"Don't pretend to be dead. I won't be fooled by your acting again."
I wasn't pretending to be dead in the first place.
"Well, that's better," Hudson said when I opened my eyes and looked back at him. "I get a bit annoyed when the person I'm talking to doesn't look back at me."
While the girl was babbling, I tried to stand up and take the opening to escape. Wait, what is this? My hands ... are tied? Since when? And where did this rope come from?
"Ah... you shouldn't try to escape, or struggle. The rope I'm using has a unique technology. The more you try to untie it, the tighter it will get, perhaps to the point where it will rip and mince your flesh slowly."
I gulped. If this was a normal situation, I would have laughed right away. However, I think Hudson was joking she said that, and she also has the similiar power as me.
She had a system, and definitely had all sorts of strange devices that could be utilised.
"Good. You still have some common sense. Now, tell me, Class Rep, wait, you really are the Class Rep, aren't you? I can't take another lie," Hudson said at length.
I didn't respond. Hudson just sighed. "Silent treatment? Whatever."
"You've got this wrong. I can assure you this is all just a misunderstanding, " I said. It was a pathetic defence. But there was no harm in trying.
Hudson just shook her head and sighed. Her gaze seemed to say, 'Have you no shame?", before her mouth actually opened. "Huft... you're making this harder and more sickening." She grabbed something out of the air. From there, four bottles of liquid emerged, which were strikingly coloured and looked very familiar.
My potions!
"This is awesome, and stupid. But, still, it's awesome. Reselling Potions to ordinary people as drugs, I never even thought about it. No wonder the System chose you."
"So is this about that silly thing again?" I asked while gulping. "I told you, I don't know anything--"
"Then you want to prove it?" she said. Her face was now so close.
Wait, what... is she going to do the same thing she did to Jason?
Not that I'm going to hate it. Even if she's a bit strange, Hudson still a beauty. A tiny cute face, full lips, a long neck exposed by that ponytail, and her chest--
Tsk. Shit. What the hell was I thinking?
That's when my forehead was flicked.
"You were just thinking dirty, weren't you," she exclaimed as she pulled away and chuckled.
I blushed and looked away. She was just trying to tease me.
"You don't have to worry. I've got standards anyway," Hudson said again, which was a bit heartbreaking this time. "Anyway, I have something more effective.
I feel my cheeks being pinched.
No, it wasn't just a pinching The sting is longer and more pervasive. There was also a moist texture seeping out.
When I looked again, Hudson was holding a piece of glass similar to a preparation in chemistry practice with the centre stained with blood.
I was sure it was my blood. My cheek had just been cut.
Hudson turned round, pushing the preparation against the invisible window. There's an invisible process she's researching right now. Just look at that awkward, seemingly causeless nod.
"Fighting type? Didn't expect that. And I had thought you'd be caught with a cheesier type. You know, mind games, hypnosis. Although that's fine, anyway."
I tried to rebel quietly again. And Hudson's words were instantly confirmed. It was like the rope had a soul of its own. It was like a vicious snake that could smell fear and use it to dominate its prey.
"You must be wondering why I'm doing this."
"Huh?"
Hudson chuckled. "Hey, hey. Don't start. I'm not going to tell you something that important. Or should I?"
"You look like you really want to do it. Why hold back? I won't remember anyway." And that could also give me more space to think. After all, this damn rope must have a weakness.
The antidote could have been found in [SHOP].
I opened the [SHOP] menu, scrolling with my mind power, trying to find something useful.I didn't have time to look at it carefully, but this thing offered quite a variety of items.
[Mana Healing Potion]
Lv.1Price: 10 GoldRestores 50 Mana Points[Mana Recovery Potion]
Price: 1000 GoldRestores 50% Mana Point[Stamina Recovery Pills]
Price: 1000 GoldRestores the body's stamina as before[Booster]
Price: 400 GoldGives a 20 boost to all Status Attributes[Strawberry Juice]Price: 200 GoldA strawberry variant juice concocted by the best bartender in the multiverse that makes you taste heaven.Isn't anything here useful enough?
"What?"
Hudson's sudden shout made me jump. I looked up in alarm to see if she saw what I was about to do.
Hudson's eyes were bulging angrily and his hands were clasped around his waist. There's no way she can see this ...., right?
