The System's Hold Over Me

Frizz felt sad and furious. He had thought he could handle those two carjackers, but the sight of a gun froze him in his tracks. He had never felt humiliation like this before. The worst part was people telling him everything would be okay, assuring him that the police were on it. He hated being pitied, and he despised it even more when people offered genuine support.

After filing an incident report with the help of a police officer, Frizz asked if he could have a copy of the footage and wrote his email address on a note.

"Thank you for your help, officer," Frizz said, but with a hint of dishonesty.

"We can give you a ride home if you want," a polite police officer offered.

"No, it's fine." Frizz walked away from the police station, taking heavy steps.

"About those two who robbed you, we did try to chase them once, but they got away. We still don't know where they live or operate from, so don't get your hopes up."

Frizz stared at the officer, the word "incompetent" flashing briefly through his mind. He got on his electric-bike and opened the little compartment near the dashboard and pulled out a spare key, and then rode home. He kept an eye on the road while occasionally gritting his teeth or clicking his tongue.

Twenty minutes later...

Frizz arrived at his house. He dismounted from his electric bike and looked at the cloudy night sky. He sighed heavily as he rubbed the back of his neck, a clear indication of his stress and anxiety. He checked his watch, and it was now 11:01 p.m. He straightened his sling bag and approached the gate until a notification popped up before him.

[System]

Objective Complete

Received: 130 Experience

New Name is now level 4.

Select a perk: [Reckless Approach II] [Language Subtitles] [Fast Healer] [Telekinesis]

Frizz stared at the system window with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth. He had assumed he failed the objective and was a failure of a protagonist. His first proper quest, his first arc, ended in what seemed like a defeat. Yet, here was the system, congratulating him on completing the objective.

"Why did this pop up? I didn't stop them." Then it hit him, and the realization slowly dawned on him.

"Wait a minute. They didn't manage to steal the car. Yeah, that's it! They fled empty-handed. I was so focused on the '0/2' counter, thinking I had to fight them to complete the quest. But all I had to do was stop them from taking the car." He silently muttered to himself.

He laughed. "All this time, I could've just called the police or at least shouted at those idiots, and they would've run off. How could I have been so dumb?" He lightly tapped his left temple.

Frizz's brother, Weng, appeared at the window. "Frizz, shut up and come inside. What are you muttering about?"

Frizz's face slightly reddens. "Ah, yeah, I'm coming." Frizz waved dismissively as he looked away. "But first... which perk should I choose?"

He considered the options. "Telekinesis, no doubt. The other choices are lame. But... Reckless Approach II? Hmm, perks have upgrades. Good to know." He takes a mental note.

"System, give me telekinesis." Frizz walked inside, leaving his shoes on the stand.

[System]

New Perk Acquired: [Telekinesis]

Displaying descriptions: The ability to influence your surroundings with your mind. The user can attract and repel objects weighing up to 10 kg within a 20-foot radius.

Frizz tossed his sling bag onto the couch. "Now that's a good perk."

"Ryan, bring me a can of root beer!" he called to his younger brother as he headed upstairs to his room.

Entering the room and sighing heavily, Frizz collapsed onto his bed. It had been a good yet exhausting day. He had suddenly acquired a superpower, but his overconfidence had led him to try and stop two armed carjackers. Now, he was without a phone, and most of his money was gone. Despite gaining a superpower, he couldn't shake the sting of failing to stop those two.

"The footage should be in my email by now." Frizz sat up, anger flickering in his eyes. I'm going to find those two and make them pay for humiliating me.

"Here's your can of root beer," Ryan said, peeking in through the door.

"Put it on the table," Frizz instructed, gesturing at the nearby surface. Ryan set down the can and added. "Weng said you should eat dinner."

"I already ate; I'm not hungry. Tell Weng that," Frizz dismissively answered. "And close the door."

Ryan left his room without bothering to close the door on his way out, irking the already irritated Frizz. He was about to get up and shut it himself when he remembered the new perk that he just acquired. He concentrated on the door and motioned for it to close. *Clack.* The door shut.

"Huh, neat," Frizz muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

He glanced at the can of root beer, about six feet away. He raised his right hand, trying to pull it towards him. *Shoop.* The can flew into his grasp like a magnet. Grinning, he cracked it open.

"Just a little more, and I'll be the strongest."

He turned to his computer, booted it up, and opened the email containing the robbery footage. One of the officers mentioned that the man who pointed the gun at him was part of a syndicate that stole and sold cars in the city. (The police were already aware of him and his gang, yet he is still free. Incompetents.)

"I'm going to get my phone, money, and keys back, and I'm going to make those two regret crossing me."

Frizz clicked on the footage, watching himself as he raised his hands in surrender. The sight made him feel weak and humiliated. He couldn't watch any longer; his pride wouldn't allow it. He turned off the computer and returned to bed, the anger still simmering within him. (Tomorrow's problems are for tomorrow's me), he thought, forcing himself to sleep.