He clears his throat, feeling a little self-conscious for the first time in ages. "I've been... training. I awakened." His words are simple, but they carry a weight in the air that he can't quite describe.
His sister blinks, her confusion deepening. "Wait—awakened? You mean like Mom and Dad?"
Kaito hesitates, feeling a flicker of unease in the pit of his stomach. The word "awakened" doesn't quite cover it, but it's enough for now. His family doesn't need to know the full truth. Not yet, anyway. "Yeah, I... have some new abilities now."
His father's gaze sharpens even further, and Kaito can sense the careful calculation in his eyes. "What kind of abilities?" he asks, his tone neutral but probing.
Kaito glances down at his hands, still tingling from the last bit of training. He thinks for a moment, then answers simply, "I... have enhanced strength and agility. It's still new, but I'm getting used to it."
His mother looks at him, concern furrowing her brow. "That's... unexpected. But we're glad you're finally out of your room, Kaito. It's been a while since we've seen you this... well, this focused."
His younger sister raises an eyebrow. "So, does this mean you'll be going out now? Like, actually doing something with it?" Her voice is teasing but curious, her earlier suspicion fading slightly as she tries to process the change in him.
Kaito looks around at his family, feeling the weight of their expectations suddenly settling on him. He nods, but his voice remains steady. "Yeah. I'm ready to face whatever comes next. I've spent too long hiding."
His father studies him for a long moment, his gaze lingering on Kaito's face. There's something unreadable in his eyes, but after a few beats, he simply nods. "Well, it's good to see you finally take the first step, son. But don't forget that you're not alone in this new world. We're all in it together."
Kaito swallows, his throat tight as he realizes the weight of those words. This isn't just about him anymore. He's not just some kid with no power. He's part of something bigger now—part of a world where anything is possible, and anything can change in an instant.
His mother smiles faintly, her expression softening. "Just remember, Kaito, it's not just about strength. It's about what you do with it."
Kaito nods again, his heart beating faster now. He's ready. He's more than ready.
As the conversation continues, Kaito's thoughts drift to the system in his mind, the Player System that is growing stronger with every passing moment.
Whatever his family thinks of his newfound abilities, he knows the next step for him is just around the corner.
His journey isn't just about unlocking more power. It's about proving himself—to himself, and to everyone who doubted him.
And soon, the world will know just what he's capable of.