The 98% wasn't just a number on a test; it was a key. It unlocked Lisa Henderson's legendary double-chocolate chip cookies ("For my genius!"), a gruff "Good job, son" from Mr. Henderson that meant more than any trophy, and an unexpected shift in the household dynamic. Li wasn't just the quiet foreign student anymore; he was "Li, the math whiz." The Hendersons started asking about his day, really asking, not just polite inquiries. He found himself explaining algebraic concepts to a fascinated Lisa over dinner, Mr. Henderson listening intently, nodding along.
[REPUTATION UPDATE: "Valued Member (Henderson Household)"]
Effect: Increased comfort, trust, and support within the host family environment. Minor HP regen boost (+0.5 HP/hour) while at home. Unlocks potential for deeper quests/interactions.
The subtle HP regen was a welcome surprise. The emotional boost was even better. He felt... anchored. Safe. It fueled his determination.
Science midterm was next. INT 19 and [Mathematical Precision] bled over, helping with physics calculations. Chemistry formulas made surprising sense. He tackled it with the same focused intensity, earning a 94% (another +250 XP, +1 INT (INT: 20!), and solidifying his rep as an academic dark horse. Level 6 progress: 425/600 XP.
But Li knew his physical stats, while improved, lagged dangerously behind his mental ones. STR 13. DEF 10.5. AGI 11.5. Brad was still out there, stewing. Detention was over. Football season was heating up, Brad's star rising again. Li needed an edge, something beyond [Theoretical Combat].
He remembered the library's Krav Maga book. Theory was good. Practice was better. But joining a dojo? Expensive. Obvious. Risky. He needed stealth training.
[SECRET QUEST: SHADOW BOXING]
Objective: Dedicate 1 hour per day, for 7 consecutive days, to practicing defensive stances, footwork, and basic strikes (using online tutorials or book knowledge) in a secure, private location.
Reward: +200 XP, +2 AGI, +1 STR, Skill: [Muscle Memory: Defense Lv.1] (Increases fluidity and speed of practiced defensive movements)
Failure: Status Effect: Strained Muscle (-2 STR, -1 AGI for 24 hours)
Private location? The Henderson's garage was Mr. Henderson's domain, but there was a small, rarely-used storage shed in the backyard. Dusty, spider-webbed, but private. Li cleared a space, his phone propped up showing a basic Krav Maga fundamentals video.
It was awkward. Humbling. He felt ridiculous shadow-boxing imaginary foes, practicing the footwork Mr. Henderson had shown him for stability. But he persisted. Day 1: Sore muscles, feeling foolish. Day 3: Movements slightly less clumsy. Day 5: He could shift stances smoothly, his enhanced AGI helping. He practiced the elbow strike that dropped Derek, the stomp, the push – refining them. [Theoretical Combat Lv.2] provided constant feedback, adjusting his posture, his balance.
He also noticed something else. While his STR and AGI were the focus, his PER (13 now) seemed heightened during these sessions. He became acutely aware of the shed's dimensions, the uneven floorboards, the way dust motes danced in the sliver of light from the window – potential distractions or advantages.
On Day 7, finishing a fluid sequence of blocks and evasive steps, the notification popped.
[SECRET QUEST: SHADOW BOXING - COMPLETE!]
Reward Claimed: +200 XP, +2 AGI (New AGI: 13.5), +1 STR (New STR: 14), Skill: [Muscle Memory: Defense Lv.1]
Level Progress: Level 6 (625/600 XP) -> Level Up! Level 7 Achieved! All Stats +0.5!
Level Progress: Level 7 (25/700 XP)
He felt lighter, faster. His blocks felt instinctive, his footwork surer. DEF: 11 base! STR: 14.5! He wasn't a fighter, not really. But he was no longer helpless. He was... prepared. As he left the shed, brushing off cobwebs, he checked his full status. The "Bullied" status effect was gone. Replaced by "Cautiously Confident." He was Li Wei: Level 7. Scholar. Survivor. And now, quietly, a student of conflict. The shadows were his training ground, and the next confrontation, when it came, wouldn't be a desperate scramble. It would be a calculated response.