Chapter 10: Day 4 – Shadow in the Alley
------ October 11th Wednesday 2024
Ain woke up groaning, his body a symphony of aches and complaints. His sparring session with Lance yesterday had been grueling, but the soreness was more than physical. It was a reminder of how far he still had to go.
"As long as I get stronger I will still keep going " Ain muttered, stretching his stiff limbs.
The familiar blue system window flickered into view, catching his attention.
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System Update:
> "Daily Quest: Train for Strength - Complete a session of weightlifting at maximum capacity. Reward: +2 Strength, +1 Stamina." Or option to covert it in exchange for grade C intemmidiate boxing footwalk
"Optional Quest: Investigate the Shadow. A mysterious figure has been seen lurking near the gym. Investigate the area and uncover their intentions. Reward: +1 Perception, 'Tracker's Intuition' skill."
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Ain raised an eyebrow at the second quest. "A shadow? What is this, a detective novel? Fine, let's see what this mysterious figure is all about."
But first open detailed status window
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Here's the updated and detailed Status Window based on the new information you provided:
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Status Window
Name: Ain Lalder
Age: 14 (Middle Schooler)
Class: Time-travelled Fighter : Intemidiate novice boxer
Status: Alive (-_-)
Level: 3 (System will communicate more frequently to aid in development)
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Attributes:
Strength: 6.5/15 (+1 from the system reward)
Speed: 8/15 (+1 due to Combat Power)
Endurance: 8/15 (+1 from the system reward)
Stamina: 8/15 (+1 from the system reward)
Charm: 5/15 (After almost a week of pushing yourself, you now have an average build)
Fighting Potential: 6.5/15 (With this system, even a bedridden patient can become a legend in the ring)
Boxing Points: 15 (+10 due to off-screen shadow boxing and completion of system daily tasks)
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Combat Power: 7.5
Reflects synergy of Accuracy, Strength, and Experience. Auxiliary attributes (Endurance, Stamina, and Speed) are adjusted based on the highest of the core stats.
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Skills:
Time's Embrace:
Temporarily slows time or fastens perception to optimize reaction speed and decision-making in critical moments. Prolonged use leads to stamina drain and post-usage fatigue.
Current Mastery: Advanced (Still requires energy management and careful use)
Boxing Techniques:
Enhanced through training with Coach Vargas, including jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, and defensive movements.
Current Mastery: Intermediate (Gaining confidence in the ring and improving adaptability)
Guard Break (E rank):
A basic move that targets and breaks through the opponent's guard.
Current Mastery: Novice
Improvised Combat (D rank):
Increases the effectiveness of unorthodox fighting techniques by 25%. Allows the user to quickly adapt and execute unconventional moves in combat.
Current Mastery: Novice (Requires further practice to master unique techniques)
Last Stand (A rank):
Temporarily boosts all stats by 50% when health falls below 15%. A desperate but powerful boost that can turn the tide of battle in dire situations.
Current Mastery: Unlocked (Effectiveness increases with experience)
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Specialized Attributes:
Combat Strategy:
Time's Embrace + Combat Power synergy allows for misdirection and confusion tactics.
Current Mastery: Novice (Testing in real combat scenarios)
Stamina Management:
Uses Time's Embrace in short bursts to conserve energy while gaining critical advantages.
Current Mastery: Novice (Requires further stamina conditioning)
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System Notes:
Fighters with higher Combat Power will almost always prevail in a fair fight.
Unique abilities like Time's Embrace and Improvised Combat can grant significant advantages when used strategically.
Experience and adaptability can overcome raw stats—particularly in unpredictable real-world conditions.
Lance has acknowledged your adaptability and given you his respect.
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This version of the Status Window incorporates all the updates, including new skills, changes in attributes, and the impact of your ongoing training and battles.
"Sweet ". Thise were the words that left his mouth after seeing his increased stats closing the system panel Ain started makes his way toward the gym
The Gym
After completing his weightlifting session, Ain stepped outside, the afternoon sun glaring down on him. He felt a prickle of unease, like invisible eyes were tracking his every move.
Ain then gained the skill grade C boxing intemmidiate foot walk feeling confident
He glanced around, pretending to scroll through his phone, and spotted a figure slipping into an alley across the street.
"Subtle," Ain muttered, crossing the road to follow.
The alley was narrow and dimly lit, the smell of garbage hanging thick in the air. Ain moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. The system chimed as he tracked the figure deeper into the maze of backstreets.
Ain assessed his opponents. The first thug was tall and lean, his movements fluid and precise—a martial artist From his stance he focused on devastating kicks. The second was a massive brute, his sheer size a testament to raw power. The third, the one who had leas him here, hung back, observing with unsettling calm demeanor.
Combat Power:
Ain: 7.5
Martial Artist: 8.0
Brute: 7.2
Observer: 7.1
Ain's mind raced. The martial artist was clearly the biggest threat, and the brute's strength was a problem in close quarters. As for the observer, his calm demeanor made Ain uneasy.
"Well," Ain said, cracking his knuckles. "Looks like I walked into a trap. But hey, three-on-one? Why do I keep getting jumped."Ain grimaced
Without a word the brute charged first, his massive fists swinging in wide arcs. Ain ducked under the first punch and sidestepped the second, countering with a hook to the ribs. The impact barely made the brute flinch, and he swung again with relentless force.
