June 4th/Age 749
Marsh City
Mina stayed in town overnight since the mayor also allowed her a room at a nice hotel for a few days. However, when Mina woke up, she saw a update alert from her powers.
[Overnight the system has received an important update, allowing the system to enter version 1.22 with added abilities, bug fixes and more.
Certain skills you acquired were not categorized or were undercharged in terms of costs. Certain skills have now been updated and changed. The effects remain the same, but certain skills like 'Ki Reinforcement' or 'Power Strike' have now been buffed with an added cost to your Ki.
Magic skills and Ki skills have now been quantified into tiers appropriately and their typing will be displayed as well.
New Perks have been added in as well. This won't be the last update to the system; however, the updates won't happen too frequently.
Have a wonderful day.]
"I guess my Ki pool isn't as big as I thought it was, or maybe the game made it so that I can't just blast out Ki constantly without negative repercussions." Mina said with a yawn before she got out of the fancy bed she was resting on before she cleaned herself up and got dressed.
She didn't wear her ninja attire and instead decided to wear a simple blue shirt with white shorts and sneakers. Yesterday when she fought the rabbit gang and showed off her new Ki technique, she accidentally burned her mask and ruined it. She sold it and the other ninja clothing she had.
Wearing the clothes was fun, but it didn't feel right to wear the clothes she got from looting corpses. Mina had decided that she endured the odd and unwelcome sensation enough and could now go back to wearing regular clothes, or possibly getting some armor from her gamer shop. She did have the Zeni to do it after all.
"If I got any armor, it would have to be something that a fighter could use, instead of just buying some overly heavy metal knight armor or something." Mina said to herself before she summoned up her Gamer Store and looked over some available armor sets.
After scrolling for a bit, Mina found a few items that she felt would compliment her combat style.
1x Protective Short Sleeved Gi (Blue/No Symbol)
1x Protective Gi Trousers (Black/No Symbol)
1x Martial Arts Sash (Red)
2x Leather Forearm Bracers (Black)
2x Leather Leg Guards (Blue)
1x Token of Kimei
1x Bronze Skin spell book
Mina equipped her outfit and saw that the token was in the shape of a heart. The item description was that a warrior named Kimei was fighting to save her lost lover and some of her essence was magically captured in the token. The token itself is in the shape of a small pink heart that was now attached to the sash that Mina wore around her waist.
The leg guards were placed over her pants and strapped to her legs in order to protect them from damage and the forearm bracers felt decently strong when she touched them. The Gi and trousers were also sturdy in their own ways.
"I wonder what the buffs are for this token." Mina said as she glanced at the item description and wanted a clearer understanding of the benefits it had. So, she opened her inventory and scrolled over the item.
[Item
Name: Token of Kimei
Rank: Rare
Description: Kimei was a brave warrior who fought for what she loved and the person she loved. Her skill in combat was strong enough that a wizard stored a portion of Kimei's strength into this token in hopes of granting strength to another warrior who needed it.
Restrictions: Females only!
Effects: Grants plus 10 to all stats! Grants a bonus plus 10 to Charisma.
Durability: 60/60]
"Nice. I've basically got twenty more charisma points added to my stats, the issue is what can I use charisma for." Mina said to herself as she tried thinking about the possible uses for charisma, but all the ideas she had weren't things that she felt comfortable doing. So, she pushed the idea out of her head and taught herself the new magic spell she purchased.
[Bronze Skin, Active Level: 1
Tier: 1
Alteration
You have learned to harness and manipulate your mana throughout your body and give it the consistency of bronze for added defense.
Grants: 15 DT while active.
Grants a 20% debuff to DEX.
Cost: 100 MP
Duration: 40 Seconds.]
"I guess the spells really have been changed." Mina said before she brough up her skill list and saw just how much she had been nerved, but she wasn't to upset; Mina understood the reasons behind the patch of her system. She was getting a bit too powerful, way too early apparently, and the system had to correct itself. Also, it made more sense for magic and Ki to be this expensive. If the skills cost were so low, then everyone and their family members could do things like this.
"I wasted enough time. I should start heading towards the nearest city." Mina said before she reached into her inventory and took out a map in order to find her next destination. "It looks like I'm heading to West City. At most it will take me weeks to get there." Mina said before she gathered all her things and left the hotel and started to make her way out of the city.
"Mina, hold on for a moment." A familiar voice said, making Mina turn around and see the mayor himself, followed by a few guards.
"What do you need Mayor Boba?"
