The young man instantly snapped around, surprised by the abrupt voice, and aimed the pistol at the person behind him. *Thud!* However, his left arm was sliced off, replaced with the sight of a bleeding severed limb and a widely grinning woman.
"AHHH!" The young ambitious man bellowed in pain as his head was severed, sending it flying and landing it in front of Frizz.
"Sir Chudo!" The last remaining henchman cried out, cutting shortly as a blade pierced his neck, rendering him immobile. His bowels were relieved, wetting and staining the ground. Nathaniel Macaraeg's figure materialized behind, dispelling his invisibility.
Nathaniel sighed with nonchalance; the act of killing was nothing new. Divine Hesoyam Rosa trailed behind, wiping the blood away from her steel sword.
Frizz stared in horror; two people died in front of him, and their killers attitude were callous and casual. Their expressions made killing a mundane task rather than a serious crime.
"M-m-mama.... this is a d-dream...mama..." The severed head weakly muttered, grasping for air and denying the current reality.
Frizz recoiled, unable to stomach the sight of gore and promptly vomited. "W-what is wrong with you people? Why did you kill them?"
"That no-killing rule does more harm than good, especially when it comes to us levelers," Divine interjected, replying harshly. "You really need to steel yourself and strengthen your nerves."
"Killing isn't that hard," Nathaniel added, annoyingly wiping away the stomped fecal matter on his shoes. "Shit, stepped in poop again."
"Besides, it's good experience." The two added in perfect unison that killing was a perfect way to level up, causing Frizz to feel uneasy.
(These two are dangerous; I can't be with them.)
[System]
New Name is now level 18.
Select a perk: [Righteous Fury II], [Tracking], [Memorization], [Pilot], [Adrenaline Rush].
"Adrenaline Rush sounds good," Frizz selected, rushing toward his restrained family and freeing them.
[System]
New Name received: [Adrenaline Rush]
Displaying descriptions:When the skill
"Weng, Ryan, are you both okay?" Frizz asked, checking them for injuries. "Dad? You?" He turned to his dad, coughing.
[System]
Fighter perk acquired: [✬Unflinching✬]
Description:Each debuffs and affliction slightly boosts the perk user's physical prowess. This stacks limitlessly.
Fighter skill acquired:
Description:Moderately increases defense, toughening the skin and muscles for eight seconds. (10)
"Frizz, who are these people? Why were they looking for you? What did you do? Are you some part of a gang?" His father asked, voice shaky. "We didn't raise you to be like this," his father said, stuttering and almost weeping.
Weng looked away, spotting his numerous unconscious kidnappers and a slightly tilted warehouse. "Frizz, did you do all this?" he said, stretching his hand.
Ryan vomited, unable to deal with the stress.
Frizz sighed, unable to look them straight in the eye. He crouched, extending his arms to his youngest sibling. "It's okay, Ryan."
[Soothing Hands II] perk is active.
"Dad, I am not part of some sort of gang. I just had a bad encounter with these people."
"How does that warrant them to kidnap us? Did you buy drugs from them? Did you not pay them?" His father probed. "How did you do all this? I've heard gunshots, but you're not even harmed!"
Frizz exhaled, contemplating whether to reveal the nature of his abilities or keep them in the dark. He sighed, unable to come to a decision. (Goddamnit.)
Divine noticed his difficulties and approached, thinking of a previous offer. "We can help you, you know." Frizz turned to Divine, sporting a fitting tank top, short skirt, and a steel sword on her shoulders.
"If you agree to join us, we can make them forget everything."
Frizz raised a brow, slightly considering the offer. "We even took the liberty to fix your house, making it seem like nothing ever happened," she said, extending an arm to the kneeling Frizz.
"You can't protect them all by yourself; the consequences of your actions almost cost them their lives." Divine smiled softly, trying to convey a sense of understanding. "If we weren't here, things would've gone worse."
"Hei's offer still stands. He can protect your family like he did with ours."
"AH!" Nathaniel from afar exclaimed; he was searching the bodies for loot. "It's an iPhone! The latest version too!"
Divine's face soured, clicking her tongue. "Damn it."
