Granis City didn't sleep—but it whispered.
That night, Kael roamed the upper edge of West Granis, where the buildings turned old and broken. Neon lights didn't shine here. The air was thick with fumes, and the roads were cracked like the memories of the people who lived there.
The message from Black Veil looped in his mind. "Stay in your lane, System boy."
They knew about him—and more than that, they were watching.
As Kael moved through the streets, his system pinged.
[Passive Skill Activated: Awareness Lv. 2 – Potential threat nearby]
He stopped beneath a streetlight. A shadow moved just beyond the glow, slow and purposeful.
Kael turned. "You planning to jump out or just keep creeping?"
Silence.
Then, a voice from the dark. "You're not very smart for someone carrying the system."
Kael's fists clenched.
A figure emerged—a young man, around his age, dressed in sleek street gear. His eyes glowed faintly red. Not natural.
[System Alert: Detected—Rival System User.]
Kael's heartbeat spiked.
"Name's Theo," the guy said casually. "You got a nice rhythm going. Impressive rewards. Impressive control. You even made Echo 13 look your way." He paused. "I was like you once."
Kael kept his guard up. "Once?"
Theo grinned. "Before I realized the system isn't here to save us. It's here to separate the strong from the weak."
Suddenly, Theo lunged.
Kael reacted instantly—dropped low, spun, dodged a vicious hook, and countered with a fast elbow. Theo slid back, chuckling.
"You're quick. But let's see how well you bleed."
[Combat Triggered – Rival System Match]
Opponent: Theo Vance – System Rank: Bronze Tier 5
Kael Riven – System Rank: Bronze Tier 3
Theo rushed again, this time feinting left before delivering a knee to Kael's ribs. Pain flashed, but Kael pushed through. He rolled sideways, grabbing a broken pipe from the ground and swinging. Theo blocked with his forearm, gritting his teeth as sparks flared from a hidden arm implant.
Kael's screen blinked:
[Adrenaline Spike – Activating: Guardian Instinct Lv. 1]
[Bonus: +10% Speed, +10% Strength (Temporary)]
With a roar, Kael stepped in and smashed the pipe into Theo's stomach. He flew back and crashed into a wall.
Theo coughed, laughing through bloodied lips. "You've got potential. Too bad you'll waste it trying to be a hero."
He tapped a chip on his neck and vanished in a blur of red static.
[Combat Ended – Rival Disengaged]
+ Skill XP Gained: Counter | Awareness | Physical Endurance]
Kael leaned against the wall, catching his breath. His ribs ached, but his mind was racing.
There were others with systems. Some were like him. Some weren't.
And clearly, some were already ahead.
---
Back in his room, Kael stared at the ceiling. The game was changing. Rival users, secret groups, mysterious missions—it was all unfolding faster than he expected.
His phone buzzed.
[New Mission Available – Hidden Path: Find the Fragment.]
Location: District 6 – Reward: ???
Time Limit: 24 Hours
He didn't hesitate this time.
If the city wanted a player… he'd become the legend.