The sky above San Pedro High was a dull, merciless gray. Clouds hung low like a warning, dragging with them the weight of something inevitable. The wind swept through the open corridors, cold and dry—an eerie whisper of the confrontation that was about to unfold.
James walked through the school gates alone, hood up, eyes sharp. His body no longer ached from the workouts—it was getting used to the rhythm of pain. He felt lighter, faster. The stairs no longer stole his breath. The hallway noise no longer pierced his nerves. Today felt… different.
Daily Quest Completed]
Strength +0.3
Agility +0.2
Charisma +0.4
Bonus Triggered: Calm Before the Storm – +0.1 Wisdom
He entered his classroom. The chatter stopped.
Not instantly—but gradually, like a wave drawing back. Everyone could feel it.
Clint was back.
James didn't look at him as he passed. He didn't need to. The system pinged softly in his mind.
[Threat Detected]
Hostile Presence: Clint Reyes
Emotional Status: Amused | Confident | Slightly Unsettled
James sat down. Calm. Focused. But his mind ran fast under the surface. Clint's presence didn't scare him anymore—but it pulled something primal from deep within his chest. The years of humiliation. The blood. The laughter. The helplessness.
He heard Clint chuckle.
"Well, well. The beast walks upright now," Clint said, his voice casual, but sharp. "You got taller or something, Gun?"
The class snickered nervously. Not like before. This time, there was tension behind their laughter.
James didn't reply.
He stared ahead, breathing slow, steady.
Passive: Quiet Pressure – Enhanced]
Nearby Enemies: Confidence -12% | Focus -8%
Clint Reyes: Status – Curious | Irritated
"Not even gonna look at me?" Clint asked, now closer. His steps echoed. "What, scared you might actually fight back this time?"
Still, no response.
James kept his eyes on the board. His muscles were relaxed—but ready. He knew Clint. Knew how this worked. There'd be a build-up, then a snap.
[Optional Quest: Prepare for the Storm – Final Stage]
Objective Triggered: Do Not Back Down
Bonus Objective Unlocked: Outlast the Alpha
Reward Preview: Trait – Predator's Calm | +1.5 Stat Points
The bell rang. Clint leaned in, low enough so only James could hear him.
"Rooftop. After class. You and me."
James turned slowly, finally locking eyes with him.
"I'm not afraid of you anymore."
Clint's smile faltered.
Just a bit.
The rooftop was quiet.
Wind howled as James stepped onto the concrete surface, the afternoon sun breaking through the clouds above. The sky looked torn—part light, part shadow. Like it couldn't decide what it wanted to be.
Clint was already there, sitting on the ledge, cigarette in hand.
"You actually showed," he said. "Was expecting you to run."
James didn't respond.
He took off his jacket, folded it neatly, and placed it on the side. No ceremony. No threats.
Clint stood up, tossing the cigarette over the edge. "So this is it? You bulked up and thought you could take me?"
"I didn't bulk up," James said. "I changed."
[Quest Active: Confront the Past]
Objective: Win without losing consciousness
Bonus: Land the First Hit
James launched forward.
His fist flew straight toward Clint's chin. It wasn't perfect—but it was fast.
Faster than Clint expected.
[Skill Gained: Strike I]
Basic Melee Proficiency
XP: 3%
The punch connected.
Clint stumbled back, his smirk twisted into something raw. Confusion. Pain.
James didn't wait.
He followed up with a jab to the ribs, then ducked as Clint swung wild. It grazed his shoulder.
[Damage Taken: 8 HP]
Status: Bruised
Passive Triggered: Resilience I – Negated 3 Damage
Clint caught him with a knee, pushing him back.
"You're serious," he hissed, wiping blood from his mouth. "You little freak—what did you do?!"
James adjusted his stance. "I woke up."
Clint charged.
They clashed again—fists, elbows, sweat, and grit. The sound of skin on skin echoed across the rooftop. James felt his body scream, but his mind stayed sharp. Focused.
[Adrenal Boost Triggered – 30 Seconds]
Strength +0.5
Agility +0.3
Focus +10%
He sidestepped, landed two clean shots to Clint's ribs, then swept his leg. Clint hit the floor hard.
James stood over him, chest heaving, fists shaking.
[Quest Completed: Prepare for the Storm]
Reward: +1 Stat Point | Trait Unlocked – Predator's Calm
Bonus Completed: Landed First Hit
Total Stat Gain: +1.5 | Trait Bonus: Critical Thinking Under Pressure
Clint groaned.
He didn't get up.
Didn't laugh.
Didn't threaten.
Just lay there, stunned.
James turned, picked up his jacket, and walked toward the door.
He didn't need to say anything.
The message had already been delivered.
He was done being prey.