Being A Superhero

Chapter 2 - A Mistake?

HERO OR VILLAIN?

These two words are sticking in front of my eyes. What in the world is this?

[Let me explain]

Woah! What the hell? Who said that?

[I am the system that synced with your body last night. I have now installed the SPS 3.0 in your body and synced it. I will be your system and will be in charge with you.]

Wait… you can read my thoughts? And what's the SPS 3.0

[Correct. SPS 3.0 also known as Super Powered System will allow you to gain and manifest abilities and powers beyond your wildest dreams.]

I was still in a state of shock. I mean, this has to be a dream, right? No one can become a super-powered being overnight.

[This is in fact, not a dream. And it did happen]

After being silent for a while, I finally started accepting the fact that this has become my reality. It's not that I've understood what's going on, but since it's here, I might as well grab the opportunity.

So, what now system?

[You must first select a faction: Hero or Villain?]

The obvious choice would be a Hero, right? I mean, why in the world would someone want to be a villain? This world is crazy enough as it is. But there must be more to this. I have to think this through. Since the system has given me the option, there must be benefits from both sides?

[Correct. Being a makes you beloved by all upright and moral people. You will make the people around you feel safe. The effect usually has a range of 2km. You will have starting stats of 20 in STR, AGI and INT. The normal stats of a human being is 5 in each stat. This depends on what they worked on in their lives. The downside of being a is that, you can only gain experience by completing missions and doing heroic deeds. Also, you have a 10% chance of unlocking a unique trait or skill as you level up. Not everyone will accept you immediately. You will also level up by fighting with a common enemy.]

That's actually not that bad. Being a isn't all that bad? It's a typical hero thing. The way I see it, it's as cliché as it can get. Just like any other superhero movie. It still feels kind of weird. This is the first time I've seen someone getting superpowers through a system.

[Don't confuse this too much. You won't be getting any superpowers for now. Being a , if you so choose this faction, would grant you level 1 Stats. Which means you'll have super strength, fast reflexes, and high intelligence which will unlock your potential for superpowers. As you level up and increase your stats, you will unlock your powers. In short, you decide what kind of you want to be. The powers, the strength and the abilities are yours to decide. The only problems is that we don't have a for you to follow. So you will have to figure it out and unlock it all along the way.]

I see, so this is to prevent us from becoming OP. Okay… So what about being a ?

[As a , everyone in authority will have a sense of wariness and being uncomfortable around you. You will emit an aura that will repel people around you. The benefits of a is that you will bring fear to anyone who threatens you. Also, you get to have a 100% chance of getting unique skills and Traits. You will start off with two of your stats having 10 and one stat with 30. It is of course given randomly. You level up by causing chaos, fights, and other harmful events around you. You can also level up by fighting a common enemy.]

Common enemy? What is that?

I didn't think too much of it and just brushed it off. Now then, the moment of truth…

Being a villain isn't so bad, I get to have such cool benefits. I mean, having a 100% chance of getting a unique skill? And I'd have level up privileges. But I can't just cause trouble. I have plenty of it as already is.

System? What should I choose?

[I am not oblige to influence your choice. My task is to guide you once the choice is made.]

After thinking about it for a while, I decided that I have to play safe. Being a seems to be a wise choice. I should go for it.

In the end, I decided to choose to be a .

*CRASH!*

When I was about to press the selection, a stone broke my window which surprised me. I then went to see who it was.

"That's what you get Dweeb!" It was Mark with his gang of varsity lackeys.

"What are you doing?! I'm calling the cops!" One of our neighbors saw what they were doing and started calling the authorities.

Scared to be caught, they made a run for it. I sighed in relief. Well, at least, they're off my back for now. It's Saturday, but they still want to look for trouble? They must really enjoy bullying people.

Suddenly the system spoke.

[Progress: Uploading files to the hosts body. Randomizing stats.]

What?! I didn't even press any of the choices yet? Wait… that broken widow… Did I accidentally press either of the two? Did I choose a or ?

After a lot of beeping and whooshing in my head, it suddenly stopped. Then…

*DING!*

[Completed! Congratulations Dan Stevens for choosing !]

