The system was saying some suspicious things. Rin had no idea what it meant by allowing him to "borrow" abilities, but it seemed like something useful that he should probe further about.

Unfortunately, the system did not provide any additional information.

Fortunately, it decided to give Rin a skill that he could actually make use of.

[You have acquired the skill: Gluttony.]

[Special Skill unlocked. This skill allows you to use any ability you have seen and evolve it to the highest level. However, the higher the level of the ability you use, the more stamina it will consume.]

[Current Fatigue Level: 40% (-20%)]

The system gave Rin a skill and warned him about using it at the same time. But now was not the time to hold back.

The skill Rin had received sounded broken. He was not even sure if a human was supposed to have such a skill.

But ultimately, it all depended on how much stamina it consumed. It would not be of much use if a single attack depleted more than half of Rin’s stamina.

Not that he had time to be picky about his choices. Kyle was gaining on him faster and faster.

"Older brother, let’s stop this and head back. I don’t have much time to waste here."

Kyle’s voice sounded sweet, but Rin did not look behind him. He was afraid his heart would stop beating once he realized how close Kyle was.

’I need to slow him down. But which ability will help me?’

Rin had a few options, but the one that immediately came to mind was Teressa’s binding ability.

[Would you like to use Familiar Teressa’s skills?]

’Yes.’

Rin immediately gave his permission, and he felt his limbs grow heavier. His body turned around, and Kyle looked surprised by the sudden movement.

"What’s wrong? Have you decided to stop running and finally made up your mind about joining me? Huh?! I can’t move."

Kyle froze in place. He tried to move, but to no avail. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Rin felt his legs shaking from the strain of using the power, but he knew he could not give up.

"Sorry, but I don’t trust you any more than I trust the system. I... will only trust the things I choose to trust."

Rin reminded Kyle before taking a step back, and then another.

Teressa could not even move when she cast her skill, but Rin was different. His version was at the highest level, allowing him to do far more than she could.

However, it also consumed far more stamina than Teressa’s version.

"Wow! Is this a new trick? When did you develop it? Mira didn’t tell me something like this would happen. But I guess getting a surprise once in a while isn’t a bad thing."

Kyle did not look worried about being unable to move. Instead, he relaxed within the bindings, and Rin knew this was far from over.

"You can’t keep these bindings up forever. I can tell you’re getting tired far too quickly. Let’s see how long you’re able to endure."

Rin opened his mouth to reply, but he had nothing to say. After all, Kyle was right. He would not be able to maintain this for much longer.

’System, any suggestions?’

Rin asked anxiously.

[I’m looking for a solution, Rookie. But I’m afraid I can’t help you much when your opponent is a ranked hunter. According to policy, I am not allowed to interfere with their personal growth.]

[However, since you are a field agent, I can provide you with some assistance from the main branch. Don’t worry, Rookie. I won’t allow you to die here.]

The system reassured Rin, but he did not feel even slightly reassured.

"Are you talking to the system? What is it saying? Not that I’m particularly interested in knowing."

Kyle asked while still trapped by Rin’s power.

Rin had a feeling he was trapped on both sides. Whether he chose the system or Kyle, he would still end up as someone’s puppet.

[Your Fatigue Level has reached 60% (-20%). Please take a recovery potion before you collapse.]

The system reminded Rin.

He should not have read that message because it instantly made him feel even more exhausted.

Rin was shaking now. The fatigue weighed heavily on his mind. He was already at 60%. Another 20%, and he was sure something bad would happen.

"You... don’t look good right now. Are you sure you’re okay?"

Kyle asked worriedly. The earlier cockiness was finally gone, replaced by genuine concern.

Rin had a feeling that Kyle would finally listen to him if he spoke now, but he did not want to explain himself.

Instead, he wanted to vent his frustration.

"Does it look like I’m okay? I was already tired, and now you’ve exhausted me beyond my limits. Ugh, I don’t think I’ll be able to stay conscious much longer—"

Before Rin could finish speaking, his legs gave out and his vision blurred. He tried his best to stay awake, but his body was telling him it was time to sleep.

Kyle seemed to realize that something was seriously wrong, though he did not appear to understand exactly what.

"Hey, I’m not joking when I say you look bad. Your complexion is pale, and your eyes... Hey, what are you doing? F-Fuck..."

Rin’s vision drifted in and out of focus. He tried to remain alert, but he could even see Kyle splitting into multiple afterimages.

’I can’t do this right now. I don’t think I can stay awake much longer.’

Rin complained internally as his eyelids grew heavier.

He collapsed face-first, and Kyle immediately rushed forward to catch him.

"Oi! What are you doing? Is this... exhaustion? How did you get this exhausted? Darn it! What should I do now?"

Kyle sounded genuinely panicked, and Rin could not help but think that he should have acted like this earlier if he was going to be so worried.

That way, Rin would not have had to push himself so hard.

’I should sleep now. Who knows what will happen next? At least I’ll recover some of my energy.’