Weng stepped forward, slightly agitated. "What do you mean, forget ? Who are you, woman!?" he said as his father also approached her. "Did you bring my son into this mess?"
Divine chuckled, waving her hand. "No, no. Rather, your son brought this trouble to himself, and we assisted him. Now, he has a chance for us to clean his mess."
"Well, Frizz?" Divine offered her hand, waiting for Frizz to take it.
"Frizz, what's she talking about? Who is this woman? What mess did you insert yourself in?" His father asked, raising his voice.
Frizz approached Divine, taking her warm hand. "Yes..." he agreed, meekly.
"A good choice." A familiar voice said up above, a floating eyeball observing everything from the start.
One hour later...
*Tssh!* The sound of meat dipped in heavy oil emanated across the kitchen; the aroma was attracting and titillating. It had the right amount of spices.
*Tssh!* Another sizzle, this time, an egg on the other side of the stove.
"Breakfast will be ready soon," Frizz's father stated, quickly pacing around the kitchen. "I can't believe we all woke up late."
"Is it ready yet?" Ryan asked, growing impatient; he was going to be late for school. "I have to go early; we have a basketball game today," he said, tapping at the dining table.
"Be patient, Ry!" Weng snapped, reading the news on his tablet and sipping his coffee. "Just go eat some bread and then go."
Their father clinked their spatula in protest. "Don't talk to your little brother like that."
Frizz sat at the furthest section of the dining table, slightly away from his family. He observed their actions; a slight pang on his chest persisted—guilt. (It's like nothing happened...)
(I wonder what happened to those kidnapper goons; did those two kill them?) He thought, scratching his head. (I actually wanted to loot them too, but they were too quick, like vultures.)
He sipped his tea, noticing his older brother, Weng, glancing at him, but shrugged it off. (I really hope they can handle it; that floating eyeball assured me that those two are experts.)
Frizz crossed his hands, deep in contemplation. (I took their offer out of haste; I don't want to drag my family into the mess that I've made. Weng knowing was already enough.)
He glanced at his family again; the thought of them getting it was enough to motivate him to work harder. However, he couldn't fully utilize his emotions due to it being suppressed shortly.
(My perks clear my mind, ease my stress, and allow me to see things through calmer senses. However, it seems like I am becoming detached.)
"Your favorite, fried pork chops and eggs." His father placed down a plate of salivating greasy pork chops and two fried eggs resting atop it.
The yolk glowed brightly as the fried meal softly sizzled, the aroma wafting through the kitchen. Frizz began to enjoy his meal, temporarily putting away his thoughts.
Five hours later...
The convenience store was bustling with students, perusing for light snacks. Frizz was behind the counter, smiling as he punched their orders. It was a busy day for the store.
Mina stole several glances, looking for a way to converse with him but couldn't find the right moment. Yani mopped the floors, also stealing several glances; she wanted a dialogue.
Frizz felt exhausted beneath, unsure of what the future might hold for him since he accepted to join the organization. (Only I can level up... what a pipe dream.)
One hour later...
Frizz checked his watch; it was exactly 1:00 pm; the convenience store was no longer busy. There was enough time to keep himself occupied, to think.
Yani approached him, shifting around. "Hey, Frizz... can we talk?"
"Hmm, yeah?"
"It's a bit important," Yani added, growing restless and rubbing her hands together. "Don't be too surprised, okay?" she said shyly.
Frizz furrowed his brows, his interest piqued. "Okay? What is it?"
Yani instantly crouched beneath the counter, surprising Frizz since her head was near his crotch area.
(I don't want any hawk tuah! She's not even of age yet!) "What are you doing!?"
Yani smiled, placing a hand in front of her, and a small flame flickered on her fingertips. "I can do what you can do. I can level up!" Yani declared, grinning widely, awaiting his reaction.
Frizz stared with wide eyes, almost bulging; he didn't expect this development. He didn't expect Yani, of all people, to level up too.
Several dozen questions wracked his brain.
(She can level up? What's her class? Her perks? Her talents? How did she level up? Was it because of me? What are her objectives? Is there a party system?)
Yani was still grinning widely, her clean, perfect teeth in full display. "We can be together now!"
Frizz scowled. A single phrase kept echoing. (Only I can level up? What a funny joke.)