Bully Lord

Part-105

"Look," James sighed, trying a different approach.  "I don't know Alex, and frankly, I don't appreciate your attitude.  But forcing someone to meet someone else isn't the way to go about it."  He paused, gauging Roman's reaction.

The boy, perhaps sensing the shift in James' demeanor, seemed less confrontational.  He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the bravado fading slightly.

"Alex just wants to talk," Roman finally declared, puffing out his chest in a show of false bravado. "He saw you fight Sourov and… well, let's say he was impressed.  He thinks you could both learn a thing or two from each other."

James eyed Roman skeptically. The mention of Sourov, combined with the offer to exchange martial arts knowledge, jogged his memory completely. However, the lingering annoyance at Roman's earlier behavior kept him cautious.

Just as James considered asking for Alex to meet him somewhere less public, Roman's demeanor shifted.  A cruel glint appeared in his eyes, and a chilling laugh escaped his lips.  Before James could react, Roman's leg shot out in a clumsy, ill-executed kick aimed at James' midsection.

The surprise attack, though poorly delivered, jolted James back to reality.  Adrenaline surged through him, his senses sharpening.  Reacting with practiced fluidity, James shot out his hand, grabbing Roman's extended leg just below the knee.  With a swift movement honed from hours of Judo practice, James swept Roman's leg out from under him, using the momentum to send the boy sprawling to the ground.

A satisfying thump echoed as Roman landed on his back, the air knocked out of him.  James, landing gracefully on his feet, pinned Roman's shoulders with one knee, effectively immobilizing him.

The situation unfolded in a blur, a testament to James' ingrained reflexes. It wasn't the first time he'd used Judo in a real-life scenario, but the stakes felt higher this time.  He knew this was the fight the System had designated as Mission 17.

As James held Roman down, a notification flashed in his mind, a stark contrast to the previous monotonous announcements:

**Mission 17 Complete. Success!**

A wave of relief washed over James, quickly followed by a surge of pride. He'd completed the mission without resorting to the System's enhanced strength or "Crazy Mode."  He'd relied on his own training, his skill, and his instincts.

James, still kneeling over Roman, released his grip on the subdued bully.  The initial adrenaline rush had subsided, replaced by a calm sense of satisfaction.  The mission was complete, and he'd done it without resorting to the System's enhanced abilities.  A wave of accomplishment washed over him.

Roman, still sprawled on the ground, blinked in surprise.  He'd expected a drawn-out fight, maybe even a few bruises.  Instead, he found himself pinned down with surprising ease.  The realization of his defeat, coupled with the public humiliation, painted a flush of shame on his face.

The boy, still sprawled on the ground, glared up at him with a mixture of shock and anger.

"You won't get away with this," Roman threatened, his voice barely a whisper.  "Alex won't let this slide."