"Asking such a private thing to a girl on the third meeting? Huh, are the men in this world really not that polite?"
H-huh? "I-I..."
"But, well, I really wanted to share that. Keeping secrets is almost as hard as sticking to a diet programme, even though I don't need a diet programm anymore." Hudson chuckled by her own words.
While she rambled on, I kept nodding, then searched again.
Not this.
Not this.
Not this.
"Look, I came from a place that's not so different from now. Did pretty much the same thing you did. You know, silly things like making friends, studying, school. Adolescence, huh. But, this power came, offering me amazing things. Saying I can shape the future or something."
I just nodded while occasionally responding. "I see."
"But, it wasn't as wonderful as I imagined. The world fell into... what you could call an apocalypse. People with abilities like mine fought each other and boom, the human race was finished. I was the only one left."
"Okay." I'm still searching. Why is this potion list so long? Counting, it seems like I've reached the 20th page now.
"As the last human, I was called the winner and was privileged and allowed to participate in the next Tournament. It was fun, at first, but one day I met someone. You know, stupid childish love and it changed the way I thought. From there on, I tried to stop this so-called fun game."
"Yes, yes."
"But, I failed every time I tried. I couldn't save that person. My stupid love ended, but I still thought it wasn't fair. This crazy game ... should at least end. Hey, you've been out of earshot, haven't you?"
I looked up, smiling widely. "That's a great story, Hudson." That wasn't just cheap acting.
I think I found it, albeit at a high cost.
[Divine Presence]
Price: 700 GoldRemoves debuff effect for 3 secondsThat took all the money I had. The equivalent of 7000 dollars. I could buy anything for months with that money, and probably wouldn't be able to get it anytime soon.
But, I had to do it.
[Purchase this?]
[Confirm] [Abort]On second thought, despite the strange reaction, the texture of this rope was not too different from ordinary rope. Sticky, hard, rough. That meant, perhaps, this was really ordinary rope after all.
That meant that everything that happened was due to some kind of Skill. Perhaps an authentic ability that could make things become half alive or cursed.
It could be wrong, but I'll give it a try.
After all, the Item I bought just now had no physical form. It was a momentary flash of light.
After the glow disappeared, I instantly felt stronger. The effect of the [Booster] I took returned.
With the additional Stats I gained, I tried to break away once more. This time it worked!
Hudson realised that. "Wait, how did you do that?"
I didn't have time to answer that ridiculous question. My body rose up, my legs lifted, and the effect of the Speed boost was immediately felt again. I took wide strides and started running.
I heard Hudson cursing, so loudly from behind. Like calling me a coward, a loser, a liar, or something.
Well, mock me all you want, I won't be affected. Fighting her would be suicide. Besides, fighting and losing to a girl would hurt my pride (if it still existed), even if she was a half-monster.
It had only been three seconds, and I had already reached the end of the alley. The atmosphere became more brighter and lively here.
Cars were passing by, a group of teenagers were hanging out and laughing in front of the burning barrel, while the sharp end of the casino about a kilometre away loomed.
As powerful as Hudson is, she wouldn't provoke a ruckus in a crowd. She might talk about erasing memories or something, but such an amazing skill would take up a lot of Mana Point, and brainwashing everyone would make her run out of steam first.
So... good luck with that--
DUAKKK!
I was hit by a car. My body was shaken and thrown backwards. If my body was still as fragile as before, I'd probably be dead by now.
I must be careful.
"You're a disappointment, Class Rep."
H-huh?
I stopped groaning, and looked up. A feeling of nostalgia filled me. Hudson was standing with her arms folded across his chest. Her face was sullen.
I gulped, and got back up while holding my stance.
"What, are you trying to fight me now?"
I should have thought about the possibility that she would be faster than me. I should have bought an Item that could attack, or paralyse her as well.
After all, what did I have?
<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>
NAME: HARRY MCKANEAGE: 16 LEVEL 8. HP: 800/800MP: 800/800POWER: 15VITALITY: 15AGILITY: 30INTELLIGENCE: 21SPEED: 35Skills:
[Calculative], [Balanced] <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>I should have added the POWER part. That would have made me three times the size of a normal human (though it probably wouldn't have matched Hudson's).At least, I have a slight advantage in agility. No need to attack. Just lure, dodge, and then run back if the opportunity arises. "You don't have to do this, Hudson."
