The Hero Code

The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows across the school's tournament arena as Zik stepped onto the battlefield. The roar of the crowd echoed in his ears, and for the first time, he felt… ready. His upgraded abilities hummed with potential, his Hero System window glowing faintly in his mind as it notified him of a new quest:

---

Quest: Defeat Your Opponent

Objective: Secure victory in your tournament match.

Rewards: EXP for all equipped abilities and skills, +1 Ability Slot if victory is achieved without yielding.

Failure: Reduced EXP gain for the day and stamina penalty.

---

Zik grinned to himself. He wasn't just fighting for credit anymore—this was personal. His opponent stepped into the ring, and Zik's confidence flickered ever so slightly.

The guy was tall, built like a tank, and his Hero Perception identified his opponent's abilities immediately:

Opponent: Conrad

Abilities:

1. Gravity Manipulation (Grade C, Level 5) — The ability to increase or decrease the gravitational force in a localized area.

2. Enhanced Strength (Grade D, Level 7) — Superhuman strength capable of lifting heavy objects and delivering devastating blows.

3. Stone Skin (Grade C, Level 4) — Grants temporary defensive durability, turning his skin as hard as rock.

Zik gulped. "Perfect adversary, huh? Thanks, Hero System," he muttered sarcastically.

---

The referee raised his hand and yelled, "Begin!"

Conrad wasted no time. He stomped the ground, activating Gravity Manipulation, and Zik felt the weight on his body double instantly. His knees bent slightly under the pressure, and his reinforced boots creaked.

"Let's see how fast you are now," Conrad said, smirking. He charged forward, his fists glowing faintly with the energy of his Enhanced Strength.

Zik barely dodged the first punch, activating Super Speed to dart out of the way. But with the increased gravity, even moving felt sluggish, like he was running underwater.

"Quest Updated: Survive the Opening Assault and Analyze Your Opponent."

Zik darted back, narrowly avoiding another swing. His mind raced as his Super Intelligence kicked in, analyzing Conrad's movements. He noticed the slight delay between Conrad's punches and the activation of his abilities. The gravity field wasn't constant—it pulsed in waves.

There's a window to exploit, Zik thought, ducking under another punch.

He activated Telekinesis, grabbing a loose rock from the arena floor and hurling it at Conrad's face. Conrad swatted it aside with ease, his stone-covered arm deflecting the projectile like it was paper.

"You'll have to do better than that," Conrad said, grinning.

---

Zik's Hero System pinged:

Skill Progression Detected: Super Speed Leveling Up… 20% to Level 5.

Good, Zik thought. I just need to keep moving.

Conrad slammed his foot into the ground again, doubling the gravity field's strength. Zik stumbled, barely managing to keep his balance. The crowd gasped as Conrad lunged forward, throwing a massive punch aimed directly at Zik's chest.

Zik activated Speed Strike, channeling his remaining momentum into a counterpunch. The two attacks collided, the force sending a shockwave across the arena. Zik was thrown back, skidding across the ground, his reinforced boots absorbing most of the impact.

His Regeneration kicked in immediately, soothing the pain in his arm where the force of the collision had strained his muscles.

Regeneration Progress: 15% to Level 2.

"Not bad," Conrad admitted, rolling his shoulders. "But you're not going to win this by running around."

Zik smirked, ignoring the sweat dripping down his face. "Who said I'm running?"

---

Zik focused his Telekinesis, pulling more debris from the arena floor and hurling it at Conrad in rapid succession. Conrad blocked most of it with his Stone Skin, but the constant barrage forced him to slow down.

Zik activated Spinning Speed Kick, closing the distance in a blur and landing a solid hit to Conrad's side. The impact sent Conrad staggering, his gravity field flickering for a brief moment.

"Gotcha," Zik muttered, following up with a Calf Kick aimed at Conrad's legs. The heavier gravity made the move less fluid than usual, but it worked. Conrad's balance wavered, and he stumbled backward.

Skill Progression Detected: Calf Kick Leveling Up… 40% to Level 2.

