A system quest

****

Within the confines of the office, Jim, a bald man in his forties, sat across from his partner, Lily. They were engaged in a hushed conversation, their voices barely audible.

"Although he was telling the truth," Jim murmured, his eyes narrowing, "I believe he left out some details. It seemed he was hiding something from us."

Lily leaned forward, her brows furrowed in concern. "We have to keep an eye on him," she said softly, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "If only we were able to commence with the experiment and see whether he truly used the crystal."

Jim shook his head, a sense of caution etched on his face. "Are you crazy?" he whispered, his voice laced with worry. "His family won't agree to that. His core might be damaged in the process."

A flicker of determination flashed across Lily's eyes as she leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. "I have an idea," she finally said, her voice low but filled with conviction. "What's the best way of watching him?"

Jim's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. A slow, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "By giving him a pass towards the military academy," he answered, his voice brimming with a newfound resolve.

And with that, a plan began to take shape in their minds, propelling them deeper into a web of intrigue and mystery.

****

The empty hall echoed with the rhythmic thud of footsteps as a group of students made their way through its desolate corridors. Among them, Will found himself tightly held by two of his fellow classmates, their grip unyielding as they guided him towards the exit. The weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air as they stepped out into the fading daylight, the cool breeze caressing their faces.

With determined strides, they ventured deeper into the dense forest that lay just beyond the school grounds. The towering trees loomed overhead, their branches entwined like an intricate tapestry, casting a mesmerizing shadow on the ground below. As they delved further into the heart of the woods, the sounds of civilization faded into distant whispers, replaced by the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Finally, they reached their destination, a massive tree standing tall amidst a clearing. Its branches, like protective canopies, stretched out in all directions, shielding the setting sun from breaking through.

The group had intentionally journeyed deep enough into the forest, a calculated move to avoid unnecessary attention. In this hidden realm, they could freely pursue their endeavors, their secrets safeguarded.

"C'mon now, I heard you played the role of a hero during your daring mission," Xaen, the boy with the vibrant orange curls addressed Will with a mixture of admiration and irritation. "The entire academy was buzzing with excitement about you. I must admit, it was quite infuriating," he continued, a hint of jealousy lacing his words. "I thought you would meet your demise on that foolish planet, but you defied the odds and returned with a breakthrough."

"I just achieved a breakthrough, ascending to the peak of the middle realm and was on the hunt for a worthy sparring partner. Then I heard about your recent breakthrough in your realm. It seems like a perfect match, doesn't it?" he asked, his voice filled with sarcasm and a hint of mischief.

"Dave, why don't you give him a warm-up," a mischievous grin spread across his face as he spoke.

With that, the student named Dave stepped forward, his own devilish smile reflecting the challenge that lay ahead.

"Why are you doing this, Will asked his eyes filled with anger." Little did he know, this encounter would mark the beginning of his journey.

Ding!

Just as Will prepared himself, he heard a loud sound in his head.

[ Quest Received: Show these Jerks their place. Defeat half of their collective force ]

[ Reward: 1skill + 50 exp per defeat ]

A kick landed on his stomach, sending him hurtling towards a tree.

[ - 4hp ]

"C'mon go easy on him, you don't want want to kill him, right?" xaen said with a smile.

Will stood up with a groan. Coming right at him was a fist towards his face. He quickly shielded his face with his hands, taking the brunt force. He retaliated with a low kick right at his leg, and in a swift movement jumped up with his knee high.

The knee connected with his face, jerking his head backwards. Will wasted no time and gathered his fist and punched out with gales of wind erupting from his elbow. The guy eyes slopped in as he crashed to the ground.

Ding!

[ 1/5 ]

[ +50 exp ]

The sounds of a clap reached his ears as he swiped off the system message.

"Impressive!" Xaen said, clapping his hands.

"Hmphh... Boss let me handle him," one of his men said cracking his fingers.

Will stood tall his expression all serious. 'Among them only him and his right hand I have to watch out.' Will thought preparing himself.

Xaen was already in the peak stage of the middle realm while his right hand was just at the mid stage, while the rest members were at the early stage of the middle realm.

Those with abilities were ranked based on the amount of energy in their cores, ranging from initial level to Heavenly level. These realms where further divided into stages. Each stage was a breakthrough in power and the amount of comprehension one have of his ability.

