The second Ryan reached into his apartment, he dropped to the ground instinctively, face-first—just like a dead body hitting the pavement.
"FUUCKKKK…" he groaned. "That psychopath almost broke my jaw… No, he almost broke my entire skull."
His limbs ached, his ribs felt like someone had used them as a xylophone. His pride? That was currently in a coma.
[DING!]
[System Notice: Yes, host. You were approximately 1.3 seconds away from unconsciousness. If Maya hadn't intervened, your jaw would be powder and your soul would be halfway to customer support.]
"Ah… thanks for your kind reminder, system," Ryan said in a sarcastic, tired tone as he rolled onto his back, his sweat-soaked shirt clinging to his skin.
"That punch… was blocked and Maya still got bruised?"
[Correct. Scans indicate a hairline contusion on Maya's forearm. Estimated recovery: 2–3 days.]
Ryan blinked. "So, what… T-Two days? From a blocked punch?"
[Yes, host. And that was not even 50% of Arthur Kane's full strength.]
Ryan stared at the ceiling like it held the secrets of the universe. "I can't imagine what would've happened to me if that hit me."
[Your teeth would be eating apples through a straw for the next six months.]
He groaned as he slapped his palm on his face. "What kind of monster did I agree to spar with? You wanted me dead or something, system?"
[Correction: You didn't agree. You were peer-pressured. And you survived—barely—due to your Boxing Jab skill and sheer luck.]
Ryan sighed, then muttered, "At least I didn't lie about knowing how to jab… or else only God knows what Arthur would've done to me."
[Probably drop-kick you into the next calendar year.]
The next morning came with stiffness in every muscle Ryan possessed. His shoulders popped just reaching for his toothbrush.
Even moving his body was a hell of a challenge, but he still barely made it to school, dragging his feet through the hallway like a zombie dressed in a uniform.
Arthur was already at his desk—silent, arms folded, eyes closed like he was meditating or bored. A titan disguised as a high schooler.
Ryan shuffled in and collapsed beside him, barely hiding his struggle, trying not to look so miserable.
Arthur cracked one eye open and muttered to Ryan, "Yo."
Ryan blinked, looked at Arthur for a second, and said, "…Yo, how's it going, Arthur."
He just greeted him in a normal manner, trying not to do something to piss Arthur off.
'This guy… he's unreal.'
The classes passed by easily. Arthur and Ryan didn't talk much as teachers came one by one, taught, and left.
Ryan's body felt like a beaten dog, but he felt something strange inside him—it was the same as when he fought in the ring.
And that feeling grew a bit stronger as P.E. class came closer and closer.
The boxing gym buzzed with energy and discipline. Heavy bags swung, jump ropes whipped, and the sharp THWACK! of gloves hitting pads filled the air with rhythm like music.
The gym was no less than a battleground—a cathedral of sweat and the scent of steel.
Ryan walked into the gym alongside Arthur, still sore but more attentive now. Something was happening in front.
The gym teacher, Coach Wilkins—a broad-chested man with a voice like thunder—stepped forward and clapped his hands.
The gym fell silent, the noise disappearing as Coach Wilkins spoke up. "Listen up! The school's annual inter-school competition is officially a go now!" he barked, voice deep and heavy.
"All of the clubs are in—basketball, judo, track, even archery, etc. But I'm expecting our boxing team to do well and make it into the finals this year, got it, boys?"
A cheer erupted around the room—half excitement, half testosterone-fueled pride.
Arthur didn't cheer or anything; he just stood there, arms crossed, eyes sharp, completely unbothered by the announcement.
Coach Wilkins slowly scanned the whole room. "We're holding the qualifiers next week. Win two matches and you're locked in for more. Make it to the main bracket and you might earn your spot on the school banner this year."
That's when it happened—the sudden pop-up of a quest.
[DING! New Quest Received.]
[Quest: Win at least 2 matches in the School Inter-Club Tournament.]
[Reward: +1 Strength, +1 Reputation, New Skill Option Unlocked.]
Ryan's mouth suddenly dropped. 'You've got to be fucking kidding me. I almost died a day ago, you bastard blue lightning shit.'
[Host, please maintain sanity and your language. Regarding your question—]
[No, host. This is your shot to prove you're not the weakest in the food chain.]
He groaned as he rubbed his temple with his thumb, clearly worried. 'You just love to see me suffer, that's all.'
[Correction: I love to see you evolve. But yes, the beatdowns are… statistically amusing.]
Arthur turned a bit and looked at Ryan, his cold eyes scanning him for a moment. "You joining?"
Ryan hesitated before replying, then gave a small nervous nod as sweat traveled from his temple to his cheek.
Arthur gave the faintest smirk. "Good. Don't back out."
And with that, he picked up his gym bag and walked out of the gym without another word. A few students parted out of his way.
Ryan stared at him from the far back. 'He didn't even react to the news about the tournament. Did he already know? Or does he just not care?'
He let the thought escape his mind as he slowly glanced down at his fists. His right knuckle was still faintly bruised from yesterday's jab.
'I need to get better—and fast. I don't have much time.'
From the side, Coach Wilkins approached him. "You, are you the new kid? I've never seen you here before."
Ryan blinked. "Uh… yeah, I'm Ryan West. It's my second day in this gym," he said, giving a small respectful bow.
The coach gave a small nod and muttered, "Okay, practice well, kiddo." He walked off, leaving Ryan standing there—somewhere between fear and the rush of adrenaline.
From across the room, Maya gave him a wave with her left arm. The right one was bandaged.
She slowly walked toward Ryan. The moment she arrived, she gave a small smile and said, "You alive, rookie?"
"Yeah, barely. Thanks to you," Ryan replied with a small, nervous smile.
She smirked. "Keep it up, you'll get better soon enough. You might even earn the right to call yourself a fighter."
Ryan chuckled softly. 'Potential… friends… maybe even friends.'
He looked at the notification glowing in front of his eyes. 'Two wins. Time to earn the rewards and be better than ever before.'