"I didn't want to sour the mood yesterday, but there is something you should know. The rabbit gang did more than just kidnap and hurt people, the survivors we found have been telling us about the fitting pits that the gang was apart of, and how several slaves were forced to fight, even to the death." Boba explained, making Mina look at him with a serious expression on her face.
"That's horrible, but why are you telling me? You should be telling the police."
"I did. West City detectives are flying here today, and they want you to join in their investigation as an undercover fighter." Boba explained before everyone heard a plane engine overhead and saw a modest sized plane heading towards the nearest lading area. "Please come and meet them, they can explain things in more detail."
Mina hesitated for a moment and thought about what she should do, before a new message appeared in front of her eyes.
[Quest Alert!
Name: Underground Fighter
Objective 1: Meet with the detectives and infiltrate the underground fighting ring.
Objective 2: Make your way to the top of the underground fighting world.
Objective 3: Find the boss of the underground fighting ring and take him down with the help of the police.
Objective 4: Free the fighters held hostage.
Objective 5: Survive the fights and survive fighting the underground fighting ring boss.
Rewards: 40,000 EXP, Increased REP with dozens of people, Decreased REP with several gangs and mafiosos, new Title, new skills.
Failure: Possible death in the underground fighting ring.
Do you accept this quest? Y/N?]
Mina swallowed some saliva in her throat before she accepted the quest and followed the mayor. Soon enough, they were gathered in the mayors building with several detectives and high-ranking officers from West City, who have been wanting to take down the underground fighting rings for a while now, as well as arrest several wanted criminals and mob bosses.
The officers still found it hard to believe that Mina took down the Rabbit gang but do to how many eyewitnesses agreed with the statement, they decided that they could at least give her the benefit of the doubt, as well as using her as a part of their investigation.
"The Rabbit gang will be transferred to West Cities prison and will be heavily monitored. Now they haven't had a chance to call for help from any affiliates or allies, so your involvement in taking them down is still a mystery. As far as other gangs are concerned, the law finally caught up with them, without anyone knowing about your involvement." One of the detectives said before he took out a cigarette and lit it with his lighter.
"Our plan is to put you undercover along with two detectives in order to place you into this underground fight ring. Your job is to fight and make your way to the top of the barracks in order to meet the boss. We put a wire on you at that point, get everything he says and take him down. However, this job is dangerous and could get you killed, so forgive me if I am a bit too hesitant and sending a teenager undercover, or even having you involved in the first place." The smoking officer said with a stern look on his face as Mina sat across from him at the large rectangular table.
"I know this isn't what you were expecting officer, but I can fight. If you let me do this, I won't let you down and I'll help you take down these criminals." Mina said back, but the man seemed unphased.
"It's not my choice kid. If it was, I would turn you down, but the bosses are breathing down our necks on this one. So, you're in, but remember. This isn't some movie or fantasy story. Your life is on the line, and there's no guarantee that we can get you out in time, even when you say the safe word to call us in for help."
"I understand, I won't let you down." Mina said back as the detective just let out a big sigh before some of the other officers spoke to Mina. Soon enough Mina and the officers got on the plane and headed to West City.
June 15th/Age 749
West City
It has been several days of preparation for Mina's part in this massive investigation into a criminal organization's fighting ring. Right now, Mina is walking the streets of West City along with detective Jones and detective Risp. Jones is a slender man with dark skin and short hair while Risp is a woman with fair skin and blonde hair.
Both detectives are dressed in average street clothes along with Mina, who was dressed in her martial arts uniform that she purchased. The outfit made her look like a real and trained fighter, but she did wonder why she was allowed to take armor into a fight. The answer was explained to her, however.
These fights aren't normal fights, these are real and dangerous battles for people's entertainment. The only thing not allowed were guns, but everything else is fine. Hell, Mina wanted to take her weapons, but she didn't want to explain to government officials that she had videogame powers. Trying to explain her outfit was hard enough.
"Were getting close to the place." Jones said as Mina took a deep breath as they entered the shadier parts of the city and soon made their way into a business building that was closed, but when the guards saw the group, they let them into the main lobby of the building, where they were introduced to a well-dressed man.
Roi Donns, Level: 4
Insurance VIP/Underground Fighting Organizer
"Jones it's been too long, and I see you've actually brought a fighter. I've got to be honest here. I thought you were pulling my leg when you said you found a teen willing to fight for money like this."
"I always deliver Roi. Just make sure my fighter gets paid properly for this fight." Jones said back as Roi chuckled.
"She'll get paid if she makes it through the fight as the winner. No exceptions Jones." Roi said before looking over at Mina. "What's her ring name?"
