Kael sat at the edge of his bed, bandages wrapped around his ribs. The faint ache in his muscles reminded him of last night's fight. Each breath came steady but heavy, the dull pain grounding him in silence.
He stared at the faint glow hovering in front of him.
[New Quest: Protect Kim Suhyeon. Objective: Prevent target from suffering critical injury. Reward: Random Skill Acquisition + Stat Increase.]
'Protect him?' Kael's brow furrowed. The system had never issued a task like this before. A soft pulse of light marked a location on the map projected before his eyes, showing an old warehouse on the outskirts of town.
He exhaled quietly and stood. 'So much for rest.'
Grabbing his bag and slipping on his jacket, Kael stepped outside. The late afternoon light stretched long shadows across the cracked pavement as he made his way through the backstreets.
[POV Change]
Inside the abandoned building, a group of delinquents surrounded a trembling figure. Hyeongdong's face was bloodied, his back pressed against the wall as Daeseong Hwang swung a rusted pipe in his hand.
"You thought you could mouth off after your crew beat up one of ours?" Daeseong sneered. "I'll make sure Kim Suhyeon gets the message."
Hyeongdong's voice came out weak. "You're… pathetic."
Daeseong's smirk vanished. He motioned toward one of his men. "Show him what happens when you talk back."
The thug raised the pipe high above his head, a cruel grin spreading across his face.
Before it could fall, a sharp crack echoed through the room.
Kim Suhyeon's fist collided with the thug's jaw, sending him sprawling across the floor.
"That's enough," Suhyeon said flatly.
Suhyeon stepped forward, tension radiating from him. The thugs made no immediate move to attack, allowing Daeseong to engage.
The fight started intensely. Suhyeon threw precise strikes, but Daeseong's power knocked him down halfway through. Hyeongdong, weak and desperate, tried to protect him. One of the goons raised a bat, aiming to strike Hyeongdong.
A sudden sharp sound preceded the impact. Hanjun Gu, the former top dog of West Gangbuk, appeared, his presence commanding. A heavy kick sent the attacking goon sprawling.
[POV Change]
Outside, Kael moved silently along the side of the building. The sounds of fighting reached his ears, muffled yells and the metallic ring of the pipe striking the floor.
He glanced through a broken window and counted four men.
'This is do-able.'
Kael slipped inside, his footsteps light against the dusty concrete. One of the delinquents turned too late. Kael's fist caught him in the ribs, forcing a gasp of air from his lungs. Another swung a chain, but Kael ducked under and countered with a sharp strike to the throat, sending him sprawling.
He adjusted his stance, forcing his breathing steady. The next attack came high. Kael swept low, taking the man's legs out, then drove a heel into his stomach. The fight ended in moments.
[Enemy Defeated. Jeet Kune proficiency increased by +3%.][Strength +1. Endurance +2.]
Kael straightened, rolling his sore shoulder. Across the room, Suhyeon faced Daeseong head-on.
Suhyeon took off his shirt, adjusting the vest straps across his chest. His body gleamed in the afternoon light, muscles tense, controlled, and intimidating. This was the form that was known as Tank Top Suhyeon.
With renewed strength and precision, Suhyeon launched himself at Daeseong. Each strike carried more weight, faster reflexes, and sharper focus. Daeseong staggered, struggling to maintain balance under the onslaught.
Hanjun confronted the other two goons. His experience and power made quick work of their attacks, but he remained cautious, ensuring none escaped to harm Suhyeon or Hyeongdong. In a synchronized rhythm, Suhyeon, Kael, and Hanjun cleared the warehouse of threats.
Daeseong, finally bested, dropped to his knees. Suhyeon loomed over him, calm yet threatening. He glanced at Hyeongdong and Kael, who both breathed heavily but stood ready.
Kael nodded subtly at Suhyeon. 'Not bad for a team effort,' he thought.
Kael walked toward them, his breathing steady but shallow. Suhyeon turned, eyes narrowing briefly. Hanjun followed closely behind.
"You came too?" Suhyeon asked.
Kael shrugged. "Just happened to be nearby."
Together, they lifted Hyeongdong to his feet. The boy groaned weakly but managed a faint smile. "You guys… showed up fast."
Suhyeon gave a small nod. "Let's get you out of here."
As they stepped into the fading sunlight, the air between them was quiet. Suhyeon glanced at Kael, his gaze thoughtful but unreadable.
"You fight well," he said.
Kael gave a faint smile. "You too."
They continued walking, the warehouse shrinking behind them as the light dimmed over the horizon.
[Quest Complete. Reward Received: New Skill Acquired – Muay Thai (Novice). Stat Increase Applied.]
Kael felt the familiar pulse of the system echo within him, a warmth spreading through his limbs. He didn't show it, but a quiet thought settled in his mind.
'This world keeps pushing me forward. Whether I want it or not.'