As Jack stepped out of his house, the familiar streets of his small town greeted him. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the day ahead. It wasn't long before he encountered a group of bullies he had known since childhood - Travis and his cronies.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Jack," Travis sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I heard you had a little accident with the door this morning. Looks like someone's been working out."
Jack felt the familiar surge of anger, but he quickly pushed it down. He had made a promise to himself to stay in control of his newfound powers. "I don't want any trouble, Travis," he said calmly. "Just leave me alone."
Travis and his friends laughed, circling around Jack like a pack of wolves. "What's the matter, Jack? Afraid you might break us too?" He shoved Jack, who stumbled back but managed to keep his footing.
Jack took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing. "I'm warning you, Travis. Walk away now, and we can all forget this ever happened."
Travis hesitated for a moment, taken aback by Jack's sudden confidence. But then he lunged forward, his fist aimed at Jack's face.
In a split second, Jack sidestepped the attack, grabbing Travis's arm and twisting it behind his back. The bully howled in pain, dropping to his knees. Jack held him there, his grip firm but controlled.
"I told you to leave me alone," Jack said, his voice low and steady. "Next time, I won't be so nice."
He released Travis, who scrambled to his feet, his face flushed with embarrassment and pain. The other bullies backed away, their bravado shattered.
Jack watched them go, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He knew he had made his point without resorting to violence. As he turned and headed towards the city, he felt a newfound sense of purpose.
The bustling streets of the city were a stark contrast to the quiet streets of Jack's hometown. He made his way through the crowded sidewalks, dodging pedestrians and street vendors alike. Finally, he reached the towering building that housed the City Guild.
As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a young woman with a warm smile. "Welcome to the City Guild," she said. "How can I help you today?"
"I'd like to register for a device and learn more about the ranking system," Jack replied.
The woman nodded, gesturing for him to follow her. "Of course, right this way."
She led him to a small room, where she explained the intricacies of the guild's ranking system. "We have five main ranks - F, E, D, C, B and A. The higher the rank, the more challenging and rewarding the jobs and dungeons become."
Jack listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. "And what about the SS rank? I heard that's the highest."
The woman nodded. "The SS rank is reserved for the most powerful and skilled individuals. Only a handful of people have ever achieved it."
"How do I get my device?" Jack asked, eager to begin his journey.
"Well, it usually takes about three days for the device to be customized and activated," the woman explained. "In the meantime, you can take some basic jobs and start earning some experience points. Once your device is ready, you'll be able to take on more challenging tasks and work your way up the ranks."
Jack nodded, his excitement building. "I'm ready to get started."
As he left the guild, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to make the most of this opportunity. With his newfound powers and the support of the guild, he was ready to take on whatever came his way.
Jack walked through the city streets, the morning sun shining brightly overhead. His mind was still racing from the events of the morning—his encounter with the bullies and the exhilarating realization of his powers. But now, he felt a new urgency to seek guidance, to learn how to harness his abilities. He made his way to the dojo where he had trained in martial arts for years, hoping to find his old teacher, Master Kenji.
As he entered the dojo, the familiar scent of sweat and polished wood greeted him. The sounds of students practicing their forms echoed through the hall. Jack spotted Master Kenji at the front of the room, demonstrating a series of fluid movements to a group of eager students. The master was a tall man with a commanding presence, his movements precise and graceful.
"Master Kenji," Jack called out, stepping forward.
Kenji turned, his expression shifting from concentration to surprise. "Jack! It's good to see you. You've been away for a while. How have you been?"
Jack hesitated, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination. "I've been… okay. But I need to talk to you about something important."
Kenji nodded, gesturing for Jack to follow him to a quieter corner of the dojo. "What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Jack explained everything—his late awakening of powers, the encounter with the bullies, and his desire to learn how to control his abilities. "I know I'm behind everyone else, and I feel frustrated. I want to be strong, not just in martial arts but with my powers too. Can you help me train?"
Master Kenji regarded Jack thoughtfully. "You may have awakened late, but that does not diminish your potential. Every journey is unique, and it's not when you start that matters, but how dedicated you are to your training."
"I want to be dedicated," Jack replied, his voice firm. "I need to learn how to fight and control my abilities. I can't let others look down on me anymore."
Kenji smiled, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Very well. I will help you, but you must be prepared for the challenges ahead. Mastery requires discipline and perseverance. Are you ready to commit to this path?"
"Yes, I am!" Jack exclaimed, feeling a surge of determination.
"Good. We will start with the basics," Kenji said, leading Jack to the training mats. "Your martial arts foundation will be essential in controlling your powers. Let's begin with some drills."
As they trained, Jack felt the familiar rhythm of martial arts seep back into his muscles. He practiced stances, strikes, and footwork, each movement grounding him further in his body. Kenji watched closely, offering corrections and encouragement.
"Remember, Jack," Kenji said during a break, "true strength comes from within. It's not just about physical power; it's about balance, focus, and understanding yourself."
Jack nodded, absorbing the wisdom. "I want to be more than just strong. I want to be able to protect others, to prove that I'm capable."
"Then you must learn to control your emotions as well," Kenji replied. "Your powers will respond to your state of mind. If you are angry or afraid, they may spiral out of control. You must find your center."
They continued training for hours, Jack pushing himself harder than he ever had before. He felt the sweat trickle down his back, the burn in his muscles, but he welcomed the discomfort. Each punch and kick was a step toward mastery, a step toward proving himself.
After their session, Jack felt a sense of accomplishment, but he knew this was just the beginning. "Thank you, Master Kenji. I really appreciate your help. I'll work hard to make you proud."
Kenji smiled, placing a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I believe in you, Jack. Just remember, the journey is long, but every step counts. Now, go and prepare for your registration at the guild. You'll need to be ready for what lies ahead."
Jack left the dojo feeling invigorated. He had a plan, a teacher, and a renewed sense of purpose. The next few days would be crucial as he awaited his device from the guild, but he was determined to make the most of his training in the meantime.
As he walked through the city, he felt a sense of excitement building within him. He was ready to take on the challenges ahead, to face the dungeons and jobs that awaited him. With every step, he felt closer to the person he wanted to become.
Jack spent the next few days alternating between training at the dojo and preparing for his registration at the guild. The anticipation of receiving his device was palpable, and he found himself daydreaming about the adventures that lay ahead.
On the third day, he finally returned to the City Guild, his heart racing with excitement. As he entered, the same young woman greeted him with a smile. "Jack! Your device is ready. Come this way."
She led him to a sleek, high-tech room filled with various devices, each one unique. "This is where we customize your device based on your abilities and preferences. It will help you track your rank and assist you in your adventures."
Jack's eyes widened as he examined the devices. "What do I need to do?"
"Just stand here," she instructed, gesturing to a platform. "We'll scan your abilities and integrate them into the device. It will take just a few moments."
As he stepped onto the platform, he felt a slight tingling sensation. The device hummed to life, and a holographic display appeared, showing various options and settings. Jack watched in awe as the device began to analyze his powers.
"Done!" the woman announced, smiling. "You're all set. Your device will help you track your progress and connect you with jobs and dungeons suited to your rank."
Jack took the device in his hands, feeling the weight of it. "Thank you so much! I can't wait to get started."
"Remember, the best way to rank up is by taking on jobs and exploring dungeons. The more you challenge yourself, the faster you'll progress," she advised.
With newfound determination, Jack left the guild, ready to embrace the journey ahead. He felt the device vibrate slightly in his pocket, a reminder of the potential it held.
As he walked through the bustling streets, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet imagine. He was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him, to prove to himself and to the world that he was more than just a late bloomer. He was Jack, and he was ready to rise to the occasion.