up first, then we will finish this conversation." Ethan said as he got up.

"For your information, only you can sense me, so none of this will reach your precious sister. Don't worry about that." Mary shot back, pouting.

"Oh, that makes sense," Ethan said, nodding as realization hit him. "You're the creator of the system, so it makes sense you could make yourself invincible too."

Mary tilted her head, a puzzled look crossing her face. "Hm? I'm not the creator of the 'Predator System,' though," she replied, her tone soft but curious. "Where did you get that idea?"

A brief silence followed. "What?" Ethan asked, clearly puzzled.

"What?" Mary echoed.

"You're not the creator?" Ethan pressed, his confusion deepening.

"I never said I was the creator," Mary replied calmly.

Ethan could feel something crawling out of him. "What?!!!!" He screamed.

"Quiet down. Your sister can still hear you perfectly, genius," Mary Reminded .

"But I thought you brought me back?" Ethan asked, grabbing both of Mary's arms in frustration.

"Technically, I didn't bring you back," Mary snapped, her anger evident as she struggled against his grip. "It was my grandmother who did that. And I never claimed I created the system. What made you think that?"

"Then where did the system come from? Who created it? Are you just a part of the system too?" Ethan asked aggressively, his hold on her tightening.

"You're hurting me," Mary said, her voice laced with pain. But Ethan was too caught up in his questions to notice.

"Is there anything else you forgot to mention? Are you---"

"Enough," Mary finally declared as she broke free from his grasp. "Like I said, I'm not part of the system, and I'm not its creator. You're not qualified to know more." With that, she began to dissolve into mist.

"Just do whatever you want, idiot. I tried to be nice, but you take me for granted. I don't care what you do anymore. Go die." In a flash, she turned completely into mist and vanished.

Ethan stood there for a moment, a mix of frustration and regret in his eyes. "Damn it. Again. I could not control my emotions again ," he thought. He knew this would only be a bigger problem down the road if he didn't find a way to manage his emotions. A weaker guy with a lack of emotion control in this cruel and ever-changing world is just asking for a beating. Just ask Bakugo. Who know in which situation he will lose control again.

Ethan was suddenly snapped back as the door creaked open. A small figure appeared in the doorway.

"Brother, are you alright? Why are you screaming?" Elise asked softly.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" Ethan said, rising to walk over to her.

"No, it's alright. I was already awake," Elise replied.

"Not sleepy anymore?" he asked, his concern clear.

Elise gave a small nod.

"How about we go for a walk?" Ethan suggested, hoping to ease the tension. "Don't worry, we'll just stroll around the garden."

After a brief hesitation, Elise nodded, and together they stepped outside.

In the quiet of the garden, the siblings took a peaceful walk together. Ethan did most of the talking, while Elise mostly listened and nodded. He didn't mind—he knew it would take time for her to heal fully. But as the sun started to rise, Elise finally spoke up.

"Brother, I have a request," Elise said, her voice calm, though filled with emotion.

Ethan was a little surprised. "Of course. What do you need?"

"I want you to train me alongside Adrian," she said, her hands clasped together tightly.

"What? How did you—"

"I wasn't really asleep when you were talking last night," Elise interrupted softly. "I know you and Adrian are starting training today. I want to be strong too. I don't want to be a burden to you or anyone anymore," she said, her eyes full of sincerity.

Ethan's face became more serious. "Elise, you're not a burden. You never were. You never will be. So you don't need to feel responsible for anything."

But Elise shook her head. "You don't have to sugarcoat it.. I want to get stronger because I want to help you. Even though you say I'm not a burden, the truth is that you always turn down well-paying jobs that would require you to be away for too long because you're concerned about me. Concerned about my safety and well being. I want to change that. I don't want to be weak anymore."

"Elise—"

"Please don't turn me down, Brother. I've really thought this through," she said, her voice firm.

Ethan paused, deep in thought. She had a point. If both she and Adrian became stronger, he'd have less to worry about. But still, was she truly ready for this?

Ethan had fought more than enough in his past life. And Adrian endured more than his fair share of the cruelty of both humans and the world. They'd be fine. But Elise hadn't seen much of the world. She had been sheltered for most of her life. Making her stronger will eventually lead her to face all these things. Does Ethan truly want to get her on this side?

After a long moment of consideration, Ethan finally spoke. "Alright. But you have to follow my orders exactly. Understand?"

"Yes! I promise! Thank you so much, Brother!" Elise exclaimed, jumping with excitement. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she kissed Ethan on the cheek. Then she continued celebrating. Ethan sighed quietly. Now he had another thing to keep an eye on during training.

"Looks like someone's in a good mood. Did I miss something?" Adrian's voice broke through as he approached them. "Let me guess, Victor finally kicked the bucket? Or did you finally win a lottery?"

Ethan glanced at him and shook his head. "I'll fill you in later. Let's go inside for now."

Together, the three of them headed inside, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

What will happen next in Ethan's journey? Stay tuned to find out.