Vince stepped out of the Personal Training Space, his body aching from the weeks of intense training. It had been four weeks in real-time, but within the time-dilated space, nearly a year had passed. The world around him felt different now. His senses sharper, his strength immeasurably greater. He took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs, grounding himself in the reality of his transformation.
He opened his status window, a rush of pride and satisfaction washing over him as he saw the results of his efforts. The numbers that greeted him were nothing short of astonishing.
[Status Window Updated]
[Character Stats]
Strength (STR): 150 (+6)
Agility (AGI): 151 (+6)
Stamina/Endurance (STA/END): 150 (+4)
Vitality/Health (VIT/HP): 150 (+5)
Intelligence (INT): 150
Wisdom (WIS): 150
Luck (LCK): 160 (+1)
Perception (PER): 155 (+4)
Charisma (CHA): 175 (+2)
Dexterity (DEX): 152 (+5)
Spirit (SP): 150 (+3)
Control: 150 (+3)
Reputation/Infamy (Unlocked): 80
[Martial Arts Proficiency]
Lethal Hand-to-Hand Combat: Grandmaster
Weapon-Based Martial Arts: Grandmaster
Counter-Based Defense System: Grandmaster
Situational Awareness (Combat): Expert
Firearm Disarmament and Control: Grandmaster
New Rank: Grandmaster
Description:
This rank lies between Expert and Master, where the character has reached a level where their proficiency is recognized by even the most elite of martial artists and combatants. They have surpassed the normal expectations of an expert but haven't quite reached the flawless level of a master. A Grandmaster is seen as a rare fighter capable of handling almost any opponent with ease, and their reputation alone can instill fear or admiration.
[System Emergency Skills]
Adrenaline Boost
Tactical Evasion
Distraction Creation
[Skill]
Cyber Warfare: Advanced hacking to combat corruption and dismantle enemies.
[Functions Unlocked]
Personal Training Space: A time-dilated dimension where 100 days pass for every 1 week in the real world. Upgradeable.
Personal Space: A vast, upgradeable spatial inventory.
[NEW!] System Points: 2000 (Unlocked)
System Points can be obtained by becoming more powerful or increasing overall stats.
Vince marveled at the drastic increase in his stats. It felt as if every cell in his body had been reprogrammed, forged anew in the crucible of training. The Grandmaster rank now signified a level of skill that was rare even among the world's elite combatants. He could feel the weight of this power settle on his shoulders, but it didn't burden him. Instead, it ignited his ambition, his thirst for justice, and revenge.
His phone buzzed, snapping him from his thoughts. His eyes darted to the screen, where he saw 50 missed calls from his mother, Rosa, and sister, Sofia. A sharp pang of worry surged in his chest. Something wasn't right.
With a sense of urgency, he quickly started his car, his mind racing with thoughts of his family. As he drove through the evening streets, his thoughts were consumed by the possible threats facing his loved ones. He couldn't shake the feeling that something dangerous loomed.
The Dark Streets – Ambush
Vince's mind was fixed on his mother and sister when he suddenly sensed a presence—one that made his hair stand on end. He felt the cold air shift around him, the unmistakable scent of danger creeping in. His instincts kicked in, his heart racing as he instinctively slowed the car and veered onto a dimly lit street.
As he rounded the corner, his eyes widened in disbelief. There, standing in the middle of the street, was Miller—the very man who had made his life hell in the past. But Miller wasn't alone. Behind him, standing in formation, were 500 armed thugs, each wielding weapons—katanas, knives, and an array of other lethal tools. The air was thick with the tension of impending violence.
Miller's smirk widened as he saw Vince. "Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal son of Raffaele Barone. You think you've grown strong, huh?" Miller's voice was laced with venom. "There's nothing more satisfying than watching someone like you fall. You've gained a little power, but not enough to save you from this."
Vince's eyes flickered to the mob, his mind calculating their every move. It wasn't the first time he'd been surrounded, but this time, he wasn't the same man. Every fiber of his being screamed with the need to act—this time, he was ready.
Miller chuckled darkly. "Let's see if you're as strong as you think, Barone. Let's see how much of that 'Grandmaster' strength you've really got."
Vince took a deep breath, assessing the situation. The thugs were closing in, but his mind was cool, focused. He had no doubt he could handle them. After all, he had become something more. But the fact that Miller had gathered such an army wasn't a coincidence. There was something bigger at play, something deeper than just a petty grudge.
Before Vince could make his move, a figure from above caught his eye.
A Mysterious Man stood on a nearby rooftop, watching the scene unfold. His presence was almost… otherworldly, an air of power and knowledge radiating from him.
"Well, Miller," the Mysterious Man muttered, his voice barely audible. "You've grown more powerful, but I wonder if you've grown wise enough to handle the consequences of your actions."