Chapter 2: Learning to Play
POV: Zai
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Finally, after staring at the glowing system screen for what felt like forever, the text altered, and a fresh message flashed up:
[ABILITY DESCRIPTIONS INITIATED]
I took a deep breath and focused on one power at a time, like I was memorizing some insane video game test.
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DOUBLE JUMP
Description: Allows you to dodge again after being in the air. Useful for dodging projectiles or reaching places otherwise not accessible.
Cooldown: 3 seconds.
Energy Cost: Low stamina usage.
Use Case: Use to dodge attacks from enemies or travel vertically up and down in confined spaces.
Upgrade Path: Reduces cooldown and adds a horizontal dash at higher levels.
SHORT DODGE ROLL
Description: Quick, low-profile roll forward or backward that provides temporary invincibility frames for a brief moment to let you avoid attacks.
Cooldown: 5 seconds.
Energy Cost: Normal amount of stamina expenditure.
Use Case: Best used to avoid predictable attacks or quickly close the distance and not get hurt.
Upgrade Path: Increased invincibility duration and distance travelled.
BASIC PUNCH (SMASH VARIANT)
Description: A powerful close-quarters punch that deals more damage than a normal strike. Can knock enemies over if timed perfectly.
Cooldown: None, though stamina is lost with extended use.
Energy Cost: Low stamina expenditure per punch.
Use Case: Primary melee attack. Helpful for shattering enemy defenses or ending enemy attacks quickly.
Upgrade Path: Has combo chaining and increased knockback.
PARRY (FRAME-PERFECT)
Description: Pungent defensive technique that, timed to perfection, breaks up an opponent attack and stuns them briefly. Requires impeccable timing to execute.
Cooldown: 7 seconds.
Energy Cost: Moderate stamina consumption.
Use Case: Perfect for counterattacks and the tide of battle in close quarters combat.
Upgrade Path: Increased stun duration and reduced cooldown.
SYSTEM SCAN (Lv. 1)
Description: Scans the world or person for elementary information like level, health, and possible danger.
Cooldown: 10 seconds.
Energy Cost: Extremely low.
Use Case: Obtain strategic edge by having knowledge of enemy power or detecting invisible objects.
Upgrade Path: Unlocks extensive stats and invisible characteristics at high levels.
[HOW TO LEVEL UP]
EXP GAIN: Finish challenges, defeat battles, and surmount barriers of everyday life.
CHALLENGE TYPES: Physical fighting, brain teasers, socialization, and hidden missions initiated by the system.
LEVEL-UP EFFECTS: Unlocked new powers, enhance current skills, boost stamina and health, and receive rewards from the system.
WARNING: Overusing of powers with no rest can lead to fatigue or system saturation.
The message faded, and I was on my own, thinking, and with this. this whole new world in my mind.
I closed the panel and leaned back, racing heart. I had no clue how I was supposed to balance this with school or life, but one thing was for sure:
If I wanted to level up and unlock more, I needed to get playing