### **Chapter 7: The Hunter Awakens**
The day had unfolded with the monotony of routine tasks and schooling, each moment a quiet preparation for what lay ahead. Jason, still reeling from the system's recent developments, found solace in the structure of his day. After completing his daily tasks, he paused to check his status window, a ritual that had become increasingly important to him.
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**[Full Moon Reminder: 12 Days Remaining]**
**[Experience Points: 50/100]**
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The reminder hung heavy in his thoughts, a countdown to an event he barely understood but knew he couldn't ignore. As the school day wound down, the weight of everything was starting to press on him. Just then, Marcus, his best friend, leaned over and whispered, "Let's hit the pub tonight. We could all use a break."
Jason hesitated for a moment, but the idea of unwinding with his friends was too tempting to resist. He nodded, and soon, the group had planned their evening.
They met at their usual spot: a dimly lit pub nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The warm, buzzing atmosphere provided a stark contrast to the outside world. Ethan, the tall and athletic one with a penchant for sports despite his lack of awakening, was the first to crack a joke, easing the tension that had been lingering all day. Liam, the quiet and introspective bookworm, sat close by, listening intently to the conversation but offering few words. Sophia, the outgoing and energetic heart of the group, kept the banter lively, while Olivia, ever practical and observant, watched over them all with a protective eye.
For a while, their laughter and conversation filled the space, masking the underlying anxieties that each carried. But as the night wore on and they decided to leave, a sense of foreboding settled over Jason.
The cool night air greeted them as they stepped out onto the deserted street. Their spirits were still high as they began to walk, but the atmosphere shifted abruptly when a group of bullies from school appeared out of the shadows, blocking their path. The leader, a hulking figure with a sneer etched across his face, stepped forward, cracking his knuckles menacingly.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A bunch of non-awakened losers out past their bedtime," the leader taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.
Jason felt a cold shiver crawl up his spine, but before he could react, the bullies closed in, herding them into a narrow, dimly lit alleyway. The world seemed to shrink, the sounds of the city fading away, leaving only the oppressive silence of the alley.
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**[New Quest Received: Show Them Who is the Hunter]**
**[Reward: 40 EXP]**
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The system's message flashed before his eyes, sharpening his focus. His heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline kicking in as the reality of the situation sank in. There was no way to avoid this fight. The bullies moved in, fists raised, eager to strike.
The first punch was aimed at Ethan, but Jason's reflexes kicked in, and he stepped forward, intercepting the blow with his forearm. Pain shot through his arm as the impact resonated, and he watched in alarm as his health bar dropped slightly.
**[Health: 90/100]**
The drop in his health registered with a flash of cold clarity. Gritting his teeth, Jason retaliated with a quick jab to the bully's stomach, forcing him to stagger back. His friends, frozen in shock, stood paralyzed by the sudden violence. Jason knew he had to act fast—he had to protect them.
The fight escalated quickly, turning into a chaotic melee. Jason found himself dodging wild punches and parrying clumsy kicks, his senses heightened as adrenaline surged through his veins. Every movement was instinctual, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. He ducked under a wild swing, countering with a sharp uppercut that sent another bully sprawling onto the ground.
As the fight continued, Jason's heart rate began to climb. He could feel it thudding in his chest, each beat resonating with the intensity of the moment. The numbers flashed before his eyes: 160 BPM… 180 BPM… 200 BPM.
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**[New Skill Unlocked: Heart Rush]**
**[Skill: Heart Rush]**
**[Effect: Temporarily increases Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance by +2. Consumes 10 energy points per minute.]**
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With his heart pounding dangerously fast, Jason felt an unfamiliar yet exhilarating surge of power flood his body. It was as though the world around him slowed down, the edges of his vision sharpening as his focus intensified. Every punch he threw landed with a force that surprised even him, every dodge was perfectly timed, leaving his opponents flailing.
The new power came at a cost, though. Jason could feel his energy draining with each passing moment, the exertion taking its toll on his stamina.
**[Energy: 90/100… 80/100… 70/100]**
In the frenzy of the fight, Jason sustained a deep cut on his arm, and his health bar dropped again.
**[Health: 75/100]**
But the energy coursing through him, fuelled by the new skill, allowed him to push through the pain. He knew he had to end this quickly—before he ran out of energy. With a powerful kick, he sent another bully crashing into the brick wall of the alley. The fight was a blur of rapid strikes and agile dodges, his movements becoming a fluid dance of survival and dominance.
One by one, the bullies fell, groaning in pain as they hit the ground. Jason's energy was almost depleted by the time the last one went down.
**[Energy: 50/100]**
He stood amidst the fallen bullies, his breathing ragged, his heart still racing. The system's voice echoed in his mind, cutting through the chaos of the moment.
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**[Quest Complete: Show Them Who is the Hunter]**
**[Experience Gained: 40 EXP + 10 EXP per defeated enemy (4)]**
**[Level Up]**
**[Level: 2]**
**[Experience Points: 30/200]**
**[1 Stat Point Available]**
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Jason was momentarily stunned by the notification. He had leveled up, but more importantly, he had earned a stat point to spend.
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**[Stat Point Information: A stat point can be used to improve a user's basic stats or increase health/energy by ten points.]**
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He stared at the screen, trying to decide where to allocate the stat point. His mind raced as he considered his options. Finally, understanding how crucial energy was during a fight, he chose to invest the stat point into his energy reserve.
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**[Energy: 60/100]**
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He felt a slight rush of vitality as the new energy point was added, but the battle had taken its toll. Despite leveling up, his energy was still low, and he knew from previous experience that eating raw meat would help him recover faster. The thought of it was unsettling, but it was a necessary part of his new reality.
As the bullies groaned on the ground, Jason's friends slowly gathered around him, their faces a mix of shock and awe. None of them had ever seen Jason fight like that before. The air was thick with tension, but Jason kept his secret. The system, the werewolf within him—these were things he couldn't share, not yet.
The group quickly left the alley, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night as they hurried away from the scene. Jason's thoughts were a jumble of relief and unease. The fight had revealed new abilities, but it had also shown him just how dangerous his situation could become.
As they walked through the empty streets, Jason couldn't shake the thought of the full moon. With 12 days remaining, he knew he had little time to prepare for whatever changes were coming. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: he was no longer the same person he had been. He was changing, evolving, and the full moon was drawing ever closer.
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This detailed chapter delves into the complexity of Jason's evolving abilities, the intensity of the fight, and the lingering questions about his future. It sets the stage for deeper exploration of his character and the unfolding narrative.