Jason stared at the System screen, brows furrowed.
He had just gotten back from class, the buzz around campus still hot from yesterday's encounters. But this notification was different.
[NEW MODULE UNLOCKED: PHYSICAL MASTERIES]The System has detected Host's interest in self-defense and physical dominance.Martial Arts Path now available.
➤ Unlock Martial Arts Disciplines➤ Instant Learning – No training needed➤ Enhanced Reflexes, Strength, and Combat Awareness➤ Tier I Disciplines: Boxing, Muay Thai, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo➤ Cost per style: $1,000
Would you like to proceed?
Jason leaned back on his bed, eyes wide.
"Martial arts? I didn't even think about that…"
The System pinged again.
[Reminder: Personal power is key to survival. Not every threat is social or financial.]
That line hit a nerve.
He remembered the time in high school when two upperclassmen cornered him behind the gym and shoved him against the lockers just because they could. He remembered how helpless he felt. How scared. How weak.
And now?
Now he had the chance to make sure that never happened again.
Jason didn't hesitate. He hit "Proceed."
[Choose a Discipline]
He scrolled the list.
Boxing.Great for speed, footwork, and power.
Muay Thai.Elbows, knees, and raw close-range destruction.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.Control. Submissions. The ability to dominate on the ground.
Karate and Taekwondo.Speed, counters, explosive kicks.
Jason grinned. "Why not all of them?"
He tapped Boxing.
[1,000 deducted. Skill Downloading…]
Suddenly, Jason gasped.
A flash of images, sensations, and muscle movements raced through his mind like lightning. He could feel his fists shift, adjust. His weight distributed evenly on the balls of his feet. His arms naturally rose to guard his chin, elbows tight to his ribs.
His breathing changed. Short, sharp, efficient.
His stance felt perfect.
He threw a jab. Fast. Precise. Effortless.
He followed with a cross, then slipped as if dodging an invisible hook.
"Holy sh*t…" Jason whispered, eyes wide.
He wasn't imitating. He knew this.
The System had uploaded years of boxing training directly into his brain and muscles… in seconds.
[Boxing – Tier I Mastery Acquired]
[New Skill: Strike Prediction]You can now instinctively read basic body movement cues in combat.+15% chance to dodge or block untrained attacks.
Jason stood in front of the mirror, still in awe.
His body hadn't changed much in this moment—but his presence had. His stance alone made him look like someone you don't mess with.
"Let's keep going."
He hit Muay Thai.
[1,000 deducted. Skill Downloading…]
Another surge. His knees twitched, sharpened. His balance shifted lower, and suddenly he felt power flowing not just from his arms—but his hips, knees, and shins.
He threw a knee into the air—crack!Then a sharp elbow.He didn't even have to think about it. His body just moved.
[Muay Thai – Tier I Mastery Acquired]
[Passive Bonus: Clinch Control]You are naturally dominant in close-quarters combat. +10% grip and throw efficiency.
Jason was breathless. "This is insane."
Just then, a knock echoed on his door.
Jason blinked and hurried to open it.
"Hey," said Devon, one of his dorm mates—a tall basketball major and one of the friendlier faces around.
"You good?" Devon asked. "You were making weird sounds in here. Sounded like you were fighting air."
Jason laughed. "Just… practicing something new."
Devon leaned on the doorway. "You going to the gym tonight? A bunch of us are hitting the mat room. Some of the jocks from Sigma Chi are gonna be there—probably showing off again."
Jason's eyes lit up. "Martial arts mats?"
"Yeah. You in?"
He smiled. "Definitely."
Later that night…
The campus athletic building's lower floor had a side room lined with blue mats. Bright overhead lights buzzed softly as half a dozen students circled up—some shirtless, some in shorts and tank tops, stretching and joking.
Jason walked in wearing black joggers and a loose white t-shirt. Heads turned again.
"Hey, you actually showed," Devon said, walking over.
Jason nodded. "Figured I'd give it a shot."
From across the room, one of the Sigma Chi guys chuckled. He was tall, bulky, with cauliflower ears and a cocky grin. "New guy wants to roll?"
"I don't mind," Jason said casually.
The guy smirked. "Alright. Let's start light. No strikes—just grappling."
Jason knew his System only gave him stand-up so far… but he wasn't worried. He'd saved his last thousand for something special.
As he walked to the center, he whispered, "System, unlock Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu."
[1,000 deducted. Skill Downloading…]
Another flash.
Sweeps. Guards. Arm locks. Chokeholds. Escapes. Timing.
Suddenly, Jason was calm. Confident.
The Sigma Chi guy lunged.
Jason dodged low and grabbed his waist.
The crowd of students gasped as Jason reversed the position instantly, wrapping his legs around the guy's torso and shifting into a triangle choke.
The guy struggled. "What the—!"
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Jason let go.
The room went silent.
Devon stared. "Bro… where'd you learn that?"
Jason stood and offered the guy a hand. "I'm just a fast learner."
Someone whispered, "Did you see how fast he moved?"
The Sigma guy stood, stunned. "You sure you're not a black belt or something?"
Jason smiled. "I've never taken a class."
Later that night, back in his dorm, Jason stared at his reflection in the mirror.
There was no trace of the weak, broken boy anymore.
Not physically. Not mentally.
He could fight. He could charm. He could earn.
And the System was just getting started.
[New Quest Unlocked: Combat Proving Grounds]Defeat five trained fighters to unlock Tier II Combat Paths.Progress: 1/5
Jason grinned. "Bring it on."