"Oh, I have to do this. Just give up. It's not going to hurt. Okay. It might hurt a bit, but that's how life is. Can't gain without a pain."
I needed something to provoke her. It seemed like she was rambling on about her life just now, too bad I wasn't really listening.
I think she was talking about love. That's the big point. He touched on it in a few sentences. "This is why you can't save him" I said.
"What's that?" said Hudson with a frown.
"The person you love. You were too busy taking care of people's problems, and let him die," I replied with a nervous smile. I could see Hudson's pupils dilate for a moment.
Was she angry?
"You don't seem to be listening to my story at all, Class Rep. It makes my heart hurt," Hudson said as she looked down.
Looks like I succeeed. Yes. Succeed in causing more trouble.
"But, you're right," Hudson continued. The girl leaned back, raising her hands in front of her, while a purplish glow radiated throughout her body. "I should show more seriousness in this matter."
I gulped.
Hudson didn't attack until a few seconds later.
Her two hands came forward at the same time, her range was far, my nose was almost hit and broken, but I managed to step back and argue.
My nose was hit and broken.
I don't know what happened.
The attack was similar to a grenade explosion. Although there was no direct impact, the wind of the explosion was just as destructive.
The fist stopped about five centimetres in front of my face, but I was sent flying. My nose was bleeding, stinging.
I let out a stifled scream, Hudson moved in, I stood up quickly, too late! Hudson's foot moved in a circle, her heel hitting my cheek as fast as a bullet and as hard as a boulder.
My brain was jumbled, my vision blurred. The next thing I knew, I was plummeting to the ground and the buzzing of the warning
[HP in critical phase! Please proceed to heal immediately]
[HP in critical phase! Please proceed to heal immediately][HP in critical phase! Please proceed to heal immediately]I want to, but my energy was drained. My whole body is numb.
Let alone running, I can't even move anymore.
Hudson looked down, saw my condition, and sighed. "I told you, there's no chance you could win, right," she said, holding my head. My head hurt more than ever, I don't know what she was trying to do. "Well, now go to sleep, forget this nightmare, and enjoy your life normally, okay."
I lost.
I just had a weird dream. I caught a windfall, dealing with some scary-looking guys, hit and hummiliate Carl, then almost... kissed a girl (?).Duh. That's an embarrassing fantasy for a wet dream.I checked my bottom, it didn't feel damp, let alone sticky. So it was just a silly sleeping flower.Am I that desperate, huh? Yes ... I was indeed in that phase, and last night's dream indicates that my puberty is in its prime, but still...But what if it wasn't a dream? At least the part where I got a wad of money.I picked up my mobile phone, intending to check Mum's m-banking, but immediately decided against it.What the hell was I doing? Hadn't I stopped expecting those delusions?What I needed to do now was work harder and more effectively to pay Mum's operation.That's when the mobile phone notification came, a text message from my colleague Fletcher. It wasn't just one.William FletcherHey, dickhead, did you rat me out to Liz? I'll forgive you this time, but there will be no free d
It was a vague vision of something that never existed, or at least I tried to pretend it did.I saw my father wearing a white robe approaching me bound. I was only four years old and felt so scared. Father's eyes were like a hungry wolf ready to pounce on me at any moment.In his hand was a syringe. It was shiny, sharp, and looked painful.I struggled, screamed, and begged for mercy; but Father didn't stop. He buried the needle deep into my skin.I even remember the pain and the instant goose bumps ran down my body. My hands ached again, I felt so much pain in the back of my head. My tongue was even accidentally bitten off in the painful process, but I felt no pain. It seemed like these overlapping sensations were making me half-numb.Another vision came, this time I saw the current me. Each time it came, it was like a dagger lodged in the brain. But each time, I finally understood more. I finally knew what was going on.I got my memories back.*#*"See? You hit him too hard! What if
As expected, right after school, one of the two would come.And now it was a group of burly men, again.As I approached them, I heard whispers from behind. Huft... just when I had a good reputation at school, now I'm bound to get dragged into bad rumours again.I gulped, and nodded obediently when ordered to enter. This time they even brought up to three cars and more guards. As soon as I got into one of the biggest cars, I was soon joined by a strapping man in a suit with a sharp gaze and a woman in a white coat looking at me enthusiastically."Are you the guy?" the man said.I gaped upwards. This can't be! They... they...[PROFILE]NAME: (Unknown)AGE : (Unknown)LEVEL : (Unknown)[PROFILE]NAME : (Unknown)AGE : (Unknown)LEVEL : (Unknown)Perhaps they are just like Hudson. Or maybe they work for her?Damn. I should have anticipated this too."I said, are you the guy?" the man said again, this time in a snapping tone.I gulped. Okay, calm down. Maybe this was all unrelated. Maybe
