Chapter 4 - Saving a Friend

The faint light of dawn crept through the small, barred window of his room, casting long shadows on the worn floorboards. He hadn't slept much, and his mind was too busy replaying the events of the previous night. The box sat on the desk beside his bed, reminding him of the danger they had narrowly escaped and the secrets it held.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his tired eyes as the system's interface flickered into view once again. The new notifications from the night before hovered in the corner of his vision, but he pushed them aside for now. He needed to focus.

His "Observe" skill had proven invaluable so far, but he knew that if he wanted to survive—and perhaps even thrive—in this strange world, he needed to understand the system that had been granted to him more thoroughly. He had spent most of his time honing "Observe," but there was more to this system than just one skill. He had to explore it, experiment with it, and unlock its full potential.

His gaze drifted to the box again, the strange symbol etched into its surface catching the morning light. The curiosity burned within him. He had tried to open it last night but hadn't been able to figure out how. But now, with the quiet of the early morning and no one around to disturb him, he decided to investigate it more closely.

First, though, he needed to check his status. With a thought, he pulled up the system menu.

[Name: Unknown]

[Race: Human (Mutant Powers - Locked)]

[Age: 13]

[Level: 2]

[Experience: 50/200]

[HP: 115/115]

[Stamina: 240/240]

[Strength: 5]

[Agility: 4]

[Endurance: 6]

[Intelligence: 7]

[Charisma: 3]

[Stat Points: 5]

[Skill Points: 1]

[Skills:

- Observe (Level 3): Allows the user to gain insight into the people and objects around them. Higher levels increase the depth and accuracy of the information gained.

- Sneaking (Level 1): Enhances the user's ability to move silently and remain unnoticed. Higher levels reduce noise and increase the likelihood of remaining undetected.]

As he examined his stats, a question popped into his mind. "System," he called out. "How do HP and Stamina work? I see the numbers, but what do they mean, and how are they calculated?"

The system responded with a familiar ping, and another screen materialized before him.

[HP (Health Points): Represents the user's overall vitality and physical well-being. HP is calculated using the following formula: (Endurance * 15) + (Strength * 5). HP determines how much damage you can take before being incapacitated. Your current HP is calculated based on this formula and any external factors such as injuries, status effects, or buffs.]

He raised an eyebrow at the formula. It made sense, considering how endurance and strength were tied to physical health. 

"Okay, and what about Stamina?" he asked, eager to understand how his energy reserves were managed.

[Stamina: Represents the user's ability to perform physical activities, such as running, jumping, or fighting. Stamina is calculated using the following formula: (Endurance * Agility * 10). Higher stamina allows for prolonged activity without becoming exhausted. Stamina regenerates over time, faster when resting and slower during exertion.]

He pondered the equations. His low stats meant his HP and Stamina were both pretty modest right now, but knowing the formulas gave him a roadmap for improvement. His survivability would significantly improve if he increased his endurance, agility, or strength.

He decided to allocate his stat points strategically, knowing that his survival might depend on the right balance. First, he increased Agility by 1, bringing it to 5. This would help with both his movement and Stamina. Next, he added 2 points to Endurance, raising it to 8. This would boost both his HP and Stamina, making him more durable in physical challenges. Lastly, he placed 2 points into Strength, bringing it to 7, enhancing his combat ability and contributing more to his overall HP.

As he distributed the points, a warmth spread through his body, subtle but reassuring. The numbers on the screen weren't just abstract—they had a real impact on his physical abilities.

He then considered the skill point. "Observe" was already at Level 3 and had been invaluable, but investing in versatility seemed wise. His new "Sneaking" skill, gained during last night's escape, could be crucial in avoiding further trouble. He decided to allocate the skill point to "Sneaking," increasing it to Level 2.

A notification confirmed the upgrade:

Skill Upgrade: Sneaking (Level 2)

Effect: Your movements become even quieter, reducing the chance of being detected by 20%. Slightly increases agility while sneaking.

He immediately felt more confident in his ability to move unnoticed.

Now, with his improved stats and skills, it was time to return to the mysterious box. He had tried using "Observe" on it before, but the information had been vague. This time, with a clearer mind he activated "Observe" again, focusing intently.

The system responded quickly, and new details flooded his mind.

