Part-90

  As James moved towards the locker room, he couldn't help but notice the shift imosphere. The initial hostility was repced by a cautious curiosity. Sourov, though still petitive, seemed intrigued by this ued turn of events. Eveher club members, their initial shock fading, began to murmur amongst themselves.

  [Mission plete: gratutions! All of your stats increase by +3.]

  After James came back from locker room, he met coach Gin's grin.

  "Alright, James," Coach Gin said, "we'll start with the basid build from there. Training sessions are every day after school."

  James nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He khis was the step in his jouro bee stronger and to fulfill his mission.

  Sourov, still standing nearby, couldn't resist another jab. "Don't think just because you beat me once, you'll have it easy here."

  Ign Sourov's ent, James focused on Coach Gin's instrus. "Let's see what you do," Coach Gin said, direg James to the mat for some basic drills.

  James's first few sessions were challenging. He ushed to his limits, both physically aally. The other members watched him closely, some still doubting his itment, while others began to respect his determination.

  Ryan, who had initially beeical, started to see potential in James. "You know, you have a natural talent for this," Ryan said after a particurly grueling practice. "Keep at it, and you might actually bee one of the best."

  Coach Gin's words hung in the air as James processed the new reality. He was in the Judo Club, surrounded by surprised faces, yet a familiar blue glow flickered in his vision. A new mission notification had arrived:

  **[Mission 15-18: ( Mission 1): Learn how to throw]**

  **[ Reward: Hidden]**

  **[Penalty for Failure: Lemon's 30 men will beat you into a pulp]**

  James' eyes widehis was unlike any mission he'd entered before. Not only was it a mission, hinting at a series of challenges, but the penalty was brutally clear – a beating by Lemon's men. He swallowed hard, the weight of the situatioling on his shoulders.

  Looking around the room, his gaze met Ryan's. The pyful smirk had vanished, repced by a thoughtful expression. An idea sparked in James' mind. Despite their ret csh, Ryan was undeniably skilled. Perhaps, James thought, this ued turn of events could be turo his advantage.

  With a determined glint in his eyes, James approached Ryan. The other students watched with bated breath, the tension thiough to cut with a knife.

  "Hey, Ryan," James said, his voice surprisingly steady. "I know things got a little rough yesterday, but…" He hesitated for a moment, then tinued, "I was w if you'd be willing to teach me how to throw?"

  A surprised chuckle escaped Ryan's lips. He looked at James, then at the stunned faces around them. The absurdity of the situation, coupled with James' genuine desire to learn, tickled him. Here was the guy who'd just beaten him in a wild brawl, now asking for his help.