Part-100

  He picked up the scattered vegetables, wing slightly as the pain in his back throbbed. A gnce around the market firmed that most of the vendors had packed up and were leaving. The otion had disrupted the usual flow of business.

  James decided it was best to head home. He hefted the bag of groceries onto his shoulder, the weight a familiar fort. Despite the ued turn of events, he had aplished his initial task – buyiables for his mother.

  As he walked away from the market, the System chimed in with an ued notification. [gratutions! You have learned a new skill: Bear Grip! by beating the thugs and showing ce.] A small information window dispyed details about the skill:

  [Bear Grip: Allows you to grab someoh a strong grip. You exert up to 40% of your strength. Rank E (0/500). Cooldown: 0s.]

  James blinked, surprised by the new ability. He hadn't specifically requested enhanced grip strength, but perhaps the System had analyzed the situation aermi would be beneficial. He flexed his hand experimentally, a newfound sense of power c through his fingers.

  While the day's events had been uling, they had also been transformative. James had discovered a hidden strength within himself, not just physical but also a moral ce he hadn't known he possessed. He had a newfound appreciation for the System's capabilities, but also a wariness of its potential dangers.

  Despite the wave of aplishment washing over him for acquiring a new skill and standing up for what's right, a knot of worry tightened in James' stomach. These thugs wouldn't fet the humiliation they suffered in public. They might even see him as a threat now.

  He khey could e back for him someday, seeking revenge. He had to be prepared. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. With a determiap, he dialed his father's number.

  His father, a police officer hardened by years on the force, answered with a gruff, "James? Everything alright?"

  James took another deep breath and unched into a hurried expnatioarted with the enter at the market, detailing the extortion attempt and the leader's aggressive behavior. He then reted his own as, including the use of his Judo training . Finally, he mentiohe leader's surprise attad his own fear of retaliation.

  His father listened patiently to the eory, his voice a steady presence over the phone. When James finished, a pause hung heavy in the air. Then, his father spoke, his voice ced with a calm authority. "Alright, son. I uand your . This sounds like a group of troublemakers who o be dealt with. Don't worry, I'll ha."

  James felt a wave of relief wash over him. Having his father, a man respected in the unity and well-versed in dealing with such situations, take charge brought a sense of security. "Thanks, Dad," he mumbled, the tension finally leaving his shoulders.

  After a few more reassurances and a promise to meet for dihat night, James hung up. He ehe house, the groceries fotten for a moment as he repyed the events of the day. He decided to act as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. He didn't want to worry his mother, and he wouldn't give the bullies the satisfa of knowing they had shaken him.