The evening fog rolled in thicker than usual, curling around the buildings like a living thing. I walked faster, senses alert, enhanced perception humming at the edge of my awareness. Something didn't feel right.
Then I saw it: shadows moving against the alley walls, not random, purposeful. Three figures, larger than me, blocking my path. My chest tightened.
"External threat detected," Notice whispered. "Points and skills must be applied strategically. Judgment paramount."
I weighed my options. Run? Confront? Use Best Welder to manipulate the environment? Each choice had risk. Each choice had consequences.
The tallest figure stepped forward, voice low and mocking. "Lost, little boy?"
I tightened my fists, letting the energy of my skills pulse through my hands. My heart thudded—not just fear, but focus. I could do this. I had to.
I started with perception, reading their movements, predicting gestures. The smallest figure lunged first, swinging a heavy stick. I twisted a nearby metal railing subtly, redirecting the swing harmlessly to the side.
"Good use of environment," Notice commented. "Keep awareness active. Adapt."
The second figure charged. I dropped to the ground, using momentum to kick a loose trash can at him. He stumbled, surprised. My chest burned with adrenaline, but I kept calm. Timing, precision, focus.
"Best Welder skill efficiency increased under pressure," Notice said. "Your coordination is improving."
The tallest figure raised a brick, heavy and menacing. I froze for a heartbeat—then acted. With precise movements, I twisted the railing again, intercepting the brick's path. Sparks flew, metal groaned, but the brick hit nothing but air.
Breathing hard, I stood. The figures hesitated, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. They hadn't expected me to react like this. I didn't wait. "Leave now," I said firmly. "Or I'll make sure you regret it."
A pause. Then, as quickly as they had appeared, the three figures melted into the fog. I exhaled slowly, legs trembling, heart racing.
"External threat neutralized. Moral and tactical judgment applied successfully," Notice said quietly. "Reflection will improve future responses."
I leaned against the alley wall, sweat running down my temple. I had done it. I had faced real danger and survived. My skills, my judgment, my focus—all of it had mattered.
And yet… a tiny seed of doubt lingered. That was only three figures. What if the next threat was larger, smarter, faster? What if my skills weren't enough?
I clenched my fists, letting the tension settle. One step at a time. One point, one skill, one choice at a time. I was Mizu. I had survived this. I would survive what came next.