Impetus System: The power of chaos

That same day, at dusk, Satsu, with his overwhelming will, climbed the hill in the center of Soraoka like a great hero. If "hero" included tripping three times, cursing a thorny bush and almost rolling down the hill with a scream that scared even the crows. The darkness of the night deepened, silencing any witnesses. Only Satsu and the stars would be witnesses of what would happen there. Satsu thought:

"I need to learn how to use this thing... but... where did it come from? Am I the only one who has access to it?" The cold wind from the top of the hill cut his skin, but the doubt was a much greater weight than any breeze.

"I need to keep this secret... until I find answers..."

His steps hesitated for a moment when he came across a pile of scrap metal. More than two meters high, a chaotic pile of corroded gears, melted engines and steel bearings worn by time. A perfect metaphor for himself: fragmented, lost, trying to find purpose among the wreckage.

Satsu clenched his fists, feeling his heart pound in anticipation. If he wanted to understand this power, he needed to test it. With his standard strength, he delivered a direct blow.

The impact made his skin burn instantly. Pain shot up through his fingers to his elbow, and he cried out in pain.

"Hell! That hurt!"

He shook his hand in the air, feeling his bones protest the absurd idea of ​​punching scrap steel. His gaze rose again to the intact pile of rubble, indifferent to his existence.

Impetus replied:

[Suggestion: Stop attacking inanimate objects.]

With a look of disapproval and mock offense, Satsu said

"I'm not that stupid, you jerk."

Satsu took a deep breath.

"Very well then... let's use that."

With determination, he declared:

"Activate Catalyst of Ruin!"

Impetus replied, his cold, mechanical voice contrasting with Satsu's growing excitement.

[Activating]

Instantly, an aura enveloped his body, power penetrating every fiber of his muscles. The world became clearer, the air lighter, his own body felt like a sharp instrument, ready to be used.

Satsu smiled. —Now that's it.

This time, his fist cut through the air with a ferocious roar.

CRASH!

The debris flew like leaves in the wind, scattering all over the mountain. He looked at his own hand in surprise. No pain this time. No resistance. Just... strength.

"Well, my fist didn't hurt this time!" A laugh escaped his lips. "It's an impressive skill! But... I'll need to be careful when using it."

His gaze fell on his own body, now enveloped in that pulsating energy, and a thought crossed his mind.

"I need to learn more!"

Satsu began to run. At first, he only felt the lightness of his steps, but soon he was moving faster than ever. The wind roared against his face with a speed he had never gone before. He jumped, experiencing his new speed, and launched himself into the air. His body crossed the night like an arrow, euphoric.

"This is incredible!" He said as he admired the moon, as if it could now be touched.

Then, the warning came.

[Magic effect reached the time limit]

The aura disappeared instantly.

Satsu, who was in the middle of an absurdly high jump, felt reality collapse on him. His eyes widened. Time seemed to slow down as he plummeted towards the ground.

THUM!

The impact raised dust and scrap metal shards.

For an instant, everything spun. Then, a monstrous lump began to form on his forehead. He stood up with a pained groan, mumbling because of the pain. But he soon realized something much worse — the negative effects after using the skill.

His body was exhausted. Every muscle screamed in protest, as if it had been beaten mercilessly. His legs were like lead, his breathing heavy.

— Damn... how incredibly tired...

Without the strength to fight the fatigue, he simply threw himself onto the grass. The smell of oil impregnated in the soil reached his nose, but he didn't care.

Lying there, under a starry sky, Satsu smiled.

— At least now I know I can be a great rubble remover... if the hero thing goes wrong. — He said with some sarcasm.

But soon, the weight of reality returned to haunt his mind

— I'll go through this and worse to become stronger. Many people are counting on me. That... — He hesitated for a moment — That, it will never happen again... — His thought echoed with conviction.

However, as he tried to move, he felt something wet and warm running down his leg.

A dog...

— You son of a...

He sighed, exhausted.

— You know what? If I were in your shoes, I would do that too.

The dog looked him in the eye. Barking once, as if to say "Your problem", before trotting off happily.

— Damn you.

[Urgent Suggestion - Status: Bath Recommended]

— EVEN YOU, IMPETUS!?

— You know what? That's enough for today...