Bully Lord

Part-52

The unexpected mission notification hung in the air, a stark blue challenge against the backdrop of the fading light.  James' mind raced.  Fighting these bullies held the promise of a reward – the Snake Jab technique – a tempting proposition in his quest for self-defense.

The sight of the girl, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and a flicker of hope, shifted his focus. He couldn't simply abandon her, not after stepping forward. 

The girl spoke, her voice trembling slightly. "You don't have to do this," she said, her words surprising James. "They're not worth it. Just leave."

Her plea ignited a newfound determination within him. Looking her in the eye, he offered a reassuring smile, a silent promise that he wouldn't let them intimidate her anymore.

"Looks like I have to clap some ass. I hope you guys don't go crying to your seniors and begging for revenge," James told them.

Before the bullies could react further, James launched into action.  His body moved with a newfound fluidity, fueled by the knowledge from the martial arts book and a surge of adrenaline.  He apply the "Kangaroo Cut" technique, the powerful uppercut that felt surprisingly natural during his training.

Focusing on the boy who had slapped him, James spun on his heel, planting his feet firmly on the ground.  His core engaged, twisting with power as he threw a mighty uppercut.  The impact was swift and brutal.  The bully's head snapped back, a surprised yelp escaping his lips before his entire body was propelled several meters through the air.  He landed with a sickening thud on the grass, groaning in pain.

Silence descended upon the clearing, broken only by the gasps of the remaining bullies and the girl's startled cry.  They stared at James, their faces a mixture of shock, fear, and a hint of grudging respect.  Even the mission notification seemed to flicker momentarily, as if surprised by the swiftness of James' action.

James stood tall, his chest heaving with exertion.  He wasn't sure what had just happened, how he'd managed such a powerful blow. 

He looked at his fist and muttered, "That was powerful and satisfying, no cap."

The clearing echoed with the stunned silence, then the bully leader, the tall, broad-shouldered boy, roared in fury.  "What are you looking at? That was just a fluke. Beat that bastard!" he screamed, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and shame.

The remaining bullies, spurred by their leader's command, lunged at James in a clumsy mess.  James, fueled by adrenaline and a newfound confidence, met their attack with surprising grace.  He sidestepped the first boy's wild swing, the momentum carrying him past before he effortlessly pivoted on one foot. James lashed out with a powerful slap, connecting with the side of the second bully's face.  The impact echoed through the night, leaving a hand-shaped red mark on the bully's cheek and a stunned look in his eyes.

Emboldened by his success, James pressed his advantage.  He knew a full-blown fight could escalate quickly, and the looming threat of the seniors hung heavy in the air.  He needed to disable his attackers swiftly and efficiently.  While kicks weren't his strongest suit yet, the book had offered some basic instructions.  He chambered his leg with surprising speed, aiming for the retreating bully's calf.  The impact wasn't as devastating as his uppercut, but it connected with a satisfying thud, sending the bully stumbling and yelping in pain.