POV: Zai
I was halfway home when the system flared again—clean, electric, undeniable. That low hum in the back of my skull buzzed like a notification ping from the universe itself.
[CONGRATULATIONS: LEVEL 3 REACHED]Your growth has been acknowledged. As per system rules, you have received:— +3 Random Smash Bros Skills (Adapted for Human Use)— Stamina and Cooldown Fully Restored— Stat Synchronization Improved
The screen split open into three swirling orbs of color—gold, blue, and violet—spinning fast like a slot machine in overdrive. I braced myself.
This was becoming a ritual now.
[SKILL DROP 1: Samus – Charge Shot (Lv. 1, Condensed Variant)][SKILL DROP 2: Little Mac – KO Counter (Lv. 1, Light Read)][SKILL DROP 3: Yoshi – Egg Shield (Lv. 1, Single Use)]
And then it expanded, breaking down each one in detail like some secret patch notes were being uploaded directly into my brain.
📦 New Skills Acquired (Level 3 Drop):
1. CHARGE SHOT – Condensed Variant (Lv. 1)A small, high-velocity blast of pure energy. Unlike the full version, it takes only 2 seconds to charge and fires a tight beam with minor knockback and light burn.
Charge Time: 2 seconds
Cooldown: 12 seconds
Stamina: Moderate
Use: Precision sniping, burst pressure from mid-range.
2. KO COUNTER – Light Read (Lv. 1)Sense when an enemy is about to strike. If activated in a 0.5-second window before impact, negate all damage and deliver a light counterblow.
Perfect Window: 0.5 seconds
Cooldown: 15 seconds
Stamina: Low
Use: Reactive defense, rhythm fighting style.
Warning: Missed timing results in full damage taken.
3. EGG SHIELD – Single Use (Lv. 1)Form a temporary barrier around your body in the shape of a pastel-colored, hardened energy shell. Blocks one full attack. Shatters instantly after.
Duration: Until struck or 3 seconds max
Cooldown: None (One use per level)
Use: Emergency defense, fall negation, projectile nullification.
I sat on the curb near the corner bodega and just let all that wash over me.
Me. Zai. Sixteen. From D.C.I had a freakin' KO Counter now. An energy gun. A Yoshi egg shield.
How was I supposed to go back to homework after this?
But the system wasn't done.
Another message dropped in, slicker than usual. A metallic blue border framed this one. Like a "Hey, take this seriously" kind of tone.
[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT – MILESTONE NOTICE]From this point forward:→ Every level up past Level 2 will grant you 3 Random Smash Bros Skills (Human-Compatible Versions).→ At Level 5, a System-Exclusive Skill will unlock:
Subordinate Creation(Inspired by CPU Fighter Logic – Details Locked Until Level 5)
Warning: You are not the only one evolving. Others may soon be pulled into the Smash System Network.
That last line hit me weird.
"Others?"
So this wasn't just me?
Was this pink orb thing a test? A recruitment system? Or something worse?
I stood up, stuffing my hands in my hoodie pockets. The sun was setting behind the skyline, painting D.C. in orange and purple. Traffic hummed down the block, same as always. But everything felt different.
My body buzzed with new power. My head filled with thoughts of combos, timing, damage, precision. I wasn't just thinking like a fighter—I was thinking like a player now.
No more hiding.
[CURRENT STATUS – ZAI]Level: 3EXP: 95%Next Level: 200 EXPSkill Slots: 9 Unlocked (Basic Punch, Parry, Dodge Roll, Falcon Dash, Fireball Throw, Needle Shot, Charge Shot, KO Counter, Egg Shield)Challenge: "Edge of Power" Trial – Locked until Level 4Special Unlock at Level 5: Subordinate Creation
Yeah. This wasn't a game anymore.
It was an arena.
And I was just getting warmed up.