LIMITLESS TROUBLE

The New Path

Chapter 9: The New Path

Jason stood frozen on the football field, his mind finally catching up to the stunned reactions around him. His teammates, the girls sitting on the sidelines, and even his teacher were all staring at him in shock. The moment stretched out awkwardly as Jason looked around, realizing how his moment of excitement—taking off his shirt after winning the game—had drawn far more attention than he anticipated.

For someone who had fought aliens, died countless times, and survived impossible situations, this moment felt strangely out of his control. He quickly grabbed his shirt and slipped it back on, his face betraying no emotion despite the uncomfortable buzz that hung in the air.

As he walked off the field, he could still feel the lingering stares. He had changed, physically and mentally, and now everyone knew. There was no going back.

---

The rest of the school day passed by in a blur. After the football match, Jason tried to blend into the background, but it was clear he had become the center of attention. Even his teachers, who had grown used to the quiet, unremarkable Jason, now seemed unsure how to approach him. His homeroom teacher, Mr. Davis, had seen the transformation firsthand on the field, and Jason could still feel the lingering surprise in his gaze.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Jason packed his things, ready to head home. He didn’t linger, despite the whispers and conversations happening around him. Students were still talking about him—his unexpected physical condition, his silence, his refusal to engage with anyone.

As he made his way toward the school gates, Sophie, the girl who had tried to talk to him earlier, appeared again, catching up to him just as he was about to leave.

"Hey, Jason," she called, walking up to his side. Her voice was light and friendly, but Jason could sense her curiosity. She had been watching him closely ever since their brief interaction in class.

Jason glanced at her, offering a nod but not saying anything. He had no interest in this conversation or any conversation that wasn’t necessary.

"You heading home?" Sophie asked, walking alongside him. When Jason didn’t respond right away, she continued, undeterred. "I just thought we could walk together. I mean, we’re both going in the same direction."

Jason, still silent, shrugged. He didn’t want to be rude, but he wasn’t in the mood for small talk. Yet, he didn’t stop her from walking next to him.

As they walked, Sophie tried to engage him, asking questions about the game, about his sudden change in attitude and appearance, about how he had become so strong and agile seemingly overnight. But Jason remained distant, answering with short responses or not at all. His mind wasn’t on this conversation—he had bigger things to think about.

They finally reached Sophie’s house after a quiet but prolonged walk. She smiled, clearly trying to break through his walls. “Well, this is my stop. I’ll see you tomorrow, Jason?”

Jason nodded politely. “Sure.”

“Bye, Jason,” Sophie said with a wave, still trying to gauge his reaction.

“Okay,” Jason replied, turning to continue his walk home, leaving Sophie standing at her front door, a little confused but still intrigued by his cold indifference.

---

When Jason finally arrived home, he was greeted by the usual sounds of his family working around the house. His mother was in the kitchen, preparing dinner after her long day of work, and his grandparents were sitting in the living room, talking quietly. They were all hard workers, sacrificing so much to keep the family afloat and to ensure Jason had a chance at an education.

Jason had never given much thought to the weight of their efforts. But now, after all he had experienced, after the endless cycles of dying and fighting to survive, he understood. He saw the lines of exhaustion on his mother’s face, the weariness in his grandparents’ eyes. They were working themselves to the bone, just to give him a better future.

Jason sat down at his desk, finishing his homework with ease, but his mind was elsewhere. He had always been the quiet boy who avoided drawing attention, but now, everything was different. He couldn’t just keep living like he used to—something inside him had shifted. He felt stronger, more responsible, and the weight of his family’s struggles pressed down on him.

For years, his mother and grandparents had supported him without complaint, working long hours to make sure he could focus on school. But now, he wanted to help. He wanted to take some of the burden off their shoulders.

After finishing his homework, Jason did a quick round of stretching and exercises—habits he had developed during his training. But this time, instead of staying home like he usually did after school, Jason decided to do something different.

---

Jason left the house that evening, his mind made up. He walked through the familiar streets, his body moving with a newfound purpose. He wasn’t the old Jason anymore, and if he was going to make a difference for his family, he needed to act. He needed a job.

After wandering around for a bit, Jason’s attention was drawn to a building he hadn’t noticed before. A security company. It was a small office, nothing fancy, but Jason’s instincts kicked in. He had trained to fight aliens, for months, in an endless loop. He knew how to handle himself in combat. This was his chance.

Jason entered the building, approaching the desk where a middle-aged man sat, looking over some paperwork. The man glanced up, surprised to see a teenager standing in front of him.

“Can I help you?” the man asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m looking for a job,” Jason said plainly, standing tall.

The man looked him over, clearly unimpressed at first—until his eyes fell on Jason’s physique. Jason’s body, a product of the grueling training he had undergone, was clearly fit for more than just a normal part-time gig. The man leaned back in his chair, intrigued.

“A job, huh? You don’t look like you’re just here for a desk job. What are you thinking?”

“I want to help my family,” Jason said, his voice steady. “I’m looking for something where I can put my skills to use. I can handle security.”

The man studied him for a moment longer before nodding. “Alright. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

---

After a quick demonstration of his abilities—his speed, strength, and reflexes—the man was convinced. Jason was offered a position as a bodyguard, but not just for any ordinary client. He was to be part of the security detail for Ruhi, a well-known actress. Her fame had attracted attention, and she needed reliable protection.

Jason was assigned to a team of six other bodyguards, all older and more experienced. But even they noticed something different about Jason—the quiet, composed way he moved, the sharpness in his eyes.

His new life had begun.

---

End of Chapter 9