Starting With SSS-rank: I Get A New Skill Every Livestream

Chapter 262: I will help you

It felt stupid.

Telling Veronica, someone who was naturally concerned about his safety and whose duty revolved around protecting the law and ensuring the safety of every Nightwalker, felt incredibly foolish.

And yet, here he was.

Confessing what he truly wanted to do. The reason he had embraced the powers he possessed. The thing that made him feel truly alive.

He was telling her what he genuinely desired.

"I want to hunt, Veronica." He let out a weary sigh. "I want to be myself without any protocol, reports, or restrictions. Even if it isn’t often, just once in a while, I want to relive the days when I didn’t have to think about public safety, the rules every Nightwalker has to follow, or any of that."

Veronica remained silent, listening until he had finished.

Her expression stayed calm. There was no visible concern, no dramatic reaction. She simply listened.

Kyle’s shoulders slumped as he leaned back in his chair.

"I just want to use my abilities to their fullest." His voice grew quieter. "That’s all."

Veronica gave a small hum of understanding. She reached for a glass of water and handed it to him.

Kyle blinked in surprise at the gesture. Taking the glass from her, he asked with a wry smile, "You think I’m a battle maniac, don’t you?"

"Not a maniac," Veronica replied honestly. "But you’re definitely not someone who’s completely at peace with a quiet life. To be honest, I had a feeling you’d be longing for something like this. I’ve seen you fight both with restraint and without it. I know which one you truly prefer."

Kyle took a sip of water before asking, "So? What do you suggest?"

Veronica folded her hands on the table, her fingers interwoven.

"Kyle... answer me honestly. Do you miss the chaos, or do you miss the thrill of the battle itself?"

He frowned. "What’s the difference?"

"Some people enjoy tormenting and killing monsters for their own reasons," Veronica said quietly. "Others simply crave the feeling of standing on the edge, fighting with their lives on the line."

A sheepish smile spread across Kyle’s face.

"I’m closer to the second type. I like testing my limits because that’s the only way I can grow."

Veronica nodded in understanding.

"I thought so. And I agree with you. You’ve grown tremendously in just a month. So it’s only natural that you’d rather face rifts than spend your time attending classes."

"However..." Veronica paused, and Kyle braced himself.

This was it.

The moment she would reject everything he had just said.

"But you have to ensure your own safety."

Kyle blinked.

She continued, "If you start going rogue again, the monsters won’t be the only threat you’ll have to worry about. The Nightwalkers will become one as well."

He stared at her in disbelief.

"Wait... Veronica." His eyes widened. "Are you actually supporting my decision?"

The silver-haired woman smiled wryly.

"If I had my way, I’d tell you to take things slowly. Get your license first, then throw yourself into this line of work." She let out a quiet sigh. "But I know you, Kyle. Your craving for action will only push you into something even more reckless if I try to stop you. At least this way, I’ll know what you’re doing and can help if things get out of hand."

Kyle was overwhelmed.

For a brief moment, he actually wanted to get up and hug her.

Leaning forward, he said, "Veronica... I... I can’t put into words how happy I am right now."

A heartfelt smile spread across his face as he looked at her.

"Until recently, Amanda was the only person I could truly call a friend. Then I met you..." His smile softened. "And I don’t think I could’ve been any luckier."

His heartfelt words drew a soft chuckle from Veronica.

"I’m glad to hear that." A warm smile lingered on her lips before her expression gradually turned serious. "But let’s focus on the matter at hand."

She leaned forward, lowering her voice.

"You can’t let anyone find out about this, okay? If word gets out that you’ve started hunting beasts in secret again, the consequences will be far too severe for either of us to handle."

Kyle nodded, fully understanding the gravity of the situation.

Veronica had personally assured the Central Authority that Kyle would faithfully serve the PSC in Montclair. That promise was the only reason they had stopped insisting on placing him directly under their command.

If Kyle broke the law again, however, there would be nothing she could do to protect him.

"The best help I can offer is to direct you toward the most isolated rifts," Veronica said, already thinking several steps ahead. "Places with little to no surveillance."

Kyle considered her words before asking, "How long does it usually take for the nearest base to respond after a rift appears?"

Veronica thought for a moment.

"It depends on who’s in charge," she replied. "But in most cases, no more than an hour."

She paused before asking, "I take it you’ll be aiming for first grade rifts?"

A childlike smile spread across Kyle’s face as he eagerly nodded twice.

Veronica let out a long sigh.

"I can’t believe you’re so excited to fight something that’s still the greatest nightmare of academy students."

Kyle laughed.

"I’m older than them, so it’s only natural."

Veronica returned the laugh with a wry smile.

But you’re still a child in the Aether World.

Shaking the thought away, she said, "Alright, then. I’ll come up with a plan by tonight. Something that keeps you from getting caught, even if a security camera happens to capture you."

"You don’t have to worry about that," Kyle replied confidently. "I won’t be using the same armament, and I’ll make sure my face and hair are completely concealed during every raid."

The answer caught Veronica off guard, but after a moment she nodded.

That would certainly make things easier.

After a brief silence, she spoke again.

"Kyle... just because I’m supporting your decision doesn’t mean I’m giving you permission to be reckless or gamble with your life."

Her voice was unwavering as she continued.

"If something happens to you, know this."

"I’ll blame no one but myself."

Kyle immediately tried to reassure her.

"My escaping skills are just as good as my aim. If things get out of control, I’ll simply run."

Veronica let out another quiet sigh.

"I hope you do."