Jack's confident approach, each step deliberate and controlled, seemed almost surreal as he flexed his sinewy arms in a display of unwavering sin. His lack of trepidation struck me as particularly baffling, considering the extent of my transformation. How was he not trembling in the face of the changes I had undergone? My own movements were tense, a mixture of anticipation and the lingering sense of ungggmiliarity. I can actually test my abilities now.
As I closed the distance between us, determination etched across my face, I launched a lightning-quick right punch, only to watch in surprise as Jack's form fluidly contorted, evading my strike with an almost preternatural grace. His lithe frame seemed to melt downwards, a dance of evasion that culminated in a swift left hook nearly connecting on my liver. That was close..
Retreating a step, I cast a bewildered gaze toward Jack. How could this turn of events have transpired? The logic was elusive—by all rights, even accounting for a possibility of newfound speed, we should have been evenly matched. Yet, reality had unfolded with a cruel twist that left me questioning my own assumptions.
A cryptic smile curled at the corner of Jack's lips as he nonchalantly slid his hands into the pockets of his worn jeans. His words hung in the charged air, an enigmatic challenge to my perception. "You don't realize the difference between us, do you?" he mused, the weight of his implication sinking in like a heavy stone.
Defiance rose within me, a response honed by the fire of my torture. "I've grown stronger!" I declared, my voice tinged with a fierce resolve that matched my new body.
Jack's posture subtly shifted as he gracefully crouched, his gaze lifting to meet mine from beneath furrowed brows. "Strength isn't just about power," he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Fighting is a symphony of skill and adaptability. I've crossed paths with those who wield abilities similar to yours. While I can tell you boxed, it pales to mine."
As his words seeped into my consciousness, a plan ignited within my mind. I need to leverage my skills, to exploit his weaknesses with a strategy born from my own experiences. But before I could unravel this thread of thought, a blur of motion unfolded before me—Jack surged forward, propelling himself into a gravity-defying leap, a superman punch poised to strike its mark.
Instinct and adrenaline melded into a split-second decision. My body responded almost autonomously, a surge of gold lightning pulsating through me as I activated the speed booster skill. Time seemed to dilate as his attack bore down upon me, the world around me sharpening into crystalline focus.
Soul: 80 (-20)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster - Increase your speed by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. (Activated) The one minute cooldown has commenced.
I swiftly execute a calculated sequence of punches, my knuckles connecting with his face mid-air, the satisfying thud reverberating through said air. With a graceful swerve, my body fluidly evaded his lunging form. As he hurtles past me, the sheer force of his bulk propels him into a collision with the unyielding concrete, sending shards of debris scattering around him like a storm of shattered glass.
Gritting his teeth, he struggles onto his knees, a defiant snarl etched on his bruised visage. The metallic taste of blood mingles with the concrete as he spits out a tooth, a small sacrifice in this ruthless dance. Slowly, he rises, the malice in his eyes overshadowing the bruises that now adorn his face like battle scars. Aroha, ever astute, positions herself strategically behind me, seeking refuge in the shadow of my protective stance. I can't help but acknowledge the daunting challenge of shielding her from harm; she's intelligent enough to seek safety, but the weight of what could happen to her if even one mistake occurs crosses my mind.
Jack's relentless onslaught continues without respite, his relentless charge allowing me no room to breathe. I alter my strategy, channeling my focus into rapid, precise strikes similar to when I used my skill rather than sheer power. My fist finds its target, colliding with his chin in a burst of speed and accuracy. The impact sends his head reeling backward, a momentary victory. However, his iron grip closes around my hand with a vice-like strength, a reminder of the unyielding force he embodies.
"Ah, gotcha," he taunts, his voice dripping with a twisted sense of satisfaction. Before I can react, his retaliatory strike crashes into my defenses, a right hook that bypasses my guard with disconcerting ease. The blow's impact transforms my body into a projectile, hurtling me sideways with a jarring force that shatters the tranquility of the nearby clothing store. The metallic clang of collapsing racks echoes in the aftermath, a cacophony of destruction that serves as a testament to the sheer intensity of our clash.
Through the haze of pain, I lock eyes with Aroha, her gaze a blend of concern and unwavering resolve. Her attention shifts back to Jack, her determination unshaken even in the face of this brutal spectacle. Bloodied and battered, my arm throbbing with vivid shades of purple and blue, I push myself off the debris-strewn floor. My limb protests, but it holds, and for now, that's enough. With a fierce malice burning within, Jack seizes Aroha by the head, his fingers wrapping around her delicate form with a terrifying ease. He forces her to follow him, she can't even fight back..
