The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: 19 | Phantom Touch is The Name of My Fake Superpower

〘 Pull complete. Displaying results...

Congratulations! You have acquired: [False Data] — Uncommon Rarity

Type: Configurable Passive

Description: User gains active control over their data profile as detected by scanning, analysis, and diagnostic-type Aspects. Allows masking of System abilities and the projection of fabricated statistics, capabilities, and power signatures that register as genuine to standard readings. 〙

"Another fucking non-combat ability?" I slammed my fist on the bed. "What am I supposed to do with this? I’m not trying to hack the Pentagon. I need something that hits people!"

I fell back against the mattress with a groan. Two pulls, and what did I have to show for it? Ghost arms, infinite cardio, the power to make things slightly wet, and now some data manipulation thing.

〘 You appear to be missing the strategic implications of your new acquisition. 〙

"I’m about to miss your face with my fist."

〘 That would be inadvisable, as I lack a physical form. Additionally, you would be punching yourself, which would trigger the Oracle Feed’s self-harm protocol. 〙

I sat up, rubbing my temples. "Just explain why I should care about this useless—"

Wait. Wait wait wait.

I bolted upright, heart hammering against my ribs. "Holy shit."

〘 And there it is. 〙

"I can fake an Aspect." The words came out breathless. "I can create a false data profile that registers as a real Aspect to scanners."

〘 Correct. 〙

"I can walk into Halloran—"

〘 Yes. 〙

"—with a completely fabricated Aspect—"

〘 Indeed. 〙

"—and they’ll never know I’m using a System."

〘 Now you understand why this ability is useful and not common trash. 〙

I jumped off the bed, pacing the room with newfound energy. This wasn’t just good. This was game-changing. The single biggest obstacle between me and Halloran Academy was my Unmarked status. The exam was built for people with Aspects. The scoring system favored Aspect users. The entire institution was designed around categorizing, developing, and weaponizing superpowers.

And I’d just pulled the ultimate countermeasure.

"Can I control what kind of fake Aspect I project? Like, can I make it something specific?"

〘 You can fully customize the fabricated Aspect signature. Classification type, manifestation characteristics, power level readings, and energy signature are all configurable parameters. The deception is data-only; you cannot produce visual effects through this ability. 〙

I walked to the mirror, staring at my reflection. The amber eyes looking back at me belonged to a kid who’d spent nine years being pitied as the Unmarked orphan. The Belmont boy who didn’t inherit his parents’ gifts. A genetic dead end in a world built on power.

Not anymore.

"So if someone with an analysis Aspect scans me..."

〘 They will detect whatever Aspect profile you have configured. The deception operates at the data level, not the physical. Standard diagnostic equipment will register the fabricated signature as genuine. 〙

"This is..." I laughed, running my hands through my hair. "This is fucking incredible."

I couldn’t stop grinning. The kid in the mirror looked manic, his amber eyes bright with possibilities.

"I need to design my fake Aspect. Something believable for someone with my build and background. Nothing too flashy—I don’t want to draw attention. Just enough to get through the door." I tapped my fingers against my thigh. "Something that explains why I can fight without powers."

〘 Would you like suggestions based on your current loadout? 〙

"Hit me."

〘 Given your Spectral Reach ability, you could fabricate a Channeler-class Aspect that manipulates force at a distance. This would provide cover for your actual ability while remaining consistent with observed effects. 〙

I nodded slowly. "Not bad. What would we call it?"

〘 Common naming conventions favor simplicity and descriptiveness. Suggestions: Phantom Touch, Kinetic Projection, Force Extension. 〙

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