The city never slept. But it sure had dark corners.
You walked deeper into Hell's Kitchen, keeping your head low. The streets got narrower, the light dimmer. You could feel eyes on you—drunks, junkies, maybe worse.
[New Passive Skill Unlocked: Danger Sense – Lv. 1]
You sense hostility nearby. Reaction time slightly boosted.
+5% dodge chance against surprise attacks.
Your grip tightened on the metal pipe in your jacket. The system wasn't just throwing fluff at you—this was real.
A scream cut through the alley ahead.
You didn't hesitate. Something in you had already made the call.
[Quest Alert: Street Justice]
A woman is being harassed by three gang members. Objective: Stop the assault.
Rewards: +150 EXP, +10 Reputation (Local), Random Skill Drop.
You dashed forward, pipe out and boots slamming the pavement. The alley was dimly lit by a busted neon sign, but you saw them.
One woman. Three thugs.
She was backed into a wall, arms up in defense. One of the men had a knife.
[Target: Street Thug]
[Level: 3]
[Disposition: Hostile]
"Hey!" you barked. They all turned.
"Wrong alley, dumbass," the knife guy growled. "Wanna join her?"
You activated Observe again. Two of them had blunt weapons. The knife guy was the highest level. You needed to strike fast.
You didn't wait.
[Skill Activated: Street Brawler – Lv. 1]
[Combo Chain Initiated – Improvised Weapon Bonus: +5%]
You lunged in and cracked the pipe across one thug's ribs. He screamed and stumbled back.
-15 HP
[Critical Hit!]
Another swung at you with a bat. You ducked and kicked his knee out, then drove the pipe into his gut. He dropped like a sack of bricks.
[Skill Leveled Up: Street Brawler – Lv. 2]
+10% bonus damage with unarmed and improvised attacks.
Knife guy charged, slashing wild. He cut your jacket, grazing your side.
-12 HP
Pain bloomed, but you were faster now.
[New Skill Unlocked: Counter – Lv. 1]
Time your dodge to strike back immediately. Windows are tight.
+10% counterattack damage.
You weaved under the next swipe and slammed the pipe into his wrist. The knife dropped. You didn't stop—pipe to knee, then temple. He hit the ground with a groan.
[Quest Complete: Street Justice]
+150 EXP
+10 Reputation (Local: Hell's Kitchen)
[New Skill Dropped: Dirty Boxing – Lv. 1]
You've picked up real-world fighting instincts. Punches are faster, meaner, and hit harder.
+5% unarmed damage. Increases stun chance.
You exhaled hard, sweat dripping down your neck. The woman bolted without a word, smart enough not to stick around. You didn't blame her.
The system chimed again.
[Level Up!]
Level: 2 → 3
Stat Points Earned: +10
Skill Points Earned: +2
You stood in the alley, breathing heavy, body aching but alive.
You hadn't just survived—you'd won. Against three armed guys. At level 1, you'd have been dead.
Now? You had tools. Power. And more to gain.
You looked up at the blinking sign above the alley.
"Murdoch & Nelson – Attorneys at Law."
You smirked. Small world.