I hopped onto the table while Sloane and Diane took seats nearby. The leather surface was cold through my jeans.

"So," Charles said, pulling up a digital file on his tablet, "I understand you’ve manifested a Channeler-type Aspect. Telekinetic variant?"

Before I could answer, Diane leaned forward. "Actually, Charles, I believe we’re looking at something more complex than basic telekinesis."

Both Sloane and I turned to stare at her. This wasn’t what we’d discussed.

"Oh?" Charles looked interested. "How so?"

"The manifestation has elements of telekinetic function, yes," Diane continued smoothly, "but there’s something unusual about the energy signature. I believe it might be classified as a Force Manipulation variant rather than simple telekinesis."

Charles’s eyebrows rose. "That’s considerably rarer. Force Manipulation would classify differently in our system—potentially at a higher rarity tier depending on the specific mechanics."

I caught on to what Diane was doing. She was creating a cover story broad enough to potentially explain both my abilities—the spectral arms and the Blitz movement—under a single Aspect classification. Force manipulation could theoretically account for both telekinetic control and enhanced movement if the force was applied to the user’s own body.

Clever.

Sloane looked confused but thankfully stayed silent.

"Would you mind demonstrating for us, Lukas?" Charles asked, activating several scanning devices that hummed to life around the table.

I nodded, focusing on activating Spectral Reach. The translucent amber construct extended from my palm, reaching toward a glass paperweight on Charles’s desk. I wrapped the spectral fingers around it and lifted it into the air, making sure to maintain the appearance of concentration and effort.

Charles watched with professional interest, eyes darting between me and the readout screens. "Fascinating color signature. Most telekinetics present with blue or white energy fields. The amber is unusual."

I pretended to strain as I rotated the paperweight in the air, then set it back down gently.

"The range appears to be approximately fifteen feet?" Charles asked.

"That’s right," I confirmed.

"And maximum weight capacity?"

"Around fifteen pounds before it gets difficult to maintain," I said, repeating what I’d told Sloane. "Though I’m still learning my limits."

Charles nodded, making notes. "Very typical for a fresh manifestation. The control seems remarkably refined for someone who just discovered this ability, however."

Diane jumped in smoothly. "Lukas has been studying Heroes and their abilities for nine years. I think his theoretical knowledge gave him a head start on practical application."

"That would make sense," Charles agreed. "Now, Diane mentioned potential force manipulation aspects to this Aspect. Have you experienced any other effects beyond the telekinetic function?"

Here was the tricky part. I glanced at Diane, who gave me a nearly imperceptible nod.

"Sometimes when I’m training, I feel like there’s a surge through my whole body," I said carefully. "Like the energy isn’t just coming from my hands but moving through all of me. I haven’t figured out how to control that part yet."

"Interesting." Charles adjusted something on his tablet. "That could indeed indicate a Force Manipulation classification rather than pure telekinesis. The energy signature readings are somewhat unusual as well."

He ran several more tests, having me lift different objects, testing my precision by threading a needle with the spectral construct, and measuring energy output levels. Finally, he sat back and studied his tablet.

"Well, I’ve seen enough to make a determination," Charles said. "Based on the manifestation demonstration and energy readings, I’m classifying this as a Rare-tier Force Manipulation Aspect with primary telekinetic expression. I’m naming it ’Phantom Touch’ as per your request form."

He tapped a few more times on his tablet. "Given the late manifestation timing and the unusual energy signature, I’m also flagging this for potential secondary functions as development continues. This will give you some flexibility in how the Aspect is documented as it evolves."

Diane smiled. "That sounds perfect, Charles. Thank you."

"Of course." He turned to me. "Congratulations, Mr. Belmont. You are officially registered as an active Channeler-type. I’ll update your IHL profile immediately, which should reflect in the system within the hour."

The System notification appeared in my vision almost instantly.

〘 MAIN QUEST COMPLETE: Registration Day

Success condition achieved. Phantom Touch has been officially registered with the IHL.

Bonus objective achieved: Aspect classified as Rare tier minimum.

Rewards:

→ 300 SP

→ 200 SP

→ Silver Gacha Pull

IHL official status updated: UNMARKED → CHANNELER (RARE)

Registration complete. Host’s legal classification now aligns with false data parameters. 〙

Relief washed through me, so powerful I nearly sagged on the examination table. I was officially a Channeler now. Not Unmarked. Not the dead Hero kid who didn’t inherit anything. The change in status meant everything for my Halloran application.

"How does it feel?" Sloane asked as we left Charles’s office thirty minutes later, my new digital ID card displaying my updated status.

"Weird," I admitted. "Good weird, but weird."

We stepped into the elevator, and Diane pressed the button for the parking garage.

"You did well in there," she said, her voice warm with approval. "Though I wish you’d warned me about your plan to classify it as Force Manipulation," I added quietly, making sure no one else was in earshot.

"Sometimes the best plans happen in the moment, sugar." Diane winked at me. "Besides, I knew Charles would be conducting the examination today. He owes me several favors."

"What’s the big deal about classifying it as Force Manipulation anyway?" Sloane asked, genuinely curious. "Isn’t telekinesis basically the same thing?"

"Force Manipulation is broader," Diane explained. "It leaves room for the Aspect to develop in multiple directions. Telekinesis would lock Lukas into a very specific power set with clear limitations. This way, if his abilities... expand in unexpected ways, there’s already a framework for it in his official registration."

The implication was clear. Diane was protecting me by creating official cover for both abilities I’d shown her—and potentially any others that might emerge from future gacha pulls.

"Smart," Sloane conceded, looking impressed.

"That’s why she runs the top Hero PR firm in California," I said, earning a pleased smile from Diane.

As we walked back to the car, Sloane bumped her shoulder against mine. "So, officially a Channeler now. How does it feel to finally belong to the club?"

I looked up at the IHL building, thinking about how much had changed in just two weeks. From Unmarked to Channeler. From invisible to visible. From hopeless to...something else entirely.

"It feels like the beginning," I said.

〘 Temptation Gauge Update: Sloane Fitzgerald - 59% (+1%) - ATTACHED

Current trajectory indicates DEVOTED threshold will be crossed within 8-10 hours at present interaction frequency. 〙

Sloane’s gauge was nearly at sixty percent. Almost to the Devoted stage. The thought sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with my new official status and everything to do with the pink-haired girl walking beside me, whose shoulder kept brushing against mine with each step.

The System, as if reading my thoughts directly, added a particularly unwelcome reminder:

〘 Sexercise passive trait is now active. Physical intimacy will generate attribute experience proportional to duration and intensity. 〙

Great. Just great. My path to becoming a Hero now literally ran through Sloane Fitzgerald’s bedroom.

I glanced at her profile as she walked ahead of me toward the car, the sunlight catching in her pink hair, her hips swaying slightly with each step. My heart rate kicked up automatically. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Maybe the Scumbag System wasn’t entirely wrong about me after all.