Chapter 7: A New Target
The fight was over, but the impact of it lingered.
Jason lay on the ground, groaning in pain while the crowd whispered among themselves. Some were in shock—Nick had been the one getting pushed around just yesterday. Now, he had taken down Jason and his guys like it was nothing.
Jain chuckled, nudging Nick's shoulder. "Damn, man. I didn't expect you to win that cleanly."
Nick rolled his shoulder. The pain was still there, but it was manageable. "Neither did I."
His mind was still processing everything. The system had enhanced his reaction speed. His body moved instinctively, avoiding attacks before he even fully thought about them.
Combat Instincts (Basic).
That was the reward he had received after the fight. It wasn't overwhelming power, but it was enough to make a difference.
Jason groaned, forcing himself up. His lips were split, and a bruise was already forming on his cheek. His eyes burned with rage as he glared at Nick. "You think this means anything?"
Nick stared at him, his expression unreadable.
Jason spat on the ground. "You're dead, asshole. You have no idea what you just did."
Nick didn't respond. Instead, he turned and walked away.
Jain followed beside him. "Not even gonna talk back?"
Nick sighed. "Not worth it."
Jason's threats weren't empty, but Nick wasn't worried. Not anymore.
Lunchtime - Cafeteria
Nick and Jain sat at their usual table, but something was different.
People were watching him.
Before today, most students didn't care about Nick. He was just another guy. But after what happened in the hallway, eyes were on him now.
Some looked impressed. Others… worried.
Jain leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Damn, dude. You're famous now."
Nick sighed. "Great."
A few minutes later, Nick felt a presence approaching. He looked up—a girl stood in front of their table.
She had short brown hair, sharp eyes, and an expression that screamed confidence.
Jain whistled. "Oh, shit. Leah Wright."
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Leah crossed her arms. "You really don't know?"
Jain leaned in, whispering. "She's one of the student council members. Jason's ex. And, uh… kinda scary."
Nick looked back at her. "What do you want?"
Leah studied him for a moment. "That was impressive, what you did to Jason."
Nick shrugged. "Thanks."
She didn't look amused. "But you just made a lot of enemies."
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You saying Jason's gonna come back with more people?"
Leah shook her head. "Not just Jason. Someone else is watching now."
Nick frowned. "Who?"
Leah leaned forward slightly, her voice lower. "Ever heard of Damien Carter?"
Jain stiffened. "Oh, hell no."
Nick glanced at him. "Who?"
Jain gulped. "Dude, Damien is the guy in this school. If Jason was a problem, Damien is a nightmare."
Leah nodded. "He runs things here. Jason? He's just a loudmouth compared to Damien."
Nick exhaled slowly. So there was someone even higher on the food chain.
Leah's eyes narrowed. "I'm giving you a warning. You might've won today, but if Damien decides you're a threat, things won't be this easy next time."
Nick met her gaze. "Noted."
She scoffed. "Tch. Do whatever you want."
With that, Leah walked away.
Jain ran a hand through his hair. "Shit, man. Damien Carter? You really pissed off the wrong people."
Nick stared at his hands, clenching them into fists. Damien Carter… huh?
A new target had a
ppeared.
And Nick was ready.
End of Chapter 7.