- Missing Persons?

Weng huffed, a small cloud of breath misting in the cool morning air as he cradled his warm tea. He enjoyed his tea on the balcony; it was Frizz's usual tea drinking spot. However, since he wasn't present, he took his place. He spread his legs and sank on the chair as the early sunlight's warmth made him sleepy.

The view was stunning. To the far left, the ocean stretched out, a shimmering expanse dotted with tiny, almost indistinguishable boats. To the far right, the sprawling, busy city pulsed with early morning activity. Both views were equally captivating to Weng, and he exhaled contentedly, taking another sip of his tea.

"Why was he so selfish with this view?" Weng muttered, cracking his neck with a soft pop. "Tea is best enjoyed with others," he added with a yawn, still feeling the pull of sleep.

From below, Weng could hear his father moving about, talking to his younger brother. Unlike his father, Weng wasn't worried about Frizz. (He's probably just with Shane at the computer shop), Weng thought, as he sipped his tea again.

The shuffling of his father below kept interrupting Weng's relaxation; Frizz rarely shared his spot. Weng had protested to his father countless times, but being the eldest meant accommodating to his younger siblings.

"DAD!" Weng yelled, his voice echoing slightly. "STOP WORRYING ABOUT HIM, HE'LL PROBABLY BE HOME IN A FEW HOURS." His protest went unheeded, his father simply continuing his loud pacing below.

"Tsk." Weng clicked his tongue in annoyance, pulled out his phone and headset. He preferred not to listen to music this early, but anything was better than the distracting noises. He tapped on a popular pop song from 2011, put in his headset, and closed his eyes. "Ahhhhhhh~." He relaxed into the chair.

The early sun's rays struck the upper window of a small, nondescript building, reflecting onto an unconscious figure, tightly bound to a chair. The air shimmered from the reflected light and the swirl of dust particles. The figure's upper body, marred with bruises and cuts, was slumped forward as they slept, naked from the waist up.

The sun's warmth slowly roused the figure. Their eyes fluttered, vision gradually clearing. They shifted their gaze towards the window. (It's morning…)

"Still here." Frizz groaned as he straightened his figure and tried to stand up. (The ropes have loosened up a little. Just a little bit more and I will be out of here.) He glanced around; four men were still keeping watch, their eyes heavy with fatigue.

Frizz sighed and rested his head back against the chair. The effects of last night's 'questioning' almost made him give up. He groaned and winced in fear as he recalled his kidnappers ruthlessness. They tested his durability, his powers, and his limits. 

The masked men struck him in his arms, legs, face, chest, and stomach. Frizz could remember the awe on that scarred man's face. (It was like, I was a new unusual toy.)

Frizz let them hear what they wanted to hear; that the reason for attacking Baron was a test of his strength. They kept asking about the source of his power, but he lied, telling them that they just manifested one day and they believed it.

Then the torture, after a few hours, stopped. (I don't know why they stopped, but I am sure they have plans for me. I need to get out.)

The sound of a shaky exhalation echoed through the building. Frizz was exhausted and terrified. (Deep breaths, come on, deep breaths.) He mentally chanted to calm himself.

(I should mix my perks. While I have the time.) Frizz decided what his next course of action was. (Please give me additional effects, please.) He mentally pleaded, while his whole body shook.

"System, show me my list of perks."

[System]

Perks: [Serene Life], [Righteous Fury], [Reckless Approach], [Gluttonous Approach], [Telekinesis], [Alcoholic Advantage], [Peak Physicality], [Force Field], [Mark of Decrepitude], [Fast Healer], [Pain Suppression]

"System, combine Fast Healer and Pain Suppression," Frizz whispered in a very low voice. (Please, an additional effect, please.)

[System] Sacrifice a perk to guarantee additional effects?

"Frick, you can do that? Why didn't you tell me!?" Frizz seethed as he gritted his teeth. "Fine, fine, take reckless approach."

[System]

Sacrificing [Reckless Approach], additional effects guaranteed for the next three combinations.

"Good..." Frizz said as he realized something. (My Serene Life perk should reduce some of this stress and fear, thank god I have that.) A single tear fell as he exhaled in relief.

