Chapter 2: The Target
Nick could feel the shift in the air the moment he walked into school the next morning.
People were whispering. Some glanced at him, then quickly looked away when he met their gaze. It wasn't hard to figure out why—standing up to Jason yesterday had changed everything.
Before, Nick had been invisible. Just another student, neither a troublemaker nor a victim. But now? Now he had painted a target on his back.
Jain was waiting for him by the lockers, arms crossed and a knowing grin on his face. "You really did it, huh?"
Nick let out a sigh. "It wasn't exactly planned."
"Yeah, well, Jason and his crew aren't the type to let things slide." Jain glanced around the hallway, lowering his voice. "Word is, they're pissed. I hope you're ready for round two."
Nick shook his head. "I didn't do it to start a fight. I just... couldn't stand there and watch."
Jain chuckled. "Yeah, well, heroism has consequences, man."
Before Nick could reply, a sharp voice cut through the hallway.
"Well, well, look who's acting brave all of a sudden."
Nick turned to see Jason leaning against the lockers, arms crossed, with his usual group of lackeys standing behind him. The atmosphere around them was tense—students were watching, some whispering, some backing away.
Nick kept his expression neutral. "What do you want, Jason?"
Jason smirked. "You think you're tough, standing up for that loser yesterday?" He stepped closer, towering over Nick. "I think you need a lesson in knowing your place."
Nick clenched his fists, but before he could say anything, Jain stepped forward, hands in his pockets.
"Come on, Jason," Jain said lazily. "You mad that Nick embarrassed you in front of the class? It's kinda sad."
Jason's eyes darkened. "Stay out of this, Jain. This isn't your problem."
Jain raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So it's just Nick you have a problem with?"
Jason's smirk returned, but this time it carried a dangerous edge. "That's right." He turned back to Nick. "After school. Behind the gym."
Nick stared at him, unmoving. He knew what this meant. Jason wasn't just going to throw insults around—this was a real fight.
He could feel Jain's gaze on him, waiting for his response.
Nick inhaled slowly. He wasn't a fighter. He never had been. But backing down now would only make things worse.
"Fine," Nick said quietly. "I'll be there."
Jason's smirk widened. "Good." He patted Nick's shoulder, his grip just a little too tight. "Hope you're ready."
With that, Jason and his group walked away, laughing among themselves.
Jain let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really agreed to that?"
Nick exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Did I have a choice?"
Jain shook his head with a grin. "Nope. But I respect it. Just try not to die, alright?"
Nick chuckled dryly. "No promises."
---
After School – Behind the Gym
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement.
Nick stood in the open space behind the gym, heart pounding as he waited.
Jain leaned against the wall nearby. "You sure about this?"
Nick nodded. He couldn't back out now.
Then, Jason arrived, flanked by two of his friends.
"Glad you showed up," Jason said, cracking his knuckles. "I thought you might chicken out."
Nick didn't respond. His pulse was racing, but he forced himself to stay calm.
Jason stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get this over with."
Then, without warning, he swung.
Nick barely had time to react. The punch connected with his ribs, sending a jolt of pain through his body. He staggered back, gasping.
Jason didn't wait—he followed up with another strike, this time to Nick's gut. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and he stumbled.
"Not so tough now, huh?" Jason sneered.
Nick gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. He had to fight back.
Jason threw another punch, but this time, Nick moved. He ducked, barely avoiding the hit, and countered with a clumsy punch of his own.
It wasn't much, but it connected. Jason staggered back, surprised.
Jain let out an amused whistle. "Alright, Nick! That's more like it!"
Jason wiped his mouth, then grinned. "Lucky hit."
Then he lunged again.
Nick tried to block, but Jason was faster. His fists hammered into Nick's torso, each blow sending waves of pain through his body.
Nick hit the ground hard, coughing.
Jason stood over him, shaking his head. "Pathetic."
Nick clenched his fists, trying to push himself up—but his body wouldn't move.
Jason sighed. "You should've just stayed quiet."
Then he kicked Nick in the ribs.
Pain exploded through Nick's side. He gasped, vision blurring.
Jason leaned down, grabbing Nick by the collar. "I hope you learned your lesson."
Then, he pulled out a knife.
Nick's breath caught in his throat.
Jain's expression shifted. "Whoa, Jason. What the hell?"
Jason smirked. "Relax. Just a little warning."
Before Nick could react, Jason drove the blade into his side.
Pain.
Searing, burning pain.
Nick's body tensed, his mind reeling. The world around him felt distant.
Jason let go, and Nick collapsed onto the ground.
Everything was spinning. His vision dimmed.
He could hear Jain yelling, but the words were muffled.
His body felt cold.
His mind faded into darkness.
And then—
[SYSTEM AWAKENED.]
Nick's
eyes snapped open.
A voice—cold, mechanical—rang in his head.
[ACTIVATING QUEST SYSTEM...]
Everything changed.
---
End of Chapter 2.
---