Zen's eyes blinked open to the sight of a plain, cracked ceiling. For a brief moment, relief washed over him. Maybe it was all just a weird dream—the car crash, the strange voice in the void, the whole system nonsense. He was home. He could go back to his regular life. Then, as if on cue, a grating voice rang in his ear, cutting through his fleeting hope.
"Good morning, Host. Welcome to your first mission."
Zen groaned. Of course. It wasn't a dream.
"I was really hoping you were just a figment of my imagination," he muttered, staring up at the ceiling.
Luna, laughed and ignored his complaint, her voice too cheerful for the situation. "You have just been transmigrated into your first world. Let me introduce you to the identity of the body you're currently inhabiting."
Zen raised an eyebrow and sat up, taking stock of his surroundings. The room was small, cramped even, with peeling wallpaper and a bookshelf stacked high with old, worn books.
The room was dark, the curtains trapped every ounce of light from entering. It smelled like the windows hadn't been opened in a while, it was musky and damp. Everything felt like it was teetering on the edge of falling apart. He glanced to his left and noticed a pile of empty pill bottles on the floor next to the bed. He swallowed, his throat suddenly tight.
"The original owner of this body," Luna continued, "is Zen Xu, an eighteen-year-old high school student. You share the same name, how convenient! You won't have any problems adjusting in that aspect," Luna said cheerfully before continuing.
"Zen was an unpopular student, bullied by his classmates at Northbridge High School."
Zen rubbed his eyes, feeling the weight of those words settling on him. "Bullied?"
"Yes," Luna chirped. "Zen Xu came from a poor family, unlike most of his classmates, and he was a scholarship student. That made him an easy target for bullies. They tormented him because he didn't fit in with their wealthy crowd."
Zen's gaze drifted to the pill bottles again, and then down to his wrists. The skin was pale, thinner than his own had been, and covered in scars. Some were old, faded marks left behind from years ago, while others were fresher, angry and red, barely healed. Zen's breath hitched slightly as he ran a hand through his new hair—soft and fluffy, unlike the wavy mess he'd had before.
"This kid really went through it," Zen muttered, swallowing down a lump in his throat. His life before hadn't been easy, but this? It was a different kind of hell.
"Indeed," Luna replied, her voice quieter for a moment, as if acknowledging the heaviness of the situation. "The original Zen Xu… he wasn't able to handle it anymore. Those pills—"
"I get it," Zen interrupted, cutting her off. He didn't need a reminder. The evidence was all around him. He sighed, standing up on shaky legs and taking in the room—the final remnants of Zen Xu's existence.
Bookshelves lined with stories of heroes and happy endings, a desperate escape from a harsh reality. It was clear that the original Zen longed for a life he could never have.
Zen wandered toward a small mirror hanging on the wall. The person staring back at him wasn't the Zen he knew. This body was taller, yes, but lanky to the point of looking frail, almost sickly. His skin was pale, his frame thin, with limbs that looked like they hadn't seen a proper meal in weeks. His hair, dark and fluffy, fell slightly into his face, and his honey-brown eyes held a dullness to them, as though life had already been drained out.
Zen sighed internally.
"This body needs work… a lot of work." He mumbled, examining his new body in the mirror intensely.
"You'll have plenty of time to improve it," Luna said brightly. "But first, there's something more pressing to address."
Zen glanced down at the pill bottles again. Without another word, he knelt down and began collecting them, tossing them one by one into the trash. The task was oddly sobering. Just as he threw the last bottle away, the door to the room burst open.
"Zen! Hurry up! You're going to be late for breakfast," a young voice called out.
Zen turned to see a girl standing in the doorway. She looked about fourteen, with long, dark hair tied up in a loose ponytail. Her honey-brown eyes sparkled with a mixture of concern and impatience. She was dressed in a navy school uniform, but it was clear she took care of herself—her clothes neat, her hair brushed.
