The city was bustling with life as Dave walked down the streets, his headphones drowning out the ambient noise while his mind raced with thoughts about The Infinite Possibility System. The idea of ranking up through combat had stuck with him ever since the system revealed that the only way to progress was by fighting enemies. But there was one big problem: where exactly was he supposed to find these enemies? And what kind of enemies was the system talking about?
Were they regular street thugs? Hidden powerful fighters? Maybe some underground fight club lurking beneath the city's ordinary façade? The possibilities seemed endless, but none were clear. One thing was certain: sitting around and waiting for a fight to come to him wasn't an option.
"Alright, system," Dave muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Do you have any idea where I can find someone to fight?"
For a moment, the system remained silent, and Dave wondered if it would respond at all. But then, a notification flashed before his eyes.
Initiating Battle Mode: Locate an enemy within a 2-mile radius. Proceed with caution.
Dave's pulse quickened. His heart rate spiked as adrenaline surged through his veins, and a strange tingling sensation spread through his body. He could feel something nearby—something dark, almost predatory. The system had awakened his senses, allowing him to detect a presence in the city that he hadn't noticed before. It was distant but well within the 2-mile radius the system mentioned.
He started walking, his feet carrying him toward the source of this strange energy. The further he went, the stronger the feeling became, intensifying with each step. It was as though he was walking toward danger, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. But he couldn't stop now. If he wanted to get stronger, this was the only way.
The streets became quieter as Dave moved deeper into the city, leaving behind the bustling crowds and entering a more isolated area. Eventually, he found himself standing at the mouth of an alleyway. The air felt thick here, almost oppressive. A single figure stood at the far end, shrouded in shadows, exuding an aura of hostility.
Enemy detected: Rank F. Proceed with caution.
Dave's heart pounded in his chest. This was it. His first real fight. He wasn't sure what to expect—whether the enemy was human or something else entirely—but there was no turning back now.
The figure stepped forward, revealing himself. He looked human enough—tall, lanky, with wild eyes and a smirk that dripped with malice. His clothes were ragged, and his stance was unsteady, but the aura he gave off was unmistakably dangerous.
"Well, well," the man sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "What do we have here? Another fool thinking they can challenge me?"
Dave didn't respond. Instead, he focused, activating his recently acquired skill, Shadow Step. He slipped into the shadows, moving silently as the man's eyes narrowed, scanning the area. Dave tried to position himself behind his opponent, his heart pounding in his ears.
But just as he was about to strike, the man turned around with lightning speed, faster than Dave had anticipated. A long, jagged knife appeared in his hand, and he swung it wildly through the air. Dave barely managed to dodge, but the blade nicked his arm, drawing blood.
"You can't hide from me!" the man shouted, lunging forward again. Dave jumped back, narrowly avoiding another slash. His heart raced as he clutched his arm, blood seeping through his fingers. The pain was sharp, but it also grounded him. He couldn't lose focus now.
The man laughed, his voice grating against Dave's nerves. "You're nothing. Just a weakling trying to play hero."
Dave gritted his teeth. The fight was tougher than he'd expected, but backing down wasn't an option. He had to win if he wanted to grow stronger.
Another notification pinged in his mind.
Tip: Use your environment. The more creative, the better your chances.
Dave scanned the alley, his eyes locking onto a stack of crates a few feet away. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward them, leaping onto the top. The man charged after him, knife in hand, but Dave was already in motion. He kicked the crates down with all his strength, sending them crashing into the man. The force of the collapse knocked him off balance, giving Dave the opening he needed.
With a burst of energy, Dave lunged forward, driving his fist into the man's gut. The blow landed solidly, and the man stumbled back, gasping for air.
"I'm not just playing hero," Dave said, his voice steady. "I'm going to win."
The man's expression twisted with fury. "You think a lucky shot will save you?" he growled. He rushed forward once more, slashing wildly with the knife. But this time, Dave was ready.
He ducked beneath the attack and spun around, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to the man's head. The impact was solid, and the man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Enemy defeated. Reward: 3 system points.
Dave stood there for a moment, panting, his breath coming in sharp bursts. The fight had been quick but intense. His body ached from the effort, and his arm throbbed where the knife had cut him, but a wave of exhilaration washed over him. He had done it. His first real fight—and he had won.
Another notification appeared before his eyes.
Your first victory. Well done. Continue to seek out enemies to increase your rank and gain more power.
Dave wiped the sweat from his brow, staring down at his unconscious opponent. He felt a sense of accomplishment, but it was mixed with something deeper. The thrill of combat had ignited something within him—a hunger for more.
This was just the beginning. There were more enemies out there, stronger ones, and Dave knew that if he wanted to reach the next level, he'd have to face them. He glanced at the system's shop, the higher-tier skills still far out of reach. But now, they didn't seem so impossible. He was on the right path, and with each battle, he'd get closer to unlocking the system's full potential.
He turned away from the alley, his mind buzzing with thoughts of his next move. He needed more power, more experience. And he'd find it, no matter where the system led him next.
As he walked back into the bustling city streets, the noise and chaos of the world around him seemed to fade into the background. All that mattered now was the fight—and the endless possibilities that lay ahead.