Bully Lord

Part-38

Two days of relentless training followed. James, fueled by a newfound determination and a dash of recklessness, threw himself into mastering his thunderclap. He meticulously followed the blue window's instructions, focusing on proper form and channeling his aggression. The makeshift punching bag, now a sorry collection of ripped fabric and displaced stuffing, bore the brunt of his efforts.  His arms ached, his knuckles stung, but with each successful thunderclap, the blue window ticked upwards, displaying his progress.

Finally, after a particularly grueling session, the familiar chime echoed in the room. James, panting heavily, focused his blurry vision on the blue window. A wave of relief washed over him as the message flickered into existence:

"Thunderclap Slap Skill Upgraded to Rank E. Rank E (0/500). Description: It can deal 35% of your player attack power with each successful hit."

He had done it! A small smile played on his lips. Rank E wasn't world-beating, but it was a significant improvement.  But before he could bask in his accomplishment, another message materialized on the window, bringing a jolt of surprise.

"Congratulations! You receive a new skill: Kangaroo Cut. It's an uppercut technique."

"Kangaroo Cut. Rank D (0/1000). Description: You can deliver 80% of your total strength when you successfully connect someone with an uppercut."

Rank D? And 80% of his total strength?  This was a whole new level of power.  Excitement bubbled within him, tinged with a healthy dose of caution. This new skill sounded devastating, but also potentially dangerous.  He imagined himself unleashing a mighty uppercut, sending someone flying across the room – the image both thrilling and terrifying.

Hesitantly, James raised his hand, picturing the uppercut motion described in the blue window.  He visualized channeling the same energy he used for the thunderclap, but directed upwards in a powerful hook.  A tingling sensation spread through his arm, a surge of power gathering in his fist.  He slammed his fist upwards into the air, stopping just short of making contact with the ceiling(exaggerate).  The air crackled with unseen energy, a silent testament to the raw power at his fingertips.

A jolt of surprise coursed through James as a new notification flickered on the blue window, pulling his attention away from his newfound uppercut technique. This one wasn't the familiar progress update for his skills. It was a simple stat update, devoid of explanation:

**Name: James Khan**

**STR - 8.1 (UP +1)**

**CON - 14 (UP +1)**

**DEX - 7 (UP +1)**

**INT - 6 (UP +1)**

**WIS - 4 (UP +1)**

**CHA - 13 (UP +1)**

He blinked, rereading the information. Every single one of his stats had increased by one point.  Unlike the skill upgrades that came with targeted training, this felt… random.  He flexed his arm experimentally, a subtle surge of strength coursing through his muscles.  His mind raced, searching for an explanation. Was it a reward for his recent progress? Or was the Bully System subtly enhancing him in preparation for something bigger?

A shiver ran down his spine. The lack of explanation was unsettling.  The System seemed to operate on its own whims, doling out rewards and punishments with an impersonal efficiency.  He yearned to understand its purpose, its ultimate goal.  But for now, all he could do was accept this unexpected boost and continue training.

As James closed his eyes, focusing on his breath, he felt a distinct change within him. It wasn't just the physical increase in strength. There was a sharper clarity in his thoughts, a newfound sense of focus.  Could this be the effect of the increased stats, or was it something more?

He wasn't sure, but one thing was certain – the Bully System was more than just a way to gain combat skills. It was changing him, both physically and mentally.