Fighting maniac

Kai lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day played in his mind—the fight, the hospital, the sudden internet fame.

But something else nagged at him.

That voice…

It had been brief. Almost like a whisper in the back of his mind.

He exhaled and muttered, "Hello? Anyone there?"

Silence.

Kai frowned. He closed his eyes, focused, and tried again. "If this is some kind of system, say something."

[System Activated]

Kai's eyes shot open as a translucent screen appeared in front of him.

Power Points: 150

His mind blanked for a second.

"…What?"

The screen floated in front of him, displaying nothing but a single stat. No strength, agility, or intelligence. Just Power Points.

He sat up, rubbing his temples. "So this thing doesn't break my abilities down? Just one number?"

The system remained silent.

Curious, he tapped on the "Abilities" option. A new screen appeared, showing a single entry.

Dirty Fighter – A combat ability that enhances proficiency in using surroundings and dirty techniques to fight. The stronger the user, the more effective it becomes.

Kai stared at it. Then he smirked. "Well, that explains a lot."

He recalled how naturally he had adapted to the fight earlier, using desks, bottles, and pens without hesitation. He wasn't just being clever—his instincts had been sharper.

He tapped his chin. "So… how do I get stronger?"

The system responded in his mind, its voice calm and neutral.

[Strength increases through quests. More system functions will unlock in the future.]

Kai's smirk widened. So there's more to this, huh?

For the first time in a long while, a real sense of excitement filled his chest.

If I can get stronger… I can help my mom.

If I can get stronger… I can make real money.

Kai clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes. "Alright, let's do this."

He lay back down, closing his eyes. Sleep came easily now.

Tomorrow would be a new day.

—

The Next Morning

Kai walked into school as usual, hands in his pockets, expression neutral.

But the atmosphere was different.

Students whispered as he passed. Some stared. Others pointed.

He heard bits and pieces of conversation.

"That's the guy from the video!"

"Bro took down eight guys by himself!"

"He was crazy, using all that stuff to fight!"

Kai sighed. Great. Now I'm some kind of school celebrity.

Before he could reach his classroom, a familiar voice called out.

"Kai!"

He turned to see a tall guy with messy hair jogging up to him. The only person in this school he'd call a friend.

"Yo, when the hell did you get this strong?"

Kai smirked. "Long story."

Kai leaned against the wall, arms crossed as Daniel caught up to him.

Daniel grinned. "Dude, I watched that video like ten times. You really wrecked those guys! Since when could you fight like that?"

Kai shrugged. "Just picked it up."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, right. One day you're a quiet guy, the next you're flipping desks and smacking people with bottles like an action movie star?"

Kai smirked. "Adapt and survive."

Daniel shook his head, laughing. "Man, you've got people talking. Some think you've got a Quirk you were hiding. Others think you're some kind of underground martial artist."

Kai scoffed. "Let them think whatever."

Daniel grinned. "Well, either way, you're famous now."

Kai rolled his eyes, but before he could respond—

[New Quest Available]

A screen flashed in front of him. Kai quickly glanced at it, careful not to react too obviously.

Quest: Basic Strength Training

50 Push-upsRun 5 km100 Squats

Reward:+50 Power PointsNew Ability: "100 Punch"

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. A new ability?

Daniel waved a hand in front of his face. "Yo, you good?"

Kai snapped out of it. "Yeah. Just remembered something."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure."

Kai stretched his arms. "Anyway, I gotta go do something. See you later."

Before Daniel could question him, Kai walked off.

—

Later That Day – Kai's Training

Kai stood in an empty park, cracking his knuckles.

Alright. Let's get this done.

He dropped down and began his push-ups.

At first, they were easy. His body moved smoothly, each push-up controlled and efficient.

By the time he hit 40, his arms burned, but he pushed through.

50 push-ups. Done.

Next, the run.

Kai took off down the park trail, keeping a steady pace. His breathing was even, his steps controlled.

The first kilometer was fine.

By the third, sweat dripped down his face. His legs ached, but he forced himself forward.

By the time he hit 5 km, he was exhausted, but he refused to stop.

5 km run. Done.

Finally, the squats.

His legs were already tired, but he pushed through, each squat deep and controlled.

By the time he reached 80, his thighs were screaming.

At 90, his legs shook.

At 100, he collapsed onto the grass, breathing hard.

Quest Complete.

[+50 Power Points Earned]

[New Ability Unlocked: "100 Punch"]

Kai grinned, still lying on the ground.

"100 Punch," huh? Sounds fun