The System Reborn

in his gaze. For the first time in years, he wasn't looking down at the floor, trying to avoid conflict. He was standing tall, his posture straighter, his eyes unwavering.

"I don't want any trouble," John said, trying to remain calm, but his voice carried a new firmness. "But I'm not going to let you push me around anymore."

Jason's grin faltered for a moment, a brief flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He had always been the one in control, always the one making others squirm. But this time, John didn't seem scared. That alone was enough to make him pause.

Tyler chuckled, stepping forward. "Oh, look at this. The nerd thinks he's a hero now."

John didn't back down. He could feel the system's presence in his mind, urging him to take action. You can do this. You're stronger now. The thought fueled his determination.

Suddenly, without warning, Jason lunged forward, aiming to shove John just like before. But this time, John was ready. He sidestepped with newfound agility, his movements smoother and quicker than they had ever been. The force of Jason's push missed him completely, and Jason stumbled forward, catching himself just before he fell.

The moment Jason recovered, John grabbed his wrist and twisted it, just as he'd seen in countless action movies. Jason let out a yelp of pain, and his eyes widened in shock.

"What the—" Jason started, his face flushed with anger.

John's heart was pounding in his chest, but there was no turning back now. He wasn't the weak, scared kid anymore. His body was responding to the training, his strength and endurance rising to meet the challenge.

"Listen, Jason," John said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "This is your last warning. Stay away from me."

For a moment, there was silence. Jason was stunned, and even Tyler seemed taken aback. John could see it in their eyes—the realization that something had changed. They were no longer the ones in control.

But that moment of hesitation was short-lived. Jason growled, his eyes narrowing with fury. "You think you can beat me, you little nerd? You've got no idea what you're messing with."

With a roar, Jason yanked his arm free from John's grip and swung a wild punch. John reacted instinctively, ducking just in time to avoid the blow. Jason's fist smashed into the locker beside them, leaving a dent in the metal.

John's heart skipped a beat. This was his chance.

With a surge of energy, he grabbed Jason's arm again, but this time, he spun behind him, using his increased strength to push Jason against the locker. The impact was enough to make Jason gasp for breath.

"Enough, Jason," John said, his voice now firm and unwavering. "I'm done being your punching bag."

Jason, now pinned against the locker, struggled to break free. But John's newfound strength kept him in place. He could see the rage and disbelief in Jason's eyes, but something else was there too—a growing respect.

Tyler and the other goon stepped back, unsure of how to react. The bully trio was suddenly facing an opponent who wasn't just going to roll over.

"You think you're tough now, huh?" Jason spat, trying to wiggle out of John's grip, but John held firm.

"I'm just trying to live my life," John replied calmly. "You're the one making this a problem."

There was a tense silence. Finally, Jason seemed to realize he wasn't going to win this fight—not today. His shoulders sagged, and his breathing slowed.

"Fine," Jason growled, pushing himself off the locker and straightening up. "This isn't over, nerd. You'll regret this."

He turned and motioned for his gang to follow him, though they hesitated for a moment, still processing what had just happened. They left without saying another word, their retreat a quiet admission of defeat.

John stood there for a moment, his heart still racing. It had happened. He had stood up to them—and he had won. His body was shaking with a mix of excitement and disbelief. The system's power was real. It had worked.

---

[System Notification]

Quest Progress: Defeat your bullies (1/3)

You have gained 50 Training Points for your victory.

---

John stared at the notification, his mind still spinning. 1 out of 3? He'd only defeated one bully, but it felt like a huge victory. It was just the beginning.

As he caught his breath, a sense of pride swelled in his chest. He wasn't just some nerd anymore. He was becoming something more.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the next class. John took a deep breath and walked toward his next lesson, his steps more confident than ever. The road ahead was still uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure—he was done being the victim. With the system on his side, he would rise, and no one would stop him.

---

[System Notification]

New Quest Available: Challenge Jason to a Rematch.

Reward: Unknown

Time Limit: 72 Hours.

---

John smiled slightly. It looked like the system was giving him a chance to prove that his victory wasn't a fluke. And for the first time in a long while, he was eager to face whatever came next.