Kael leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he continued to stare at the mission screen. The words hadn't changed.
> Summon at least one Meta Being.
He let out a quiet breath.
"…Meta Beings, huh?"
His voice echoed softly in the empty room.
"They're… beings that are aware of the story. Of the world they live in. They can bend the rules, manipulate outcomes, and sometimes even see beyond the fabric of this world."
He glanced toward the darkened window, where moonlight streamed through, casting eerie shadows.
"If that's the case… then both Jin and I count. We're not from this world, not entirely. He's a reincarnator. I'm… something different. A 'reader' of the story someone who knows the script."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"There might be others too. From other realms. Maybe beings even stronger than us. Beings who know everything."
He leaned back against the wall, mind drifting to the scene earlier with Jin.
"The way he acted… there was a moment of hesitation. Did he recognize me as one too? Or was he just surprised by my reaction?"
Kael scoffed.
"…Is this going to turn into one of those stories? Like that one book… what was it? Omniscient Reader's Something... where the guy had to partner with the original story's murderous main character to survive?"
He laughed once, low and disbelieving.
"Teaming up with Jin like that? Heh… this world's tougher than I thought."
He sighed again, rubbing his temples.
"Summoning a Meta Being… am I supposed to find another outsider? Or am I supposed to create one?"
The screen remained, unwavering.
> Mission: Summon at least one Meta Being.
Kael closed the screen with a flick.
"…Whatever it is, it's not going to be easy."