Bully Lord

Part-41

"Don't worry," Riva reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder.  "Everyone starts somewhere.  The key is consistency.  Take it slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase the intensity.  Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are bulging biceps."

James offered a weak smile.  Riva's words were a welcome dose of reality.  He might have the System egging him on, but true progress came with dedication and hard work.  

"Alright," he said, forcing himself to sit up straighter.  "I get it. Today's a rest day."

Riva nodded approvingly.  "Exactly.  Your body needs time to recover.  Come back tomorrow, and we'll tackle those Loop Missions again, but at a pace that works for you."

Leaving the gym, James stretched his stiff muscles, a newfound respect for physical training settling in.  He glanced at a nearby bicycle shop, the idea Riva had planted taking root.  A bicycle for the Loop Missions, and maybe some comfortable shoes for those morning jogs… a plan began to form in his mind.

With a determined stride, James picked up his pace, a small smile playing on his lips. WIth running he also can complete his running loop mission.

A dull ache throbbed in James' arm as he gazed out the classroom window. Three days of training under Riva's watchful eye had left him pleasantly sore. Gone was the initial overconfidence; now, a healthy respect for physical exertion tempered his enthusiasm. Today, however, the familiar rhythm of school life felt strangely off-kilter. The usual cacophony of hushed whispers and nervous giggles was subdued. There were no shoving matches in the hallway, no mocking laughter echoing in the corridors. An unsettling quiet hung in the air.

James scanned the classroom, his gaze landing on the empty seat beside him. Emdad, his one and only friend within the school's walls, was missing. A pang of loneliness tugged at his heart. He remembered overhearing Emdad's parents mentioning a business trip overseas a few days ago. James couldn't help but let out a silent sigh. The privilege of the filthy rich, he thought bitterly. Here he was, stuck in the daily grind while Emdad jetted off on exotic adventures.

The frustration was quickly overshadowed by a flicker of concern. Emdad wasn't just a friend, he was also a potential target for the school's resident bullies. Without James' unofficial protection, would Emdad become the new focus of their harassment?  The thought sent a jolt of unease through him.  He couldn't stop the bullies entirely, but he could at least be a deterrent within the school grounds.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a crumpled piece of paper sailing towards him, landing on his desk with a soft thud. He unfolded it cautiously, his eyes widening at the message scrawled across it in messy handwriting:

"Meet me at the park after school. Alone. Don't be late."

The blood drained from James' face. He recognized the handwriting – it belonged to Ryan, the mastermind behind the Judo club challenge.  A knot of apprehension formed in his stomach. Was this about the fight with Sourov? Or something more sinister?  He glanced around the classroom, searching for any sign of Ryan, but the smug smirk was absent. 

Taking a deep breath, James scribbled a quick reply on the back of the note:

"Fine. Be there."

He shoved the note back into his pocket, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. Today's peaceful quiet seemed like a cruel joke.