[System]

Combining [Fast Healer] and [Pain Suppression]

Results: [Iron Will]

Displaying descriptions: The perk-user passively regenerates from wounds, injuries, and afflictions at an accelerated rate. Serious conditions, like fractures or lacerations, may need medical attention but heal slightly better and faster. The perk-user has a moderately heightened pain tolerance.

While injured, the user's healing rate increases moderately.

(YES!) Frizz exclaimed as he grinned at the description. (Even though it required a sacrifice, it is still a good!)

Frizz straightened his posture and scanned his body; the pain and bruises were still there, yet he could feel a slight, vague improvement. (It's taking effect, but even then it's a bit slow.) He mused as he stared at his half-naked body.

"What do you think he's being giddy about?" one of the kidnappers asked, his hand caressing the bandaged wound on his right thigh.

"Lost his mind because of the torture or the pain?" The other kidnapper replied, slouched against a barrel, sitting on the floor.

"I… don't think that's it. But be on guard and aim your gun at him," the injured kidnapper said, removing his hand from his thigh to point at their captive.

"Dude, you do it. Ever tried holding and aiming a gun for so long? It hurts," the other kidnapper complained.

The injured kidnapper, limping heavily, favoring his left leg, since he got injured in a fight with Frizz said, "Put these barrels in front of you, place your gun, and position it to aim at him". He pulled a heavy barrel towards himself.

"Oh right, so I don't have to hold it then." The other kidnapper agreed and turned to the other two guards. "Hey you two, if you're tired, just put these barrels in front of you and rest your guns there. That way, you won't have to hold it," he suggested. The two guards agreed immediately.

"Hey you! No fucking funny business," the injured kidnapper threatened, his voice rough. "We'll shoot you if you don't behave."

(Shit, they're on their guard.) Frizz cursed. (In a few moments, that scarred man will be back.) He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.

Frizz refocused on the task at hand: to combine his perks. Then suddenly an idea formed in his head. (Can I combine an already combined perk?) He paused, thinking for a moment. (Let's try it later after this combination.)

"System, combine telekinesis and force field," Frizz whispered.

[System]

Combining [Telekinesis] and [Force Field]

Results: [Telekinetic Shield]

Displaying descriptions: The perk-user gains the ability to create a telekinetic force field around their body that repels incoming damage up to a set threshold. While the shield is active, the user can also repel or attract objects weighing up to 10 kg within a 20-foot radius. Once the shield breaks, it will regenerate after 1 hour of rest.

When the force field is broken, the shattered energy releases a telekinetic wave, pushing back all entities and objects within a 10-foot radius.

(YES! YES! Thank you system, thank you!) Frizz thanked his system; he could barely hold his excitement anymore. 

"See? I told you he was going crazy," a kidnapper remarked, leaning on a barrel, his gun perched on top.

"No, that's not it," the other kidnapper replied. Uneasiness settled over him. He was sure that their hostage was planning something. "Hey you, stay still and don't fucking do anything!" The uneasy kidnapper yelled, his voice slightly cracked with tension. "How many times do I have to fucking tell you, fucking r*****."

Frizz heeded the threat; lowering his head and keeping still. (Just you wait, I am going to combine and create an even better perk.) He whispered as he growled and focused his eyes on the system's notification.

(So, I have to activate my force field to use telekinesis?) Frizz paused, and he scrutinized his new perk. (The force field is no longer passive too; I have to activate it.)

(My forcefield has to be activated, but no where did it say it will expire.)

"Force field." A familiar feeling engulfed Frizz; it was his force field shielding him. (Not having a force field feels naked.)

Frizz eyed a small pebble, just behind the two kidnappers. He willed the it to move, and it shifted, causing a small smile to form on his face. His new perk was active.

(Okay, now for the main event.) Frizz declared he was going to try something new.

"System, list of perks now."

[System]

Perks: [Serene Life], [Righteous Fury], [Gluttonous Approach], [Telekinetic Shield], [Alcoholic Advantage], [Peak Physicality], [Mark of Decrepitude], [Iron Will]

"The list has gotten smaller, but that's no big issue," Frizz whispered as he glared at the four guards.

"I will break every single bone you assholes have, then rip out your dicks."