What?! Factionless? I'm neither both?!

Just before I could continue my ranting, the system gave me an explanation.

[Correct, because you swiped the screen sideways, you have neither chosen a faction for now and decided to randomize on both the factions stats, benefits and disadvantages.]

Crap! This is bad! What if I get all the bad stuff? Crap! Crap! Crap!

*DING!*

[Your character info and profile status are now available. Would you like to view it?]

I gulped as I watched the screen stunned. My heart was beating really fast as a million thoughts and questions rushed through my head. I got off my bed and stood up. I prepared to run just in case this would turn bad.

After closing my eyes and calming myself, I gave a nod to the system hoping that it'll see it. I was too terrified to speak. Then, a holographic window opened in front of me showing me all my stats.

SPS 3.0 INFO

Name: Dan Stevens

Hero Name: None

Level 1

Faction: Factionless

Legion: None

Movement Type: Normal

ATTRIBUTES:

Strength: 30

Agility: 20

Intelligence: 10

EXPERIENCE AND POINTS

Hero Points: 0

Villain Points: 0

Experience Points: 0/100

ACTIVE SKILLS

Unique Skill: Steal

PA.S.SIVE SKILLS

: An aura that is undetectable but allows the citizens to feel safe. The Range is 1 kilometer in radius.

: An aura like ability that would incite insurmountable fear towards a target or a group of people. It only activates when the user is threatened. Affects a range of 10m in radius.

When I saw all this information. I was overjoyed! This is really amazing! I can't believe I'm saying this but, THANK YOU MARK! This is great!

I jumped and threw a fist in the air, but I ended up punching a whole in the roof. Wow! I should really take control of my powers first.

[Re-writing Gene structure. System will shut off for two hours. Will the host confirm?]

Just like that huh? You won't even try to answer my questions? What's a villain skill? And why do I have hero and villain points? What does these two do? When can I get a cool superhero name?

[I will answer them after 2 hours. Don't worry. Your basic stats will still be in effect.]

While my attention was on the system's voice, my phone suddenly rang. I rush over to the bed and got my phone to see who it was. It was Faye!

"Hey Faye! What's up?" I answered the phone.

"Hey Dan… I was just wondering if you forgot our meet-up today at the Café." She said.

Surprised I turn to look at the time on my Phone. Holy crap! It's already almost 9AM! I have to be there before 10AM!

"Y-yeah… I mean, uh, N-no, of course I didn't forget. In fact, I'm on my way right now. Can't talk. See you later. Bye!" I answered in a rush not giving her a chance to reply.

Oh crap! I totally forgot!

I only got less than an hour to be there. It'll take around 40 minutes just to get there by walking. I don't even have a bicycle. What to do?

[System will shutoff for two hours. Will the host confirm?]

Right! I still have the system with me!

"Confirm!" I shouted in excitement.

Without any time to waste I dashed all around the house to prepare what I needed. My speed has really improved. I guess having an increase in agility isn't just for show. This was also a great opportunity to practice my new acquired traits and stats. Now I see why sudden changes in the body isn't good. You really have to slowly adapt to this.

In just 5 minutes, I managed to pack up everything I need, while taking a bath, making and having my breakfast, and brushing my teeth. But in the process, I broke 2 door handles, busted open a door, broke the shower handle, bit off my tooth brush, squeezed almost all the toothpaste out, bent 5 spoons and left a couple of footprint-sized holes in different parts of the house from constantly dashing. But the good news is, I was finally able to grasp my new found strength. I guess having high makes you calmly assess the situation and it'll even make you easily adapt to it as well. Even better news, I didn't break a sweat.

Standing on the front door, I looked back to check the house. It was a mess. Good thing mom is out for the weekend. Otherwise, she'd freak out!

It was now 9:05AM. If I ran now, I can probably make it. Now, let's go!

*ZOOOOOM!*

I ran for about 10 minutes and was now halfway where I needed to be. Suddenly, I could feel my feet heating up.

Oh crap! I stopped to check my shoes. Both of it were busted open. I don't even have super speed but it even at this speed, my shoes were worn out. I didn't really think this through. What now?

