In the days that followed, Mathew seamlessly slipped into a new daily routine that energized both his body and mind. Each morning, he rose with the sun, the soft light filtering through his window as he laced up his sneakers, ready to dive into an intense workout that would push his body to earn another point from his absent system.
After his workout was done, he took a refreshing shower and then headed off to school. Once there, Mathew slowly began to connect with his new friends, sharing laughter and crazy stories that made the school day fly by. The afternoon brought the exhilaration of biking home, the wind whipping through his hair as he pedaled through the city of LA.
Once home, he settled into studying with Alex, their shared determination turning study sessions into productive hours filled with focus and their growing friendship. Thanks to her, Mathew's intelligence stats grew quickly, unlike his physical attributes.
As night fell, Mathew dedicated the final hours of his day to honing his boxing skills, pushing his limits. His dedication proved fruitful because he was slowly earning more points for his boxing skills.
There were minor deviations in his routine, such as occasionally hanging out with Jess and others after school or showing Luke a few boxing tricks, with Claire's permission, of course.
After some time, Mathew had become accustomed to the antics of Nick, Schmidt, Winston, Coach, and Jess. He and Cece got along well because she was the most normal of the six. Nevertheless, they were a pretty funny group.
Ever since Mathew helped with the quick magic show, Phil has been showing him a few more of his tricks whenever he has the time. This has helped improve their relationship while also enhancing Mathew's magic skills. Mathew can now perform small tricks, such as misdirection, with a moderate to low chance of success.
Mathew found himself increasingly drawn to the Dunphy household, a place that felt more like a second home as his own parents continued their demanding work schedules, often stretching late into the night. Their careers took precedence, and while Mathew understood their dedication, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness at times. However, he had grown accustomed to this routine and was grateful for the independence it offered him. At the Dunphys, he felt welcomed and appreciated; their vibrant energy made him forget about his solitary evenings.
Mathew shook off the memories that had begun to cloud his thoughts as he pedaled his bike down the sunlit street. The school bell had just rung, signaling the end of another long day, and he was eager to return home. As he navigated the familiar route, his eyes caught something unusual on the pavement ahead.
"The hell?"
Mathew slammed on the brakes of his bicycle, skidding to a halt as a wave of recognition washed over him. There, just a few yards away, was a familiar mop of blonde hair bobbing down a narrow alleyway. She was flanked by four older guys, their faces hardened and tense, etched with an unsettling mix of disdain and aggression. "Natalia?"
••o••o••o••
Natalia surveyed her surroundings with a composed and unwavering gaze. The air was thick with tension as she noted the four teenage boys standing behind her, slightly older by a year or two. Her focus shifted to the figure in front of her, perched precariously on a worn trash bin — Roger.
At eighteen, he bore the marks of a recent struggle, his brown hair tousled, and his face marred by an array of bruises. To his left stood Chase, a striking contrast with his short black hair, his expression hardened by the pain of a split lip that added an edge to his tough demeanor.
"How long did you think you could run?" Roger glared at Natalia with a scowl. "I told you. I always get even."
"Even?" Natalia scoffed, her disdain evident as she gestured emphatically around the dilapidated alley. The crumbling brick walls of the old hardware store loomed behind them. Now, only a few shattered windows and peeling paint remained. The air was thick with the smell of rust. "You drag me back here using these four idiots to… what? So we can hold hands and sing kumbaya?"
"Hey, Roger. Lemme shut this slut up." One of the four teenagers, Drake, said with anger. He didn't appreciate being called an idiot.
"Ooh~ how scary. Tell me, dick sucker. Do you feel like a man ganging up on a girl half a foot shorter than you?" Natalia mocked Drake with a mocking smile. "Well? Do you?"
"Bitch!"
Before Drake could run up to Natalia, Roger kicked the trash bin he sat on away. Stopping Drake in his tracks. "Shut the fuck up! Otherwise, I'll kick your ass!" Roger yelled at Mason.
Drake froze but quickly nodded. Natalia eyed Roger and her surroundings warily. The only way out is the way we came in. Fucker thought of everything. She thought.
Roger walked toward Natalia, Chase trailing behind him, his hands clenched tightly into fists. "You thought you could just disrespect me like that? Huh?! You think you can just ruin my reputation and get away with it?"
"I don't know. How much respect do I have to give a guy who still lives with his crack-selling bum of a father." Natalia chuckled.
Immediately, Roger saw red and lunged at Natalia with a punch. Natalia immediately bent her knees and raised her arms. Moving to the right, she sidestepped Roger's punch. With a twist of her hips, Natalia landed a sharp punch onto the side of Roger's ribs.
Wow! Mathew watched with surprise as Natalia landed two more punches onto Roger's face, causing him to stumble back. She can box! Mathew thought.
[A new Event is available!]
Seriously? Now?! Mathew thought as he looked away from the fight.
[Event: Six vs. One]
[Task: Natalia is up against several foes. Help her even the odds and win the fight.]
[Reward: (x1) Mystery Box]
[Failure: Natalia will end up in a coma.]
What?!