Health: 950 (-250)
Alright, so whenever I lose health, it shows up in front of me. Good to know, but Aroha.. I burst out of the building, a surge of worry fueling my every step as I sprinted across the pavement. My heart raced in sync with my pounding footsteps, echoing the urgency of the situation. Aroha's safety was my paramount concern, her well-being a beacon guiding my will.
To my left and right, the cityscape sprawled with its bustling streets and towering structures, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had encapsulated this moment. My eyes darted, scanning for any sign of Aroha and her captor, Jack. There they were, a few meters ahead, a scene of struggle unfolding. Jack's grip on Aroha was relentless, his fingers like snakes around her head.
"Get back here, you bastard!" I roared, my voice laced with a mixture of anger and desperation. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, sharpening my focus and quickening my pace. Aroha's defiance was evident – she fought against Jack's hold. She wasn't far, giving me a glimmer of hope that I could reach her before any irreparable harm was done.
My thoughts raced as I closed the distance, each footfall a resolute declaration that I would not let Aroha suffer any longer. But the fear loomed – what if I wasn't swift enough? What if Jack's malicious intent escalated before I could intervene?
Suddenly, as if sensing my pursuit, Jack's attention shifted. He turned to face me, his grip on Aroha momentarily faltering. It was the opening I needed. Aroha broke free, her determination transforming into swift motion as she dashed away from the clutches of her captor. Relief washed over me as I watched her escape, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and resolve.
With Aroha out of immediate danger, my focus narrowed on Jack. His face contorted into a malicious grin, the very embodiment of malevolence. The fire in my veins burned hotter, fueling a rage that demanded justice for Aroha's ordeal.
The cacophony of the surroundings seemed to fade, the world narrowing down to the intense standoff before me. Now, it was time to make Jack pay for his transgressions. My fists clenched, knuckles whitening with the force of my resolve. In that charged moment, a whirlwind of emotions converged – anger, fear, determination, and an unwavering commitment to right the wrongs that had been committed.
"How dare you, Jack," I seethed, my voice steady and unwavering. "How dare you threaten her. You've unleashed something you can't control."
Soul: 60 (-20)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster - Increase your strength by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. (Activated) The one minute cooldown has commenced.
I sprint forward, my heart pounding in sync with each step, closing the distance between us swiftly, I reach out and grip my forearm with a firm hold, my fingers digging into my skin with intensity.
As I approach him, my body seamlessly transitions into a coiled stance, my muscles taut and ready to unleash an explosive strike. My knees flex and I channel the kinetic energy, propelling it upward through my core and into my clenched fist. A devastating uppercut takes form, fueled by a blend of raw power and honed technique. The air around us seems to tremble with the sheer force of my impending attack, causing a visible wind ripple.
With a deft movement, he senses the impending danger, his instincts finely tuned from years of fighting. His neck swivels just in time, narrowly evading the full brunt of my uppercut. A faint smirk plays on his lips as he takes a step back, his confidence bolstered by his seemingly effortless evasion.
His voice, dripping with a mix of arrogance and superiority, fills the charged atmosphere between us. "Oh, you fool," he taunts, his words laced with condescension. "I can't fathom what skills you may possess, but I assure you, my fighting experience will decide this fight. This is futile, you f*****g idiot."
Undeterred by his belittling words, I raise my arms into a defensive stance, my muscles coiling once more, ready to mitigate the damage. The moment hangs suspended, an electric tension crackling in the air like a gathering storm.
In an instant, he unleashes his own calculated strike, a hammerhead punch that propels me downward with a force that defies comprehension. The impact is brutal, sending shockwaves through my body as I hurtle toward the unforgiving ground beneath me. The concrete yields with a violent shatter as my body makes contact, a testament to the sheer power contained within that single blow.
Pain radiates through my being, a symphony of sensations that momentarily threatens to overwhelm me. Yet, even as my body aches and protests, a spark of what he's done to me ignites within. Gritting my teeth, I push through the pain, channeling the remnants of my dwindling strength into a desperate last bid.
Health: 600 (-350)
I can't let him land another blow on me, not after that last punch that took away a significant chunk of my health. The frustration wells up inside me, mingling with a growing sense of humility as I come to grips with my own overconfidence. He's been through more battles than I knew, his seasoned experience clearly outmatching my own. While he might lack the swiftness I possess, I've learned my lesson: underestimating his strength would be a grave mistake.
