James Lee
I can beat the entirety of the Academy, one by one.
The courtyard falls silent. Rows of students turn toward James beneath the training hall’s eaves, their uniforms shifting as a cold wind moves through the banners.
the senior instructor
You understand what you have declared?
The senior instructor, an elderly man with a straight back and close-cropped silver hair, steps from the veranda. His dark robe is plain except for a red cord at the waist and a scar crossing one eyebrow.
the senior instructor
This is not a boast you can withdraw when the first exchange goes poorly.
A broad-shouldered young adult man near the front rolls his neck and walks into the open space. Several students retreat to the edges, eager eyes fixed on James.
the first challenger
Then begin. I will be the first.
✓ Quest Accepted
Defeat the first challenger
✓ Quest Accepted
Defeat the entirety of the Academy
“James Lee would reach into his pocket, grabbing a lollipop, extending his arm to the First Challenger, asking "Before we start... Would you like a lollipop?"”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
James reaches into his pocket and draws out a brightly wrapped lollipop. The courtyard remains silent as he extends it toward the broad-shouldered challenger.
James Lee
Before we start... Would you like a lollipop?
the first challenger
A lollipop?
The first challenger stares at the offered sweet, then glances toward the watching students. A few muffled laughs break the rigid silence.
the senior instructor
Take it, if your pride permits. Courtesy is not defeat.
The young man’s jaw tightens, but he accepts the lollipop from James and closes his broad hand around its wrapper. His other hand settles into a ready guard.
the first challenger
Fine. I will remember this kindness when I put you on the ground.
“James Lee would lightly chuckle, a smug smile beginning to be painted across his face. "Let's see you try." He got into a loosely footed fighting stance, only viable for his use. He then gestured the martial artist to come forth.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Hand-to-Hand Combat, rolled -1)
James Lee
Let's see you try.
James gives a light chuckle, a smug smile spreading across his face. He settles into a loose, uneven stance that looks careless until its balance becomes clear, then beckons the challenger forward.
the first challenger
You mock me before the first exchange?
The broad-shouldered young man drops the lollipop into his robe pocket and advances. His feet strike firmly, each step carrying him into the center of James's unorthodox range.
the senior instructor
Observe his footing. The stance is strange, but not without purpose.
the first challenger
Then watch closely.
He lunges with a sharp straight punch, shoulder and hip driving together. Around them, the students fall silent again, waiting to see whether James's invitation was confidence or arrogance.
“James Lee would see the incoming fist before, stepping to the side, weaving out the way of his attack before snapping his dextral foot into the mans face.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Hand-to-Hand Combat, rolled -1)
James sees the punch arrive before the broad shoulder finishes turning. He slips to the side, the fist cutting through empty air, and snaps his dextral foot into the challenger’s face.
The impact jolts the young man’s head back and breaks his advance. He staggers across the packed earth, one hand rising instinctively while the lollipop remains secure in his robe.
the first challenger
What was that?
A sharp murmur passes through the students. Several lean forward, startled by how completely the attack has been turned aside, while others glance toward the senior instructor for judgment.
the senior instructor
He did not retreat. He removed himself from the line and answered before the opening closed.
The first challenger steadies himself and lowers his raised hand. His expression hardens, but uncertainty now interrupts the confidence in his stance.
the first challenger
Again. I will not be caught by the same movement twice.
“Whilst in the middle of his confusion, James Lee bursted forward before spinning around and slamming his sinstral heel directly into the man's diaphram, seeking to knock the man unconscious.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Hand-to-Hand Combat, rolled -1)
Before the challenger can reset his guard, James bursts forward. He turns through the opening, his body coiling into a swift, controlled spin.
His sinistral heel drives into the young man’s diaphragm with precise force. The challenger’s breath leaves him in a strangled gasp, and his stance collapses.
the first challenger
Hrk...
He folds around the impact and drops onto the packed earth, unconscious before his shoulder fully settles. The lollipop remains tucked safely inside his robe.
The courtyard erupts into startled whispers. James stands over the fallen challenger, his balance already restored, while the students measure the frightening brevity of the exchange.
the senior instructor
Stop crowding the ring. He is breathing. Carry him to the infirmary.
Two students hurry forward to tend their classmate. The senior instructor keeps his scarred gaze on James, no longer observing a boast, but the first clear result of it.
Quest Complete
Defeat the first challenger
Skill Upgrade: Discipline Terrible→Poor