"Snow." Jones said back as that was the agreed upon name for Mina while she was undercover.
"Snow? Well, let's see how everyone feels about it." Roi said before leading the group and a few of Roi's own security guards to the underground parking garage where they saw dozens of people gathered around an octagonal steel cage that was just as wide as it was tall. The group made their way closer to the cell and Mina saw the dried blood on the ground along with two fighters in the middle of a fight.
There is now ring, only the hard and unforgiving concrete ground, and the fighter currently on the ground was being savagely punched repeatedly by the fighter on top of him, who seemed to have barely broken a sweat. Then the sound of a ring bell was heard, and a man stepped up to the entrance of the cell.
"Savage wins this fight ladies and gentlemen." The man said before the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and boos. "Who will be next to fight Savage and provide our guest with entertainment?"
"This girl will." Roi said as all eyes fell on Mina who stepped up to the cage. "Her name's Snow, a new fighter looking to make a name for herself."
The crowd was split again with a mixture of laughter and confusion.
"Alright folks. Snow vs Savage in a one-on-one fight. Anything goes and hopefully a few of you will make out with some nice pocket cash." The man said before opening the cage and allowed Mina into it.
Mina looked at her opponent for a moment.
Shin Kurai, Level: 15
Pit Fighter/Savage
"You picked the wrong place to try and get some money, little girl." Shin said with a sadistic smile on his face as Mina and Shin moved clockwise around the cell, sizing each other up. Shin is an athletic looking guy with a few scars on his body and he seemed like he would be a tough fight, but Mina would take this fighter on and win regardless of how things looked.
The bell rang and Shin closed the distance between himself and Mina quickly. He went for a spinning kick, which Mina blocked, but regretted it as she felt the force of his blow, even with her gear on. The force of the attack sent Mina back several steps before Shin attacked her with a flurry of strikes, which ended with a side kick to her head, knocking her down to the ground.
She was hurt but not critically wounded or anything yet. However, her HP pool did take several hits and it proved that this man was either using Ki, or he was just insanely strong, either way, Mina quickly activated her Ki Reinforcement skill and got back up and into a fighting stance.
Shin didn't bother saying anything and went to attack her again, this time with a frontal kick to try and knock her off balance, but Mina side-stepped the kick and swept his leg, which knocked him down before Mina raised her fist and enhanced it with her Power Strike technique before punching Shin in the stomach with the punch.
Shin let out a groan but quickly grabbed Mina's arms and tossed her over and onto the ground before he positioned himself on top of her and started landing punch after punch. Mina blocked as best she could with her hands and was thankful that her skill and armor was protecting her. Without those factors, this fight might have been worse.
Mina quickly raised her knee and hit Shin in his baby makers, making him let out a high-pitched noise before cupping his boys and getting off Mina, which allowed her to raise her leg and deliver another Power Strike in the form of a powerful stomp that hit Shin in the chest.
Shin took the blow before he quickly pushed Mina back with his own kicks and stood back up with a pissed off look on his face.
"You've got spunk girl; I'll give you that. But this is where you die." Shin said with a focused look on his face before he charged at Mina again. This time something was different, Mina could almost feel power coming off Shin's right hand. So, Mina carefully avoided the punch that Shin telegraphed and saw that Shin had punched a hole clear through the cages wall and almost hit a member of the crowd.
The crowd, however, was cheering more and more as the fight went on. So, Mina tuned them out and focused on the fight in front of her and how she was at a disadvantage, but all hope wasn't lost. Mina assumed her martial arts stance and focused on the principals behind her mantis style martial arts.
The moment Shin rushed her, Mina remained calm and dodged one of his overextended strikes before she quickly attacked him with a focused jab to the neck with her fingers in a palm open style. That got Shin to back up and hold his throat in pain before Mina focused and delivered more critical blows at Shin's weakest points. Each attack was focused and precise.
This is a technique or more like a combination of attacks that Mina has been working on along with her new ninja technique. The combination is called Bladed Mantis Combo. The combination relies on focusing her Ki into her fingertips and attacking vital points in the body with focused and sharpened force.
It could kill if used recklessly, but Mina put a lot of effort into making the move non-lethal and right now. She was proud of the results. Shin was laid out on the ground struggling to even move and breathe properly. The crowd was struck silent as man who let Mina into the cage entered and checked on Shin.
"Shin is out cold! The winner is Snow!" The man said loudly, and a few people started cheering her name as she walked out of the cage with fresh bruises.
You earned 400 EXP!
[Bladed Mantis Combo] has leveled up! Level: 1-2!