"Whoa, big guy!" Ain said, narrowly dodging. "You swing like you're trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer. Overcompensating much?"
Before Ain could press the attack, the martial artist stepped in, launching a high roundhouse kick aimed at Ain's head. Ain raised his arm just in time to block, but the force of the kick sent him stumbling back.
The martial artist didn't let up. He followed with a spinning kick to Ain's midsection, which Ain barely dodged by rolling to the side.
"You've got some fancy footwork," Ain said, getting back to his feet. "Do you take requests? Maybe a cha-cha or a waltz?"
The martial artist's expression didn't change. He launched a flurry of kicks—low, high, spinning. Each one was faster and more precise than the last. Ain dodged and blocked as best he could, but the relentless assault left him on the defensive.
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One-on-One
The brute stepped back, giving the martial artist space to go one-on-one with Ain. The air was tense as the two squared off, their movements cautious and deliberate.
The martial artist struck first, a swift front kick aimed at Ain's chest. Ain sidestepped and countered with a quick jab, but the martial artist blocked it effortlessly.
Ain feinted a punch to the face, then pivoted to deliver a hook to the ribs. The martial artist shifted his upper body sideways to dodge, with his movements fluid and precise. He retaliated with a spinning back kick that Ain barely avoided by leaning back.
"You're good," Ain admitted, circling his opponent. "But you're not invincible."
The martial artist smirked, launching a barrage of kicks. Ain blocked a high kick aimed at his head from his right,jumped back to avoid the leg sweep from his left and rolled sideways to avoid a forward step kick aiming for his knee. He then deftly sprang to his feet, closing the distance as he sweeped the floor with his right leg whilst conversely throwing a punch with his left hand, To counter the martial artist flipped backward, using Ain's ribs as a stepping stone.
Ain grunted in pain, stumbling back as the martial artist landed gracefully.
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Time's Embrace
Realizing he was outmatched in speed and technique, Ain activated Time's Embrace. The world slowed to a crawl, giving him precious moments to strategize.
He analyzed the martial artist's movements, noting the subtle shifts in his stance that telegraphed his attacks. When the martial artist launched another kick, Ain dodged with precision, slipping inside his guard. He aimed a hook at his jaw.
The martial artist reacted instantly, twisting mid-air into a spinning kick. Even in slow motion, the move was graceful and devastating. The kick connected with Ain's shoulder, sending him skidding back.
As Ain deactivated Time's Emnrace he gritted his teeth. His stamina was draining fast, and he needed to end the fight quickly.
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Fighting Smart
The martial artist pressed his advantage, launching a series of acrobatic attacks. A flying kick grazed Ain's arm, and a spinning heel kick narrowly missing his head.
Ain took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He waited for an opening, studying his opponent's rhythm.
When the martial artist lunged with a jumping kick, Ain leaned his upper body forward before driving his shoulder into the man's midsection, knocking him off balance. The martial artist recovered quickly, but Ain was already moving.
He grabbed a pipe from the ground and swung it in a wide arc. The martial artist dodged the first swing but misjudged the second, the pipe clipping his leg after ain threw it.
The martial artist staggered, his movements less fluid. Ain pressed the attack, throwing a feint to the left before striking to the right. The punch connected with the man's ribs, and he doubled over in pain.
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Dirty Tactics
The martial artist wasn't done yet. He lashed out with a desperate kick, catching Ain in the side. Ain grunted but stayed on his feet.
"Alright," Ain muttered, "time to play dirty."
He feinted another punch, drawing the martial artist's guard high. Then, with a grin, he drove his knee upward into the man's groin.
The martial artist let out a strangled gasp, collapsing to the ground.
"Sorry, buddy," Ain said, stepping back. "But all's fair in love and back-alley brawls."
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Finishing the Fight
The brute roared in anger, charging at Ain with renewed fury. Ain sidestepped his wild swings, using the pipe to keep him at bay. When the brute lunged, Ain ducked low and struck his knee with the pipe.
The brute stumbled, and Ain seized the opportunity. He delivered a powerful uppercut to the man's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.
The observer, who had been watching silently, stepped forward. "Not bad," he said, his tone calm. "But this isn't over."
Before Ain could respond, the observer turned and disappeared into the shadows.
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Aftermath
Ain leaned against the alley wall, panting as the system notifications appeared.
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System Note:
> "Ambush defeated. Quest complete. Rewards granted."
+1 Perception
'Tracker's Intuition': Increases awareness of nearby hidden threats.
Note: it is a passive skill that is always on it can sense any blood lust as long as it is directed on the host and the person is within 20 meters from the host
Ains Victory
"Yeah, that's right," Ain muttered, catching his breath. "Who's the champ? I am. Somebody get me a trophy... or at least an ice pack."
He glanced at the fallen thugs. "Better luck next time, boys. Oh wait—there won't be a next time." And as usual he stepped on the thugs baby makers as revenge for wasting his time it was already noon
Meanwhile
In a dimly lit room, the thugs stood before Jack Stanford. The tension was palpable as they reported on Ain's performance.
"He's stronger than we thought," the martial artist admitted, still wincing. "But he relies too much on step in jabs. He's predictable once you figure him out."
The brute grunted while whincing. "He fights dirty. Took me down with cheap tricks."
Jack smirked, his piercing gaze fixed on the report. "Predictable, you say? That makes him easy to break. Very well. Let's prepare for the next phase."
The thugs exchanged uneasy glances.