The group limped back to their hideout, the weight of the recent battle heavy on their shoulders. Tyler, Kyle, and Alex bore visible bruises and cuts, while John's unease was hidden beneath his forced calm.
As they entered the room, Marcus spoke first, his tone sharper than usual. "That guy… he wasn't just strong—he was trained. Dante wouldn't send someone like that without a reason."
Kyle, wincing as he sat down, added, "Yeah, and he wasn't even trying his hardest. Imagine if Dante himself shows up next time."
The air grew tense. John felt the pressure mounting. They had barely managed to win today, and it wasn't lost on anyone that their victory was more luck than strategy.
"I think," Marcus said, looking directly at John, "we need to reassess our approach. Dante isn't going to stop with just one guy. We've poked the bear."
John nodded, clenching his fists. "We need to be stronger. All of us."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "You've got a plan, don't you?"
John hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his voice steady. "I do. But it's going to require everyone's full commitment. No shortcuts, no excuses."
---
The Training Plan
John spent the night poring over the system, trying to figure out how best to use his newfound rewards.
[System Notification]
Training Points Available: 3,000
Skill: Level Link (Active)
Allows the user to share and allocate a portion of their own strength and skills to allies temporarily.
John's eyes lingered on the description. He could use this skill to strengthen his team, but it wouldn't be enough. They need to grow on their own too.
By morning, John had formulated a plan.
---
The Next Morning
John gathered the group in the gym, where they often met for practice. Marcus leaned against the wall, watching with a skeptical expression.
"So, what's the big idea?" Tyler asked, stretching his sore limbs.
John stepped forward. "We're going to train as a unit. Strength, speed, strategy—everything. But it won't just be physical. We're going to work on coordination, trust, and tactics."
Kyle crossed his arms. "And how do we do that?"
John smiled faintly. "With a little help from Marcus."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Me?"
John nodded. "You're the strongest fighter here. You've led the South before, and you've seen how battles like these play out. You'll guide us in combat training."
Marcus smirked, clearly enjoying the flattery. "Alright. But don't cry when I push you too hard."
---
The First Session
The training was grueling. Marcus didn't hold back, pushing each of them to their limits.
Kyle and Alex worked on their agility, practicing dodging and counterattacks against Marcus's relentless strikes.
Tyler focused on power, honing his punches and kicks with Marcus providing corrections.
Meanwhile, John observed everything, using the system's Mind's Eye to analyze his friends' strengths and weaknesses.
[Kyle Stats]
Strength: 75
Speed: 78
Endurance: 74
IQ: 85
Potential: A-
[Alex Stats]
Strength: 77
Speed: 76
Endurance: 72
IQ: 83
Potential: B+
Their numbers were solid, but not enough to challenge someone like the fighter from the day before.
---
Nightfall
After the day's training, the group sat in a circle, exhausted but determined.
"Do you think this is enough?" Tyler asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"It's a start," Marcus said, his tone unusually encouraging. "But strength alone won't win this war. You need to think like leaders, not just fighters."
John nodded in agreement. "Dante's team will come for us again. When they do, we'll be ready. We have to be."
As the group disbanded for the night, John stayed behind, staring at the system window.
[System Notification]
Quest Update: Fortify the South
Objective: Build a team capable of defending your territory from all threats.
Reward: Unlock Skill: "Unity Chain" (Strengthens team synergy and amplifies group abilities when fighting together.)
John sighed, rubbing his temples. The path ahead was steep, but for the first time in a while, he felt a glimmer of hope.
---
Meanwhile, in the West
Dante sat in his dimly lit office, the sound of the fighter's defeat still ringing in his ears. His second-in-command stood before him, shifting nervously.
"They took five territories," the man reported. "And they defeated Connor."
Dante leaned back in his chair, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Interesting. I underestimated the South."
"What should we do?"
Dante's grin widened. "Prepare the next move. This game is just getting started."
To Be Continued...