[Ki Reinforcement] has leveled up! Level: 1-2!
You've gained the temporary title [Snow]!
"I told you she was a fighter Roi. Now let's talk about the next steps in this partnership." Jones said to Roi who was looking stunned and in disbelief at what he had just witnessed.
"I don't believe it. Savage is a cold-blooded killer, but he was taken down by a girl half his fucking age?" Roi asked in disbelief.
"Where's my money?" Mina asked as she committed to acting like a hardened thug from the streets. Acting was an important part of her cover and she was forced to practice this act to perfection in the days leading up to this.
"I'll get your cash kid. But next time it won't be so easy." Roi said back before he gathered the money from the betting pool and gave it to Jones.
"Set things up for the next fight Roi. Snow is taking over this place." Jones said back while pocketing the cash before he, Mina and Risp left the underground fight club and secretly made their way to the undisclosed location, where they are meeting up with some other policemen.
[Acting] has leveled up! Level: 11-12!
"How was that?" Mina asked as a paramedic started looking her over for a bit.
"You did good kid. Honestly, I had my doubts about you, but you held your own out there. Where'd you even learn to fight like that?" Jones asked after he handed over the gambling money to his superior officer.
"I learned it from a martial arts dojo near where I used to live. I'm a student of Mantis style martial arts. The combination move I used is a dangerous skill that I figured out how to make on my own though."
"Seriously?" Risp asked as she sat next to Mina after the paramedic gave her a few bandages and let her sit down on a nearby bench.
"Yeah. Now I'm traveling around to perfect my martial arts skills and hopefully learn from the martial arts legend Muten Roshi." Mina said back before the officers debriefed the trio and sent them on their way back to their hotel, where they are going to be waiting until Roi gives them another fight.
Unknown location!
Currently watching the recorded fight between Mina and Shin is a man sitting behind a desk and dressed in an expensive business suit. This man is a former fighter turned ruler of the underground fighting circuit. This man is called Iroka and he couldn't help but smile at what he saw.
"A teenage girl that can use Ki. That's a rare sight indeed. Shin was a novice, but he at least managed to make me some money, but this girl…She could make me rich in this industry. The question is how should I go about getting her to fight for my sake?"
Suddenly a knock came to Iroka's door, making him shut off the tv that he had on his desk, as he also ejected the DVD, he had within the tv.
"Come in." Iroka said as the door opened to reveal Roi himself, with a hesitant look on his face.
"Hello boss, I know that the Shin fight didn't go as expected, but don't worry about a thing. I'm handling everything and I'll make sure that something like that won't happen again." Roi said in a panic as Iroka chuckled.
"Take a seat Roi." Iroka said as he motioned to the seat in front of his desk. Roi slowly sat down in the chair as Iroka smiled. "That girl called Snow, she was giving Shin a good fight, and I think that talent like that should be honed and refined in the crucible of combat."
"Wait…You want her in fights?"
"I do. I want to see if she can evolve into a true fighter, or if she'll plumet down into the cracks and waste her potential. Either way I think this is an interesting term of developments." Iroka said back before cutting the tv back on as well as putting the DVD back in.
"Alright, I'll set her up with another fighter then."
"Have her fight against Feng." Iroka said to Roi's shock.
"You want her to fight Feng?"
"Did I studder?" Iroka asked with a sharp glare, making Roi sweat.
"No sir. I'll set it up right away." Roi said back to the man.
"Good. Make sure the fight happens a week from now. I want to see this fight in person."
Back with Mina
Mina is currently taking a hot shower in the hotel room and trying to clean herself up with all the fancy soaps and shampoos that the hotel had in stock. Mina thought about the fight with Shin and how it turned into a battle of Ki vs Ki.
"That guy was stronger than me, but he underestimated me. The problem is that I underestimated him first, and if he went for the kill right away, I wouldn't have stood a chance." Mina said to herself before she started washing her hair. "These fights are no joke, and I can't afford to be careless like that ever again. If I mess up even once, that will be the end of me." Mina said to herself while thinking about her parents and her life back home.
"I won't die in these fights. I'm going to survive and get strong enough to train under the master of martial arts, then I'm going to tell my parents all about it and show them that I became a strong fighter." Mina said to herself before she finished her shower and toweled off before putting on a pajama top and bottom before going to bed and resting for the rest of the night.
END
A/N: A bit on the shorter side, but it is what it is. Also, I've recently gotten into a few Martial Arts movies that I've never seen before, so expect more focus on the art of combat and what not.
Please remember to fav, follow and review because it helps and motivates me.