Ascendency: The 3 System User

The Brotherhood Strikes Back

 

Isa squared up, his fists raised and ready. Hamid and his crew circled him like predators, their smirks brimming with confidence. The onlookers who had gathered whispered nervously, wondering if Isa would survive this time.

Hamid stepped forward, his voice mocking. “You’ve been riding high since you beat Zul. Time for someone to put you back in your place.”

Isa smirked, his adrenaline pumping. “Talk all you want, Hamid. I’ve taken down bigger threats than you.”

Hamid cracked his knuckles and lunged. Isa barely dodged, retaliating with a quick jab that connected with Hamid’s jaw. But before Isa could savor the hit, one of Hamid’s lackeys swung a punch from the side.

It connected.

Isa stumbled, his cheek stinging, but he regained his footing quickly. “Alright,” Isa muttered, wiping his mouth. “You wanna play dirty? Fine by me.”

The fight erupted into chaos. Isa ducked and weaved, landing blows where he could, but it was clear he was outnumbered. Hamid’s crew pressed in, their punches and kicks relentless.

[Warning: Host’s stamina is depleting rapidly. Current health: 65%. Requesting reinforcements is advised.]

Isa grit his teeth, refusing to give in. “I don’t need help,” he thought. But just as another punch was about to land, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“That’s enough!”

Azlan strode into the fray with his usual calm authority, his piercing gaze silencing the onlookers. Joseph followed closely, his fists already clenched.

“Isa, you idiot,” Joseph muttered as he stepped beside his friend. “You really can’t go a week without getting into trouble, huh?”

Isa chuckled weakly, wiping blood from his lip. “Didn’t ask you to come, but I’m not complaining.”

Hamid frowned, stepping back slightly. “Azlan? What’s this got to do with you?”

Azlan tilted his head, his voice cold. “I don’t like bullies. And I definitely don’t like cowards ganging up on someone.”

Joseph cracked his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face. “Let’s make this quick. I’ve got homework to finish.”

Hamid sneered but didn’t back down. “You think the three of you can take us all?”

Azlan smiled faintly. “We don’t think. We know.”

Azlan moved first, his punches precise and devastating. He took down two of Hamid’s lackeys with ease, his calm demeanor never faltering.

Joseph was a whirlwind of energy, his hits wild but effective. He tackled one guy to the ground, delivering a flurry of punches before moving to the next.

Isa, reinvigorated by their presence, threw himself back into the fight. Together, the trio worked seamlessly, their days of brotherhood shining through in their coordination.

“Left!” Azlan called, warning Isa of an incoming punch.

Isa dodged just in time, countering with a brutal uppercut. “Got it, thanks!”

Joseph laughed as he kicked another guy to the ground. “Man, this feels just like old times!”

Hamid, now visibly nervous, tried to rally his crew. “Don’t back down! We’ve got the numbers!”

But it was no use. Azlan, Isa, and Joseph were relentless, their teamwork overpowering the larger group. One by one, Hamid’s lackeys fell, groaning in pain as they scrambled to retreat.

Finally, it was just Hamid left.

Azlan stepped forward, his gaze icy. “Still think you’re untouchable?”

Hamid raised his hands in surrender, his confidence shattered. “Alright, alright! I give up!”

Isa smirked, stepping closer. “Looks like you’re not so tough after all.”

Hamid glared at him but didn’t dare respond. He turned and fled, his crew trailing behind him.

As the crowd dispersed, Isa leaned against a tree, catching his breath. His body ached, but the adrenaline was still buzzing through his veins.

“Thanks,” Isa said, looking at Azlan and Joseph.

Joseph shrugged. “You’d do the same for us.”

Azlan crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “You’re lucky we showed up. What were you thinking, taking them on alone?”

Isa sighed. “I didn’t exactly have a choice. They came after me.”

Azlan frowned but didn’t push further. “Next time, call for backup. You’re not invincible, Isa.”

Joseph laughed, slapping Isa on the back. “But he sure tries to act like it.”

As the trio walked home together, Isa’s System chimed in.

[Mission Complete: Survive the Ambush.]

[Rewards: +10 Endurance, +5 Strength.]

Isa felt the familiar surge of energy as the rewards took effect. But before he could relax, the System continued.

[New Mission Unlocked: Strengthen the Brotherhood.]

- Objective: Rebuild the trust and bond between Isa, Joseph, and Azlan.]

Isa glanced at Azlan, who was walking silently beside him. Their fight had been a reminder of how well they worked together, but Isa knew their bond wasn’t as strong as it once was.

Joseph broke the silence with a laugh. “So, what now? Gonna spend the weekend resting, or are you chasing after Stacy again?”

Isa smirked. “Maybe both.”

Azlan shook his head but couldn’t hide the faint smile on his lips. “You’re hopeless.”

Isa grinned, feeling a strange warmth in his chest. For the first time in a long time, he felt like things were starting to fall into place.

To Be Continued…