[Mysterious Artifact]

Description: A small, intricately crafted box of unknown origin. The symbols etched on its surface suggest a connection to ancient, possibly magical forces. The box is locked with a mechanism that is beyond the understanding of those without sufficient knowledge or skills.

Status: Dormant

Warning: Attempts to force open the box may trigger a protective mechanism.

Hint: The box reacts to certain types of energy. Seek out powerful artifacts or energies to unlock its secrets.

This new information confirmed his suspicions. The box wasn't just locked—it was sealed with something beyond physical means.

The information was more detailed than before, but it raised even more questions. Powerful artifacts or energies? His mind immediately went to the stories he had read in the library—tales of powerful relics, ancient magic, and hidden secrets. Could this box be connected to something like that?

He glanced at the box again, feeling a mixture of frustration and intrigue. It was clear he wouldn't be able to open it easily, but now he had a direction to pursue. The system's hint was a clue, and he knew he'd have to keep his eyes open for any unusual objects or places that might hold the key.

But before he could delve deeper into that mystery, he heard a scream:

His heart skipped a beat as he recognized one of the voices—Tommy.

Without thinking, he grabbed his shoes and hurried outside. His enhanced senses, sharpened by the system, guided him as he followed the sounds. As he rounded a corner, he saw them: four older kids surrounding Tommy, who was hunched on the ground, arms covering his head. One of the bullies kicked him hard in the side, and Tommy whimpered.

Rage flared inside him. He had seen this kind of cruelty before, and it always boiled his blood. But this time, he wasn't just a bystander. He had power now, albeit limited. He wasn't going to stand by.

He quickly assessed the situation using "Observe." The system passively fed him information on the attackers, pointing out their stances and the gaps in their defense. None of them had formal fighting skills—they were relying on brute force and intimidation.

Keeping low, he activated "Sneaking." His body instinctively adjusted, and his steps became softer, his movements quieter. He crept up behind the nearest bully, who was too focused on Tommy to notice him. With a surge of adrenaline, he picked up a small rock from the ground, took a deep breath, and struck the bully at the base of the skull.

The bully grunted in surprise and crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The others turned at the sound, their faces twisted with anger and confusion.

"Who the hell—?" one of them started, but before he could finish, he was already on him. He swung his fist with all the strength his newly upgraded stats could muster, landing a solid blow to the kid's jaw. The bully staggered back, clutching his face in pain.

But the remaining two attackers weren't going to give him any more opportunities. One rushed him, and the other moved to cut off his escape. He barely had time to react as a fist connected with his ribs, sending a sharp pain through his side. He stumbled back but stayed on his feet.

The system's passive observations kicked in again, pointing out the sloppy footwork of the kid in front of him. The bully's stance left his legs unprotected. With a quick calculation, he feinted high, drawing the bully's guard up, and then swept his leg out low. The bully yelped as his feet were taken out from under him, and he hit the ground hard.

But the last attacker was quicker than he anticipated. A fist flew toward his face, and he barely managed to block it, though the force sent him reeling backward. The bully didn't let up, throwing punch after punch, each one forcing him further back.

His HP dropped as blows landed on his arms and torso, but the system's information flowed continuously. The bully was leaving himself open after every wild swing. Gathering his strength, he ducked under one more punch, twisted his body, and delivered a powerful uppercut to the bully's exposed chin. The impact knocked the last kid off his feet, and he landed on the ground, dazed and groaning.

Panting, bruised, but victorious, he stood over the defeated bullies. His body ached, and his HP had dropped significantly, but he had done it. He had saved Tommy.

He rushed to his friend's side. Tommy was curled up, shaking, but alive. "Tommy," he said softly, kneeling beside him. "It's okay. They're gone."

Tommy slowly looked up, tears streaking his dirt-covered face. "You… you saved me," he whispered.

Our reincarnee offered a hand, helping him to his feet. "I couldn't just let them hurt you."

Tommy clung to his arm, still trembling, but managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

As they walked back toward the orphanage, the adrenaline began to fade, and the reality of what he had done started to sink in. He had fought back—something he never would have dared to do before the system entered his life. The power it granted him wasn't just for show; it had saved them both.