Will was just at the peak stage of the initial realm. Although one in a stage higher, should never lose to a stage below, there are some rare cases in which higher stage was defeated by a lower stage.

Will actions had been based on instincts, he felt his body moving in a fluid manner deflecting his strikes with him striking back. He had just followed the flow which resulted in him defeating the guy.

Unknown to him, it was all because of a passive skill granted to him by the system, although it didn't show in the skill tab.

"Bring it on," he said taking a stance while stretching his hands, taunting him.

"Piece of sh*t, wait till I shove my hand down your throat!" He declared as he charged forward, anger evident in his eyes.

With a sweep of his feet, Will sent an arc of wind shooting towards his opponent. He easily avoided it, but Will having expected the move was upon him. He kicked out, his heels slamming on the back of his head.

He didn't stop there, he knew he wasn't knocked out since he hadn't receive a system message. He swung his leg down aiming to strike his head once again. The guy quickly rolled over, escaping the attack.

Immediately Will's leg landed, a surge of brilliant flames erupted slamming against the guy. Will covered the distance quickly swinging his leg downward. The kick had striked his nape hard knocking him unconscious.

Ding!

[ 2/5 ]

[ +50 exp ]

[ Level up! ]

[ You have one stat point to distribute ]

Will was momentarily distracted by the system message. He didn't see the hand moving towards him. Xaen had send another of his boy to fight him.

The guy had grabbed his neck and slammed his face down to the ground.

[ - 8hp ]

'Sh*t!" Will quickly stood up, analysing his opponent. He charged at him, moving in a zig zag pattern. The guy punched out, a large energy strike coming out. Will swiftly dodged the strike, sliding beneath his wide legs. He leaped up and spun his body, his leg set out.

"Don't think I would go easy on you," the guy said, as he lifted his hands and slammed them together. A wave of energy erupted pushing Will backwards.

[ -5hp ]

Will landed on the ground and charged once more. His legs were covered in spiralling wind, increasing his speed. He appeared by his side and delivered a punch right at his ribs. A loud clang was heard as Will fist connected.

The guy turned in one swift motion with a staff made from energy on his hand. He slammed it down at Will, who blocked the hit with his hands once more.

[ -3hp ]

Will jumped backwards distancing his self. Instead of pain, he felt surge of energy coursing in him wildly, his body brimming with power. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply to calm his thumping heart. His excitement visible in his eyes.

"Wait till I wipe that look off your face," the guy shouted as he charged forward.

"Energy manipulation abilty," Will muttered.

He had always been inclined towards embracing the rigors of diligent study, delving deeper into every given assignment. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to immerse himself in books that explored the vast spectrum of extraordinary abilities, eagerly observing the battles between gifted individuals and meticulously dissecting their vulnerabilities. With unwavering determination, he honed his skills to a level where he could discern an ability effortlessly.

Taking a stance, with his feets apart, he waited for the right moment and kicked out. A strong wind erupted, disrupting his movements. With feet erupting in flames, he propelled himself forward. His fist down to his elbow were covered in flames.

He punched out with the guy making a shield of energy. "Got ya!" Will said in his mind. A little explosion occurred, dispelling the shield. His fist continued onwards hitting his face. He then swung his other hand hitting him across his face once again. This time around an explosion occurred upon contact.

The guy was sent tumbling backwards, his vision blurry. Will shot forwards swinging his fiery leg.

Bammm!

[ -5hp ]

Will felt a excruciating pain in his leg. He could feel his bone cracking under the intense pressure.

His leg had been caught by Xaen himself. He pushed Will's leg backwards, making him stumble.

"That was a good show," he said with a smile. He walked forward standing before Will. His stance brimming with confidence and power. Will pushed off the ground, his fist clenched tightly. He punched out, but his fist once again was caught.

This time around Xaen pulled him towards him and punched out with his other hand.

[ -7 hp ]

"Urghh!" Will groaned as he spat a blob of blood. Xaen then swung his leg hitting him on his sides. He was sent hurtling far, slamming against the huge tree.

[ -8 hp ]

[ 10/50 hp ]

"Here I thought you would put up a good fight."