A Perilous Rival Emerges

Noah sat in the rear of the class, his gaze fixed on Liam Gray.

Despite the lesson in progress, Noah wasn't paying attention. His thoughts were centered on one thing—his next victim.

Liam was the second-most powerful fighter in school, only behind Ryan Miller. If Noah was to get to Ryan, he needed to work his way up first.

But Liam wasn't only powerful—he was dangerous.

Noah had witnessed him fight before. Liam wasn't like the other bullies who would throw random punches. He was quick, adept, and merciless.

But Noah wasn't the same individual anymore.

He now had the System.

And he had 100 days to emerge victorious.

---

Step One: Gather Information

Noah needed to be clever about this. He couldn't simply approach Liam and provoke him.

He needed to know his vulnerabilities.

So, over lunch, he went to speak with the one person who would know all about the school brawls—Ethan Wells.

Ethan belonged to the school boxing club. He was no top-level fighter, but he listened.

Noah sat him down beside him, who was sitting near the gym and going through his phone.

"Ethan," Noah said.

Ethan looked up, furrowing an eyebrow. "Noah Carter? What's up?"

Noah hunched forward. "Information about Liam Gray."

Ethan blinked, then laughed. "You? You want to fight Liam?"

Noah didn't respond. He simply glared at Ethan, waiting.

Ethan quit laughing when he saw Noah was serious. "Damn. You really mean that."

"Tell me what you know," Noah said.

Ethan sighed. "Okay. Liam's quick—much quicker than you. He's got powerful legs, so his kicks land like a truck. His style is aggressive. If you let him dictate the fight, you're finished."

Noah nodded, taking it all in.

"But," Ethan went on, "he's got one weak spot."

Noah leaned in. "What is it?"

Ethan grinned. "He underestimates people. He believes he's invincible. Use that to your advantage."

Noah's brain began functioning.

He had a strategy now.

---

Step Two: Make Himself Stronger

Noah was agile, but that would not do. He required strength.

That required training.

He lingered after school, going directly to the gym.

Initially, his physique protested. He was not accustomed to rigorous exercise. However, the System was present, advising him.

[New Daily Mission: Perform 100 Push-ups, 100 Sit-ups, and 100 Squats.]

[Reward: Strength +1]

Noah breathed in deeply. If he was going to win, he would need to push himself.

The initial push-up was torture.

By the 50th, his arms trembled.

By the 100th, he fell onto the ground, with sweat dripping from his face.

But he did it.

And when the System alert flashed, he could feel his muscles react.

[Strength +1]

He was filled with energy.

He clenched his fists.

He was strengthening.

---

Step Three: The Challenge

Two days later, Noah was prepared.

He ran into Liam in the hallway, surrounded by his normal clique.

The second Liam saw him, he smirked. "Look who it is. The nerd who thinks he can fight."

Noah didn't flinch. He met Liam's stare.

"I challenge you," he said. "A fight. One on one."

The hallway fell silent.

The students surrounding them gawked.

Liam blinked, then laughed. "You? You want to fight me?"

Noah didn't say anything.

He just waited.

Liam's grin dissipated. He moved a step closer. "Okay, Carter. You want a fight? Fine. After school. The gym."

Noah nodded. "I'll be there."

Liam grinned. "This is gonna be fun."

As Liam turned to leave, Noah let out a breath.

This was it.

His true test was finally starting.

---

The Fight Begins

A crowd of people waited after school in the gym.

Liam was already on the mat, stretching, and he looked perfectly calm.

Noah stepped onto the mat.

Liam smirked. "I'll go easy on you."

Noah didn't reply. He focused.

[Mission Started: Defeat Liam Gray.]

The fight began.

Liam rushed forward, fast.

Noah barely dodged the first punch. His agility helped, but Liam was faster.

A sharp kick slammed into Noah's side, sending him stumbling.

The crowd cheered.

Noah gritted his teeth. He couldn't let this turn into a brawl.

He had to be smart.

Liam attacked again, aiming for Noah's ribs.

Noah ducked just in time.

Then he retaliated—a swift jab to Liam's stomach.

Liam hardly flinched. He was too powerful.

I need to pace him, Noah thought.

He began dodging rather than striking, making Liam pursue him.

Liam's smirk disappeared as he became agitated. "Stop running, coward!"

That was when Noah noticed it—a gap.

Liam overreached on a punch.

Now.

Noah struck—a piercing kick to Liam's knee.

Liam stumbled.

A flaw.

Noah struck again, this time for the same area.

Liam's movements were slowing.

The crowd gasped.

Noah did not relent. Strike after strike, he attacked Liam's vulnerable spot.

Liam attempted to counterattack, but his speed had decreased.

Noah dodged one final punch—then delivered a final, crushing kick to Liam's chest.

Liam crashed to the mat.

The gym was silent.

He had won.

---

After the Fight

Noah stood over Liam, panting.

[Mission Complete: Defeated Liam Gray.]

[Reward: Speed +2, Strength +1, New Skill Unlocked.]

[Skill Stolen: Rapid Footwork (Liam Gray)]

Noah sensed it right away. He was lighter, quicker.

He glanced down at Liam, who winced in agony.

Liam's eyes met his, a blend of shock and… something more. Respect.

"You're not that same wimp anymore," Liam grunted. "I'll give you that. You're stronger than I expected."

Noah said nothing.

He walked away.

He had moved another step closer to the top.

But as he departed, a shiver crept down his spine.

In the crowd, there was someone observing him.

A person, standing in the shadows.

Their eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"So, he actually won. Interesting."

---