"The Bloodline of the Sun God: SSR level. Upon successful exchange, you will gain divine power from the sun and ascend as the supreme god. Exchange price: 100 million achievement points, 100 million potential points."
"Superman Bloodline: SR level. Upon successful exchange, you will become an omnipotent superman. Exchange price: 50 million achievement points, 50 million potential points."
"These two would be incredible together!"
At the beginning of the new semester, Locke, as usual, gazed at the two bloodlines in the mall, pondering deeply.
The Sun God's lineage could grant him the sun's divine power, while Superman derived strength from sunlight. Combining these two could result in effects more than mere addition—perhaps even multiplication. Locke felt a surge of boundless potential every time he considered these options.
At the very least...
There was a chance of achieving immortality.
As for the exchange prices?
Locke wasn't daunted by their high cost; his concern was whether he could afford them. Yet, having a clear price meant that with daily improvements, he could eventually accumulate enough.
Courageous in the face of challenges, Locke was undeterred.
But...
"Name: Locke Broughton (sole player)"
"Achievement Points: 2000 (used for purchases in the achievement mall)"
"Potential Points: 3000 (used for upgrading skills)"
"Talent: Tenacity (Level 3) (significantly enhances physical fitness and recovery)"
"Skills: Driving (Beginner), English (Grade 8), History (Grade 8), Mathematics (Grade 8), Shooting (Intermediate), Sniper (Advanced)..."
"Current Task:"
"Daily Task: Mock Exam"
"Basic Task Rewards: Achievement Points * 500, Potential Points * 500"
"Task Note: As a player, only rewards can influence you, not emotions. As a transfer student, whether you choose to blend in or stand out is entirely up to you—it's your game, your rules."
"..."
"Hopefully, there will be more missions to trigger in New York City."
He needed more achievement and potential points, but the system wouldn't generate tasks automatically; each one had to be triggered by him. That's why Locke had transferred to New York.
In a city teeming with people...
More people meant more opportunities to trigger tasks.
More tasks meant more achievement and potential points upon completion.
These points meant he was one step closer to redeeming the Bloodline of the Sun God.
Just transferred to another school, and already there was a mock exam task. In his previous school, exams were once a semester—it was a happy-go-lucky place. After transferring, it was all about quality education.
Happy-go-lucky education produced mediocrity, while quality education nurtured elites.
Understandable.
Seated at his desk, Locke surveyed his classmates. Even from his first impression, he could tell the difference from his Texas school.
Truly a school for the gifted.
But...
What about the Spider-Boy?
Wait, wasn't Spider-Boy from Midtown High School too?
Wasn't he in this version?
Locke gazed across the room at a girl with blonde hair, a pretty face, and a sweet smile—Gwen Stacy, right?
What about Spider-Boy?
Over there, Gwen, chatting animatedly with her friends about their holiday exploits...
Caught sight of Locke staring, Gwen glanced over with curiosity at the quiet boy in his seat, dressed a bit formally for his age, his short blond hair adding an air of seriousness to him.
"Hey, Kim, that guy..."
"You mean he's the new transfer student from Texas?"
"Yeah?"
"Mm-hmm."
Listening to her friend, Gwen nodded thoughtfully, rose from her seat, and approached Locke.
Locke raised an eyebrow as Gwen approached.
"Hello."
Gwen stood before Locke, extending her hand with a smile. "I'm Gwen, the ninth-grade student assistant. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I'm here to help."
"... Locke!"
Locke shook Gwen's hand and replied, "I'm new here. Thanks, Gwen."
"No problem."
"Ask me anything if you need help."
"Thanks, I will."
Gwen smiled, then turned back to her seat, where the teacher was entering the room.
As a ninth-grade student assistant, Gwen's role was to ensure every student had a positive learning experience—a responsibility she took seriously.
But...
What were Locke's academic capabilities?
Seated at her desk, Gwen observed as Locke, guided by the math teacher, introduced himself with an easy confidence.
Ten minutes later...
After the teacher had introduced Locke to the class, the math teacher announced that the holidays were over, but the fun wasn't. It was time for a mock exam.
The classroom buzzed with anticipation.
Students like Gwen eagerly awaited the challenge.
Others, less enthusiastic, groaned like disinterested baboons.
This was the normal learning environment, much like Texas—where learning was about curiosity, and friendships were paramount. Had it not been for Locke's past experiences, he might have struggled to maintain his composure.
But...
This exam paper...
Locke raised an eyebrow at the test paper in front of him.
Was this the difference between a mediocre high school and an elite one?
"How's it going?"
The math teacher approached Locke. "Finding it challenging?"
Locke looked up at the teacher and shook his head.
Sixteen years had taught him resilience—challenges were something he had adapted to long ago.
But...
"For the reward!"
"Dark blue..."
"Nonsense!"
"System, upgrade Math."
"Ding!"
"To upgrade Mathematics (Grade 8) to Mathematics (Grade 9) will cost 1000 Potential Points. Proceed with upgrade?"
"Yes!"
"Ding!"
"Upgrade successful. Wishing players a pleasant game."
Whether the game would be enjoyable or not, Locke couldn't say. What he did know was that he felt a slight unease.
But...
Investing in oneself was always worthwhile. The more you invested, the greater the returns.
With new knowledge flooding his mind, Locke delved into the world of ninth-grade Mathematics, accessing his memory palace and navigating through its corridors.
Looking down at the test paper?
It seemed so simple!
Life was a game—a game that needed to be played with zest. Without that, what was the point?
...