With a calculated move, I execute a graceful flip into the air, creating distance between us. My heart races as I dash around him, emotions coursing through my consciousness. The points I had been hoping to save suddenly become expendable; this fight demands my full strength. As I surge away from him, my feet pounding the ground, I can feel the weight of the consequences of losing propelling me forward.
Reaching my backpack, placed in front of the store, becomes my singular focus. My breath comes in ragged gasps, but I push through the fatigue, spurred on by the knowledge that every second counts. His strides behind me seem almost leisurely in comparison to my desperate sprint. I kick up a cloud of dust as I skid into a slide, a gritty testament to my fierce resolve.
With a triumphant surge of energy, I snatch the book from my bag, my fingers closing around its familiar weight. It's a split-second decision, a swift investment of points into both strength and speed, each enhancement a testament to my unwavering dedication to ending this battle on my terms. My muscles thrum with newfound power as I rise, the balance between us now hanging on a knife's edge.
Our eyes lock, and for a moment, time seems to freeze. The playing field has been leveled; I now match him in strength and surpass him in speed. The final, decisive moment arrives, and I charge forward, a blur of determination. My movements are fueled by a combination of skill and emotion, a testament to my growth throughout this intense encounter. As I close the distance, I know that this clash will mark the culmination of our struggle, an electrifying finale that will determine the victor once and for all.
Book Level: 1
Name: Oren Hashigana
Health: 600
Strength: 9 (+1)
Speed: 9 (+1)
Defense: 5%
Soul: 60
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster - Increase your strength by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown.
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster - Increase your speed by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown.
Lvl. ??? Infinite Growth Limit (Passive) - No growth limit.
Points: 0
Shop:
Stats: 100p
Lvl. 1 Stealing Skills - 10% chance of stealing one skill from an opponent you defeat. 0 soul to use, one day cooldown. 1500p
Lvl. 1 Triple Strike - Attack three times in succession with enhanced speed and strength. 10 soul to use, thirty second cooldown. 500p
Upgrade Book: 1000p
I feel a bit of a tingling sensation coursing through me as I undergo this upgrade, the subtle discomfort reminiscent of the previous experience but significantly more manageable this time around. With a steely resolve, I find myself standing mere inches away from him, his imposing figure filling my vision. Gathering my newfound strength, I surge upward with a swift, explosive motion, my body soaring effortlessly as my foot connects with his chin in a precise and calculated front kick. The impact is resounding, a sickening crunch filling the air as his lips part, and a trickle of blood mingles with the sweat on his face, staining the ground below.
The feedback from the kick reverberates through my body, amplifying the contrasting sensations of power and restraint, a tangible testament to the incremental advancement of a single crucial stat. The significance of this enhancement becomes crystal clear in the crucible of this low-level skirmish, where every fraction of a unit can turn the tide of battle. Wasting no time, I press my advantage, channeling the momentum from my kick into a seamless transition to a hammerhead strike, mirroring his signature move with a twist of irony. The impact is thunderous, his skull colliding with the unforgiving ground, a brutal punctuation to our clash.
A sense of catharsis washes over me as I witness his defeated form, sprawled out in a tableau of submission. His rage, palpable even in defeat, fuels a final, defiant outburst. His fist crashes into the ground, a primal yell escaping his bloodied lips, punctuating his proclamation, "This ends now! I don't understand how you've gotten stronger in a second, how you command skills beyond what you've ever had, but mark my words, you're—" His words are abruptly cut short as he unleashes the same uppercut I had previously attempted, a testament to his tenacity, "done!"
I instinctively arch my body, bending backward with a dancer's grace, my gaze fixated on the expanse of sky above. In this surreal moment of evasion, I'm granted a unique vantage point, a fleeting glimpse of the universe's canvas painted with vibrant hues, a serene reminder of the world beyond our combat.
But amidst this ethereal interlude, a jarring sound pierces the air, interrupting the symphony of conflict and introspection. A noise, indistinct yet laden with significance, yanks me from my reverie, reawakening my focus to the present. The world seems to hold its breath, poised on the precipice of revelation.
Soul: 60
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster - Increase your speed by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. The one minute cooldown has ended.
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster - Increase your strength by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. The one minute cooldown has ended.
Oh, what great timing this is.
Soul: 40 (-20)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Strength Booster - Increase your strength by 150% for three seconds. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. (Activated) The one minute cooldown has commenced.
