Spending time with Marco was nice—but Vincent wasn't exactly good with people.
So, after handing the kid his phone number, he promptly sent him on his way.
Then—he ran home.
Now, seated at his study chair, Vincent was ready.
His heart raced in anticipation as he pulled up the blue panel.
"Alright, Blue, let's see the rewards. Reveal all rewards!"
---
[Access Granted.]
---
[Revealing Rewards…]
---
[Card Name: Bottomless Grocery Bag!]
[Card Type: Item]
[Card Grade: Common]
[Description: An ordinary-looking leather bag that never runs out of space. You can use it to carry an astonishing amount of supplies without the hassle of bulky containers.]
---
Vincent barely had time to process the words before the card shattered—
Its sparking shards were so blindingly bright that he had to turn away for a moment.
When he looked back, a brown leather crossbody bag had materialized in midair.
It fell, and he caught it, blinking in blank surprise.
His fingers ran over the material—a smooth, high-quality leather finish.
It had no brand name, but it felt expensive.
Vincent slung it over his shoulder.
It felt light—too light.
A slow grin spread across his face.
He grabbed his overstuffed backpack, then began transferring his textbooks into the new bag.
One after another.
And yet—
The bag's shape never changed.
It didn't bulge, didn't stretch—
Just a small increase in weight, but nothing inconvenient.
Vincent laughed.
"Awesome. This is awesome!"
There was no logic to this.
And honestly?
He didn't care.
His backpack was already torn, so this was perfect timing.
For the first time in forever, he was actually looking forward to school.
But first—
The next reward.
---
[Revealing Reward…]
---
[Card Name: Swift Serpent Strike]
[Card Type: Skill]
[Card Grade: Rare]
[Description: a low rank attack skill that enables you to use a foundational style emphasizing quick, precise strikes—mirroring the agility of a serpent.]
---
Vincent's eyes widened.
"An attack skill?!"
His mind went blank.
This was cheating.
This was absolute, undeniable cheating.
"Wait… is this even real?"
Vincent shook his head.
"No… I know better than anyone. This thing is the real deal."
His lips curled in excitement as he activated the skill.
The moment he thought about it—
His hand shot forward.
A jab.
A blur.
His own eyes couldn't even catch up to it.
He froze, staring down at his hand.
It had felt… natural.
Instinctive.
Yet—
A slight soreness prickled his muscles.
"Guess my body isn't strong enough for a low rank skill yet."
But still—
This was amazing.
This changed everything.
No—
He wasn't ready to think about that yet.
Not until he saw the last card.
---
[Revealing Rewards…]
---
[Card Name: Get Taller! Shortie!!!]
[Card Grade: Unique]
[Card Type: Utility (One-Time Use)]
Vincent's expression crumpled in disgust.
"I will NEVER get used to these lame naming senses."
Was someone actively throwing shades at him?!
"Who are you calling shortie, you bastard?"
But his eyes quickly flicked down to the description.
---
[Description: Damn! Your height is nothing to write home about. How are you supposed to make enemies cower when you're so close to the ground? Everyone basically looks down on you. Here—take a little growth bean and add a whopping FOOT to your height.]
---
Vincent's eyes twitched.
Every.
Single.
Word.
Was like an arrow to his soul.
But—
The joy he felt was undeniable.
The card shattered—
And from its glowing remnants, a small black bean materialized in Vincent's palm.
His fingers trembled as he stared at it.
"If I take this… I'll grow by a foot."
Vincent exhaled.
"At this point, I give up trying to understand what Blue is."
"This is it. The change my life needed."
'No more doubts. No more questions.'
He clenched the bean in his fist.
"If this is real… if I really grow by a foot… I won't doubt you again, Blue. Ever again."
With that—
He threw it into his mouth.
Swallowed.
And waited.
Seconds passed.
Nothing.
More seconds.
Still—nothing.
Vincent yawned.
A sudden drowsiness washed over him.
'Weird… why do I feel so… sleepy…?'
Sluggishly, he stumbled toward his bed.
Pulled off his hoodie.
Then collapsed onto the mattress—
Sprawled out, limbs loose.
In less than a minute—
He was snoring.
---
And then…
The change came.