The Price of Power

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

Congratulations! You've listened to all the visions and come to the right conclusions!

Reward: Skill - Arcane Evolution

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"A new skill?!" I thought before saying aloud, "Mel, show me the skill."

A split second later, a blue panel appeared, listing my skills.

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Skill List

- Time Focus: Beginner [Select]

- Arcane Evolution (Broken): 0/1 [Select]

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'I didn't know I could do this...' I thought.

~That's normal, this ability was unlocked when you obtained Arcane Evolution. You can get more details about the skill by pressing or thinking hard about [Select].~

Following her instructions, I selected [Select] on Time Focus.

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Time Focus

This skill allows the host to supercharge their brain, optimizing combat skills and perception by using their energy to create the illusion that time is slowing down.

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'Interesting, that means the more I increase my stamina, and therefore my energy, the more this ability could improve. But does the term 'Beginner' after the skill mean that it can be further enhanced?'

~Affirmative, host. We should have more information when the skill improves to higher levels.~

'You don't know yet?'

~No, I don't have access to it.~

'Got it. Now, let's see my new skill.'

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Arcane Evolution (Broken) 0/1

This skill allows the host's sword to absorb the arcane essence of Whispers, gradually evolving in power and ability. Each level of evolution requires the absorption of a Whisper's blood, enhancing the weapon in alignment with the host's body.

Requires: Familiar Rapier

Warning: Once a Whisper has been absorbed, permanent changes will be made.

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After reading the skill description, I blinked at the warning that seemed to indicate something irreversible.

"Will I become half-human, half-Whisper if I absorb a Whisper? That's what the system seems to suggest... Mel, what do you think?"

~Host, it's not 100% certain, but it's a possibility to consider. However, know that the system will never set up anything detrimental for you.~

Good. Let's leave it at that for now and deal with it when the time comes. I'm not so obsessed with power that I'd stop being human," I said softly.

Meanwhile, it was time to prepare for the interview with Hylia. With the media hype she'd orchestrated, even major newspapers had covered the event. If I backed out now, my image would suffer.

Of course, I wasn't going to back out. This interview was an opportunity to connect with the massive community I'd built, and I couldn't wait to engage with them.

After getting ready, I left my building and walked briskly for a good half-hour. Hylia had moved into a rather posh building, thanks to me, she said. Arriving in front of the building, I approached the entrance.

Looking at the intercom, I found the name I was interested in: "Marie Lane." That was the real name she'd given me, so I pressed the intercom and waited a few seconds before a voice came through.

"Yes?"

"Hello, it's about the plumbing," I said.

"Oh yes! It's open, I'll come get you," she replied quickly.

Of course, I wasn't a plumber, but it was a code name to avoid suspicion and prying ears. Thirty seconds later, the elevator stopped.

The doors opened to reveal a woman in a baseball cap, long black hair cascading down her shoulders, a small face with green eyes that darted around until they locked with mine. She began to step forward.

"Hello, are you the plumber?" she asked with a smile, her face slightly flushed.

"Exactly. Do you mind if we head up now? I don't want to be late, you know?" I asked, hiding a laugh.

"Yes, of course, come on up," she said, pointing to the elevator. "But you really don't have to talk to me like that, you know."

"Sure, what should I call you then?" I asked as the elevator doors closed.

"Whatever you want, it should be me talking to you like that..." she said, embarrassed.

"We can drop the act now, I think," I said, laughing.

"Okay... But I really didn't think you were my age..." she said, surprised.

"I know that might come as a surprise. I've spent more time in my game than out," I replied, still laughing.

"I see. Well, nice to meet you in person... And what should I call you?"

"Oh, sorry, I completely forgot. My real name is Arthur, but during the stream, let's stick with my screen name, Myth, okay?"

"Of course, you can call me whatever you want on the stream."

"Of course, I'll still go by Hylia."

As we continued to chat in the elevator about what to say and what not to say on the stream, we entered her apartment.

"Welcome to my home," she said, letting me pass. "It's a bit messy, sorry."

Despite her comment, I didn't notice any mess. We went straight into the living room, which featured a modern white sofa with some stuffed animals, a TV on the wall, and an open-plan kitchen next door.

The kitchen had a bar in the middle for serving guests, and a fairly modern layout behind it.

"Would you like something to drink before we start the stream?" she asked me.

"I'm good for now, but if possible, I'd like a bottle of water or a tall glass during the stream since we're going to be talking a lot," I replied.

She nodded and went into the kitchen while I looked around the place. It was quite nice and of good quality, similar to a middle-class apartment in my old world.

"All set," she said as she walked over to a half-open door with a bottle in hand. "Shall we get ready? It would be good to go over what to say and what to avoid."

"Yes, that works. It's pretty simple—just avoid talking about anything that could connect me to my real life, like my age and what I do," I explained as I followed her into her streaming room.

As I entered, I was impressed by Hylia's streaming setup. Although I'd seen it on stream, seeing it in real life was a whole different experience.

The room was packed, except for one side where there was a relaxation area with a sofa and a TV lit with pink LEDs. The other side was meticulously organized.

There was a streaming desk facing one corner of the room, with the name "Hylia" in custom-made LED letters on one wall, and stuffed animals of all kinds placed on a second desk against the left wall.

The right wall, visible on the stream, was covered with a tapestry in a 3D wave design in all colors, with lamps accentuating the pink-purple theme.

"Very nice," I exclaimed. "I really like your LED name sign."

"Thank you! Let me get you a chair. You don't want to be seen on camera, right?" she replied with a smile.

"Exactly, and given your setup, it's perfect," I replied, examining her more closely.

She returned with a black and red gaming chair on wheels. I told her it was perfect.

After turning on all the equipment, we chatted a bit about what we were going to say and other miscellaneous topics before she started the stream with a twenty-minute countdown to give people time to join. It didn't take long.

In just five minutes, the stream reached 400,000 viewers, and the number kept climbing.

"Well, any predictions for the peak?" I asked Hylia, who seemed surprised by the numbers herself.

"It's already exceeded all my expectations... Thank you again for this opportunity," she said, tears in her eyes.

"No need to thank me, don't worry," I said with a smile. "But why are there so many people?"

Hylia laughed at my question. "Are you really asking that? Your game is literally a masterpiece, and there's so little IRL entertainment related to video games that your interview announcement went viral."

"I see, but I still didn't think so many people would tune in."

"Neither did I, but the way it keeps growing..." she said, trailing off as she looked at the number, which had now reached 450,000 viewers.

"Alright!" she said, clapping her hands. "We need to think about how to start the stream. Do you have any ideas?"

"Hey, you're the streamer, you should decide," I said, laughing.

"There are so many people who've never seen me before, I can't do my usual intro. It would be embarrassing."

"No, just be yourself. Anyway, after the intro, they'll want the interview."

"True, but I still have a little stage fright," she admitted. "And you, don't you get nervous?"

"Yes, a little, of course, but I don't think I'm fully aware of it," I said, laughing.

"Maybe," she replied.

After that, we waited for the countdown to end, chatting to ease the stress and distract ourselves until the moment arrived.

The red LED on the camera lit up, indicating that we were live.