Chapter 15: Minutes of Survival
The crowded bus hummed with tension as Dylan Cordes leaned casually against the pole at the back, his long black hair swaying slightly as the vehicle hit a bump. His crimson eyes locked onto Ain, who stood in the aisle, sweating but resolute.
Dylan's voice was deep and cold, almost playful, yet carrying an unmistakable edge. "I don't like the look on your face," he growled.
Ain smirked, masking his nerves with a facade of confidence. "I've been told I'm hard to look away from. It's the charm," he quipped.
Dylan raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. " Seems you have a quipped mouth it will be fun to see how much your tone changes when am done with you
Ain was about to respond untill Dylan's stats popped up
[System Interface]
Conflict with this person is unavoidable.
Name: Dylan Cordes
Age: 16
Title: [Executioner]
Rank: 9th (school strength ranking system pre time travelled)
Martial Level: 5
Status: currently light headed due to motion
Attributes:
Strength: 55-5(reduced stats due to his mental state )
Agility: 37-5(reduced states due to his mental state)
Endurance: 50-5(reduced stats due to his mental state)
Intelligence: 11-2(reduced stats due to his mental state)
Charm: 10
Combat Power: 40-15(reduced stats due to his mental state)
Skills:
1. RAGE (Active): Grants temporary invincibility for 10 seconds, ignoring all damage. Strength and speed increase by 50% during activation. (Cooldown: 10 minutes)
2. Bully Punch (Passive): Enhances punch power by 30% when striking opponents with lower combined attributes.
Special Conditions:
Overconfidence: Tends to underestimate opponents with higher Combat Power or superior skills, often leading to tactical blunders.
Intimidation Aura (passive): Instills fear in enemies with weaker attributes, increasing their likelihood of making mistakes in combat.
Motion Sickness (debuff): Reduces his physical and intellectual stats when in a moving vehicle, values vary depending on the speed the vehicle is moving at.
Noticing the danger Ain opened his own stats to compare.
---Name: Ain Lalder
Age: 14 (Middle Schooler)
Class: Time-Travelled Fighter: Intermediate Novice Boxer
Martial Level: 3
Status:Healthy
---
Attributes:
Strength: 10.5/15 (+2 from system rewards +1 from boxing points )
Speed: 10/15 (+2 from Combat Power)
Endurance: 10/15 (+1 from Stamina Management and +1 from combat power)
Stamina: 10/15 (+1 from Daily Quest)
Combat power: 11/15
Charm: 9/15 ( Can be considered a 7)
Fighting Potential: 13/15 (+7 from System Rewards)
Boxing Points: 0
Note: It takes 3 boxing points to increase an attribute
---
Combat Power
Reflects synergy of Accuracy, Strength, and Experience. Enhanced through Stamina Management and Combat Power synergy.
---
Skills:
Time's Embrace: Advanced
Boxing Techniques: Intermediate
Guard Break (E rank): Novice
Improvised Combat (D rank): Novice
Last Stand (A rank): Unlocked temporary increases sats by 50 percent when health gets lower than 15 percent
Unused skills
Boxing footwork (C rank)
---
System Notes:
Fighters with higher Combat Power will generally win against weaker opponents.
Tracker's Intuition grants heightened awareness of hidden threats, alerting the user to nearby bloodlust or aggressive intentions within a 20-meter radius.
Ain's mind raced as he tried to devise a plan in other to survive this encounter.
Hoping that if he used Improvised Combat and Time's Embrace properly he could at least last untill the bus reaches the school
Suddenly another system panel appeared.
[System Announcement]
Three Tasks Available:
1. Defeat Dylan Cordes
Difficulty: Impossible
Reward: 100,000 Boxing Points + +5 to Strength, Speed, Stamina, and Endurance + A-Grade Skill: Iron Mike Smash + Dylan's full respect
2. Survive 10 Minutes Against Dylan Cordes
Difficulty: Insane
Reward: 50,000 Boxing Points + +3 to Strength, Speed, Stamina, and Endurance + Most of Dylan's respect
3. Survive 5 Minutes Against Dylan Cordes
Difficulty: Hard
Reward: 10,000 Boxing Points + +1 to Strength, Speed, Stamina, and Endurance
Choose Your Path.
---
"How convenient," Ain thought to himself, swallowing hard as he hovered over the second option before finally selecting it. His pulse quickened, but he clenched his fists, trying to steady his nerves.
He stole a glance at Dylan, whose stance was relaxed yet with a dangerous energy around it. Ain gritting his teeth remembered. 'He is not at his peak. Ten minutes... I just need to last somehow'
From the system's task description, Ain pieced together a hypothesis contextualizing that if he managed to hold out for ten minutes, he will gain Dylan's respect and hopefully enough to make Dylan spare him a beating. The hypothesis was in equal parts motivating and terrifying.
A blue bright system panel showing a timer began to tick down. [10:00] which broke Ain out of his thoughts seeing the timer has started .
Ain without wasting time propelled himself forward off his seat,performing a half-weave to close the distance, Ain stepped forward throwing a sharp right hook at Dylan's face, hoping to land the first blow.
