Liam sat in his room, staring at his growing bank balance.
$6,250 from his latest resales.
More inventory lined up for profit.
His market influence was expanding rapidly.
But power attracts enemies.
And the mysterious warning message from the unknown user still lingered in his mind.
> Unknown User: "Stay in your lane, rookie. Money alone won't protect you."
Liam cracked his knuckles.
"They think they can scare me? I need to be ready for anything."
The System blinked open, responding to his thoughts.
> New Upgrade Available: Choose One
1) Combat Training Enhancement (Boosts fighting reflexes, agility, and striking power.)
2) Defensive Instincts Upgrade (Increases awareness of threats, dodging speed, and survival instincts.)
3) Weapon Proficiency Package (Instant mastery of knives, blunt weapons, and firearms.)
Liam's mind calculated fast.
If he got into a fight, he needed to be able to hold his own.
If someone tried to ambush him, he needed awareness.
If things escalated to violence, he needed an edge.
His choice was clear.
With cold determination, he selected—
[1) Combat Training Enhancement]
---
The Awakening of a Fighter
Liam's entire body tensed as a shockwave of raw combat knowledge ripped through his nervous system.
> Physical Combat Mode Activated.
Striking Power +50%.
Speed & Agility +40%.
Reflex Processing Boosted.
Combat Situational Awareness: Online.
His muscles tightened.
His movements felt lighter.
And in his mind, it was as if years of fight training had just been downloaded directly into his instincts.
Liam lifted his hands into a fighting stance—it felt natural.
He threw a punch at the air.
Faster. Stronger. Sharper.
Another one. Then a kick. His body moved with perfect precision.
This isn't just knowledge.
This is power.
His smirk returned.
"Now, I'm not just the smartest guy in the room… I'm the most dangerous one too."
---
The First Confrontation
The next day, Liam headed to a pawn shop to pick up a rare gaming laptop he had negotiated for $300—knowing he could flip it for over $1,500.
But the moment he stepped out onto the sidewalk—
A shadow moved behind him.
Liam's newly enhanced instincts screamed a warning.
Fast-moving footsteps.
A shift in the air pressure.
The presence of someone closing in.
Someone was about to jump him.
His body reacted before his brain did.
As the attacker lunged, Liam spun, dodging effortlessly.
A fist swung past his face, missing by inches.
Liam countered immediately, stepping in and slamming a fist into the guy's ribs.
The attacker stumbled back, coughing.
Liam's eyes locked onto him.
He was young, dressed in streetwear, but there was something off about him. He wasn't just some random mugger.
"Someone sent him."
The guy gritted his teeth, recovering fast.
"You should have listened," he spat.
Liam's mind clicked.
"This is connected to that warning message."
The guy came at him again, this time more controlled, more aggressive.
Liam's new combat instincts kicked in.
Step left. Avoid the right hook.
Counter with a low kick.
Use speed, not brute strength.
He moved like a seasoned fighter, blocking, dodging, striking.
His opponent realized too late—
Liam wasn't just some rookie.
A final well-placed strike sent the attacker collapsing against the wall.
Liam grabbed him by the collar. "Who sent you?"
The guy spit blood and grinned. "You're stepping on the wrong toes."
Liam narrowed his eyes.
"Looks like I've pissed off someone important."
---
The Rise of a New Player
Liam let go of the guy, stepping back. "Tell your boss something for me."
The attacker wiped his mouth, watching cautiously.
Liam's voice dropped to a lethal calm.
"Next time, send someone better."
With that, he turned and walked away, knowing that this was only the beginning.
He had officially entered the big leagues.
And he wasn't backing down.
---
System Notification: New Feature Unlocked
That night, as Liam sat in his room, his System activated.
> New Feature: Reputation Tracker.
Your name is beginning to spread in underground business circles.
Influence Level: Rising.
Liam stared at the notification.
They're watching me now.
But instead of fear—
He felt excitement.
"Let them watch."
"Because soon… I'll own this game."
---