POV: Zai
After staring at the glowing system panel for what felt like hours, the text shifted, and a new message popped up:
[ABILITY DESCRIPTIONS INITIATED]
I took a deep breath and focused on each power one by one, like I was studying for some insane video game test.
1. DOUBLE JUMPDescription: Allows you to jump a second time while in midair. Great for dodging attacks or reaching places otherwise inaccessible.Cooldown: 3 seconds.Energy Cost: Low stamina drain.Use Case: Use to evade enemy strikes or to maneuver vertically in tight spaces.Upgrade Path: Reduces cooldown and adds a horizontal dash at higher levels.
2. SHORT DODGE ROLLDescription: A quick, low-profile roll forward or backward that temporarily grants invincibility frames, letting you avoid incoming attacks.Cooldown: 5 seconds.Energy Cost: Moderate stamina drain.Use Case: Best used to evade predictable attacks or close distance quickly without getting hit.Upgrade Path: Increased invincibility duration and distance traveled.
3. BASIC PUNCH (SMASH VARIANT)Description: A powerful close-range punch that deals extra damage compared to a standard hit. Can stagger enemies if timed correctly.Cooldown: None, but stamina drains with continuous use.Energy Cost: Low stamina drain per punch.Use Case: Primary melee attack. Useful for breaking defenses or interrupting enemy moves.Upgrade Path: Adds combo chains and increased knockback.
4. PARRY (FRAME-PERFECT)Description: A precise defensive move that, if timed perfectly, negates an enemy attack and briefly stuns them. Requires exact timing to execute.Cooldown: 7 seconds.Energy Cost: Moderate stamina drain.Use Case: Perfect for counterattacks and turning the tide in close combat.Upgrade Path: Increased stun duration and reduced cooldown.
5. SYSTEM SCAN (Lv. 1)Description: Scans the environment or individuals for basic info such as level, health status, and potential threat.Cooldown: 10 seconds.Energy Cost: Very low.Use Case: Gain strategic advantage by knowing enemy strength or finding hidden objects.Upgrade Path: Unlocks detailed stats and hidden traits at higher levels.
[HOW TO LEVEL UP]
EXP GAIN: Complete challenges, win fights, and overcome obstacles in daily life.CHALLENGE TYPES: Physical combat, mental puzzles, social interactions, and secret quests triggered by the system.LEVEL-UP EFFECTS: Unlock new abilities, improve existing skills, increase stamina and health, and gain system rewards.WARNING: Excessive use of powers without rest may cause fatigue or system overload.
The message faded, leaving me alone with my thoughts and this... this whole new world inside my head.
I closed the panel and sat back, heart racing. I didn't know how I was supposed to balance this with school or life, but one thing was clear:
If I wanted to level up and unlock more, I needed to start playing.