chapter 10

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Ethan stood by the window, watching the endless forest surrounding the Cullen mansion, his mind wandering in a hundred different directions. The system’s stats lingered in his vision, a constant reminder of how fragile his situation was. If this really was a game, then the stakes were life and death, and he was woefully under-leveled.

Great. Not only am I the squishiest guy in the room, but now I’m on a timer with a bunch of ancient vampires breathing down my neck. What could possibly go wrong?

As he leaned against the windowsill, he absentmindedly summoned his Observation skill again, focusing on the scene outside. The soft glow of the system outlined the trees, marking subtle paths through the underbrush, possible hiding spots, and vantage points. There was nothing immediately threatening, but the eerie silence of the woods felt like it was holding its breath.

Ethan’s thoughts turned to the Volturi. The last thing I need is a bunch of ancient vampire overlords deciding whether I live or die based on how useful I am—or how dangerous I might become. He tried to push down the growing anxiety with another dose of sarcasm. Maybe I can bore them to death with my lack of physical stats.

The system flickered again, and a new notification popped up.

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Skill Upgrade Available: Observation – Level 3

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Well, at least something’s leveling up around here. Ethan mentally clicked to confirm the upgrade, curious about what new perks might come with it.

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Observation – Level 3:

Enhanced ability to detect hidden objects, traps, and weaknesses in the environment.

Can now assess emotional states of nearby individuals.

New Ability: Weakness Insight – Identify potential weaknesses in enemies or allies.

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“Weakness Insight, huh?” Ethan muttered under his breath. “Sounds like I’m about to start reading people like a bad self-help book.” He couldn’t deny that it was useful, though. If the Volturi showed up, knowing their weak points might be the only thing standing between him and an early grave.

Suddenly, the door to the room creaked open again, and Edward stepped inside, his expression serious as always. Ethan didn’t even flinch this time. He was getting used to the Cullens appearing like ghosts.

“Thought you’d gone to brood somewhere else,” Ethan said dryly, folding his arms.

Edward gave a tight-lipped smile. “Brooding doesn’t suit me. That’s more of my brother’s thing.”

“Right. Well, I’ve got enough anxiety for the both of us,” Ethan shot back, stepping away from the window. “What’s the latest? More bad news or are we just here for a chat about my unpredictable future?”

Edward’s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a flicker of amusement behind them. “Alice saw something new. A messenger from the Volturi. They’re coming sooner than we thought—within two days.”

Ethan felt a knot tighten in his stomach, but he masked it with another sarcastic comment. “Awesome. I was just thinking my life was getting boring.”

Edward ignored the quip, his voice turning more serious. “We need to prepare you. If the Volturi decide you’re too much of a threat, there won’t be any negotiating. They’ll kill you without hesitation.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “You really know how to pep-talk a guy, don’t you? Got any advice that doesn’t involve me getting dismembered by vampire royalty?”

Edward’s gaze flickered, as if weighing how much to say. “I’ve been thinking about why the Volturi are so interested in you—and why I can’t read your mind. Carlisle believes it’s connected to this system you’ve mentioned.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “The system? What, you think it’s blocking you?”

“More than that,” Edward said, taking a step closer. “I think the system is a shield. It’s not just preventing me from reading your thoughts—it’s actively keeping certain parts of this world from affecting you. Alice can’t fully predict your future because the system is rewriting your path as you go.”

“Wait, so you’re saying this thing is controlling my fate?” Ethan frowned, feeling the weight of the idea. Not just a game. A rigged game.

“Not controlling,” Edward corrected. “But influencing. It’s giving you choices and abilities that change the natural course of events. You’re not like any other human—or even vampire—that we’ve met. That’s why the Volturi are interested.”

Ethan let out a long breath, his mind spinning. “So, let me get this straight. This system isn’t just trying to help me survive—it’s actively messing with reality? And now the Volturi think I’m some kind of supernatural wildcard?”

“More or less,” Edward confirmed, his tone grim. “Which is why we need to tread carefully. They’ll want to test you, push you, and if they think they can’t control whatever power you’re tied to, they won’t hesitate to eliminate you.”

“Fantastic,” Ethan muttered. “So how do we stop that from happening?”

Edward paused, his eyes studying Ethan for a long moment before answering. “We use what you’ve got. Your wit, your abilities, your unpredictability. The system might be giving you an edge, but it’s also giving you something the Volturi don’t expect—free will. You’re not bound by their rules.”

Ethan smirked, his sarcasm masking the anxiety beneath. “Well, if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s being unpredictable.”

Edward’s gaze softened slightly. “I’m starting to see that.”

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, his thoughts racing as he tried to process everything. He was walking a tightrope, with powerful enemies closing in and only a mysterious, glitchy system to rely on. And sarcasm, of course.

“Alright,” Ethan said, straightening up. “Let’s play this out. I’ll figure out my strengths, and you guys keep the Volturi from ripping my head off. Sound like a plan?”

Edward gave a small nod. “That’s the best plan we’ve got.”

Ethan exhaled sharply, a half-laugh escaping his lips. “Great. I’ll just go... train for my impending doom.”

As Edward turned to leave, Ethan glanced at his stats one more time. His sarcasm might be a defense mechanism, but his Observation skill had just leveled up. And now, with Weakness Insight, he had one more tool to use against whatever the Volturi threw his way.

No pressure, Ethan. Just the fate of your life in a vampire death game.

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