Chapter 7

As Ren made his way to school, he couldn't help but notice the curious stares and whispers that followed him. It was as if his very presence had shifted, radiating an aura of confidence and power that was impossible to ignore.

Even his closest friends seemed taken aback by Ren's transformed appearance, his eyes widening with surprise as they took in his taller, more muscular frame and the subtle changes to his facial features.

"Dude, what the hell happened to you?" one of his friends, Kyle, exclaimed, his brow furrowed with confusion. "You look like you just stepped out of a movie or something."

Ren couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's exaggerated reaction. "I've just been... working on myself, that's all," he said, his voice calm and collected.

Kyle shook his head in disbelief. "Working on yourself? Come on, man, you look like a completely different person. What, did you suddenly discover steroids or something?"

Ren smiled, shaking his head. "Nothing like that, I promise. Just been hitting the gym a lot and, you know, taking care of myself."

Before Kyle could press the issue further, a group of familiar figures emerged from the shadows, their expressions twisted with menace

"Well, well, well, if it isn't our old friend Ren," the leader of the bullies sneered, his beady eyes narrowing as he surveyed Ren's transformed appearance. "Looks like someone's been hitting the gym, huh? Think that's gonna stop us from collecting what you owe?"

Ren felt a surge of amusement rise within him, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to mock the bullies.

"Owe you? Oh, I'm sorry, I must have misplaced my wallet full of money I owe to the local band of knuckle-dragging troglodytes. My bad." He turned to Kyle, feigning a look of concern. "You wouldn't happen to have seen it, would you?"

The bully's face flushed with anger, eliciting snickers from the surrounding crowd. "Very funny, smart-ass. But the joke's gonna be on you when we're done with you."

Ren let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, I'm so terrified. Please, spare me from the mighty wrath of the Neanderthal King and his merry band of muscle-bound goons." He placed a hand over his heart, his expression one of exaggerated fear.

The bully's eyes narrowed, and he took a menacing step forward. "You think you're real funny, don't you, Ren? Well, let's see how much you're laughing when we're done with you."

Ren couldn't help but grin. "Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots. Tell me, do you practice that whole 'tough guy' routine in front of the mirror, or does it just come naturally to you?"

The crowd around them erupted in laughter, further fueling the bully's anger. Kyle looked on, his eyes wide with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"Alright, that's it!" the bully roared, his face beet-red. “after school, behind the gym. Be there, or else."

Ren merely shrugged, a confident smirk plastered on his face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, big guy. I'll be sure to bring my gym bag, just in case I need to give you and your goons a workout."

"Don't pee on your pants. . well the game is on…little trash” Broc laughed as he walked away…

*********

The final bell resounded throughout the empty classroom, but Ren remained seated, unfazed by the departure of his classmates. Kyle, poking his head into the room, called out to him.

"Hey man, you coming? We should head to the gym before those guys start causing trouble."

Ren reclined casually in his seat. "Relax, let's make them sweat a little. Go grab some sodas from the vending machine."

After thirty minutes, Ren rose from his seat, stretching his limbs.

"Ren, are you sure about this?" Kyle asked, catching up to him. "Those guys are dangerous. Maybe we should just ignore them."

Pausing for a moment, Ren turned to face Kyle, offering a reassuring smile. "Trust me, Kyle. I've been observing them for a while now, and I have a plan. Don't worry, I've got it under control. And once it's all over, I'll make sure to treat you to something special."

Furrowing his eyebrows, uncertainty etched across his face, Kyle responded, "I don't know, Ren. This could turn ugly. Perhaps we should let it go."

Placing a hand on Kyle's shoulder, Ren's gaze brimmed with determination. "I appreciate your concern, Kyle, but I can't let them continue to bully us and others. We need to stand up for ourselves. Trust me, I've devised a plan. Just stick with me, okay?"

"I've been contemplating how we can expose the bullies and put an end to their reign of terror once and for all," Ren began.

