Bully Lord

Part-48

James cracked open the worn leather cover, the aged paper whispering promises of forgotten knowledge.  The initial pages unfolded like a typical martial arts manual – detailed descriptions of stances, blocks, and strikes accompanied by faded illustrations.  He flipped through them with a practiced ease, recognizing some of the basic techniques from movies and video games.  It was a good starting point, but a nagging feeling told him there was more to this book than met the eye.

As he delved deeper, his initial skepticism melted away.  The explanations became progressively more intricate, not just detailing the moves themselves but also dissecting their weaknesses and limitations.  Counter-techniques were laid out with a clarity that surprised him, accompanied by diagrams that showcased pressure points and vital targets with an almost clinical precision.  This wasn't just a manual for beginners; it was a treatise on combat, a strategic guide designed to turn understanding into application.

Hours melted away as James devoured the text.  Sunlight streamed through the dusty library windows, painting shifting patterns on the worn floorboards.  He barely noticed the time passing, his focus consumed by the intricate dance of offense and defense laid bare before him.  Finally, with a yawn and a stiff neck, he glanced out the window.  The familiar orange glow of dusk bathed the school grounds in a warm light.  He blinked, surprised by how quickly the day had flown by.

The library was deserted.  Rupali, the ever-present librarian, had gone home for the day.  James stretched, his muscles protesting the prolonged sitting.  With a newfound respect for the book's depth, he carefully closed it and made his way to the counter.

Following the library's borrowing procedures, James meticulously filled out a slip, recording his name, student ID, and the book's title.  A strange sense of accomplishment washed over him.  He wasn't just borrowing a book; he was taking a step towards a new reality, one where self-defense wasn't just a concept, but a potential weapon in his arsenal against the System and the bullies it empowered.

Slipping the book into his bag, James exited the library.  The setting sun cast long shadows, and a cool breeze ruffled his hair.  He took a deep breath, the crisp evening air filling his lungs.

Exhaustion clung to James like a second skin as he stumbled out of bed the next morning. The fluorescent lights of the school bathroom assaulted his sleep-deprived eyes, highlighting the dark circles clinging to his face.  Last night had been a blur of flipping pages, fueled by a potent mix of desperation (the looming deadline) and genuine fascination (the book's depth).

He hadn't slept a wink, his eyes glued to the detailed diagrams and intricate explanations within "Martial Arts" by Jihad Chan Mia.  Pushing through the ache in his head, James made his way to the gym.  Each exercise felt heavier than usual, his muscles protesting the all-nighter, but he pushed himself harder than ever.  He had a goal, a mission accomplished, and the lingering exhaustion felt oddly satisfying.

Back at home after his workout, James devoured the remaining chapters of the book.  A sense of accomplishment washed over him as he closed the worn cover with a sigh.  His eyes felt gritty, his body ached, but a grin stretched across his face.  It had been worth it.

The notification flickered into existence, the blue letters a welcome sight amidst the exhaustion.

**[Mission Complete: Find and read "Martial Arts" by Jihad Chan Mia.]**

**[+2 All Stats]**