Chapter 5: The First Mission
The dim glow of the streetlights flickered through Nick's window as he sat on his bed, staring at the translucent blue screen in front of him. His body still ached from the fight, but the pain was manageable. The system was real.
He clenched his fists, remembering how he moved in that fight—how his body reacted faster than ever before. It wasn't just adrenaline. The system had given him something. An edge.
But the real question was… why him?
As if responding to his thoughts, the system lit up again.
[NEW QUEST: PROVE YOURSELF]
Objective: Defeat a stronger opponent within 48 hours.
Reward: Combat Instincts (Basic).
Failure: Stats will be temporarily reduced.
Nick frowned. A stronger opponent?
His body still wasn't fully healed, and now the system was pushing him into another fight. Did this thing expect him to die?
He exhaled sharply. "I don't even know how this works yet, and it's already throwing missions at me."
A knock on his door snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Nick?"
It was Sarah.
Nick quickly dismissed the screen, rubbing his face before answering. "Yeah?"
She opened the door slightly, her expression a mix of concern and relief. "You sure you're okay? You looked… different earlier."
Nick forced a small smile. "Yeah. Just tired."
Sarah didn't seem convinced, but she nodded. "Alright. Just… don't do anything stupid, okay?"
Nick chuckled. "No promises."
She sighed. "Goodnight, idiot."
As the door closed, Nick's expression hardened.
A stronger opponent…
Jason? No. He had already beaten him.
Then who?
Next Day – School
The usual noise of students filled the hallway as Nick walked to class. His mind was still focused on the quest, but he forced himself to act normal.
Jain caught up with him, throwing an arm around his shoulder. "Yo, Mr. Mysterious, ready to explain what the hell happened last night?"
Nick smirked. "Nope."
Jain groaned. "You're killing me here, man. You fought like a pro—actually, scratch that, like a monster. And you're just gonna pretend it was nothing?"
Nick shrugged. "Guess I just had a good day."
Jain gave him a deadpan look. "Bullshit."
Before Nick could respond, a commotion broke out near the lockers.
A group of students had gathered in a circle, and from the center, a familiar voice rang out.
"You're pathetic."
Nick's eyes narrowed. Jason?
Pushing through the crowd, he saw Jason standing over another student—a lanky guy with bruises on his face.
Jason sneered. "You think just because you study hard, you can talk back to me?"
Nick's fists clenched. Jason was pissed about last night. And now, he was taking it out on someone else.
Jain leaned in. "Looks like he's trying to get his ego back."
Nick exhaled. This is it.
His quest required him to fight someone stronger. Jason alone wasn't enough. But Jason and his lackeys?
That might be a different story.
Stepping forward, Nick's voice cut through the noise.
"Let him go."
The crowd went silent.
Jason turned, eyes burning with irritation. "Oh, look who it is. Feeling cocky after last night, huh?"
Nick met his glare without flinching. "I don't care about your ego trip. Just walk away."
Jason smirked. "You got lucky once. You really think you can take all of us?"
Nick rolled his shoulders, taking a slow breath. His body still ached, but he could feel it—the sharpness, the awareness.
He was different now.
The system had chosen him for a reason
.
And he wasn't going to waste it.
End of Chapter 5.