A dumb idea suddenly flashed inside my mind. It might be dumb, but it's the only one I've got.

It's too late to turn back now. I should run barefoot towards the Café. There's that old shoe place near it. They probably sell used shoes. I checked my watch and realize that there's still plenty of time before our meet-up.

*ZOOOOOOM!*

Wow! I can actually run faster without shoes on!

After running for another 10 minutes, I finally arrived in the store. I asked for help in finding the shoes that I wanted and an old man, who was probably the owner, was happy to assist me. It only took me 5 good minutes to find what I wanted and get out of the place. By 9:30AM I arrived at Caffeine Café.

There were only a few people when I went inside. This is great! She's still not here!

Phew! I wiped off the sweat on my forehead and went to the comfort room to freshen up a little. I threw away the worn out shoes and wore the new one.

Once I was done I went to a table and I waited for Faye. After a few minutes, someone who was wearing a long blue and white dress walked inside the café. I could not recognize her right away since she was wearing a large hat and a pair of large sunglasses.

For a sunny day like this, she was wearing something fitting. I was so attracted to her that I didn't notice that she was approaching me.

"Sorry Dan…did I take too long?" She said as she was rubbing her elbow shyly.

I stood up to greet her back. "Not at all. I just arrived as well. Please, sit down."

She took off her sunglasses revealing a very beautiful face. The sun was even complimenting her beauty as she seems to glow the moment the sun bounced off her skin. It was breath-taking.

We started working on our Chemistry Project. To be honest, she didn't contribute much. She was just listening and agreeing to all my proposals about what to do and the things we needed to accomplish this project. This was all happening as I stared at her gorgeous eyes as if it was staring at my… AHEM!

We are getting off track here. Anyway, we talked and planned for about more or less an hour. We then agreed to finish the data gathering and experiment in the next two weeks so we can finalize our project before the science fair next month.

"So I guess that settles it. Your ideas are really original Dan! I can't even imagine myself coming up with these proposals. Yet, you nailed it. I'm definitely convinced." Faye said as we walked out of the Café.

"Thanks. My dad and I used to plan these things so it was easy enough." I replied as I chuckled.

"I'm pretty sure he'd be proud of you Dan." She said in a comforting manner as she was placing her hand on my shoulder.

I just smiled at her and looked at her. If this is the last thing that I'd be seeing before I die, I'd die happily.

"!" A voice came from in front of us.

We both were surprise to see a familiar face shouting at us. This guy was huffing and puffing really hard. This guys must be mad at me again. Me and my big mouth… brain… whatever! I just had to jinx it.

"Blake, stop. Don't do anything stupid." Faye tried to defend me but it was too late. Blake grabbed me by the collar and threw me to the side.

"So you're protecting this dweeb now?!" Blake yelled as he pointed at me.

This jerk just came at me like that? I didn't even do anything!

I tried to calm the situation by speaking politely. "Blake, we were just working on our Chemistry Project." I slowly stood up as I raised both my hands up as if I'm telling him that I mean no harm.

Out of nowhere, Blake threw a punch at me and I was a bit surprised.

It didn't even hurt.

[Answer. Because your STR stat has reached 30, attacks from normal citizens won't affect you.]

The system is back online! Great!

But still, I can still fix this without fighting anyone. We can still talk this through…

Faye was already trying her best to pull Blake away from me.

"Blake, I know your mad, but if you just lis-" before I could finish my sentence, a punch went straight to my face. This came from one of his lackeys.

Of course I saw it coming but I didn't dodge or block otherwise I'd be attacked by these guys if I did. But boy was I wrong. After that one punch, a barrage of kicks and punches came one after the other.

Well for someone who has currently has a high INT stat, I'm pretty smart, aren't I? I was now kneeling on one knee and was covering myself from the attacks. It still didn't hurt. I just don't want to fight back. From the corner of my eye, I could see that Faye was now crying and begging Blake to stop. It was obvious that he was not happy about it. I thought that he would at least listen, but he didn't instead, he got annoyed and pushed her to the side making her fall and hit her head on the ground.

