Monday morning came too soon.
Jace stood in front of the academy bulletin board, backpack slung over one shoulder, expression unreadable. A cluster of students nearby whispered and snickered, glancing his way every few seconds.
The usual.
But this time, something new was pinned to the board:
DUEL INVITATION
Challenger: Jace Rowan
Target: Dean Kent (Rank 5)
Arena Time: 2:00 PM – Public Match
Witnesses: Entire Third-Year Class
Status: Approved
"Wait, what?!" someone shouted. "He challenged Dean?! That guy awakened his core last year!"
Jace didn't flinch. He'd filed the request himself, after all.
[Objective Completed: Public Duel Challenge]
+15 Strength
+10 Endurance
+1 Rare Trait: "Damage Rebound (Passive)"
Take pain, give it back harder. Great for masochists.
"Rowan's lost his damn mind," another voice muttered. "He's going to get crushed in front of everyone again."
Exactly.
He turned away, satisfied.
2:00 PM came faster than he expected.
The arena was packed. Even a few teachers had shown up, hoping to witness what they assumed would be a slow-motion car crash.
Dean Kent—a tall, arrogant combat prodigy with golden gauntlets—was already stretching, smirking like he was warming up to squash a bug.
"You sure you wanna do this, Trash?" Dean asked loudly, waving to the crowd. "I don't want you crying again like during the core assessment."
The crowd roared with laughter.
[Humiliation Detected: Recalled Public Crying Incident]
+20 Willpower
+10 Spirit
Trait Progress: "Mental Fortress" (80%)
Jace stepped onto the platform. Calm. Silent.
He raised one finger. "Hit me."
Dean blinked. "Huh?"
"You heard me. Just hit me."
"With pleasure."
The first punch was a blur.
It slammed into Jace's ribs and sent him skidding across the stone floor. Gasps erupted from the audience.
[Pain Received: 37% HP]
[Damage Rebound Activated – Channeling Return Strike]
Ready to release 120% force on next attack.
Jace stood up, coughing, but grinning through the blood in his mouth.
"That all?"
Dean frowned. "You're weird today."
Jace charged.
The next moment shocked everyone.
Jace ducked under Dean's next swing, grabbed his wrist, and twisted—slamming a counterpunch into his gut with bone-rattling force.
Dean flew backward. Hard.
[Counter Successful – +EXP Boost]
+1 Skill Unlocked: "Pain Echo (Lv1)"
Accumulate damage taken and redirect it as raw force.
The crowd went dead silent.
Jace walked away before the match was even called.
Back in the locker room, he stared into the mirror.
Bruised. Bloody. Smiling.
[Trait Progress: "Mental Fortress" 100% Complete]
You now resist all taunts, illusions, and mind-control attempts.
Bonus: +10 to Focus and Clarity
[Level Up: Rank 2 Trash]
You are now... slightly better trash. Congratulations.