Part-81

  Ryan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A challenge, huh?" A pyful grin spread across his fabsp; "Alright, why not? But don't bme me if you end up on your backside within seds."

  Relief washed over James. This could work. Teically, it was a challenge, and if he learned something in the process, it wouldn't be a plete loss.

  Just then, Kashem Chowdhury reappeared, his face creased with amusement as he overheard their versation. "A challenge, you say?" he boomed, his voice carrying a hint of pyful authority. "Why not make it a proper matbsp; I'll be happy to judge."

  James and Ryan exged a surprised gnbsp; Having Kashem, the head instructor and Mili's father, as a judge upped the ante siderably. But James, emboldened by the potential dual be – pleting the mission and learning a new skill – readily agreed.

  Before they could begin, James activated his "Know Your Enemy and Ally" skill once more. This time, Ryan's stats dispyed a slight increase, climbing from 203 to 204. It wasn't a major jump, but it was a noticeable improvement within just a few days. Clearly, Ryan wasn't just a cocky flirt; he was dedicated to his training, and his skills were stantly evolving.

  This revetion both surprised and motivated James. Here he was, a beginner with a mysterious system prodding him forward, fag off against someoh years of experien a world he was only just beginning to uand. A flicker of nervous excitement danced in his chest. He might not win, but he wouldn't go down without a fight.

  News of the impromptu match spread like wildfire through the training area. Curiosity crackled in the air as students gathered around, eager to witness a csh between the seasoned Ryan and the newer, James. Whispers filled the space, speg on James' ces.

  "Who's that guy? He looks way too skinny to go against Ryan."

  "Yeah, Ryan's a beast. He's been training here for years."

  "Maybe he's some kind of hidden prodigy."

  Mili, standing beside James with a hint of nervousness in her eyes, nudged him pyfully. "Don't worry," she whispered, "Ryan might be strong, but he holds back a lot, especially against newbies. Just focus on learning and don't get hurt."

  James appreciated her , but a different kind of tension coiled in his gut. As he stole a g Kashem Chowdhury, the head instructor who had volunteered as their judge, a shiver ran down his spine. Just like his father's stats before the fight, Kashem's remained frustratingly bnk when James activated "Know Your Enemy and Ally." The implication was clear – Kashem possessed a level of power beyond the System's ability to quantify. The thought of sparring uhe watchful eye of su unreadable entity sent a jolt of nervous excitement through him.

  Pushing those thoughts aside, James focused oask at hand. Ryan, his pristine white judogi, seemed unfazed by the growing audienbsp; He stretched casually, a fident smile pying on his lips. This was familiar territory for him, a friendly sparring session amongst peers. For James, however, it felt like a step into the unknown.

  Remembering his experieh Sourov, James decided to take a gamble. He activated "Crisis Mode," AKA auto battle mode, a surge of adrenaline c through his veins. He hoped Ryan, being a more formidable oppo, could withstand the temporary strength boost (it also boost his strength where he use 100% potential of his current strength) without getting seriously injured. A flicker of apprehension crossed Ryan's face as he noticed the subtle ge in James' demeanor, a new iy in his gaze. The pyful banter was over. This was serious.

  "Ready?" Kashem boomed, his voice cutting through the chatter. James and Ryan heir stances a study in trasts. James, fueled by the System's enha, stood tall, his body coiled with newfound power. Ryan, grounded in years of training, remained calm and focused.

  The whistle blew, marking the start of the matbsp; The crowd fell silent, their eyes glued to the two figures o. What ensued was a dynamic dispy of skill and strategy.