---
"Yes, ma'am… Thank you, ma'am. No, I'll definitely be alright. I'll be in school tomorrow. And thank you, Miss Victoria. I'll be sure to send the money for the extra uniform this evening."
Vincent hung up and collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
In just one night, his life had shifted dramatically.
And yet… it still felt like nothing had changed at all.
'I'm bored…'
He never used to have a reason to stay home. Despite the bullying, he never missed school. Because, at the end of the day, he was still learning—and currently, he was the second-best student in his class.
Which, honestly, made him uncomfortable.
Because the top-ranked student…
Vincent scowled.
He didn't want to think about that guy.
Shaking off the thought, he sat up.
"I know what I'll do. I'll go out and see what I can do with this new guy."
His body felt… different.
Refreshed. Stronger. Lighter.
Even the coffee's effect was still lingering.
With a newfound energy, Vincent grabbed a gray hoodie from his crate of clothes and slipped into an old pair of track pants. His worn-out sneakers completed the look.
The morning air was crisp, the world still damp from the night-long rain.
And while he wasn't exactly worried about being seen, he figured it was safer to keep his hood up.
Just in case.
He took one last glance around his tiny apartment, then stuffed his hands into his hoodie pockets and stepped outside.
—
Vincent walked through the barren neighborhood, his steps light and unhurried.
He had deliberately chosen this area when he moved in.
Few people lived here.
Few people meant less attention.
And as an introvert, that was perfect.
The reality of the neighborhood was exactly as he had expected.
Not a single soul roamed the streets—everyone was already off at work.
Eventually, Vincent made his way to the convenience store—the very same place where, just last night, he had stood on the brink of death.
He paused, staring through the glass storefront.
Inside, neatly arranged shelves stretched out in rows, stocked with colorful snacks, drinks, and supplies.
Each item practically screamed to be bought.
Vincent let out a small laugh.
"It's strange… I've never really been here before."
He had always done his shopping at the market—buying everything he needed for the entire year in one go.
And if he ever ran out of supplies, he'd simply go back to the market to get them cheaper.
So, standing here now, just staring at a convenience store…
It was oddly amusing.
---
[You have received a new quest.]
Vincent's eyes widened as the familiar blue panel popped up.
"Yes! Finally, a quest!"
---
[Quest Title: Trample On 'Em]
Quest Description:
[Really? What do these kids think they are? Bullying in the presence of a wicked high schooler?! Teach these brats a lesson—beat their asses and make them run.]
Quest Rewards:
[+1 Common Card]
[+1 Rare Card]
'Two cards! And one of them is a rare card!!'
Vincent's eyes lit up like fireworks—
Then the next line appeared.
---
Quest Failure: [Death by Electrocution.]
[Further Explanation: Since you have died once by electrocution, you will be put through that experience again until you despise losing, as a vile existence despises goody-two-shoes.]
---
Vincent's face fell.
"This is crazy…"
Now it wanted him to beat up a bunch of kids?!
"Why?! What's with these violent quests?!"
Just as he was about to walk away, the automatic doors slid open.
Four middle schoolers stepped out of the convenience store.
They were almost his height, dressed in school uniforms.
And Vincent's instincts screamed.
He didn't know how—
But he knew.
These were the ones.
The targets.
The moment his eyes landed on them, he saw it.
They were four—walking freely.
But one of them… wasn't free.
His hair was messy. His steps were shaky.
Vincent's frown deepened.
'So that's what this is about, huh…?'
Now, Blue's description made sense.
But did that mean… he was the 'wicked high schooler'?
'Seriously? How?!'
He let out a frustrated sigh, keeping his gaze locked on the middle schoolers.
They walked on, unaware of his presence.
Vincent followed. He lowered his hoodie, keeping his distance.
This was shameless.
But there was no other way.
Not with that 'further explanation' practically threatening him with death by electrocution.
'I'm sorry, guys… but I'm gonna be bullying the hell out of you.'
A part of him felt bad.
But another part…
Another part of him felt like he might enjoy this.
---
The kids finally arrived at a small park, a place built by the community for younger children to play.
Vincent paused, watching them from a distance.
'Alright, think… think… There has to be a way to do this without violence.'
Blue never specified how he had to teach them a lesson.
It just said he needed to make them run.
'Blackmail should work, right?'
A grin crept onto Vincent's face.
He pulled out his phone, shifting to a better angle.
The three bigger boys had already begun closing in on the skinny one.
Vincent's brows twitched.
"Goddamn… why is it always the skinny one?"
He pressed record.