Chapter 4: The System and the Aftermath
Nick staggered slightly, the rush from his sudden victory fading. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, but his mind was eerily calm.
What just happened?
Jason lay groaning on the ground, holding his ribs. His lackeys hesitated, unsure if they should help him or run.
Jain took a cautious step forward. "Nick… bro, what the hell was that? One second you were getting stabbed, the next—BOOM! You're dodging like a pro and kicking ass."
Nick didn't answer. His eyes flickered as a glowing blue screen appeared in front of him.
[Status Window]
Name: Nick
Stage: Not Awakening
Strength: D
Speed: D
Endurance: D
Technique: E+
Intelligence: C
Potential: ???
System Message: Additional features will unlock as you complete quests.
---
Nick swallowed hard. This… this isn't normal.
A system? Like a video game? His stats… they weren't anything crazy, but somehow, he had fought like a completely different person.
Before he could process further, Jason groaned and glared up at him. "This… this isn't over, bastard."
Nick exhaled sharply. "Jason, I already said—stay away from me. And stay away from Sarah."
Jason spat blood on the ground and shot him a look filled with pure hatred. His lackeys helped him up, and without another word, they disappeared into the darkness.
Jain let out a relieved sigh. "Man, I thought we were dead. You seriously turned into some action movie protagonist out of nowhere."
Nick forced a small chuckle, though his mind was elsewhere.
I need to figure out what just happened to me.
The Walk Home
The streets were quiet as Nick and Jain walked toward Nick's house. The air smelled of distant street food, and the dim glow of streetlights cast long shadows.
Jain kept sneaking glances at him. "You're not gonna explain, are you?"
Nick sighed. "I don't even know what to explain."
Jain raised an eyebrow. "Well, you just got stabbed and then started fighting like some martial arts expert. If I didn't see it myself, I'd call bullshit."
Nick remained silent.
Jain smirked. "Fine, keep your secrets, Mr. Mysterious." Then, more seriously, "But hey, I got your back, alright?"
Nick looked at his friend and nodded. "Thanks, Jain."
"Just don't go turning into some villain, alright? I'd rather not have to be the guy that brings you down."
Nick chuckled. "No promises."
Home
Nick quietly opened the door to his house. The lights were dim, and he could hear the faint sound of TV from the living room. His sister, Sarah, was curled up on the couch, half-asleep.
She stirred and blinked at him. "Nick…? Where were you?"
Nick hesitated. He couldn't tell her the full truth. "Just out with Jain. Nothing serious."
Sarah frowned, noticing his bruised face. "You're hurt."
"Just a little fight. Nothing to worry about," he said quickly.
Sarah's expression darkened. "Was it Jason again?"
Nick forced a smile. "Don't worry about it, Sarah. I handled it."
Her eyes searched his, but she didn't press further. "Just… be careful, okay?"
Nick patted her head. "Always."
As he walked to his room, his mind raced.
I need answers.
He closed the door behind him and took a deep breath.
"System," he whispered.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE: Welcome, User. Future quests and challenges will determine your growth. Are you ready?]
Nick clenched his fists.
This is just the beginning.
End of Chapter 4.