Chapter 8: Testing Limits Day 2
------ October 9th 2024 Monday
Ain sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, his body aching from hours of relentless training. The soft glow of the system interface cast his shadow on the wall as he navigated through the various panels. The Status Window appeared before him, its contents reflecting the results of his hard work.
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Status Window
Name: Ain Lalder
Age: 14 (Middle Schooler)
Class: Time travelled Fighter
Status: Alive
Level: 2 *System would now talk to host more often *
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Attributes:
Strength: 5.5/15
Speed: 7/15
Endurance: 7/15
Stamina: 7/15
Charm: 4/15 ( forgettable at parties you were hosting)
Fighting Potential: 4.5/15
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Combat Power: 7
Ain smiled feeling satisfied with his system interface his system had leveled up all though all it said was something about speaking to him more often but it was still better than nothing
Ain's eyes then lingered on the Combat Power stat. He recalled the system's explanation from earlier:
> System Note: Combat Power reflects the synergy of Accuracy, Strength, and Experience. Auxiliary enhancement aligns other physical attributes (Endurance, Stamina) to the highest among the three core stats for peak performance.
The auxiliary boost was the most significant revelation. Ain opened a new panel, which elaborated on the mechanics:
Strength, Speed, and Accuracy form the foundation of raw combat ability.
When these attributes increase, Endurance and Stamina are adjusted to match the highest among the three for physical equilibrium.
This dynamic adjustment ensured that Ain's body could sustain his enhanced capabilities without breaking under strain. For example:
Ain's Speed increase to 7 had caused his Endurance and Stamina to rise, allowing him to maintain rapid movements without depleting his energy reserves too quickly.
Similarly, his new Combat Power of 7 didn't just reflect individual stats—it symbolized a harmonious integration of his physical attributes, making him a more cohesive fighter.
> System Note: Fighters with higher Combat Power will almost always prevail in a fair fight. However, unique abilities like Time's Embrace can override these limitations, granting situational advantages if used strategically.
Hearing that
Ain stood and performed a series of shadow punches, feeling the fluidity in his movements. His strikes were faster and more precise, and his recovery between each blow had improved drastically.
"I'm stronger, but it's not just raw numbers," Ain muttered. "The system makes sure I don't waste potential."
His mind drifted back to the thugs from the alley. With his current stats, the fight would have been a completely different story.
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Thug Simulation:
The Heavy Hitter: His sluggish swings had nearly caught Ain off guard last time. Now, Ain could dodge effortlessly and counter with enough force to wind him with a single blow.
The Agile Fighter: His unpredictable movements would no longer be an issue. Ain's boosted Speed and Fighting Potential would let him track and exploit his opponent's patterns.
The Pair: With his enhanced Stamina and Endurance, Ain could outlast their attempts to overwhelm him, taking them down one by one with precise strikes.
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Strategic Application of Time's Embrace
Ain activated Time's Embrace, and the room seemed to slow around him. The flickering of the light bulb above his head turned into a hypnotic strobe, and the faint sound of his own breathing became almost deafening.
> System Note: Time's Embrace synchronizes temporal perception with physical performance, allowing the user to optimize reaction speed and decision-making in critical moments. Prolonged use can lead to stamina drain and post-usage fatigue.
Ain deactivated the skill, rubbing his temples as the world returned to normal.
"It's not just a cheat code—it's a high-risk weapon," Ain muttered.
He began drafting scenarios in his mind, integrating Time's Embrace with his newfound understanding of Combat Power.
Ain noted some ways he could safely use times embrace in a fight
Strategic Scenarios:
1. Preemptive Dodging: When fighting a faster or stronger opponent, Ain could activate Time's Embrace to read their attacks and evade with precision. In this slowed state, even the most complex combinations would appear telegraphed.
2. Counteroffensive Tactics: By baiting his opponent into overcommitting, Ain could use Time's Embrace to exploit gaps in their defense, delivering devastating counterstrikes.
3. Stamina Management: Against groups or in prolonged battles, Ain could activate the skill in short bursts to conserve energy while gaining critical advantages.
After understanding the basic use of times embrace. Ain decided to see how he would fare against his enemy
"How do you fight someone who knows what you're thinking?" Ain asked himself.
The answer came to him in a flash: unpredictability.
Jack could anticipate his actions if Ain fought like a traditional martial artist. But if Ain used Time's Embrace to misdirect, deceive, and confuse, even Jack's mind-reading wouldn't keep up. Now having a clear view of that Ain decided to test his limits
Ain walked into the gym, his eyes set on Coach Vargas. The seasoned fighter looked up from wrapping his hands, his brow furrowing in mild surprise.
"Didn't expect to see you so soon," Vargas said. "You've been pushing yourself hard."
"I need to spar with someone stronger," Ain replied. "I need to test myself."
Vargas studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. Experience always beats raw stats."
The bell rang, and Vargas wasted no time. He moved with a speed and precision that left Ain struggling to keep up. Every punch, every feint, every step tested Ain's reflexes and endurance.
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Combat in Action
Ain activated Time's Embrace during critical moments, narrowly dodging Vargas's devastating right hooks and countering with sharp jabs. Each use of the skill drained his stamina, but it allowed him to analyze Vargas's movements and adapt his strategy.
The match ended with Ain on the mat, panting heavily. Vargas stood over him, offering a hand.
"You've got guts, kid," Vargas said. "And you're learning fast. But don't rely too much on your tricks. Real strength comes from experience and heart."
Ain nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'll keep that in mind."
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Resolve
That night, Ain sat by his window, staring at the stars. Jack was out there,probably growing stronger without trying every day. But Ain wasn't the same person he'd been before. He was learning, adapting, and pushing his limits.
"Combat Power is just a number," Ain whispered. "I'll show Jack that strength isn't the only thing that matters. Strategy and resolve can win wars."
With that, Ain closed his eyes, letting his body rest for the challenges to come. He then texted Coach Vargas to help schedule a sparring match with someone his age tomorrow to which Coach Vargas agreed too