Luna's voice chimed in his head. "That's your younger sister, Jia Xu. She's a kind, protective girl who looks up to you—though lately, she's been very worried about the original Zen."
Zen stared at Jia for a moment. Her face was bright, but behind her eyes, there was a deep worry, the kind you didn't expect to see in someone so young. He couldn't help but think about what would have happened if he hadn't taken over this body. Would she have been the one to find Zen Xu's lifeless body on his bed?
"Zen?" Jia tilted her head, her brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"
Zen shook himself from his thoughts and forced a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be right down."
Jia nodded, though she still looked unconvinced. "Okay… just hurry, or breakfast will get cold." She glanced over her shoulder, then closed the door behind her.
Zen stood there for a moment, frozen. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just narrowly avoided something terrible. Before he could dwell on it too long, Luna spoke up again.
"Alright, Zen! Your first main mission is ready. You need to join the student council at Northbridge Academy."
Zen made a face. "A student council? You've got to be kidding me. Why the hell do I need to do that?"
Luna's voice was annoyingly calm. "The student council president is the male lead of this world, and as his secretary, you'll need to be in close proximity to him. Joining the student council is the best way to accomplish that."
Zen groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm going to hate having you in my head."
"I get that a lot," Luna replied, completely unbothered. "Now get ready. You have school to attend."
Begrudgingly, Zen shuffled toward the bathroom, glancing around at the sparse room as he went. Everything felt foreign. His steps were unsteady, like he wasn't quite used to his new body. In the bathroom, he quickly showered, letting the warm water run over his skin as he tried to push aside the thoughts of what had happened to the original Zen Xu.
After drying off, Zen moved to the wardrobe. The uniform was too big, a clear sign that the original Zen had been losing weight. He frowned as he slipped a long-sleeved black shirt on underneath the uniform, something he found plenty of in the back of the wardrobe.
"No way I'm letting those scars show," he muttered. It wasn't shame—it was more about avoiding questions. This kid had been through enough. The scars told their own story, a product of the bullying and isolation.
With his bag slung over his shoulder, Zen stepped out of the room and made his way downstairs. Breakfast was already on the table, and it looked like it was just him and Jia. Their parents must have left early for work.
"Here, eat up," Jia said, smiling as she placed a small portion of food onto Zen's plate. The way she carefully coaxed him to eat made it clear she was used to handling him with kid gloves, like she'd been watching over him for a while now.
Zen studied her for a moment, his chest tightening. She really cared about him—far more than she should have to as a younger sister. He gave her a small smile and picked up his fork. "Thanks, Jia."
Jia's eyes widened in surprise, then softened into something more hopeful. "You're welcome."
Zen ate slowly, trying not to let his hunger get the best of him. The original Zen had likely restricted his food intake for so long that his stomach couldn't handle much at once. Still, the meal was enough to stave off the gnawing hunger that had been clawing at his insides since he woke up.
As they finished breakfast, Jia glanced at the clock. "We should go, or you'll miss the bus."
Zen nodded, standing up and grabbing his bag. Despite walking in the same direction, he noticed that Jia wasn't wearing the same uniform as him. Luna quickly chimed in.
"The original Zen's sister often walked him to school and picked him up afterward. She knew how nervous school made him."
Zen sighed inwardly. "She's really too good for this world."
The two of them reached the bus stop, and Zen felt a pang of dread in his chest as they waited. The thought of redoing high school all over again made his skin crawl.
Luna's voice echoed in his head. "Better get used to it, Zen. The male lead awaits."
When Zen arrived at the school gates, he stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the building before him. To call it a school felt like an understatement—it was massive. The pristine white walls stretched high into the sky, and the sprawling campus seemed more like a university than a high school. His old school back in his original world felt like a run-down shack in comparison.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath, clutching the strap of his bag tightly.
"This is Northbridge Academy," Luna's voice chimed in his head. "The school's reputation is as grand as its size. Only the wealthy or the extraordinarily gifted get in."