Conrad growled, slamming both fists into the ground. The gravity field intensified again, and Zik felt like he was being pressed into the earth.

I need a new plan, he thought, panting.

---

Hero System Ping: Quest Update

Objective Added: Exploit Weakness in Opponent's Gravity Field. Reward: Bonus EXP for Telekinesis and Super Speed.

Zik grinned despite the pressure. His Super Intelligence was already piecing things together. The gravity pulses weren't random—they were tied to Conrad's physical movements. The more Conrad moved, the stronger the gravity became, but it also drained his stamina.

"Alright," Zik muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Time to turn this around."

---

Zik activated Crafting, pulling a small gadget from his utility belt—a makeshift grappling hook he'd created during one of his crafting sessions.

"What are you planning, little guy?" Conrad taunted, raising a fist.

Zik fired the grappling hook at a nearby pillar, using it to swing himself out of the gravity field's center. The crowd gasped as he soared through the air, his Super Speed kicking in to adjust his trajectory mid-flight.

He landed behind Conrad, using Telekinesis to yank the grappling hook free and hurl it at Conrad's exposed back. The hook hit its mark, the sharp end lodging into the weaker part of Conrad's stone armor.

Conrad roared in frustration, turning to face Zik, but the movement caused his gravity field to pulse erratically. Zik darted in, delivering a Power Strike to the hook, driving it deeper and disrupting Conrad's focus.

Skill Progression Detected: Power Strike Leveling Up… 50% to Level 3.

---

Conrad's breathing grew heavier, his movements slowing as his stamina waned. Zik could feel the shift—the tide was turning in his favor.

"You're not bad," Conrad admitted, wiping sweat from his brow. "But this isn't over yet."

"Bring it," Zik said, his grin widening. "I've got plenty left in the tank."

Hero System Notification: Super Speed Level Up! Now Level 5.

Zik felt a surge of energy as his speed increased, his movements becoming smoother and more precise.

The fight wasn't over, but for the first time, Zik felt like victory was within reach.

---

"End it when you're ready," Zik thought, adrenaline pumping as he prepared for Conrad's next move.

Conrad growled, his frustration evident as his breathing steadied and his focus returned. "You think you've got me figured out, don't you?" he said, brushing off the debris from his cracked stone skin.

Zik kept his stance, his mind racing as he considered his next move. If I push too hard, I'll burn out before him, he thought. But if I don't keep up the pressure, he's going to flatten me.

Conrad slammed both fists into the ground, creating a shockwave that rippled through the arena. The gravity field surged again, heavier than before. Zik's knees buckled slightly, the weight pressing down on him like an invisible hand trying to crush him.

"Warning: Stamina at 45%."

The Hero System notification flashed in his mind, but Zik ignored it. He had to focus. Conrad was charging now, his movements slower but deliberate, each step shaking the ground beneath him.

---

Conrad grinned as he raised both fists, swinging down with all the force of a wrecking ball. Zik barely rolled out of the way, his Reinforced Boots absorbing some of the impact from the tremor that followed. But the delay in his movements cost him—Conrad's follow-up punch landed squarely on his side, sending him flying across the arena.

Zik hit the ground hard, coughing as pain shot through his ribs. His Regeneration kicked in immediately, dulling the worst of it, but it wasn't enough to make him forget the sheer force of the blow.

Regeneration Progress: 50% to Level 2.

"Not so cocky now, are you?" Conrad taunted, stepping closer.

Zik struggled to his feet, his mind racing. He's baiting me, he thought. He wants me to panic and overcommit.

"Yeah, I get it," Zik muttered, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. "You hit like a truck. Congrats."

Conrad smirked. "You won't be talking much longer."

---

Conrad raised his fists again, his Gravity Manipulation intensifying as he stomped the ground. Zik could feel the pressure increasing, his limbs growing heavier with every second.

The crowd watched in awe and tension, murmurs rippling through the stands.

"Is Zik done for?"

"He's holding up, but Conrad's too strong."

"Man, that gravity thing is insane. How do you fight against that?"