"We'll document their actions and gather evidence. Then, we'll present the video to the school, unveiling the truth."

Wide-eyed, Kyle watched the footage, disbelief transforming into a mix of awe and concern. "Ren, this is risky, but it might just work. We must ensure that everyone sees it, especially the teachers and the principal."

Nodding with focused determination, Ren replied, "Exactly. That's why we won't give them a choice but to watch it. We'll turn this fight into a spectacle, and once we have everyone's attention, we'll reveal the truth."

With their plan firmly in place, Ren and Kyle made their way to the gym. Tension hung in the air as they entered, the bullies and their entourage already assembled, wearing smirks of superiority.

Confidently approaching the Broc and his gang, Ren's voice cut through the murmurs in the gym. "You know, guys, instead of causing a ruckus in this cramped gym, why don't we take this outside? There's much more space there for us to settle things."

The bullies exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from amusement to curiosity. The leader of the bullies stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ren. You think you can take us all on? You've got guts, I'll give you that."

Meeting  Broc's gaze, Ren's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm tired of your bullying. It ends here, today. Outside, behind the gym. Just you and me. Or are you afraid?"

Broc's eyes narrowed, his pride stung by Ren's words. Taking a step forward, his voice laced with defiance, he responded, "You're on, Ren. But don't think this will be easy for you. We'll see who comes out on top."

Ren turned and led the way, the gym doors swinging open behind him. Stepping outside, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement. He understood that this fight was not solely about physical strength; it was about standing up for what was right and exposing the true nature of the bullies.

Kyle followed closely, discreetly recording the events about to unfold on his phone. He believed in Ren and was determined to capture the truth.

Outside, the setting sun cast long shadows on the ground, creating an eerie atmosphere. Ren and Broc faced each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The crowd gathered, their murmurs fading into anticipation.

"Where's the money?" Broc asked.

"I don't have any money, okay? I'm just a high school student trying to get by," Ren replied.

Broc's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Ren. "That's too bad for you. You owe us, and we're not letting you off that easily."

Ren's gaze hardened as he spoke. "This is my parents' monthly allowance, which amounts to $1000. I want you to have it. Consider it a payment for one month and leave us alone."

"Please, let my friends go. I will take care of the bills. Here's my parents' monthly allowance, amounting to $1000. I want you to have it. Consider it a payment for one month, and leave us alone," Ren pleaded with them.

"I didn't know your parents were this rich"

Ren's eyes gleamed mischievously as he continued his act, fully aware that every word was being recorded. "But have you ever stopped to think why you enjoy picking on the weak? What satisfaction does it give you?"

Broc let out a scoff. "Please, poor kids like you disgust me. We do it because we can."

"I'm sure your father would be proud of you, using his power to Broc and intimidate others," Ren continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's pathetic, really."

Broc's face twisted with anger. "My father hates weak people; they make him sick. I'm carrying on his legacy."

Ren's lips curled into a knowing smile as he looked at Kyle, who was capturing the conversation on his phone. The pieces were falling into place.

"It's a shame," Ren said softly, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "If your ancestors could see you now, they would feel sorry for you. They would be scared."

Brock opened his mouth, as if to protest, but Ren interrupted him.

"Save it," Ren snapped. "I don't want to hear your excuses. You and your friends are nothing but a bunch of cowards, hiding behind your families' money and power."

Broc's fury reached its peak. "Enough talk! Let's teach this guy a lesson!" he barked, signaling his gang to surround Ren.

Ren gracefully dodged Broc's punch, moving his body with ease like a skilled martial artist. The force of the missed blow created a gust of wind that tousled his hair slightly.

"Is that all you've got?" Ren taunted, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "I was expecting more of a challenge from the big, tough bully."

Broc'sface flushed with rage, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "You think you're funny, huh?" he growled, his voice dripping with menace. "Well, let's see how funny you are when we're done with you.”