James stared at the translucent blue screen hovering in front of him.
[Optional Quest: Revenge Road]
Target: Clint Manzon
Reward (If Won):
• Charisma +1
• Strength +1
• Special Trait Unlock
Penalty (If Lost):
• Charisma -1
• Injuries will be real.
Do you accept? [Y/N]
His eyes remained locked on the quest. His breathing slowed, heart pounding behind his ribs—not out of fear, but anticipation. This wasn't like before. He wasn't the same weak, pitiful kid lying in a trash bin.
James was changing. And it was time Clint saw that for himself.
He clenched his fist. "Yes."
The moment he whispered the word, the system responded.
[Quest Accepted]
You have 24 hours to prepare. Clint will be alone in the parking lot behind Southridge Gym at 9:00 PM tomorrow.
This is your chance. Win with strength. Win with control.
James blinked as the screen vanished, leaving a silence behind that buzzed in his bones. He could almost hear the system pushing him forward, whispering promises of evolution through pain and victory.
He had one day to get ready.
The Preparation
The next morning, James hit the park again. His muscles still ached from the past few days, but he didn't slow down. He pushed harder.
Two hours of sprints.
Fifty push-ups.
Fifty sit-ups.
Three minutes of jumping jacks.
He barely made it through the final round, collapsing into the dirt as his body screamed for rest. But the system chimed with its usual music.
[Daily Quest Complete]
Strength +0.5
Agility +0.3
Charisma +0.5
[Current Status]
Strength: 2.0
Agility: 1.5
Charisma: 2.0
"Almost at average… already," James muttered, staring up at the sky.
He rolled onto his side, wiping sweat from his eyes. "But it won't be enough. Clint's strong. Crazy strong."
He sat up and began searching online for street-fighting techniques, how to fight stronger opponents, how to use size and momentum. He didn't have time for formal training, but he could at least learn how to throw a proper punch.
That afternoon, he practiced in secret. Jabs. Crosses. Elbows. Footwork.
He shadowboxed in front of a mirror until his arms felt like lead, trying to remember every move, every angle. Each hour spent added to a silent storm building inside him.
This wasn't just revenge.
This was proof that he had changed.
Night Falls
The next day came and went in a blur of anticipation. James couldn't focus. Every step he took felt like a countdown to something bigger.
He showed up at the location an hour early—just to walk the space. It was an open parking lot behind a gym, dimly lit, half the lights broken, and surrounded by tall concrete walls. No cameras. No one nearby.
Perfect for what was about to happen.
James wore a hoodie, keeping his face down. In his pocket, he had gloves—not because it made him look cool, but because the system warned him: Injuries will be real.
He couldn't afford broken knuckles.
At exactly 9:03 PM, he heard the heavy thump of boots.
Clint arrived, chewing gum like nothing mattered. He wore his signature red varsity jacket, sleeves rolled up, and had the same smug look James remembered all too well.
"What the hell?" Clint laughed. "James? You actually showed up?"
James didn't respond. He removed his hoodie slowly, revealing his slimmer build, slightly defined arms, and hardened eyes.
Clint's brow twitched. "Huh… didn't recognize you for a sec. You lose weight or somethin', fatty?"
James stepped forward. "This is your last warning, Clint. Walk away."
"Or what?" Clint dropped his bag and rolled his neck. "You gonna cry again? Or maybe you'll try to—"
James moved first.
He sprinted—faster than he'd ever moved—and closed the gap in a flash. Clint barely had time to flinch as James drove a fist straight into his gut.
Thud.
Clint staggered backward, gasping, but not falling.
"You little—"
Clint lunged, swinging wide. James ducked, turned, and slammed a jab into Clint's ribs. It wasn't perfect, but it landed.
Clint grabbed his shoulder and shoved him back hard, nearly knocking James to the ground.
"You wanna fight now, huh?! You think just 'cause you dropped a few pounds you can square up with me?!"
James wiped the blood off his lip, grinning.
"No. I think I can beat you because you've never had to earn your strength."
Clint's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
James didn't answer. He let his fists speak.
The fight turned messy. Raw. Untrained. But James had something Clint didn't—momentum.
And the system.
Each time James landed a clean hit, he could feel the system reacting—like it was fueling him.
He took a hit to the side of the head. Everything spun for a second—but he didn't fall.
Instead, he roared, slamming his forehead into Clint's nose.
Crack.
Blood burst from Clint's face as he stumbled back, screaming.
James walked toward him, panting, fists raised. "This is for every time you laughed while I bled. For every time I cried alone."
Clint looked up, face twisted in fear now.
James paused. Something inside him whispered to keep going.
End him.
Make him pay.
But James pulled back. He took a step away.
"No. I'm done being like you."
Clint collapsed, holding his broken nose, whimpering.
James turned and walked away.
[Quest Complete: Revenge Road]
• Strength +1
• Charisma +1
• Special Trait Unlocked: Unshaken Will – You resist fear, intimidation, and mind-control attempts.
• System Note: You could've killed him. You didn't. That matters.
James exhaled deeply.
He didn't just win a fight.
He won himself back.