Zik's ears burned at the comments, but he forced himself to focus. I can't let this get to me. I just need one opening.

As Conrad lunged forward, Zik activated Telekinesis, using the grappling hook again to pull himself upward. But this time, Conrad was ready. He adjusted the gravity field mid-swing, pulling Zik back down toward the ground.

The sudden shift disoriented Zik, and Conrad capitalized on it, slamming him into the dirt with a thunderous punch.

The crowd gasped.

Zik coughed, his vision blurring for a moment. His Regeneration worked overtime, but the stamina drain was becoming a real problem.

---

"Stay down," Conrad said, his voice low and commanding. "You're done."

Zik looked up at him, breathing hard but refusing to give up. His Hero System pinged again:

"Quest Updated: Survive Conrad's Onslaught."

Reward: +30% EXP to all abilities if completed.

Zik's mind raced. If I can just hold on a little longer…

Conrad's next attack came faster than expected. A gravity surge pinned Zik to the ground as Conrad loomed over him, his fist raised high. For a split second, it felt like the fight was truly over.

Then Zik's Hero System pinged again:

"Telekinesis Level Up! Now Level 3."

The rush of power was subtle but noticeable. Zik grinned through the pain, raising a hand and using Telekinesis to grab a chunk of debris from behind Conrad. He hurled it with precision, striking Conrad in the back of the head and causing him to stumble forward.

"Cheap shot!" Conrad growled, turning sharply.

"It worked, didn't it?" Zik shot back, scrambling to his feet.

---

Zik activated Spinning Speed Kick, his body moving faster and smoother thanks to his newly upgraded Super Speed. He closed the distance between them in an instant, landing a solid kick to Conrad's midsection.

The force of the blow knocked Conrad back, but it wasn't enough to take him down. His Stone Skin absorbed most of the damage, and he retaliated with another shockwave punch that Zik barely managed to dodge.

The fight was becoming a battle of attrition, with both fighters pushing their limits. Zik's stamina was dwindling, but he refused to give up.

---

Conrad stomped the ground again, sending another gravity pulse through the arena. But this time, Zik was ready. He timed his movement perfectly, using Speed Strike to dart past Conrad's defenses and land a clean hit to his side.

Conrad roared in frustration, his movements becoming slower and more deliberate as his stamina waned.

"Still think I'm done?" Zik asked, panting but grinning.

Conrad didn't respond. He charged forward, his fists glowing faintly as he prepared one final, massive attack.

"This is it," Zik thought. If I don't counter this, I'm finished.

Hero System Notification: Regeneration Level Up! Now Level 2.

The pain in Zik's body dulled further as his healing sped up, giving him just enough energy to prepare for what came next.

The crowd held their breath as the two fighters faced off, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. This was the moment that would decide the match.

"Bring it," Zik muttered, his fists clenching.

And with that, Conrad charged.

The gravity pulses had faded. The air in the arena was still heavy, but not because of Conrad's ability. It was the sheer tension, the quiet murmurs of the crowd, and the sight of two fighters, both battered and bruised, standing unsteadily on trembling legs. Zik's breathing was labored, every inhale a fight against his own exhaustion. Across from him, Conrad wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his stone skin now cracked and flaking.

Both of them were running on fumes, their abilities drained to their limits.

The gravity manipulation had flickered out. Zik's Super Speed had slowed to a crawl. Telekinesis wasn't strong enough to do much anymore, and even his Regeneration couldn't fully keep up with the damage he'd taken.

But they were still standing.

Zik clenched his fists, stepping forward. His legs felt like lead, his body screaming at him to stop. He could hear Aiden and Tobias shouting from the sidelines.

"Zik, don't you dare give up!" Aiden's voice rang out, sharp and determined.

"You're not done yet!" Tobias added, his deep voice steady and commanding.

Their words echoed in his head, fueling him. I can't quit. Not now. Not in front of them.

But as Zik's fists tightened, his gaze flickered to Conrad. The guy was swaying slightly, his breathing harsh, but his eyes burned with the same determination. Zik could only wonder: What's keeping him up?

