Okay, okay—
I know I said I'd chill.
I KNOW.
But the second I saw that red glow in my chest and the system whispered "Skill Acquired: Veinburst", my brain just… switched off.
Like bro, you're telling me I just unlocked an ability by nearly dying in the library, and you expect me to NOT try it out??
You expect me, a broke, tired, slightly unstable BSc student, to be responsible?
Lmao no.
So yeah. I left the campus.
Didn't go home though. Hell no.
I went to that abandoned parking lot behind the metro. You know the type — creepy, silent, probably haunted, perfect place to die in case this goes wrong.
I stood there, looking around like I was about to drop the hottest mixtape of 2049, and I whispered:
"Veinburst."
Like an idiot.
And what happened?
Nothing.
So I said it again, more dramatic:
"VEINBURST!!"
BRO.
My nose exploded.
I am NOT joking.
Blood came out like a faucet, my eyes were shaking, my brain felt like someone was microwaving it.
I dropped to my knees instantly like I just got slapped by God.
System pops up like it's proud of itself:
Skill Activated: Veinburst (Lv.1)
Cost: 200 Blood Debt Units
Warning: Inaccurate targeting detected
Me:
"BRO WHO AM I TARGETING?? THE AIR??"
I was wheezing, covered in blood, crouching behind a dumpster like I just got jumped by a Pokémon.
Pulled myself together somehow, wiped my face with my sleeve like a true warrior, and stood up.
And then, of course, the universe said "You thought it was over?"
Some random guy walked in.
Skinny, sketchy hoodie, one earbud in, looks like he hasn't slept in 3 days.
"Yo… you good, bro?"
I froze.
Didn't say anything. Just stood there like a deer about to get tax audited.
Then he squints and goes:
"Wait... you got it too, huh?"
Huh??
Then he lunges.
Bro literally went full anime-mode with a punch aimed at my face.
BUT GUESS WHAT.
The mark on my chest pulsed again — and my body dodged on its own.
Like actually dodged. Smoothly. I swear I looked like John Wick for a second.
And boom. New pop-up:
Passive Skill Activated: Reflex Compensation (Lv.1)
+20% Reaction Speed
Cost: 50 Units
So basically:
My mark is out here spending blood debt like I'm rich, without asking me, just to keep me alive.
Which is fair, but also— rude.
Now this random hoodie guy looks real pissed.
He pulls out a knife like we're in some 2010 alley fight.
And he says:
"You're fresh. New debt. Good. Easier to rip it from your bones."
WHAT?!
I didn't even think.
I just screamed:
"VEINBURST!!!"
Bro clutches his arm IMMEDIATELY.
He starts SCREAMING.
His veins literally bulged and POPPED under the skin.
Like his blood pressure just hit the moon.
He drops, convulsing, trying to breathe, arm dripping red.
Me?
I'm just standing there like:
"DID I DO THAT???"
System message again:
Veinburst Success.
Blood Debt Spent: 300 Units
Target Status: Disabled
Debt Remaining: 980
I just stared at the guy.
Shaking. Sweating. Not from fear— from what-the-hell-did-I-just-do vibes.
And in that silence, I whispered to myself:
"This ain't normal.
I don't even know who I am anymore."