Chapter 10: Beginning Barrier
The air in the gym was electric, a pulsing tension that wrapped around Zane like a second skin. He faced Greg, the embodiment of his fears, his heart hammering in his chest. The moment felt surreal, a culmination of all the moments he had felt powerless. Yet, now, he was determined to fight back. This was it—the first challenge from the System, a test to see if he could truly stand his ground.
Greg lunged at him with surprising speed. Zane barely had time to react, but instinct kicked in. He sidestepped the attack, his body moving almost on its own. The System had promised him strength and agility, but the reality of using it in a confrontation was exhilarating and terrifying.
"Is that all you've got?" Zane taunted, his voice steady despite the adrenaline racing through him. Greg stumbled slightly, surprised by Zane's sudden agility. It was the first time Zane had ever dared to confront his bully like this.
"Oh, you're going to pay for that," Greg spat, anger twisting his features as he lunged again, this time with greater ferocity. Zane felt the rush of energy coursing through him, reminding him of the power he had accepted.
Zane ducked under Greg's arm and rolled away, quickly getting back on his feet. The movement was fluid, almost graceful, as if the System was guiding him. Maya's cheers faded into the background as he focused entirely on Greg.
"Come on, Zane! Show him what you've got!" Maya yelled from the sidelines, her voice a beacon of support.
Greg's expression shifted from annoyance to fury. "You think this is a game? You're just a loser pretending to be tough!" he shouted, lunging again.
Zane's heart raced, but he didn't falter. "No, Greg. This is me taking control." He focused on the energy within him, allowing it to fuel his movements. When Greg charged again, Zane ducked low and used Greg's momentum against him, pushing him away just as Greg attempted to shove him to the ground.
Greg stumbled backward, shock registering on his face. For a moment, the gym was silent, all eyes glued to the confrontation. Zane could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, not just from exertion but from a sense of power he had never experienced before.
"Not bad, loser," Greg sneered, shaking off the surprise. "But you're going to regret this."
As Greg approached again, Zane sensed the urgency of the moment. He wasn't just fighting Greg; he was fighting every instance of humiliation he had ever endured. He had something to prove—not just to Greg but to himself. The air felt charged, and he could feel the System watching, waiting for him to act.
"Let's see what you've got," Zane challenged, narrowing his focus on Greg's movements.
With a flick of his wrist, he positioned himself, drawing on the energy within him. The thrill of anticipation bubbled inside as he remembered the System's whispers of power and confidence. The moment Greg lunged again, Zane reacted instinctively, throwing a punch that connected with Greg's jaw, surprising both himself and Greg.
Greg stumbled back, shock etched across his features. "You actually hit me?" he asked, disbelief mixed with anger.
"Yeah, and it felt good!" Zane shouted back, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "I'm not backing down anymore!"
The crowd around them began to murmur, the tension in the gym thickening. Greg's friends shifted uneasily, unsure of how to react. Zane felt a rush of courage. The whispers of doubt faded, replaced by the thrill of proving himself.
"You think you're tough now? This is just the beginning," Greg snarled, wiping blood from his lip.
Zane squared his shoulders, refusing to back down. "No, Greg, this is where it ends."
Before Zane could react, Greg charged once more. But this time, Zane was ready. He sidestepped, utilizing the energy that pulsed within him to evade Greg's attack. He felt every muscle in his body working together as he channeled the System's gifts, a surge of power electrifying his movements.
Zane's fists tightened, and he launched forward, delivering another strike to Greg's midsection. The impact was solid, and Greg doubled over, gasping for air. The moment felt surreal, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over Zane—fear, excitement, and the intoxicating taste of victory.
The gym erupted into chaos. "Go, Zane!" Maya yelled, her voice cutting through the noise, fueling his determination. Zane's gaze swept over the crowd, who watched with wide eyes, a mix of shock and admiration.
"Is that all you've got, Greg?" Zane taunted again, feeling the confidence surge within him. Greg's face twisted in anger, his pride bruised.
"Shut up! I'll make you pay for this," Greg hissed, his voice low and threatening.
Zane's heart raced. He couldn't let Greg intimidate him any longer. "You've been making me pay for years," he shot back, feeling the momentum shift in his favor. "But not anymore."
Just as Zane prepared to take another step forward, he noticed a flash of movement from the corner of his eye. One of Greg's friends, Tyler, was moving to intervene. Zane's instincts kicked in, and he turned just in time to sidestep Tyler's advance, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Really? You're going to team up?" Zane challenged, feeling the power coursing through him.
"Just because you got lucky doesn't mean you can take us both," Tyler said, sneering.
Zane was ready, but he also remembered the System's warning about teamwork. If he was to emerge victorious, he needed to outsmart them, not just outfight them. He faced both Greg and Tyler, determination settling in his chest.
"Is this how you guys do things?" Zane asked, voice steady. "Two against one? You're pathetic."
"Shut up!" Greg shouted, lunging again, anger fueling his movements. Zane dodged smoothly, feeling the energy within him swell.
"Looks like you need a little help, Greg," Zane said mockingly.
Suddenly, he felt a burst of energy. It surged through him, igniting a newfound ability—the System was responding. Zane's body tingled, and he felt as if he could predict Greg's next move. In an instant, Zane darted forward, landing a decisive kick that sent Greg sprawling to the ground.
The gym fell silent, the shock evident on everyone's faces. Zane stood tall, breathing heavily but filled with exhilaration. He had done it. He had faced his fears head-on and emerged victorious.
"Get up, Greg. This isn't over," Zane said, looking down at his fallen adversary.
With the crowd's murmurs of approval echoing in his ears, Zane realized he had crossed a threshold. The System had awakened within him, but it was his resolve that had made the difference. Today, he had reclaimed a part of himself he thought he had lost forever.
Maya rushed to his side, her eyes shining with pride. "Zane, you were amazing! I knew you had it in you!"
Zane looked around at the students, their gazes filled with newfound respect. For the first time, he felt truly seen. This was just the beginning. The challenges ahead loomed large, but Zane was ready. He would continue to fight, to harness the power the System had granted him, and to face whatever came next with unwavering courage.