### **Chapter 8: Proving Grounds**
The morning sun crept through the curtains of Jason's room, casting soft light across his face. He had barely slept after the intense fight in the alleyway, but he managed to find a few hours of rest. Exhausted but resolute, Jason cooked a quick breakfast and prepared for school. He felt the aftereffects of the previous night's battle—his muscles ached, and his mind was clouded with fatigue.
After eating raw meat, Jason had managed to recover his health and energy to full. The meat was an acquired taste, but it had proven effective in restoring his stamina. As he prepared to leave, he could feel the weight of the full moon's approach and the burden of his new reality pressing on him.
At school, his friends immediately noticed his weariness. Ethan approached him with a concerned expression. "Hey, man, you look like you didn't get much sleep. Everything alright?"
Jason forced a smile, trying to downplay the exhaustion. "Just a rough night, but I'm fine. Thanks for asking."
Liam, ever perceptive, added, "You don't have to put on a brave face, Jason. We're here if you need to talk."
Sophia and Olivia exchanged worried glances, but Marcus's gaze was sharper, more calculating. He scrutinized Jason closely, his mind racing with questions. Marcus had noticed something off about Jason's demeanor, but he chose to keep his suspicions to himself for the moment.
As the school day progressed, Jason's thoughts lingered on the combat class. He had been preparing to challenge some of the more skilled students to earn experience points. It was a risk he was willing to take to strengthen himself further.
When the time for combat class arrived, Jason walked into the training hall with a sense of determination. The instructor, a burly man with a no-nonsense attitude, was busy organizing the students.
Jason approached him with a determined expression. "I'd like to challenge some students to a match. I want to earn some experience points and improve my skills."
The instructor looked up, raising an eyebrow and letting out a derisive chuckle. "You? Challenge students? Haven't you learned your lesson? Most of these students have awakened powers and would wipe the floor with you."
Jason's face reddened with a mix of frustration and embarrassment, but he held his ground. "I'm serious. I can take on ten students. I need the experience."
The instructor's smirk widened. "Oh, really? Prove it, then. But don't expect any sympathy if you fail."
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**[New Quest Received: Prove Your Strength]**
**[Quest Objective: Defeat 10 students to prove your worth.]**
**[Reward: 100 EXP]**
**[Experience Gained: 10 EXP per defeated student]**
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The quest notification appeared in Jason's mind, and he felt a surge of determination. If he wanted to earn the respect of the instructor and prove his capabilities, he had to take on this challenge.
**Status Window**
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**[Name: Jason Hale]**
**[Level: 2]**
**[Experience Points: 40/200]**
**[Strength: 5]**
**[Dexterity: 4]**
**[Endurance: 10]**
**[Energy: 110/110]**
**[Health: 100/100]**
**[Skill: Heart Rush]**
---
Jason started with the first opponent, a tall, confident student who had an air of arrogance about him. They squared off in the training area, and the match began.
The student lunged at Jason with a series of rapid strikes. Jason reacted quickly, ducking under a wild punch and sidestepping a kick. He deflected a punch with his forearm and countered with a swift jab to the student's stomach. The impact sent the student staggering back, and Jason pressed his advantage. With a series of calculated strikes, he forced the student to the ground. The instructor watched with surprise, but remained silent.
Jason's next opponent was a student known for their speed and reflexes. The student darted around the training area, their movements a blur. Jason's heart rate spiked, his senses sharpening. He dodged a flurry of rapid attacks, relying on his agility. With a well-timed maneuver, he caught the student off guard and landed a powerful strike that brought them to the ground.
The third opponent was a burly student with significant strength. He charged at Jason with a powerful overhead swing. Jason ducked under the swing, using his agility to avoid the powerful blow. He retaliated with a precise kick to the student's ribs, forcing him to stumble. Jason continued to press the attack with a series of blows, eventually overcoming the student's raw strength
Next was a student who specialized in defensive techniques. The student used a series of blocks and counters, making it challenging for Jason to land a clean hit. Jason had to use his speed and dexterity to outmaneuver the defensive tactics. After a prolonged exchange, Jason found an opening and delivered a decisive blow that ended the match
Jason faced a student with a tactical approach, using feints and misdirection to try and confuse him. Jason's heightened senses and the effects of his Heart Rush skill allowed him to see through the tactics. He moved with precision, countering the student's every attempt to deceive him. With a final strategic maneuver, Jason ended the match.
The sixth student was known for agility and speed. Jason struggled initially, as the student's quick movements made it difficult to land a hit. However, Jason used his increased endurance and reflexes to match the student's pace. With a calculated combination of dodges and strikes, he finally managed to secure a victory
The seventh opponent was a strong but slow fighter. Jason exploited the student's lack of speed, dodging the slow, heavy attacks with ease. He delivered quick, targeted strikes that overwhelmed the student's defenses, ending the match swiftly.
Jason's eighth opponent used a combination of ranged attacks and close-quarters combat. Jason had to be cautious of the ranged attacks, using his agility to close the distance quickly. Once in close range, he used his endurance to withstand the close-quarters combat and delivered a decisive blow to end the match
The ninth student was a skilled grappler, attempting to use throws and holds to subdue Jason. Jason used his dexterity to evade the grappling attempts and countered with a series of quick strikes. After a tense struggle, he managed to overpower the grappler and win the match.
The final opponent was a well-rounded fighter with balanced skills. Jason was pushed to his limits, as the student employed a mix of offensive and defensive techniques. Jason relied on his Heart Rush skill and increased endurance to keep up with the student's versatility. After a grueling match, Jason emerged victorious, his strength and stamina tested to the fulles.
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**[Quest Complete: Prove Your Strength]**
**[Experience Gained: 100 EXP]**
**[Total Experience Points Gained: 200 EXP]**
**[Level Up]**
**[Level: 3]**
**[1 Stat Point Available]**
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Jason was both relieved and exhilarated by the results. He had leveled up and gained another stat point. As he stood catching his breath, he noticed Marcus watching him closely from the sidelines, his suspicion evident in his eyes. But Jason was too focused on his own exhaustion and the new level-up notification to address Marcus's concerns.
He decided to save his status point to future use for critical circumstances.
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The day ended with Jason reflecting on the progress he had made. The quest had been tough, but it had pushed him to new heights. As he left the training hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to come. The full moon was still days away, and with each passing day, the challenges seemed to grow more formidable. But for now, Jason had proven his strength, and that was a step in the right direction.
As he walked home, he couldn't ignore the subtle but growing tension between him and Marcus. The unease was palpable, but Jason chose to focus on his immediate goals. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with each challenge, he grew stronger, more capable. And that, he hoped, would be enough to face whatever lay ahead.
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