"Great. Just my luck to end up in a place like this." Zen sighed, stepping through the gates. Yet, despite his attempt to stay calm, a sinking feeling of dread pooled in his stomach.
His chest tightened as he walked further into the courtyard, the sound of laughter and chatter echoing in the air.
How bad could it really be? he thought, trying to reason with himself. Sure, the original Zen had been bullied, but he'd already completed high school once—at the top of his class, no less. Academics wouldn't be an issue. He could coast through the studies and focus entirely on the mission. Easy enough, right?
With Luna's guidance in his head, Zen navigated through the immaculate hallways.
The floors gleamed so brightly he could see his reflection, and everything about the place felt cold, clinical, and eerily perfect. Finally, they arrived at the classroom door.
"Room 3-A," Luna said. "Your home for the foreseeable future."
"Home?" Zen muttered. "I'd rather sleep in a ditch." He hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.
The lively chatter in the classroom came to an abrupt halt. Every pair of eyes turned toward him, and the atmosphere shifted—an oppressive tension blanketed the room. Zen stood frozen in the doorway, his jaw tightening. He could feel the judgment radiating off of them like heat from a fire.
This feeling… It's not mine. Zen realized that the unease was spilling over from the original Zen's memories, lingering like a shadow in his mind.
"God what a freak." someone hissed from the back. Snickers rippled through the room.
Zen forced himself to swallow down the growing lump in his throat and walked in with his head held high. He made his way to an empty seat near the middle of the classroom, ignoring the stares and whispers as best he could.
Sitting down, he opened his bag and began pulling out his textbooks. Before he could settle in, a hand slammed down on his desk, and his textbook was swiped to the floor.
"Hey, trash," a voice sneered above him.
Zen looked up to see a boy looming over him. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features and a cruel smirk plastered on his face. His piercing dark eyes locked onto Zen like a predator sizing up its prey. His posture screamed arrogance, his uniform immaculate except for the loosened tie that gave him a rebellious edge.
"Zachary Lin," Luna whispered in his mind.
"One of your biggest tormentors. He's from a wealthy family and leads a group of bullies who've been relentless in making the original Zen's life miserable."
Zen's chest tightened as flashes of memories swirled into his mind. His head throbbed painfully as images of the original Zen's worst moments surged forward. Laughter, harsh words, cruel pranks, and sharp blows—every single one of them had Zachary at the center.
"This is normal," Luna said gently, almost apologetically. "The original Zen's memories are resurfacing. It will happen in every world, though the speed varies."
Zen clenched his fists under the desk, trying to steady himself as the nausea churned in his stomach. He barely registered Zachary snapping his fingers in front of his face.
"What are you staring at, loser?" Zachary's smirk widened into something darker. "Keep your filthy eyes on the floor where they belong."
Zen took a deep breath, steadying the storm of emotions inside him. He pushed his chair back, the legs screeching against the floor as he stood.
"Pick up my book," he said evenly, narrowing his eyes at Zachary.
The class collectively froze. Even Zachary seemed momentarily caught off guard. The original Zen had been timid, submissive, and too afraid to ever stand up for himself. This was a complete deviation from what they were used to.
"What did you just say?" Zachary's voice dropped, his tone laced with disbelief. His smirk twisted into a snarl as he leaned closer. "Say that again, trash."
Zen didn't flinch. "You knocked it down. Pick it up."
The classroom was deathly silent, all eyes fixed on them, waiting for the spectacle to unfold. Zachary's entourage in the back exchanged surprised glances, clearly unsure of what to make of Zen's sudden boldness.
Zachary laughed, though there was no humor in it. His gaze darkened. "You've got some nerve, Xu. Don't think you'll get away with—"
The classroom door swung open, and the teacher walked in, cutting him off mid-sentence.
"Everyone to your seats," the teacher barked.
Zachary shot Zen a glare that could kill. As he stepped back toward his seat, he muttered under his breath, "Just you wait, trash."
