Chapter 2: New powers:Unlocking the system

Pain. Again.

Seriously, how many times do I have to get my ass kicked before life gives me a break?

Liana and I had barely made it out of that alley before the gang leader—Scarface, let's call him—caught up to us. Turns out getting blasted into a wall wasn't enough to keep him down.

My body was still weak, my legs wobbling like a newborn deer, but something inside me buzzed with energy. That last burst of magic? It wasn't a fluke. I could feel it, faint but real. And now, I had no choice but to use it.

Scarface cracked his knuckles, glaring at me like I'd personally insulted his mother. "You made a big mistake, kid. Should've just stayed down."

I exhaled slowly, steadying myself. My heart pounded. Every instinct screamed at me to run. But I knew I couldn't.

Not anymore.

I had already died once. I wasn't about to do it again.

Scarface lunged, fast for someone his size. I barely dodged, rolling to the side, but my movements were sluggish. He turned, swinging a fist like a wrecking ball.

I raised my arms to block—bad idea.

CRACK!

Pain shot through my forearm. He was strong. Too strong for this frail body. I stumbled back, cursing.

"Still standing? Impressive." Scarface smirked. "But it won't matter."

Liana pulled out a small knife, stepping forward, but I raised a hand. "Stay back," I gritted out. "He's mine."

Was that confidence? Or stupidity? Hard to tell.

Scarface sneered. "Oh? Big talk from a guy who looks like he'll pass out if I blow on him."

I clenched my fists, ignoring the pain. The power inside me flickered again, a tiny ember waiting to ignite.

Come on. I need more.

He charged. I moved. This time, I wasn't just dodging—I was reacting.

A sharp pulse ran through my veins, my vision sharpening. Time seemed to slow. I sidestepped at the last second, twisting my body just enough—

BAM!

Scarface's own momentum sent him stumbling past me.

'Now!'

I spun, driving my elbow into the back of his head with everything I had. He grunted, staggering forward. He turned, eyes burning with rage.

I barely had time to react before he swung again.

I ducked, felt the air shift above me as his fist narrowly missed. This time, I didn't back away. I stepped in close, driving my knee into his stomach.

Scarface coughed, spitting blood. But he wasn't down yet.

Damn it. Need more power. Need—

Something clicked inside me. A sudden surge of heat, like fire spreading through my body. My skin tingled. My muscles felt lighter. And then—

[System Awakening… Loading…]

Wait, what?

A voice echoed in my mind. A mechanical, yet oddly expressive voice.

[Welcome, user! Congratulations! You've unlocked the Ultimate Growth System™—patent pending!]

What the hell—

[Analyzing current situation… Ah. You are about to get your face rearranged. Again. How disappointing. Would you like some help?]

Before I could even process that, Scarface roared and charged. I barely dodged, but his fist clipped my shoulder. Pain shot through me.

[Ouch. That looked like it hurt. Would you like a tutorial? No? Too bad. Here's a buff.]

A strange warmth spread through my limbs.

[Temporary Skill Activated: Adrenaline Rush! Boosts strength and speed for 10 seconds! Try not to waste it, champ!]

My body reacted before I could even think. Everything felt sharper, faster.

Scarface swung. This time, I didn't just dodge—I countered.

I grabbed his arm, twisting it at an unnatural angle. He howled in pain. Before he could break free, I slammed my knee into his ribs. Then another. And another.

He stumbled back, gasping. I didn't let up. I pivoted, launching a kick straight into his chest. The impact sent him crashing into a pile of crates.

Liana whistled. "Okay, that was kinda cool."

Scarface groaned, trying to rise—but his body gave out. He slumped, unconscious.

I exhaled, my heartbeat still racing. Then, I collapsed to one knee. My whole body ached. Blood trickled down my arm where he'd clipped me.

[Oh wow, look at you. First fight and you're already bleeding like a dramatic anime protagonist. Nice.]

I groaned. "Shut up."

[No can do, buddy. I'm here to stay! Get used to my charming presence.]

"Who… what are you?"

[The Ultimate Growth System™! Your personal guide to not dying like a pathetic weakling! Aren't you excited?]

I blinked. "No?"

[Too bad! Because you've already bonded with me! Now, let's get started with the basics. You currently suck at everything. Your stats are terrible, and honestly, it's a miracle you survived this long. But don't worry! With my help, you'll be slightly less pathetic in no time!]

"…Great."

Liana walked up to me, eyeing Scarface's unconscious form. "You okay?"

"No idea," I admitted. "I think I just unlocked something weird."

[Weird?! EXCUSE ME? I am an advanced system designed to turn losers into legends! Show some respect!]

I sighed. "Yeah. Definitely weird."

Liana raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. "Well, whatever it is, it saved your ass."

I glanced at Scarface. "Yeah. But I need to get stronger."

[Finally, something smart! Don't worry, kid. With me guiding you, you'll go from 'pathetic street rat' to 'semi-decent human' in no time!]

"…I feel so encouraged."

[You should! Now, first lesson—maybe don't get punched so much next time?]

I sighed. This was going to be a long journey. But one thing was clear—

I wasn't alone anymore.