The journey to Bangalore was through the Western Ghats. It was a dangerous path, filled with rogue stylists and monsters that fed on human 'Soul Energy'.
Halfway through the forest, Sufiyan's bus was stopped by a fallen tree. Out of the shadows stepped three men in gray uniforms. They weren't ordinary bandits; they were 'Style-Eaters'—failed barbers who used dark magic to steal others' talents.
[System Warning: Combat Mode Activated!]
[Enemies: 3 Style-Eaters (Level 18)]
"Give us your scissors, boy!" the leader shouted, pulling out a rusty blade that dripped with poison.
Sufiyan didn't panic. He activated his [Divine Speed]. To the bandits, it looked like he vanished. To Sufiyan, the world slowed down. He moved between them, his fingers moving like he was performing a quick fade.
[Skill Used: Mirror Cut - Desyncing Enemy Vision!]
Within seconds, the three men were bald. They didn't feel pain, but their power was gone. In the world of the System, a barber's strength is in his hair, and Sufiyan had just taken it all.
[Ding! Experience Gained: +3,000 EXP.]
[Level Progress: 22 (60%)]
"I don't have time for small games," Sufiyan said, stepping back onto the bus. The Imperial City was waiting.