Zen sat back down, his heart racing despite his calm exterior. He bent to pick up the textbook himself, his fingers trembling slightly. His head throbbed again as more memories surfaced, each one more unbearable than the last. This is worse than I thought, he realized. The original Zen's life had been a nightmare, and now, that nightmare was his reality.
The first lesson of the day was math. Thankfully, the material was straightforward—things he'd already mastered in his previous life. Numbers and formulas came naturally to him, and he breezed through the problems with ease.
The same could be said for the following lessons. Zen had been at the top of his class in his original world, and this high school curriculum didn't pose much of a challenge. Still, the oppressive atmosphere of the classroom weighed on him, and by the time the lunch bell rang, he felt like he could barely breathe.
He didn't wait for anyone to speak to him—he grabbed his bag and bolted out of the classroom. His footsteps echoed down the hallway as he darted toward the quieter parts of the school, desperate to escape.
"Running already, Host?" Luna's voice teased in his head.
"Shut up," Zen muttered, glancing over his shoulder. As expected, Zachary was hot on his heels, his posse trailing behind him.
"So what's the plan?" Luna asked, amusement clear in her tone.
"I don't have a fucking clue!" Zen hissed, rounding a corner and speeding up. "I'll figure it out as I go!"
Behind him, Zachary's voice rang out, sharp and angry. "Xu, you little rat! Stop running!"
Zen gritted his teeth, adrenaline surging through his veins. If the first day was already this bad, he could only imagine how much worse it would get. But one thing was certain—he wasn't going to let these assholes break him. Not now, not ever.
The chase continued, Zachary and his entourage closing in as Zen darted through the maze-like hallways of Northbridge Academy.
Zen's lungs burned as though they were about to collapse. His legs were screaming in protest, but he didn't dare stop. He knew what was waiting for him if he did—Zachary and his followers wouldn't hesitate to beat him black and blue.
He gritted his teeth, gripping the strap of his bag as he forced himself to run faster, his feet pounding against the polished floors of Northbridge Academy. He could hear the echoing laughter of Zachary's group behind him, mocking and jeering, their footsteps thundering closer.
"Can't run forever, Xu!" Zachary's venomous voice boomed, making Zen's stomach churn.
I hate this. The thought gripped him like a vice. He couldn't fight back. Not against these guys. Not when their families had the wealth and influence to ruin lives on a whim. If he so much as laid a finger on Zachary, the original Zen's family would bear the consequences. The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth, like acid burning the back of his throat.
This is how the original Zen felt every single day. Trapped and Helpless.
Caught in his thoughts and the need to flee, Zen didn't notice the figure rounding the corner until it was too late. He slammed into them full force, the impact sending them both sprawling to the ground.
"Shit!" Zen gasped, his bag tumbling from his shoulder.
Before he could process what had happened, Luna's excited voice rang in his head.
"Host! Host! That's the male lead! You just ran into him! Male lead alert!"
Zen's head snapped up, his breath catching when he locked eyes with stormy gray irises. The boy—no, the young man—stared down at him with a mix of irritation and disdain. He was tall, with a lean, athletic build that exuded confidence and control. His dark wavy hair framed his sharp, handsome features, giving him the kind of presence that would make anyone stop and take notice.
Luna rattled off details like a gossip columnist on speed.
"That's Adrian Liu, age 18. He's the heir to Liu Corporation, the top conglomerate in the country. His IQ is off the charts, and he's captain of the basketball team. Oh, and he's the president of the student council."
Zen barely registered her words, his attention stolen by the venomous voice that sent shivers down his spine.
"Oi! Trash!" Zachary barked, his voice dripping with malice. "Nowhere to fucking run now, huh?"
Zen scrambled to his feet, shuffling back instinctively as Adrian rose, dusting off his pristine uniform as though he'd been touched by something filthy. What a piece of shit zen couldn't help but think. Was this really the guy he was meant to make have a smooth sailing life. Even so, for a brief moment, Zen hoped that maybe, just maybe, Adrian or the group of polished student council members standing behind him would step in. That's what they were meant to do, right? Be the voices of the school and have a sense of justice and obligation to protect the students
That hope was dashed almost immediately. Adrian didn't even glance at Zachary or acknowledge Zen's situation. Instead, he adjusted his cuffs and walked past Zen like he didn't exist, his entourage following suit.
