Bully Lord

Part-43

James' jaw dropped.  This outlandish accusation came completely out of left field.  Where in the world did Ryan get this idea?  "Love with Mili?  What are you talking about?" he sputtered, completely bewildered.

Ryan puffed out his chest, a hint of defiance flickering in his eyes.  "Don't play dumb, James.  I saw the way you were looking at her.  And besides, it's obvious.  Why else would you try to challenge Sourov?"

James shook his head, dumbfounded.  "I challenged Sourov because he was picking on a weak kid like me.  Mili had nothing to do with it!"

Ryan's shoulders slumped slightly.  He seemed to deflate, the bravado replaced by a hesitant vulnerability.  "Look," he mumbled, kicking at a stray pebble.  "If you join the Judo club, I'll leave Mili alone.  I won't bother her anymore."  He paused, then added in a near whisper, "I'll even help you get together with her."

James stared at Ryan, completely at a loss for words.  The situation was baffling.  Was Ryan trying to make a deal?  Was this some elaborate scheme concocted by the Bully System?(James now thinks what happening surrounding him because of Bully System)

Hesitantly, James spoke.  "I appreciate the offer, Ryan," he said, his voice cautious.  "But joining the club isn't something I can decide on a whim.  And as for Mili..."  He trailed off, searching for the right words.  "I don't have any feelings for her like that.  She's just a friend."

Ryan's face fell.  He looked like a kicked puppy, his shoulders slumped in defeat.  "Oh," he mumbled, kicking at the pebble again with more force this time.

"But," James continued, seeing a flicker of hope in Ryan's eyes, "I will tell you this – I'm going to win that match against Sourov."

Ryan looked up, a flicker of something akin to respect in his gaze.  "Alright," he said, a hesitant nod accompanying the words.  "But you better win."

The tension between them seemed to dissipate, replaced by a fragile truce.  James wasn't sure what Ryan's true motives were, but for now, this was enough.  He had a fight to prepare for, his training with Riva to focus on, and the ever-present mystery of the Bully System looming over him.

As James turned to leave, Ryan called out after him.

"Hey, James?"

James stopped, turning back to face him.

"Good luck with the match," Ryan said, a hint of sincerity in his voice.

James nodded silently.

James had barely taken a step away from Ryan when a familiar blue window flickered into existence, its presence a cold slap of reality amidst the fragile peace he'd just established.  He groaned, burying his face in his hand for a moment. Of course, the System wouldn't let him have a moment of quiet.  He steeled himself and focused on the message, his jaw dropping as he read it:

**[Mission 8: Ask Mili for a date.]**

**[Reward: +3 WIS]**

**Penalty: Struck by Thunder**

James's eye socket, still sore from the previous notification overload, threatened to pop out again. Ask Mili for a date?  Seriously?  He barely knew the girl beyond a few stolen glances and a shared dislike for bullies.  And the penalty?  Struck by thunder?  The System was bordering on sadistic with this one.