This ticked me off.

*BOOOOOM!*

An aura suddenly was released out of my body. I could feel myself getting warmer and warmer.

The people who were trying to beat me up seized their attacks and were now frozen. After a long pause, they backed away slowly.

"Something isn't right…" One of Blake's lackeys said while he was backing away.

Another lackey who was trembling while also backing away said, "Y-yeah, he's not even hurt. B-Blake… What now?"

Blake just stood there in silence.

I noticed from the upper left side of my view was a small icon of a purple skull flashing. It was the passive skill taking effect.

The aura around me got heavier and heavier. I could feel my heartbeat slowing down. My skin was turning hot instead of warm. I could feel my hands trembling from anger. This is the last straw.

Hurting me is fine. Hurting innocent people was is something unforgivable.

I couldn't take it anymore. I turned to Blake as I slowly stood up and said. "You hurt her? Let's see how you like it."

He was now angrier than ever. He even spat out, "What are you fools standing there for?! End him!" I bet he didn't want to be threatened that he was just trying to end things quickly.

There were a total of 5 people including Blake. One of his lackeys on my right tried to kick me in the back. But I stopped it by grabbing onto it.

"Tsk tsk tsk… not cool. You can't just hit people at their backs. It's cowardly to do that." I tried to tease the guy. The others were slowly approaching me while the person who tried to kick me was trying his best to get away. I didn't give him his chance. I used both of my hands to grab his leg lifting him up before slamming him down face first. He instantly was knocked out cold.

I slowly stood up and purposely stood in the middle of the 4 people who were now slowly positioning themselves to attack. After breathing out a sigh of relief, I then asked in a cold dark voice, "Who's next?"

There was no response.

I looked at them as they were staring at their friend who passed out. They must be scared to try and attack after what I just did.

Soon the one behind me started rushing towards me. I could feel him running towards me. I think he wants to tackle me from behind. The guy on my left started to rush towards me too. But base on their speed, I think the guy behind me would hit me first.

For a split second, I my body's AGI kicked in combined with the martial arts that I've learned. The moment I thought of what to do, my body reacted on its own. The moment the person behind me got into a tackle position before crashing in to me, I did a backflip causing me to land on his back. I could even hear bones cracking as he fell to the ground.

After what seems like a millisecond, I turned my attention to the guy on my left who was still rushing at me. I did a roundhouse kick before and hit his head sending him flying towards the Café wall and crashing to it.

Wow! This STR is amazing. My only fear is that if I can't control this STR, I might end up killing someone.

Blake was now staring at me with his mouth wide open. He must still be in shock. His body was trembling and he was slowly backing away. "Th-this isn't over !" He yelled in a shaky voice.

I slowly walked towards him as he was backing away. "You're right. This isn't over until I say so." After finishing my sentence I kicked the ground and dashed towards him. In a blink of an eye, I was already in front of him planting a powerful palm strike on his c.h.e.s.t. The last thing I heard was his ribs cracking before he was sent flying to one of the windows of the Café.

This really shocked me. This power is really terrifying. I turned around to check on Faye. She was still on the ground trembling and crying. Crap! is still in effect. Shut it off!

[Passive Skill: Deactivated]

After the system confirmed it, Faye stopped trembling. I offered my hand to her for her to get up. She took it but as she stood, she was still wobbly from the effects of .

"Are you alright?" I asked her.

"I'm fine…" She said in a low tone.

There was silence as we stood there awkwardly.

She probably couldn't keep it in as she said, "H-how did you do that? Why did you do that?"

I just gave her a smile and shrugged.

She was still fl.u.s.tered and was still shrugged that she excused herself and walked away from the scene.

Well, that escalated quickly. I better get out of here before somebody would come and arrest me.

Just then, a series of small holographic windows appeared in front of me.

[Congratulations! You've ran amuck and created chaos! You gained 500 ]

[Congratulations! You've destroyed a private property! You gained 200 ]

[Congratulations! You've inflicted in the hearts of the nearby citizens! You gain 200 !]

[Congratulations! You are slowly becoming a !]