Zen felt a bitter laugh bubble in his throat, but he swallowed it down. Of course. Why would they care? People let you down. That's just the way it is. And as far as anyone in this school was concerned zen was basically trash. His family was poor so why should anyone care about what happens to him.
"Oi! Xu!" Zachary's voice yanked Zen back to reality. The boy's face twisted in a smug sneer as he cracked his knuckles. "What was that shit you said earlier? Huh? Go on, repeat it!"
Zen sighed, running a hand through his hair as he glanced down the hallway where Adrian and his group had disappeared. This was the male lead? He still couldn't believe this was the person he was supposed to help live a smooth, successful life?
Cold as ice, Zen thought grimly. He already didn't like him.
Before he could respond, Zachary's fist connected with his jaw, snapping his head to the side. The punch was quickly followed by a flurry of blows. Zen stumbled but didn't fight back, knowing the consequences if he did.
"Pathetic," Zachary spat, his voice full of contempt.
The punches rained down mercilessly, the pain numbing Zen's body until he could barely feel it anymore.
When Zachary and his lackeys finally got bored, they stepped back, leaving Zen slumped against the wall. Zachary bent down, his face inches from Zen's as he delivered his final warning.
"Don't ever talk back to me again, you piece of shit. Next time, you won't be able to crawl away."
With that, they walked off, their laughter echoing through the empty hallway.
Zen stayed there for a moment, his body aching and his pride in tatters. He let out a shaky breath, fighting the urge to scream in frustration.
"Luna," he muttered weakly. "I want out. This mission is impossible. Adrian doesn't deserve me as his secretary. He's colder than a block of ice, and I'm dealing with this shit on top of it?"
"Host, you need to soldier on!" Luna's voice was annoyingly chipper. "Remember, you're doing this to get back to your original world. Besides, you can't quit now—there's a side mission!"
Zen groaned, slumping against the wall. "What side mission?"
"Side mission: Find a way to put a stop to the bullying. Bonus points if Zachary gets punished!"
Zen closed his eyes, pressing the heels of his hands into them to stave off the growing headache. "A side mission? Great. And you're going to help me with this how, exactly?"
Silence.
"That's what I thought," he muttered bitterly.
Struggling to his feet, Zen limped toward the busier part of the school. Students stared as he passed, their eyes filled with morbid curiosity but no hint of concern or kindness. Not a single person asked if he was okay.
Why would they? Zen thought grimly.
He made his way to the nurse's office, where he was met with indifference. The nurse barely glanced at him as he patched himself up, dabbing at the cuts and bruises with antiseptic. His hands shook slightly from the lingering adrenaline. By the time he finished, the lunch period was over, and his stomach growled in protest.
"Great," Zen muttered as he walked back to class, his hunger gnawing at him. "Those assholes even made me miss lunch. Fantastic."
As he reached the door to his classroom, Luna chimed in again.
"You need to come up with a game plan, Host. The bullying won't stop on its own, and you can't complete your main mission until it does."
"No shit," Zen snapped in his head, gripping the door handle. "You don't need to tell me that."
He pushed the door open, and once again, all eyes turned to him. The snickers and whispers started immediately, the air thick with judgment and mockery. Zen ignored them, keeping his head down as he made his way back to his seat.
His hands curled into fists as he felt Zachary's smug gaze burning into forehead. The bastard was probably grinning from ear to ear, proud of the chaos he'd caused.
Enjoy it while you can, Zachary, Zen thought darkly. I'll deal with you soon enough.
The mission ahead was daunting, but Zen wasn't about to give up. Not yet. If he was going to survive this hellhole, he needed a plan—and fast.