Jihan sat in the back of the classroom, his fingers tapping against the desk. His body still thrummed with the lingering effects of his first real fight. The taste of power, the rush of adrenaline—it was intoxicating.
But it wasn't enough.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
[New Mission Available: Strength Is Earned.]
Objective: Engage in a fight and withstand at least three attacks without backing down.
Reward: Strength +1
Penalty: Reflex -1
Jihan's eyes narrowed. The system wasn't just handing him power—it was forcing him to evolve.
He exhaled slowly. He needed a real fight. A test.
And he already had a perfect candidate.
Lunch Break – The School Courtyard
Jihan spotted his target near the cafeteria—Taeho, a second-year notorious for being one of Jinho's strongest lackeys. Unlike Dojin, Taeho wasn't just a bully. He was a fighter.
Jihan stepped forward, cutting through the chatter of students enjoying their meals. The second Taeho noticed him, his lips curled into a smirk.
"Well, well. The little rat is walking tall now. You really think you're something, don't you?" Taeho cracked his knuckles. "Jinho told me to teach you some respect."
Jihan smirked. "Then do it."
A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd. Fights weren't uncommon, but this? The loser of yesterday's hierarchy was challenging someone? It was unheard of.
Taeho wasted no time. He lunged forward, swinging a powerful right hook.
Jihan didn't move. He braced himself.
CRACK!
Pain exploded through his ribs as Taeho's fist connected. Jihan staggered, his breath hitching—but he didn't fall. His phone buzzed in his pocket.
[Attack Endured: 1/3]
Taeho clicked his tongue. "What's wrong? Not gonna dodge?"
Jihan wiped his mouth. He needed to endure two more.
Taeho sneered and sent a brutal knee into Jihan's stomach. The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he gritted his teeth and stayed upright.
[Attack Endured: 2/3]
Students murmured in shock. "He's not going down?"
Taeho scowled. "Fine, let's finish this."
He swung again, this time aiming for Jihan's face.
Jihan's vision blurred as the punch landed. His head snapped to the side, pain flashing through his skull.
But he was still standing.
[Mission Complete: Strength +1 Earned.]
His body changed.
A surge of energy rushed through his muscles. The pain dulled, his breath steadied, and suddenly… he felt stronger.
Taeho's confidence wavered for the first time. "What the hell…?"
Jihan grinned through the pain. "My turn."
Without hesitation, he struck back.
His fist slammed into Taeho's face with a force far greater than before. Taeho stumbled, blood spraying from his nose.
Jihan pressed forward, delivering a devastating kick to his chest. The second-year crashed onto the pavement, gasping for air.
Silence.
Then—
Whispers. Shock. Fear.
Jihan rolled his shoulders, the strength boost still tingling in his muscles. He felt it.
He was changing.
Taeho groaned, trying to push himself up. Jihan crouched down, grabbing him by the collar. "Tell Jinho… he's next."
The crowd erupted.
Jihan stood, walking away as his phone buzzed again.
[New Mission Available: Climb or Be Crushed.]
Objective: Defeat a top-tier fighter within 48 hours.
Reward: Speed +1, Special Skill Unlock.]
Penalty: All Stats -1
Jihan's smirk deepened.
He was just getting started.