But as much as he wanted to feel proud, there was a gnawing worry at the back of his mind. What if next time, the attackers were stronger? What if the system's power wasn't enough? He needed to get stronger, faster, and smarter if he was going to protect Tommy—and himself—from the dangers of this world.

As they entered the safety of the orphanage, he made a silent vow to himself. He would push harder, train more, and master every skill and stat the system offered. Because the threats wouldn't stop, and neither could he.

With adrenaline still buzzing in his veins, the system interface flickered into view once more. A new notification appeared, glowing faintly in the corner of his vision:

Emergency Quest Completed: Protect the Innocent

Objective: Defend Tommy from the bullies and ensure his safety.

Status: Complete

Rewards:

Experience: 150 XP

New Skill Unlocked: Street Fighting (Level 1)

Bonus: +2 Strength, +1 Agility

A surge of relief washed over him. The quest was completed, and the rewards were significant. The sudden increase in strength and agility made him feel a bit more grounded, despite the exhaustion that tugged at his body. And the new skill—Street Fighting—seemed to complement his recent experiences. It wasn't a polished or refined fighting technique, but it suited the rough-and-tumble kind of encounters he had just survived.

Curious, he brought up the details of his new skill.

Street Fighting (Level 1):

Description: A raw, untrained fighting style that relies on instinct, improvisation, and quick thinking. Increases effectiveness in unarmed combat. Higher levels improve damage, reaction speed, and adaptability in chaotic situations.Effect: +10% damage in unarmed combat. Minor boost to reaction speed in close-quarter encounters.

He felt a small sense of satisfaction. It wasn't much, but it was progress. He was becoming stronger, more capable, and better equipped to handle the dangers of this world.

Tommy looked at him with wide eyes, still clutching his side where the bullies had kicked him. "What do we do now?" he asked quietly, as if afraid someone might overhear.

He glanced around, making sure the coast was clear. "We act like nothing happened," he said, keeping his voice low. "No one can know about this, okay? Just keep your head down and avoid them for now."

Tommy nodded, still visibly shaken but trusting him completely. "Okay… but what about you? They'll come after you next."

"I'll be ready," he replied, more confidently than he felt. But deep down, he knew it wasn't just bravado. He had to be ready—because this world was more dangerous than he had ever imagined.

The two of them made their way back to their rooms, careful not to draw attention. The orphanage was quiet, as if nothing had happened. None of the staff noticed their bruises, and no one asked why they looked so worn out. It was as if the world outside didn't care about the battles being fought in the shadows of their lives.

As he lay in bed that night, the events of the day replayed in his mind. The fight, the victory, the new skill—all of it was a reminder that he was on a path now, one that he couldn't turn back from. The system was giving him the tools, but it was up to him to use them wisely. He couldn't rely on anyone else to protect him or Tommy.

He glanced at the familiar screen.

[Name: Unknown]

[Race: Human (Mutant Powers - Locked)]

[Age: 13]

[Level: 3]

[Experience: 200/300]

[HP: 125/125]

[Stamina: 300/300]

[Strength: 7]

[Agility: 5]

[Endurance: 6]

[Intelligence: 7]

[Charisma: 3]

[Stat Points: 0]

[Skill Points: 0]

[Skills:

Observe (Level 3)

Sneaking (Level 2)

Street Fighting (Level 1)]

The fight had pushed him to his limits, but it had also unlocked something new: a raw, instinctive form of combat. The "Street Fighting" skill had appeared after he took down the bullies. It wasn't polished or refined like martial arts, but it was effective in the chaotic environment he'd just faced. He felt a sense of satisfaction seeing his stats grow, a tangible reward for the pain and effort.

The system had granted him 150 XP for completing the emergency quest, pushing him to the next level. His HP and Stamina had increased, along with his Strength and Agility. He had no stat or skill points left to spend, but that didn't bother him. His new skill and increased stats made him feel more confident, and more capable of handling whatever came next.

After taking a deep breath, he let the system screen fade away. He was still sore from the fight, his bruises a reminder of how dangerous the orphanage could be. But for now, everything seemed quiet. No teacher or helper had come to investigate what happened. It was as if the whole incident had slipped under the radar, just another day in the shadows of the orphanage.

He glanced at Tommy, who was sitting nearby, still shaken but unharmed. The boy gave him a small, grateful smile. For now, that was enough.