"Yes, yes. I'll transfer it tomorrow during my holiday." I chuckled and checked my watch for who knows how many times. How long does it take for people to want to call?"But ..., really, are you okay?"It's okay? Seriously.I'm also struggling here, you know.Every month I get a mediocre salary, sleep irregularly, work overtime, my apartment rent is exorbitant, and that ugly boss is always looking at me with a look that makes me uncomfortable.However, I just sighed uneasily. "Yeah, it's okay."A moment later, the call was paused by a long silence. Was it already closed? However, just as I was about to check, Mum spoke up again."Nad, I'm sorry. Mum and Dad were supposed to be happy for you, to help you, but instead we're the ones who are bothered. Mum and Dad never gave you what you wanted, but now you're struggling because of us." Mum's voice hung for a moment, when it finally came out, her voice trembling. "But I don't know who else to ask for help. I promise, I promise this is the
Okay.Before we continue, I'll discuss the essence of a novel's existence.What is it that makes people love works of fiction?The characters? Conflict? The setting? Themes?Nerds who take themselves too seriously.What? Mandate? Better go to a motivational seminar instead.What matters is a 'bias'.The boundary between the real world and the imaginary world.No one wants to read about acceleration equations in fantasy stories or chemical compound formulas in romance stories - I swear, who started this stupid trend? You think this is the periodic table?Great writers are those who manage to create a fun world that everyone can enjoy.Those who assume the element of realism in the world of novels are idealistic morons.And damn it, I'm one of those morons-at least I used to be.Even in a world where power and bloodlines are everything, we still have to go to school.And so, here I am. Stuck in the company of elite women. Doing the mundane agenda that seems to be a written obligation e
Actually, I have a chronic affliction: unlucky luck.And if I have a relapse, I'll have at least three misfortunes in a day.Starting from being thrown into the realm of delusions that I should have buried, buried deep, and forgotten years ago.Transforming into a spiteful, lethargic girl whose only orientation in life is to be a lackey for female criminals.Then get a quicker chance to become a living punching bag.What happens after this? Suddenly lightning strikes or become paralysed for life?I gulped every time I tried to look closely at this.The walls were grey and seemed unforgiving. With two unlit torches perched on each of the cardinal points.The floor was mostly filled with sand, but there was a flat surface as well, so I didn't have to worry about not getting a bump or not getting enough bumps."Ladies, there's no need to be scared or worried, I'll try not to be too hard during the fight," said the voice in front of me so presumptuously.Hah!"Te-thank you, Mr Panger-""D
From the time I was born, I was blessed with a father who wasn't very useful.A man who could only brag about his cleverness and strange insights to everyone-yes, even if it was proven in writing, anyway-and never made any significant discoveries.That's why, when he failed and went bankrupt, all he did was brood. Complaining. Cursing.Cursing all the people who betrayed him. Cursing the people who left him alone behind.What a pathetic coward!"Dad ...." Lucian stood up. Putting on a smile. His suit was more formal in a black suit. His hair was pulled back in a dwarf clump like a small bun.I stand up and pay my respects as well.The figure waltzed gracefully to the dining table. Everyone bowed respectfully as he passed.When my eyes met with the Dawve clan's piercing purple eyes, I realised that I had finally found her.<
Whisper.Whispers.And scornful stares.When I stepped back into the classroom, I felt like I had set foot in a foreign place that I had never reached until now.Like a superstar and a frog in a shell.Famous-in a not-so-favourable way-but also alone.Really. It reminds me of when I used to be.Damn! That's why I often say that school is a portable hell - make of it what you will.Yeah... not that I care.After all, this isn't my life either.One day, I'll open my eyes and realise that all of this is just a dream flower that I'll quickly forget-wow, wow, ah!I almost fell over.Fortunately, my movements were quite swift. Before actually falling, I managed to keep myself standing... for a few seconds.This damn body was eve