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Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Turning the Tide

Kenji's body trembled as he stood in the shadow of the low-class stray devil, its glowing yellow eyes filled with malice. His health was critical, his mana nearly depleted, and his body screamed in pain. But he couldn't give up. Not now.

The devil sneered, its claws dripping with dark energy. "Any last words, human? Or are you finally ready to give up?"

Kenji clenched his fists, his mind racing. He wasn't going to die here. He couldn't. He had too much to live for—his family, his new life, everything he'd worked so hard to rebuild.

[System Alert!]

Status Update:

Name: Kenji Takahashi

Level: 8

Free Stat Points: 24

Attributes:

- Strength: 85 (Tier-10)

- Speed: 82 (Tier-10)

- Endurance: 78 (Tier-10)

- Intelligence: 92 (Tier-10)

- Wisdom: 90 (Tier-10)

- Charisma: 78 (Tier-10)

- Luck: 95 (Tier-2)

Skills:

- Unarmed Combat (LV 8)

- Magic Control (LV 4)

- Mana Efficiency (LV 4)

- Mana Shield (LV 3)

- Mana Punch (LV 3)

- Spatial Awareness (LV 3)

- Danger Sense (LV 1)

- Mana Ball (LV 1)

- Mana Rope (LV 1)

Kenji's eyes narrowed. He still had 24 free stat points. If he was going to survive this, he needed to use them—now.

[System Alert!]

Stat Points Allocated!

- Strength: +10 (85 → 95)

- Speed: +10 (82 → 92)

- Endurance: +4 (78 → 82)

[System Alert!]

Strength has increased!

Effect: Physical power has improved, allowing for stronger attacks.

[System Alert!]

Speed has increased!

Effect: Movement and reaction times have improved, allowing for faster dodges and counters.

[System Alert!]

Endurance has increased!

Effect: Stamina and durability have improved, allowing for longer fights and better fatigue resistance.

Kenji felt a surge of energy as his body adapted to the new stats. His muscles tightened, his reflexes sharpened, and the pain in his body dulled slightly. He wasn't at full strength, but he was stronger—strong enough to fight back.

The devil tilted its head, its glowing eyes narrowing. "What's this? Do you think a little boost will save you? How adorable."

Kenji didn't respond. He didn't have the luxury of words. Instead, he focused his mana, forming a Mana Ball in his hand. The glowing orb of energy flickered to life, its light casting eerie shadows on the walls.

The devil laughed, its voice dripping with mockery. "A little ball of light? That's your big plan? Pathetic."

Kenji ignored the taunt. He launched the Mana Ball at the devil, the projectile flying through the air with surprising speed. The devil dodged, but Kenji was already forming another one.

[System Alert!]

Mana Ball has leveled up! (LV 2)

Effect: Mana Balls are now faster and more powerful.

Kenji fired another Mana Ball, then another, forcing the devil to dodge and weave. The creature snarled, its claws slashing through the air as it tried to close the distance.

"You're just delaying the inevitable!" the devil roared, its voice filled with rage.

Kenji didn't stop. He kept firing Mana Balls, each one faster and more precise than the last. The devil was fast, but Kenji's Spatial Awareness and Danger Sense gave him the edge he needed to keep it at bay.

[System Alert!]

Mana Ball has leveled up! (LV 3)

Effect: Mana Balls can now be charged for increased power.

Kenji smirked. This was his chance. He focused his mana, charging the next Mana Ball until it glowed brighter than ever before. With a roar, he launched it at the devil.

The projectile struck the creature square in the chest, the force of the impact sending it flying backward. The devil crashed into a wall, its body smoking from the blast.

"You little—!" the devil snarled, its voice filled with pain and rage. "I'll tear you apart!"

Kenji didn't give it a chance to recover. He formed a Mana Rope, the glowing strand of energy wrapping around the devil's legs and pulling it off balance. The creature stumbled, its claws slashing at the rope, but Kenji was already moving.

[System Alert!]

Mana Rope has leveled up! (LV 2)

Effect: Mana Ropes are now stronger and more durable.

Kenji charged forward, his fists glowing with mana. He landed a powerful Mana Punch to the devil's jaw, the impact sending it reeling. The creature roared in pain, its claws slashing wildly, but Kenji dodged and countered with another punch.

[System Alert!]

Mana Punch has leveled up! (LV 4)

Strength has increased by +1

The devil staggered, its body battered and bruised. But it wasn't done yet. With a roar, it unleashed a wave of Magic, the dark energy slamming into Kenji and sending him flying.

Kenji crashed to the ground, his body screaming in pain. But he forced himself to stand, his eyes locked on the devil. He wasn't going to lose. Not now.

The devil charged at him, its claws glowing with dark energy. Kenji formed another Mana Ball, this time spinning it rapidly in his hand. The orb of energy grew brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding.

[System Alert!]

Mana Ball has leveled up! (LV 4)

Effect: Mana Balls can now be spun for increased power and precision.

With a roar, Kenji launched the spinning Mana Ball at the devil. The projectile struck the creature in the chest, the force of the impact tearing through its body. The devil let out a deafening roar, its body disintegrating into ash.

[System Alert!]

Enemy Defeated: Low-Class Stray Devil

Experience Gained

Level Up! (Level 9)

Level Up! (Level 10)

Level Up! (Level 11)

Level Up! (Level 12)

Free Stat Points: +12

Kenji collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. The fight was over, but the cost had been high. His body was battered, his mana nearly depleted, and his mind was still reeling from the close call.

He pulled himself to the nearest wall to lean back on. This was not how he thought today would go, He knew these things exsisted out there, he had watch High school dxd and other Animes and comics.

He knew things like these were always in the shadows of the world, but the Mc's always made these look easy.

This had been a small fry, just a low class devil but to him it was a death match. these canon fodder that the heros just brush aside like nothing. these fooders that were in the thousands and he was struggling with one, fighting it with everything he's got.

He needed to get stronger and fast. he had taken his gamer system for granted. Its been over a month and this was it?.

Forcing himself to stand up, no more stalling or excuses, he needed to level up and get more powerful like since yesterday.

Sighing he looked around, he couldn't help the little smile on his face. He did it. he had won. Against the odds, he had won.

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