But Dylan was too quick—he effortlessly dodged the punch, leaning back with a smirk.
.Ain tried again, throwing a left hook, this time with more force behind it, but Dylan sidestepped and caught Ain's overcommitted arm.
With a single fluid motion, Dylan hurled Ain into the side of the bus. The impact rattled the vehicle,causing several students to scramble towards the front,recording the scene on their phones.
---
Minute 1: Testing the Waters
Ain staggered to his feet, his body already aching. He glanced at Dylan, who hadn't moved from the spot he was standing on, arms crossed, watching him with an amused expression.
"He's underestimating me," Ain thought. Good. I'll take it.
He charged again, activating Improvised Combat. He kicked forward, aiming his boot at Dylan's face to block his vision. Dylan swatted the boot away but wasn't prepared for Ain's follow-up. Ain threw a straight punch aimed directly at Dylan's nose.
Ain thought he'd land the blow, but at the last moment, Dylan tilted his head sideways, dodging with apparent ease. Decieding to end this quickly Dylan retaliated with a punch of his own, the air whistling from its speed.
Ain's Tracker's Intuition screamed at him, warning him of the danger. With no time to think he activated Time's Embrace and narrowly dodged the blow,Dylan's fist gracing his cheek.With a sharp twist of his torso, Ain snapped his leg out, aiming for Dylan's ribs. Dylan casually reacted, raising his arm to block the strike. Ain had anticipated Dylan blocking. As such without resistance then shifted his weight and let the momentum carry him into a controlled backflip.Creating some distance between them.
Dylan paused,a surprised look crossing his face. "Huh. Seems you aren't defenseless." He said smiling slightly.
"Is this guy even human?" Ain thought to himself, realizing the vast gap in strength between him and Dylan even in his weakened state, Ain had previously thought from comparing stats if he used Improvised Combat and Times Embrace he could have landed a couple of blows on him. But that wasn't even remotely the case in real combat he hadn't even graced him yet he could feel that Dylan could land a finishing blow on him at any time he wants.
---
[System Alert]
Dylan's hidden Personality Trait Unlocked: Combat Junkie
Description: This individual thrives in the heat of battle, gaining higher respect for opponents who can fight back effectively. But extreme animosity for those who can't.
---
Minute 2: Dylan Gets Serious
Before Ain could process the new information, Dylan's stance shifted. It wasn't the wild, brawler-like posture he had seen earlier.This was unique,precise and calculated. His right leg slid back, his body angled slightly, and his hands rose just above his ribs. It was the stance of a predator preparing to strike.
"It seems he is a self-trained fighter," Ain muttered under his breath.
Dylan smirked his blood red eyes gleaming. "Let's see how long you last."
Ain didn't waste the opening seconds.Using Improvised Combat he launched his second shoe, aiming for Dylan's face. Dylan, having learned from the earlier attempt, caught it mid-air and flung it back with enough force to dent the bus wall.
Ain ducked, retaliating with a wide haymaker while stepping forward with his left foot. Dylan parried the punch with ease swiping Ain's hand aside before lunging for a tackle.
Luckily Ain saw it coming and activated Guard Break. Using a quick combination of punches and elbows, he disrupted Dylan's momentum, forcing him back. But Dylan recovered almost instantly,performing a sweeping kick that took Ain's legs out from under him. Before Ain could react, Dylan grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the floor of the bus. The metal groaned under the impact.
Dylan loomed over him, brushing imaginary dust from his knuckles. "You're only good for a warm-up," he said dismissively, turning away.
"As always no one can keep up with me but since he had manged to get me hyped I wouldn't hold him for his previous rude behaviors".Dylan thought in his mind.
Minute 3: The Comeback
[System Alert]
If you do not get back up before Dylan sits down, the mission will fail.
Ain's vision blurred. His body refused to move. Pain radiated from every joint, every muscle. He couldn't even feel his legs.
"This is it," he thought bitterly. "I can't even scratch him."
Then the realization hit him like a jolt of lightning. His trump card—Last Stand—would activate when his health dropped below 15%. It wasn't over yet.
With a guttural yell, Ain slammed his head to the ground of the bus , the system's energy flowing through him had managed to allow him neglect the pain
[Health Below 15% - Last Stand Activated!]
---
Updated Stats (Temporary Boost):
Strength: 19.75 (+4 due to adrenaline
Speed: 18 (+3 due to adrenaline
Endurance: 22( +7 due to adrenaline)
Combat Power: 22.5
---
Minute 5: All-Out Assault
Dylan turned, his expression shifting from disappointment to genuine surprise. "You're tougher than I thought. Good. Let's make this fun."
Ain didn't waste time. He charged, weaving left and right, his movements unpredictable. Dylan swung, but Ain ducked, landing a powerful uppercut to Dylan's jaw. The impact sent the taller figure stumbling back.
Using Improvised Combat, Ain pulled out a loose pole from the bus and swung it like a bat. Dylan dodged the first swing,but Ain feinted, lanched himself off a seat using the momentum to spin and strike Dylan's ribs.
Dylan grunted, more annoyed than hurt, and grabbed the pole mid-swing.Snapped it in half and lunged at Ain.
