Ascendency: The 3 System User

The Battle for Survival

 

The school courtyard buzzed with anticipation as Isa approached Zul. Whispers spread like wildfire as students gathered around, sensing another fight was about to erupt. Zul, leaning casually against the wall, noticed Isa and smirked.

“Well, look who’s grown a backbone,” Zul said, his tone mocking. His friends laughed, already confident in the outcome.

Isa clenched his fists, the System’s voice echoing in his mind.

[Mission Reminder: Defeat Zul to Redeem Your Honor.]

“Let’s settle this,” Isa said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Zul pushed off the wall, cracking his knuckles. “You sure about this, kid? Last time didn’t go so well for you.”

Joseph hovered nearby, his face pale with worry. “Isa, you don’t have to do this. We can think of another way.”

Isa shook his head, his eyes locked on Zul. “I do have to. Just stay back.”

The crowd formed a loose circle around them, phones raised to capture the fight. Zul wasted no time, lunging forward with a punch aimed straight at Isa’s face.

[Combat Assistance Activated.]

Isa’s body reacted faster than his mind, ducking under Zul’s swing and delivering a quick jab to his ribs. The crowd gasped in surprise, and Isa felt a flicker of hope.

[Adrenaline Boost: +2 Agility for 10 seconds.]

Isa moved faster now, landing another hit on Zul’s side. For a brief moment, it looked like he might actually have a chance. But Zul was no amateur. With a growl, he grabbed Isa by the shirt and slammed him to the ground.

Pain shot through Isa’s back as Zul’s fist came down like a hammer, striking his face. Blood spattered onto the pavement, and the crowd winced in unison.

“Stay down,” Zul growled, raising his fist again.

[Warning: Host’s stamina critically low.]

Isa’s vision blurred, but the System’s voice kept him conscious.

[Host has failed the current mission. Alternative path required.]

Zul’s next punch landed hard, and Isa blacked out.

When Isa woke up, he was lying on a bench near the school nurse’s office. Joseph sat beside him, arms crossed and visibly upset.

“You’re an idiot,” Joseph said without looking at him.

Isa groaned, every inch of his body aching. “Thanks for the support.”

“What were you thinking, man? You can’t beat someone like Zul. Not now.”

Isa didn’t respond. He wasn’t thinking—he was hoping the System would somehow make him invincible. Instead, he’d been humiliated again.

The voice returned, calm as ever.

[Mission Failed: Redeem Your Honor.]

[New Mission Assigned: Upgrade Yourself to Prepare for the Next Battle.]

“Upgrade myself?” Isa mumbled under his breath.

Joseph frowned. “What?”

“Nothing,” Isa said quickly.

[Objective: Complete basic training missions to improve your stats and unlock new skills.]

[Reward: Beginner Combat Skill and +5 Strength.]

Isa sat up slowly, ignoring the pain. “Fine,” he muttered. “What’s the mission?”

[Mission 1: Perform 50 push-ups and 50 sit-ups.]

[Mission 2: Run 5 kilometers without stopping.]

[Mission 3: Avoid conflict for 3 days.]

Isa blinked. “Avoid conflict? That’s an actual mission?”

[Self-discipline is critical for long-term success.]

He groaned. “Great. A life coach in my head.”

Joseph raised an eyebrow. “Are you okay, man? You’re talking to yourself.”

“I’m fine,” Isa said, forcing himself to stand. “But I’m not done yet.”

Joseph sighed. “You’re hopeless.”

For the next three days, Isa focused entirely on completing the System’s missions.

Every morning before school, he woke up early to do push-ups and sit-ups, even when his body protested. The first day, he could barely manage 20 of each. By the third day, he pushed through all 50, his arms trembling but his determination unwavering.

Running 5 kilometers was even worse. Isa had never been athletic, and his legs felt like jelly after the first attempt. But the System encouraged him, offering small boosts to his stamina as he improved.

[Stamina +1.]

[Endurance Boost Unlocked.]

By the third day, Isa felt stronger, faster, and more in control. He avoided conflict at school, keeping his head down and focusing on his training. Zul mocked him whenever they crossed paths, but Isa didn’t take the bait.

Joseph noticed the change. “You’re… different,” he said as they walked home one afternoon.

“Different how?” Isa asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

“I don’t know. You’re quieter, more focused. It’s weird.”

Isa smirked. “Maybe I’m just growing up.”

Joseph laughed. “Yeah, sure. That’ll be the day.”

On the night of the third day, Isa collapsed onto his bed, exhausted but satisfied.

[Mission Complete: Upgrade Yourself to Prepare for the Next Battle.]

[Rewards: Beginner Combat Skill Unlocked, +5 Strength.]

Isa felt a surge of energy course through his body. His muscles ached less, and his mind felt sharper.

[New Missions Unlocked. Choose Your Path.]

Three options appeared in his mind, each one glowing with potential.

Option 1: “The Path of Strength”

Objective: Train relentlessly to overpower your enemies.

Reward: +10 Strength, Advanced Combat Skill.

Option 2: “The Path of Strategy”

Objective: Learn to outsmart your opponents in any situation.

Reward: +5 Intelligence, Tactical Awareness Skill.

Option 3: “The Path of Leadership”

Objective: Build alliances and influence others to follow you.

Reward: +5 Charisma, Leadership Aura Skill.

Isa stared at the options, his mind racing. Each path offered something he desperately needed, but he could only choose one.

“What do I do?” he whispered, gripping his bedsheet.

The System remained silent, leaving the decision entirely in his hands.

To Be Continued…