I bend forward, my fingers curling around the fabric of Jack's shirt by the collar, the texture rough against my skin. With a surge of determination, I draw upon every ounce of strength within me, channeling it into my clenched fist. The air crackles with energy as I charge up a formidable punch, my muscles taut and poised for impact. My fist finds its mark, connecting with Jack's jaw in a collision of force. The reverberations travel up my arm, a mix of adrenaline and satisfaction coursing through me as I feel the solid impact against my knuckles and witness the momentary flinch in Jack's eyes. The wind-rippling blow from earlier is magnified, intensifying the concussive force like a maelstrom of controlled fury. It's a calculated storm of strength that should register at a staggering 13.5.
As his body collides with the unforgiving ground, a resounding thud reverberates through the air. But it's not just a mere collision; it's a seismic event that sends tremors echoing across the area. The ground shudders, seemingly absorbing his form, almost as though the very earth itself has risen to quell his malevolence. His form doesn't just break through the surface; he becomes enshrouded by it, buried under a cascade of soil and debris.
A guttural, almost incoherent sound escapes his lips – a bleurgh that encapsulates his agony and disorientation. His voice is a mere whisper amidst the primal symphony of violence and retribution that has unfolded. It's evident that the ferocity of my blow has left him dazed, his consciousness teetering on the precipice of oblivion. The darkness beckons, a refuge from the torment he has wrought upon others.
And there, in the shadowed aftermath of our brutal confrontation, he lies motionless, a mere puppet of his former menace. The weight of his deeds, the pain he inflicted on others, and the lives forever scarred by his actions, all culminate in this moment of reckoning. With a mixture of resolve and grim hatred, I seize his crumpled form by the fabric of his shirt, raising him from the earthen grave I've consigned him to.
Soul: 20 (-20)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Speed Booster - Increase your speed by 150% for three seconds. (Activated) The one minute cooldown has commenced.
I pummel him relentlessly, my fist landing on his head with a primal rage that seems to unleash all the pent-up fury I've carried. The sickening thuds of my blows against his already battered face echo in the air. Blood mingles with sweat, creating a grotesque tableau of violence that paints a picture of his impending demise. Each strike is fueled by a maelstrom of emotions - anger, disgust, and a fierce determination to avenge the harm he inflicted. Time blurs as my assault continues unabated, the seconds stretching into minutes that blur into an eternity of retribution.
The surrounding onlookers form a tight circle, their faces etched with a mixture of horror and fascination. Gasps and whispers ripple through the crowd like an ominous undertone, their collective gaze casting me as both avenger and executioner. My voice cracks and strains as I unleash a guttural scream, my words piercing the air with raw, unfiltered emotion. "You stood by, complacent, as he sought to shatter the sanctity of my friend's life. This is his reckoning, his consequence. Do not stop me!" I shout, my voice an embodiment of the anguish that has festered within me.
Abruptly, a voice I recognize as Aroha's pierces through the haze of fury that envelops me, "Stop!", she screams. Her presence is a beacon of familiarity and reason amidst the tempestuous storm. The sight of her, accompanied by the steady figures of law enforcement, brings a momentary pause to the relentless barrage. I release my grip on Jack's mangled form, allowing his body to slump lifelessly to the unforgiving pavement.
My breath comes in ragged gasps as I stand there, my body trembling from the exertion and the overwhelming surge of emotions that still courses through me. Jack's face is a grotesque canvas of destruction, his eyes mere slivers amidst the contorted mass of flesh and blood. As my gaze locks onto Aroha's, a tumult of conflicting emotions floods my senses. Guilt washes over me like a tidal wave, threatening to consume all reason.
Aroha's tentative steps draw her closer, her outstretched arms an invitation for solace. The embrace we share is a mixture of relief, grief, and a profound sense of closure. Her words, soft and soothing, wrap around me like a lifeline. "It's over now. He can't hurt us anymore," she murmurs, her voice a balm to the wounds that run deep. Doubt lingers, a shadow in the recesses of my mind, but her presence reassures me that this dark chapter has reached its conclusion. Jack's reign of terror has been extinguished, and though the path taken may be questionable, the grip of fear he held over us has been shattered forever.
Quest 1: Bully Takedown (COMPLETED)
Congratulations! You have absolutely destroyed Jack, and
protected Aroha. But at what cost?
Rewards:
1500 points (BONUS ACHIEVED)
Tips:
In my personal opinion, be a bit less violent. He was a terrible
person, but immoral ways of acting on justice are still immoral.