Chapter 6: Level Up and Loading
POV: Zai
I was halfway home when the system flashed once more—clean, electric, undeniable. That low thrum at the back of my skull vibrated like a universe notification ping.
[CONGRATULATIONS: LEVEL 3 REACHED]
Your growth has been noted. As per system rules, you have accumulated:
— +3 Random Smash Bros Abilities (Modified for Human Use)
— Stamina and Cooldown Fully Restored
— Stat Synchronization Improved
The split-screen opened on three whirling balls of color—gold, blue, and violet—spinning rapidly like a slot machine in overdrive. I readied myself.
This was routine now.
[SKILL DROP 1: Samus – Charge Shot (Lv. 1, Condensed Variant)]
[SKILL DROP 2: Little Mac – KO Counter (Lv. 1, Light Read)]
[SKILL DROP 3: Yoshi – Egg Shield (Lv. 1, Single Use)]
And then it diverged, analyzing each one in excruciating detail as if some covert patch notes were being directly downloaded into my head.
???? New Skills Learned (Level 3 Drop):
1. CHARGE SHOT – Condensed Version (Lv. 1)
Small burst of quick clean energy. Unlike the standard version, it charges for 2 seconds and fires a thin beam with minimal knockback and weak burn.
Charge Time: 2 seconds
Cooldown: 12 seconds
Stamina: Moderate
Use: Precise sniping, burst pressure from mid-range.
2. KO COUNTER – Light Read (Lv. 1)
Predict when an opponent will be attacking. In case of use within a 0.5-second window before collision, negate all the damage and issue a light counterattack.
Perfect Window: 0.5 seconds
Cooldown: 15 seconds
Stamina: Low
Use: Defensive reaction, rhythm fighting style.
Warning: Mismeasurement results in full damage taken.
3. EGG SHIELD – Single Use (Lv. 1)
Build a temporary barrier around your body in the shape of a toughened, pastel-colored energy shell. Deflects one whole attack. Shatters instantly afterward.
Effect: Until struck or 3 seconds maximum
Cooldown: None (One per level)
Uses: Emergency shield, fall prevention, projectile neutralization.
I sat on the curb in front of the corner bodega and just let all that wash over me.
Me. Zai. Sixteen. From D.C.
I had a freakin' KO Counter now. An energy gun. A Yoshi egg shield.
How was I going to be able to go back to homework after this?
But the system wasn't done.
Another message dropped in, smoother than usual. A metallic blue border framed this one. Like a "Hey, take this seriously" kind of tone.
[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT – MILESTONE NOTICE]
From this point forward:
→ Every level up after Level 2 will reward you with 3 Random Smash Bros Skills (Human-Compatible Versions).
→ Level 5 will reward you with a System-Exclusive Skill:
Subordinate Creation
Inspired by CPU Fighter Logic – Details Locked Until Level 5
Warning: You are not alone in evolving. Others will soon be drawn into the Smash System Network.
That last sentence reached me weirdly.
"Others?"
So it wasn't me either?
Was the pink ball thing a test? A recruiting system? Something more sinister?
I stood up, jamming my hands into the pockets of my hoodie. The sun dipped behind the skyline, casting D.C. in orange and purple. Traffic hummed down the street, just normally. But everything didn't feel normal.
My body was buzzing with newfound strength. My mind was flooded with ideas of combos, timing, damage, precision. I was no longer thinking like a fighter—I was now thinking like a player.
No more hiding.
[CURRENT STATUS – ZAI]
Level: 3
EXP: 95%
Next Level: 200 EXP
Skill Slots: 9 Unlocked (Basic Punch, Parry, Dodge Roll, Falcon Dash, Fireball Throw, Needle Shot, Charge Shot, KO Counter, Egg Shield)
Challenge: "Edge of Power" Trial – Locked until Level 4
Special Level 5 Unlock: Subordinate Generation
Yes. This wasn't a game anymore.
It was an arena.
And I was just warming up.