Bully Lord

Part-55

The girl approached him hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper.  "Thank you," she mumbled, her eyes filled with gratitude.

James waved a dismissive hand.  "Don't sweat it," he said, his voice gruff despite the lingering shakiness.  He wasn't sure why, but he didn't feel comfortable lingering.  Maybe it was the potential arrival of the seniors, or perhaps a newfound sense of independence.  Whatever the reason, he didn't want to get entangled further.

With a curt nod towards the girl, he turned and walked away, the soft glow of the setting sun painting the park in hues of orange and purple.  As he walked, he replayed the events of the evening in his mind.  He had faced his fears, stood up for someone weaker, and even earned a reward – the Snake Jab technique.  A sense of accomplishment swelled within him, a feeling of power he'd never known before.

One week had passed, and the air in the hallways crackled with a strange energy. Gone were the usual nervous glances James received, replaced by a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and a hint of morbid fascination. Whispers followed him like shadows, their source a flurry of excited murmurs. 

"Did you hear? James vs. Sourov! After school today!"

"No way! James? That shrimp?"

"Apparently, he messed up one of Judo Club's boys last week."

James gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the buzz.  News of the park encounter also had spread like wildfire, morphing into a distorted legend that painted him as some kind of underdog hero. The truth, as always, was more nuanced.  He wasn't a hero, not yet.  He was just a kid trying to survive in a world governed by a twisted game.

James thought that if things continued like this, he would soon become the school delinquent. Just as he was about to call off the battle, the ever-present System chimed in with a new mission notification.

**[Mission 11: Face Sourov in a duel. Win or lose, gain respect (or fear).]**

**[Reward: ???]**

**[Penalty: If you don't face him, public humiliation and potential injuries is waiting for you.]**

The System, it seemed, thrived on conflict.  James had no choice but to accept the challenge.  Today, after school on a blessed Thursday (half-day!), the schoolyard would become his battleground.

He reached his locker, the weight of anticipation heavy on his shoulders.  He glanced at the faded martial arts book tucked inside, its pages well-worn.  It was a meager weapon against the unknown strength of Sourov, but it was all he had.  Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused on the "Kangaroo Cut" technique, the image of its powerful arc seared into his mind. 

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the schoolyard as James walked towards the makeshift arena. Contrary to his expectations, the atmosphere wasn't one of nervous anticipation or hushed whispers. Instead, a jovial energy buzzed around the gathered crowd. Students, many clad in Judo gis (uniforms) or kickboxing pads, cheered and exchanged friendly banter. It dawned on James – in this school, a "match" wasn't a brawl between delinquents; it was a sanctioned event.