As the night wore on, the laughter and camaraderie gradually faded into the quiet of the evening. Zero eventually made his way back to his dorm room, his steps deliberate and purposeful. The hallway outside was dimly lit, the soft glow of the overhead lights casting a subdued ambiance.
With a gentle turn of the doorknob, Zero entered his room. The space was bathed in the gentle radiance of a small desk lamp, which cast warm light across the room. The air was still, carrying a sense of solitude that seemed to envelop the space.
Zero's eyes swept across the room, taking in the details of his surroundings. The room was immaculately tidy, every item in its designated place. The bed stood against one wall, its sheets neatly arranged. A small desk occupied a corner, adorned with a laptop and a few neatly stacked books. The walls were adorned with minimalistic artwork, each piece adding a touch of personality to the otherwise serene atmosphere.
At the center of the room, a wooden table held a vase of fresh flowers, their colors a burst of vibrancy against the otherwise muted tones. A faint scent of lavender hung in the air, adding to the tranquility that permeated the space.
Zero moved further into the room, his steps nearly silent on the polished floor. He paused by the window, gazing out at the moonlit campus beyond. The night sky was clear, stars glimmering like distant beacons. A sense of introspection settled over him as he took in the peaceful scene.
In this moment of solitude, Zero's thoughts turned to the challenges of the day – the strategies, the teamwork, and the successes achieved. The weight of leadership and the expectations placed upon him had been momentarily set aside, allowing him a moment to simply be.
As the hours ticked by, Zero eventually climbed into bed, the softness of the sheets embracing him. The room, once filled with the energy of the day, now offered a serene sanctuary for rest. The lamp was switched off, enveloping the room in a gentle darkness, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains.
In the stillness of his empty bedroom, Zero found himself drifting into a peaceful slumber, his mind slowly releasing the events of the day. The challenges, the camaraderie, and the bonds formed were etched into his memory, awaiting the dawn of a new day and the adventures that it would bring.
*THE NEXT DAY*
The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across Zero's empty room. The tranquility of the new day was palpable, the room basking in a gentle glow that gradually dispelled the remnants of the night's shadows. The air carried a sense of calm, the stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves outside the window.
The room itself seemed to awaken with the morning light. The meticulously arranged furniture and decor took on a new vibrancy, their colors enhanced by the natural illumination. The vase of flowers on the wooden table seemed to come to life, their petals catching the light in a dance of delicate colors. The air was infused with a faint, refreshing scent, carrying the promise of a new day.
Amidst this serene scene, Zero's day was about to begin. With a fluid motion, he moved towards his desk, the wooden surface cool to the touch. He settled into the chair,
===========================
QUEST COMPLETED:
Target: [finish the exam within 4 minutes]
Reward: 300 zen, +1 free attribute points
============================
===========================
QUEST COMPLETED:
Target: [get first place in the current exam]
Reward: 500 zen, +1 Power
============================
===========================
QUEST PENDING:
Target: [Get first place in first-year ranking]
Reward: 500 zen, +2 free attribute points
============================
===========================
QUEST PENDING:
Target: [Join the Student Council]
Reward: 1000 zen, +4 free attribute points
============================
====================================
QUEST ALERT:
Target: [Name Redacted]
Reward: 10,000 Zen, System Upgrade
Failure: Death
Time Limit: 6 Years
========================================
with a sigh, 'Status' zero said in his mind while wearing his dark obsidian ring.
===================================
Name: Zero Elsher
Age: 12 years old
Power: 18 (+1)
Intelligence: 27
Stamina: 20.5
Unused points: 1
Balance: 3000 Zen (-800 for potions) (+800 from quests)
Skills: Future Sight -
===================================
The screen in his mind faded, and Zero sat still for a moment, digesting the information. The recent achievements had certainly elevated his position and capabilities, but the journey was far from over. He mused on the upcoming challenges, particularly the quest to top the first-year ranking and joining the Student Council.
His thoughts were interrupted by a chime from his laptop. Booting it up, he found an email notification from the academy. It was an invitation to an exclusive seminar titled, "Unlocking Your Potential: Advanced Power Harnessing Techniques."
Below the flashy title, the text read:
"Dear Zero Elsher,
Congratulations on your impressive performance during the final physical exam. As part of our initiative to nurture top-performing students, you have been handpicked to attend this advanced seminar. It's designed to equip you with skills and techniques to further hone your power.
Date: Wednesday, 8 PM Venue: Celestial Hall, Main Campus Building
Dress Code: Casual Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by Monday.
Warm Regards, Professor Helena Strive."
Zero pondered over the invitation. It was undoubtedly an honor, but it was also clear that the academy had high expectations from him. This seminar might offer valuable insights, but it would also mean mingling with other top-tier students, which could be both an opportunity and an annoyance.
As Zero read through the email invitation, he felt a subtle pull, a nudge towards the established path that top students usually tread. He contemplated it, feeling the weight of expectations.
Rubbing his temples, he decided to discuss the matter with his team. He quickly sent a message to the team chat.
Zero: "Received an invitation to an advanced seminar by Professor Strive. Thoughts?"
Almost instantly, Lucas's response popped up.
Lucas: "It's a privilege. Most would jump at such an opportunity. But you should do what feels right."
Elena added, "Professor Strive's seminars are well-regarded. But if you feel it's not for you, trust your instincts."
Isabella weighed in, "If you're considering declining, you must have a good reason. Whatever you decide, we're with you."
Zero: "do you all get the invitation?"
Lucas: "I got mine and I think of joining."
Zero considered their responses. They were right. While the seminar held promise, he felt an inner resistance. Maybe it was the sense of being pigeonholed into a certain direction or perhaps a desire to carve his path. But the more he thought about it, the clearer it became - this seminar wasn't for him.
He started crafting his response:
"Dear Professor Helena Strive,
Thank you for the invitation to the 'Unlocking Your Potential: Advanced Power Harnessing Techniques' seminar. I am honored by the consideration. However, after much thought, I've decided to decline the offer. My current focus and path require me to dedicate my energies elsewhere.
I appreciate the academy's continuous support and opportunities.
Warm Regards, Zero Elsher."
After hitting send, he felt a mix of relief and anticipation. Declining such an esteemed offer might raise eyebrows, but Zero was firm in his belief to shape his destiny. He had a journey to embark on, one that was undeterred by the allure of established paths.
"its too bothersome," Zero said.
*beep*beep*
Zero then heard more notifications from his phone,
Zero, Camila, Kayla, Mike group chat:
Mike: "do yall get the invitation from professor strive? "
Camila: "yes we did!(ᵒ̤̑ ₀̑ ᵒ̤̑) wow!*✰, but Im not sure if I'm joining though. ♒((⇀‸↼))♒"
Kayla: "Whaaaat.. why? Me and mike are thinking of joining (⚆ᗝ⚆)"
Zero:" I'm not joining"
Mike:"WhAAATtatat Why is that?"
'is mike doing something?' zero thought.
Mike:" I broOROke myPhone shit"
Kayla: "dumbass what did you do?"
Mike: "tTHe ScreenN cRacked Because it goT hit byY the weight, iM in THe Gym RIght Now"
Camila: "ଵ ˛̼ ଵ"
Kayla: "ఠ _ ఠ"
Zero:" idiot.."
with that zero turned off his phone and went to the shower.