---
Minute 8: The Turning Point
The fight became a blur of fists, kicks, and counters. Ain activated Time's Embrace again, slowing Dylan's movements just enough to dodge a devastating punch. He retaliated with a Guard Break combo, targeting Dylan's ribs and knees to disrupt his balance.
Dylan getting excited started to hold back less .
As of result Dylan's overwhelming stats began to show. He activated Bully Punch, his next attack striking with the force of a freight train. Ain barely managed to block, but the impact sent him skidding across the floor.
In other to buy time to recover Ain using improvised combat threw some people's school bags at Dylan & propelled himself off a seat in the bus launching his knee towards Dylan's face which Dylan had deftly evaded due to having trouble dealing with the bags which flew towards him. As Ain landed Dylan Stepped closer to continue their exchange of blows.
Minute 10: The Final Exchange
The timer ticked down to its final seconds. Ain, battered and bruised, stood his ground. Dylan, now sporting a split lip and bruised cheek, grinned like a madman.
"You've earned my respect, Ain," Dylan said, raising his fists. "But let's see how much longer you can last."
Dylan charged, his speed blinding threw a devastating punch. Ain activated Tracker's Intuition, anticipating the attack. At the last moment, he sidestepped, using Improvised Combat to grab a loose piece of glass from a window which was broken during thier fight and stapped at Dylan's leg.
Dylan stumbled, giving Ain the opening he needed. With every ounce of strength, he unleashed a flurry of punches, his fists striking like pistons. But Dylan blocked all of them and landed a clean uppercut that sent Ain reeling.
---
[System Announcement]
Task Complete: Survive 10 Minutes Against Dylan Cordes
Rewards Granted:
50,000 Boxing Points
+3 to Strength, Speed, Stamina, and Endurance
---
As the timer hit zero, Dylan stepped back, breathing heavily but smiling. "You've got guts, Ain. Most people would've started pleading mid fight. You're not half bad."
Ain grinned through the pain. "So… does this mean we're friends now? Or do I need to buy you dinner first?"
Dylan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're still an idiot."
Ain collapsed onto the nearest seat, exhausted he had known Dylan had held back a lot and had debuffs from his state of mind but Ain still felt victorious.
Dylan on the other hand walked to his sit with grace. While thinking that he had finally found someone his age who could keep up with him.
The crowd of onlookers erupted with cheers and gaps recounting what they just watched some saying it seems whoever's that was that just fought Dylan (Ain) was pretty strong in other to last that long while keeping up with him. Not knowing Dylan's mental state and Ains increased stats due to adrenaline, they had over estimated Ain's strength.
As that was happening Ain checked his rewards
---
[System Notification: Rewards Summary]
Boxing Points: + 50,000
Strength: +3
Speed: +3
Stamina: +3
Endurance: +3
[Special Unlock: Dylan Cordes' Respect]
Description: Earned the grudging respect of a powerful opponent. This may influence future interactions positively.
Ain slumped back in his seat, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Every muscle in his body screamed for rest, but the notifications flashing in his vision kept him grounded. The rewards were worth the pain, even if he could barely breathe.
He stared at the updated stats, his Combat Power now surpassing 14. For the first time, he felt like he was closing the gap, no matter how small, between himself and fighters like Dylan.
---
Updated Stats:
Name: Ain Lalder
Class: Time-Travelled Fighter: Intermediate Novice Boxer
Martial level: 3
Strength: 13.5/15
Speed: 13/15
Stamina: 13/15
Endurance: 13/15
Combat Power: 14.5/15
---
The bus ride seemed to drag on forever as Ain's body screamed in protest, yet his mind was racing. I actually survived… against Dylan Cordes of all people. He stole a glance at his opponent.
Dylan sat casually, his crimson eyes gazing out the window. The Executioner seemed as composed as ever, despite his mental state and the fight they'd just endured. His black hair fell over his face, shadowing his expression, but there was an undeniable shift in the air around him.
"You should train more," Dylan said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. He didn't even look at Ain.
Ain blinked, surprised. "You're giving me advice now?"
Dylan smirked faintly. "Don't get used to it. You're still weak, but... you've got potential. That's rare."
Ain let the words sink in. Rare. For someone like Dylan to say that, it meant something.
Unfortunately for him Dylan was just saying that in order to have a stronger sparring buddy.
---
Epilogue: The Next Steps
As the bus pulled to a stop, the crowd erupted into murmurs and whispers. Phones buzzed with activity as students uploaded videos of the fight, the footage quickly going viral within their small world. Ain ignored them. He had more pressing matters to think about.
As the bus pulled over.
Ain cracked a smile despite his pain. The path ahead was steep, but he felt ready to climb it.
Dylan rose from his seat and gave Ain a parting glance. "Don't die before I get a chance to fight you again."
Ain nodded, his determination reignited. "I'll be waiting."
As the bus doors opened, Dylan disappeared into the crowd, his presence leaving an indelible mark on Ain's journey. The Executioner's Test wasn't just a battle—it was the beginning of something greater.
T/N : This will be the last chapter I'll post for this week, so no more new chapters untill Sunday. As always be sure to comment if u have any thoughts about my novel