New skill

In the midst of Arjun's escalating anger, the mention of Manish triggered a surge of memories. The weight of past humiliations pressed on him, and he confronted Manish with a fiery glare.

"Manish," Arjun spat the name with controlled intensity, "I've had enough of your unnecessary taunts. I don't have time for your nonsense."

As Arjun spoke, a quiet determination filled his voice, reflecting the resilience gained from his daily routines in the Phoenix system. His gaze remained fixed on Manish, betraying a newfound strength that transcended the physical.

Sensing the tension, a boy named Aryan, who had observed the confrontation, stepped forward. With a firm grip on Manish's shoulder, Aryan intervened, applying pressure to emphasize his point.

"How dare you speak in such a loud and disrespectful manner in front of me?" Aryan's voice carried an edge of authority. "You're the one acting like a mental patient, hurling baseless insults. Arjun is done tolerating your nonsense."

Manish, now physically restrained, sneered defiantly. "You're defending this fool? His parents must be crazier than him to let him roam around."

The tension in the air thickened as Arjun's anger simmered beneath the surface. Aryan, maintaining his grip on Manish's shoulder, retorted, "Enough, Manish. Your words are crossing the line. Apologize, or things will escalate."

The market crowd, initially indifferent to the confrontation, began to take notice. A palpable hush fell over the immediate vicinity as the standoff continued.

As the boys accompanying Manish laughed, convinced that Arjun's words were mere empty threats, a subtle transformation occurred. The familiar blue screen of the Phoenix system morphed into an ethereal window visible only to Arjun.

A triumphant smile played on Arjun's lips, concealed from the external observers. Only he could perceive the window, a clandestine connection to a power beyond their comprehension.

While the boys, including Manish, exchanged puzzled glances, Arjun seized the moment. In the privacy of this unseen interface, he contemplated his next move, guided by the unique insights offered by the Phoenix system.

The sudden shift in Arjun's demeanor caught the boys off guard. Confusion replaced their laughter as they attempted to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. Manish, in particular, struggled to recall what had transpired, a fleeting memory slipping through his mind.

Unbeknownst to them, Arjun, fueled by a blend of newfound confidence and the enigmatic capabilities of the Phoenix system, prepared to challenge the status quo. The invisible window became a gateway to unforeseen possibilities, setting the stage for a twist in the confrontation that even Arjun's adversaries couldn't foresee.

As the boys continued their laughter, Arjun harnessed the energy coursing through him. In a swift, unexpected motion, his right fist propelled forward, connecting with a powerful punch squarely on Manish's jaw. The impact echoed through the market, reverberating like a sudden thunderclap.

Manish's eyes widened in shock as the force of the blow sent him reeling backward. Time seemed to momentarily freeze before Manish crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The laughter of his companions evaporated into stunned silence.

Arjun, fueled by a surge of adrenaline, didn't linger. In one fluid motion, he pivoted away from the scene, seamlessly disappearing into the ebb and flow of the market crowd. The onlookers, including the boys who had accompanied Manish, were left agape, grappling with the abrupt turn of events.

The invisible window from the Phoenix system lingered for a moment, a silent witness to Arjun's decisive action. As the echoes of the punch subsided, the market resumed its bustling activity, with no trace of Arjun in sight.

In that brief, intense encounter, Arjun had not only asserted himself physically but also tapped into the mysterious strength bestowed upon him by the Phoenix system. As he vanished into the anonymity of the market, the aftermath of his actions lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the previously taunting crowd.

As Arjun arrived home, the digital hum of the Phoenix system resonated in the quietude of his room. A subtle glow emanated from the blue screen, signaling a reward for the unexpected challenge faced in the market. With a sense of anticipation, Arjun accessed the Phoenix interface to discover the outcome of his impromptu encounter.

The reward materialized on the screen – 100 experience points. Phoenix, in its robotic voice, praised Arjun's swift and decisive actions in handling the challenge. As the numbers flickered, Arjun's cumulative experience points rose to 300, a testament to his evolving capabilities within the Phoenix program.

In addition to the experience points, a new revelation awaited Arjun. The screen displayed a notification: "New Skill Unlocked – Inspector Skill." A wave of curiosity enveloped him as he delved into the details of this newfound ability, contemplating the ways it might further enhance his journey within the Phoenix system.

The unexpected reward served as a reminder that every challenge presented an opportunity for growth. As Arjun pondered the implications of his latest accomplishment, the enigmatic nature of the Phoenix system continued to unveil itself, offering both challenges and rewards in this transformative journey.

Arjun, intrigued by the newly acquired Inspector Skill, directed his inquiry towards the luminous blue screen of the Phoenix system. "Phoenix, what exactly can the Inspector Skill do?"

The robotic voice responded, "Master Inspector skill is a versatile ability. It allows you to discern detailed information about both living and non-living entities. You can uncover various aspects of the person or object in front of you, gaining insights that go beyond the surface. It's a tool for thorough examination and understanding."

As Arjun diligently leveled up, accumulating experience points and reaching Level 4, he noted a persistent absence in his skill set. The parameters for Strength, Stamina, Intelligence, Agility, and Sense remained static, a reminder that their progression was slated for Level 5.

With a discerning awareness, Arjun acknowledged the incremental nature of his growth within the Phoenix system. The anticipation of unlocking these attributes added a layer of motivation to his daily routines, fueling his commitment to the disciplined regimen set by the program.

As he faced the challenges and revelations along the way, Arjun understood that the journey within the Phoenix system held its own timeline. Level 5 loomed as a milestone, promising a deeper understanding of his evolving abilities. The current limitations only served to heighten the anticipation for the untapped potential waiting to be unveiled in the chapters that lay ahead.

End of the chapter