Gar's life had undergone a significant transformation since he acquired the Synergy system. His gold coins had been converted to dollars, and he now had a small fortune of $15,000 at his disposal. His abilities had also increased dramatically, with his strength, agility, and stamina all showing significant improvements.
With his newfound abilities and skills, he had become a force to be reckoned with. His level had increased to 6, and his Basic First Aid Skill had reached level 10. He had also acquired and leveled up on his new skill, Dash Lv. 3, which had proven to be incredibly useful in his daily life. His physical appearance had also changed, with chiseled abs and a fearsome demeanor.
As he walked through the mall with Evelyn, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The small fortune he had in his hand was enough for him to stand up for himself. While he was deep in thought, he received a notification from the system:
"Daily Objectives Completed: +100 Synergy Points, +$1000"
Evelyn's eyes widened as she looked at the expensive things Gar had bought at the mall. "Gar, how did you afford all this? You're just a delivery driver."
Gar smiled, trying to come up with a believable excuse. "I've been doing some extra work on the side. You know, services for people who pay well."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue.
As they browsed through the stores, Evelyn mentioned her father's upcoming birthday. "We need to get him something special. Any ideas?"
Garfield thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. What do you think he'd like?"
Evelyn shrugged. "I was thinking maybe a watch. Nothing classy, just something we can afford."
They approached a wristwatch vendor, and Gar asked Evelyn if she thought her father would like the 2010 Rolex watch that he had picked up. She nodded, and they asked the vendor about the price.
"$2000," the vendor replied.
Evelyn's eyes widened. "That's too expensive."
But Gar was undeterred. "I'll take it," he said, shocking Evelyn.
Just then, Philip Skye appeared, his eyes fixed on Gar with a mixture of anger and contempt. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here."
Gar ignored him, but Philip continued to taunt him. "You think you can afford that watch? You're just a delivery boy. I would like that watch, now!".
The vendor intervened, "I'm sorry, sir, but this gentleman has already purchased the watch."
Philip sneered. "Oh really, well then, I'll pay double what he's paying."
On hearing that, the Vendor's greed made him ignore Garfield and attend to Philip. "Umm... Mr. Skye, will you be paying with cash or..."
Gar smiled, unfazed. "I'll pay double what he just offered." He interrupted.
The vendor's eyes widened. "$8000?"
Philip chuckled and stretched up his two hands as a go-ahead sign, but Gar simply handed over the cash and took the watch.
As he did, Philip seized his shirt, trying to harass him. But Gar struck a punch in his face.
"Arghhh!" Philip shouted while holding his bleeding nose. He groaned and angrily fired at his bodyguards, "Why the hell are you all still standing there? Beat the crap out of this punk!"
As the four bodyguards walked closer to Gar, he directed Evelyn towards the vendor to avoid her getting caught in the crossfire.
Just then, the system sent him a notification:
"Quest: Defend Yourself
_Rewards:_
- Synergy Points: +200
- Gold Coins: +$2000
- Skill: Vital Attack Lv. 1
_Penalty:_
- -20% HP
- -150 Synergy Points
- -$1000"
As Garfield stared at the quest, he chuckled and made a fist with his right hand.
With his increased agility and strength, he took down Philip's bodyguards with ease.
The first bodyguard received three brutal punches; the first two punches struck his ears while the third broke his jaw and sent him to the ground. On seeing this, the second charged towards Gar and tried to land a kick, but it was intercepted, and Gar flung him against the third bodyguard. The fourth was hesitant to fight, so he stepped back. He turned his head to Philip's direction and saw the scornful look on his face.
He rushed at Gar, who swept him off the floor and kicked his stomach twice.
As Gar took down Philip's bodyguards, the system notified him of his success:
"Quest Complete: Defend Yourself
Rewards:
- Synergy Points: +200
- Gold Coins: +$2000
- Skill: Vital Attack Lv. 1"
"Vital Attack, huh? I'd like to find out what that is." Garfield said after he read the notification, just then, another notification came, he had leveled up, he felt proud of want he had accomplished.
"Come on, darling, let's get going." He stretched his hand out for Evelyn.
Philip tried to attack Gar, but he caught his hand and broke his fingers, slowly and painfully.
As Philip screamed in agony, Gar leaned in, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You've been harassing me for weeks, Philip. But I don't remember doing anything to you. I lost my memory in an accident."
Philip's face twisted in rage. "You don't remember? You don't remember ruining my life?"
Gar shook his head. "No, I don't. But I do know that I'm not going to let you push me around."
With that, Gar held Evelyn by the hand, turned and walked away, leaving Philip and his bodyguards in a heap on the floor.
As they walked out of the mall, Evelyn couldn't help but keep staring at Gar with surprise on her face. Endless thoughts clouded her mind about what had happened. "Could it be that the accident changed him?" She thought. "But how? Accidents break people, not empower them. "
"Look at the time." Garfield looked at the time on his mobile phone. "So, what did I do to Philip that makes him hate me?" Gar asked. "Ever since I turned him down and married you, he's been looking for ways to torment you, and he always succeeds, but today was..." Evelyn answered. Gar grinned and continued, "Today was proof that I'm not scared of him and you shouldn't be either."