Resolve

In the year 2150, mysterious towers had appeared all over the world, their origins shrouded in enigma. Accompanying these towers were monstrous creatures and intricate dungeons, the monsters categorized from G-rank to ???, the unknown denoted by the absence of any known creatures except the reaper wolves.

People worldwide had awakened formidable abilities, each unique to the individual. However, the protagonist of our story, Davy, found himself lagging behind. While others manifested potent powers, he received a peculiar system. Was this an unforeseen blessing or a malevolent curse?

  He strode purposefully toward Suzy's location, dispatching numerous reaper wolves along his way, his prowess elevating him to level 3.

"System," He inquired while collecting a monster core, "how are people ranked? Surely, I'm not the sole one blessed with these abilities."

"People are primarily ranked by levels," the system explained. "For instance, Master, you are at level 3, making you stronger than those beneath you. However, there's more to it. There's combat ability [CA]—Master's CA is 130. So, even if someone is level 4 but their CA is lower than yours, you stand a chance, though it doesn't account for raw fighting skills and experience."

He scratched his head in bewilderment. "It sounds intricate. And what about the points I've gained and these monster cores?"

"You can utilize points to enhance your stats, essentially a free power boost. As for the monster cores, they can be used to craft weapons or traded for weapons in the 'store,' although you don't have access to it yet."

He winced, his head throbbing from the overload of information. He scanned his surroundings, finding no one in sight.

"Anyway, where is everyone? I haven't encountered a soul since I ventured out."

"My apologies, Master. I neglected to mention that 40% of the global population has been sent into the towers, undergoing trials. Many should emerge eventually."

"You sure know a lot about what's going on, mind telling me why this is happening?" he asked, his frustration evident in his tone.

"I am not permitted to tell you restricted information, master," the system replied in a gentle voice.

"Sigh, how very annoying," his muttered under his breath, his irritation growing.

  He continued walking, his steps purposeful, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. He was on a mission, and nothing was going to distract him. As he moved forward, he encountered a group of monsters. With swift determination, he engaged them, his skills honed from battles past. Now, his tally stood at 150 points and 15 monster cores.

Feeling the weariness settle in, he decided to take a moment's respite. He reached into his backpack, retrieving a chocolate bar and a bottle of water. As he nourished himself, he noticed a peculiar scene unfolding nearby – a school bus, and in front of it, a man subjecting a woman to a horrifying ordeal in the presence of her children.

"What the actual hell am I seeing right now?" His voice resonated with anger, the intensity of his emotions boiling over. He clenched his fists, his jaw tight with rage.

Driven by a surge of adrenaline and fury, he unleashed his intimidation skill, a power gained from defeating reaper wolves. His steps toward the aggressor were slow and deliberate, his eyes blazing with wrath.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING, YOU PISS OFF SHIT?" He roared, his voice echoing through the air.

His intimidation skill, still erratic and uncontrollable, enveloped the area in an ominous shadow. The man, the woman, and even the children were affected, collapsing under the overwhelming pressure of fear.

The man, desperate to escape, attempted to run, but Davy was faster. With precise aim, he shot the man in the leg, arm, and shoulder, rendering him immobile.

"Where do you think you're running off to? I hate annoying things the most, but I hate scumbags like you just as much," He spat, his eyes narrowing with disdain.

"Please forgive me, I made a mistake," the man whimpered, tears streaming down his face and pee wetting his pants, his fear is palpable.

But Davy's expression remained cold and unforgiving. In a world tainted by darkness, he had little patience for those who preyed on the weak and defenseless. With a grim resolve, he raised his weapon, his decision clear.

"Forgive you? Do you have any idea what you just did, and in front of kids nonetheless? I am no saint; I've always had killing intent building up inside me for many years. But now that the world has turned to shit, I don't have to take annoying bullshit from anyone again."

His words hung heavy in the air as he stared down at the man. Without a second thought, he fired a bullet through the man's head, his actions decisive. His gaze then softened as he turned toward the traumatized women and children.

He carefully dressed the women, carrying them, one by one, into the safety of the bus. Locking the door behind them, he addressed them coldly, "It's up to you guys if you want to live or not. I have no obligation to take care of you just because I stepped in."

  "DING, you have gained 5 points."

"Huh, I can get points by killing humans?" He questioned, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Yes, master, and points vary depending on the person or monster. The stronger they are, the more points you will get."

"Awesome. I've delayed it too much. Let's assign these points real quick."

With purpose, he allocated his points - 20 into strength, 20 into agility, 50 into wisdom, and the remaining 65 into magic. Even though he hadn't awakened any magic yet, he was preparing in advance. In this new, dangerous world, one had to be ready for anything.

Hours passed as he walked, his confidence growing with every step. His newfound strength allowed him to effortlessly dispatch any monsters that dared to cross his path. Arriving at Suzy's location using the system, he surveyed the area for any monster around before looking for her. 

"Sheesh, I am awesome, isn't that right, System?" He grinned, his self-assuredness shining through.

"Yes, master, you truly are amazing," the System responded dutifully.

"Hehe, I like you already. Let's go in," He said, his voice filled with determination.

Inside, he searched every room until he found the melted door, his heart sinking. "Why is this door melted shut? There's no way she's in there, right?"

He kicked open the door, revealing a horrifying sight. Suzy lay on the floor, covered in blood, her condition dire. Without hesitation, He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to a nearby room with a bed. He examined her wounds, his concern evident.

"What happened to you to get all these claw marks? Luckily, I gained the healing skill, or things would have been really bad. But my healing is only F-rank; it should be enough to save your life at least."

With gentle hands, he healed her wounds, albeit halfway. He cleaned and dressed her in new clothes, chosen with care while he fetched water.

"Sigh, can't believe I'm going through all this trouble for the girl that dumped me. Perhaps it's because she was my first girlfriend?" He mused, his gaze lingering on her as she slept.

"Umm, sorry to disturb you, master, but an F-rank monster appeared outside," the System interrupted his thoughts.

"F-rank? Can I take it with my current stats?" he asked, his excitement evident.

"Yes, master. F-rank monsters are nothing to the current you."

"Hehe, very well, let's go hunting."