Neon reflections shimmered across the rain slick streets of Neon City, casting fractured, flickering light's onto puddles and the peeling paint of abandoned storefronts. Yet Jack barely noticed. His stomach growled with a ferocity that blurred the neon lights into streaks of color. Each step he took was measured more by the gnawing hunger than by caution, and the ache in his gut made his hoodie cling to him like a second skin. The past day's fight with Ken had left him battered, bruised, and exhausted, but now all of that faded into a single thought: food.
He wandered through the maze like alleys, the rhythm of raindrops against the pavement ,a muted backdrop to the loud roar in his belly. His eyes scanned every stall and every flickering sign, desperate for something to fill the void. That was when he saw it: a small street kitchen tucked between a neon lit noodle shop and a shuttered electronics store. Steam curled up from simmering pots, carrying the rich scent of broth, spices, and roasted chicken. Jack's mouth watered, his pace quickening as he approached the humble haven.
But just as he was about to step forward, a shadow moved. Three figures loomed over the vendor.A frail, elderly man who shuffled behind his counter. "You'll pay up, old man!" the largest thug barked, brandishing a crowbar. "Or else!"
The vendor shook his head, voice trembling. "I've earned this with my hands. Please… I suggest that you leave me be."
"Or else what?" another thug, holding a metal pipe, stepped closer. "You think anyone will care if we take what we want?"
Jack froze. He was still weak from yesterday, still nursing his wounds, and now faced three burly men armed and threatening an innocent man. Hunger alone wasn't enough to push him forward, but something else—the growing sense of justice stirred within him.
[Quest Triggered]
Objective:Defend the Vendor
Reward: +50 EXP, 50 Credits, 2 free stat points
Failure: -5 HP (hunger penalty)
Jack's jaw clenched. "Figures. Even my chance at food comes with a fight."
[You might earn it. Or embarrass yourself. Both are possible.]
Surveying the cramped kitchen, Jack noted his potential weapons: pots, a large ladle, long spoons, chopsticks, and bowls filled with steaming broth. Steam swirled around, fogging the alley with an almost theatrical haze. Every step was precarious,the floors slick with spilled liquids and scattered noodles but Jack's mind raced, mapping potential teleportation points and improvisational strikes.
He moved first, teleporting behind the closest thug, only to miscalculate and slam into a stack of pots. One crashed to the floor with a loud clang, startling both him and the thug. Jack stumbled, arms flailing, but managed to regain his balance. His HP dropped slightly from the exertion and minor scrapes.
HP:119/125
[we really need to work on your teleportation you can't be losing health points before the fight has actually started.]
Jack muttered under his breath. "Shut up. You're lucky I need the food."
He activated Inspect skill (level 1) on the thugs. The system revealed some minor, imperfect details:
[Victor Norman]
Weapon:Wielding a crowbar]
Note:His foot shifts in the direction of his impending punch
[Peter Hank]
Weapon:Metal pipe in hand
Note:shouts when about to strike,predictable swings
[Greg Patterson]
Weapon:knife ready
Note:hisses when alarmed;uses his left as his dormant foot
Not much, but enough for Jack to anticipate a few moves.Jack suddenly got alerted from a high pitched scream right next to him.
The first attack came from Peter ,screaming like a banshee swinging the pipe wide. Jack teleported behind a stack of steaming pots, sloshing broth onto the floor. The thug slipped, yelping as noodles clung to his boots. Jack seized the opportunity, swinging a long spoon like a sword, grazing Peter's shoulder.
Victor charged next, crowbar raised. Jack grabbed a pot lid as a shield, deflecting the swing, then teleported to the side and spilled a bowl of chicken broth directly onto the thug's face. Victor screamed, coughing, blinded by the hot liquid. Jack ducked another swing, feeling the sting on his arm as the crowbar grazed him.
HP:113/125.
Greg lunged with the knife. Jack countered with a mix of teleportation and chaotic environmental use: he swung the ladle, knocked over a stack of bowls, and tipping his leg out tripping Greg into the puddle of broth. The knife clattered across the floor, harmless but still threatening. Each move drained Jack further.
HP:108/125
The vendor watched in awe and horror as Jack flailed and fought with the elegance of chaos. Steam, broth, and overturned kitchenware created a surreal battlefield. Despite the mess, the vendor's eyes gleamed with admiration.
"You—you're insane!" the man shouted dodging a flying noodle pot. "But… you saved my stall! I don't know how to thank you!"
Jack grinned weakly, panting. "Just… glad it's over." He teleported again, narrowly avoiding a wild swing from Peter and kicking him to the ground then knocked a steaming pot into the thug's legs. Victor and Greg staggered, slipping on the wet floor.
The final moment came in a chaotic ballet: Jack spun with the long spoon, knocking the crowbar from Victors grasp, splashed a ladle of broth into Greg's face, and forced Peter to stumble over a toppled crate. The three thugs finally bolted, slipping and cursing as they disappeared into the alleyway.
HP:95/125
The vendor stepped forward, brushing noodles from his apron. "Messy… chaotic… but you saved my stall. Incredible." He offered a warm smile, despite the ruined kitchen. "I insist you eat now—you've earned it."
Jack sank to his knees, finally letting himself indulge. The vendor served him a mini feast : a steaming bowl of noodles, rich chicken broth loaded with chunks of meat, and a small drink. Jack ate until completely satisfied, the gnawing hunger replaced with warmth and relief. The fight, the chaos, and the rain all faded for a moment as he focused solely on the comforting flavors.
[Quest Complete]
Reward: +50 EXP, +50 Credits, 2 free stat points
[Updated Stats – Jack West]
Level:1
EXP:50/100
Strength:3
Agility:3
Endurance:3
Speed:1
HP:125/125
Intelligence:4
Willpower:5
Charm:2
Charisma:2
Luck:1
Credits:150
[Creative, messy, and victorious. I approve.]
Jack leaned back, slurping the last of the broth, and allowed himself a rare moment of peace. The rain spattered lightly on the roof of the stall, neon reflections dancing across puddles. His body ached from exertion, but his stomach was full, his mind clearer. The System's teasing was light this time:
"Ah, fighting, spilling broth, eating… classic Jack West."
Jack chuckled. "You're lucky I enjoyed it."
For now, the alley was quiet. The vendor's stall, though messy, had survived. Jack's hunger was gone, his HP restored, and he had earned both rewards and a strange sense of satisfaction. The chaos of Neon City might return at any moment, but tonight, victory—and a good meal—belonged entirely to him.