---

"You've got guts," Conrad said, his voice hoarse but tinged with respect. "I'll give you that."

"You too," Zik replied, barely able to get the words out.

Conrad laughed faintly, the sound strained. "Too bad guts won't get me that credit."

Zik blinked. "What?"

"Man…" Conrad sighed, stepping forward with his fists raised. "I bombed the exams so bad. I need this extra credit, or I'm screwed." He chuckled bitterly, his lips curling into a weak smile. "You ever try to explain to your parents why you failed history? I'm not ready to face that death sentence."

Zik stared at him, stunned for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed—a weak, breathy sound that surprised even him. "You're fighting this hard… because of history class?"

"Laugh all you want," Conrad muttered, raising his fists again. "I've got my priorities, and I'm not losing here."

---

The crowd watched in silence as the two fighters stumbled toward each other. No more abilities. No flashy moves. Just raw determination and stubborn pride.

Conrad swung first, his fist coming in wide and slow. Zik ducked under it, his instincts still sharp despite his exhaustion. He countered with a straight punch to Conrad's chest, the impact forcing the larger boy back a step.

Conrad retaliated immediately, landing a heavy blow to Zik's shoulder that sent pain radiating down his arm. But Zik didn't stop. He stepped in closer, landing a quick jab to Conrad's jaw, then another to his ribs.

The punches came slower and weaker with each exchange, but neither of them backed down.

---

Zik could barely feel his fists anymore. Every punch felt like it might be his last. But every time he thought about falling, he heard his friends' voices again.

"Keep going!" Aiden shouted. "You've got him, Zik!"

"You've fought too hard to lose now!" Tobias added.

Zik gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. I can do this, he told himself. I have to do this. I'm not just fighting for me. I'm fighting for them, too.

Across from him, Conrad's movements were slowing even more. His swings were wild and unfocused, but the fire in his eyes never dimmed. Zik couldn't help but wonder: What's driving him?

"Why are you still standing?" Zik asked, his voice barely audible.

Conrad smiled weakly, his lip split and bleeding. "Because I don't have a choice. If I fall here, it's over. No second chances. No make-up tests. Just a whole lot of disappointment waiting for me at home."

Zik's chest tightened at his words. He understood that feeling all too well—the weight of expectations, the fear of failure. For a moment, he almost felt guilty for fighting so hard.

But then he remembered why he was here, why he'd fought tooth and nail to get this far.

---

Conrad swung again, a clumsy, desperate punch that Zik sidestepped with the last bit of energy he had. He planted his feet, drawing on every ounce of strength left in his body, and threw a punch straight at Conrad's jaw.

His fist connected with a resounding crack.

Conrad staggered, his eyes wide with shock and exhaustion. He swayed on his feet for a moment, as if trying to will himself to stay upright.

Then, slowly, he fell to his knees.

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps as the referee stepped forward, raising a hand. "Winner: Zik!"

---

As Zik stood there, barely able to catch his breath, Conrad looked up at him with a crooked smile. "Man… I really needed that credit."

Zik let out a weak laugh, shaking his head. "You're insane, you know that?"

"Yeah," Conrad replied, chuckling softly. "But you gotta admit… I made you work for it."

Zik extended a hand, helping Conrad to his feet. "You definitely did."

---

As the crowd continued to cheer, Zik turned to the sidelines, where Aiden and Tobias were grinning from ear to ear.

"You did it!" Aiden shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

"Of course he did," Tobias said, his voice calm but proud. "He's Zik."

Zik smiled, his chest swelling with pride. He'd done it. He'd won. And more importantly, he'd proven to himself that he could stand tall, even when everything seemed stacked against him.

As he left the ring, the Hero System pinged softly in his mind.

---

Quest Complete: Defeat Your Opponent

Rewards:

+EXP for all equipped abilities and skills.

+1 Ability Slot unlocked.

Level Up! Zik is now Level 7.

---

Zik grinned as he closed the notification, already looking forward to what came next.