Ramon Cruz and the Mysterious System

Chapter 15

Ramon sat alone in his room, the walls cloaked in the warm glow of his computer screen. The message from Xavier still lingered in his mind, its threat hanging like a storm cloud, but he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the small icon that had changed everything. The system.

It was the mysterious app that had appeared on his phone the night Xavier had crippled him, promising revenge and unimaginable wealth. So far, it had been true to its word. Each challenge it presented offered skills, abilities, and rewards that made him sharper, stronger, and more prepared to take down Xavier’s grip on the university and beyond. But it wasn’t just about Xavier anymore; the system was transforming Ramon’s entire life, unlocking opportunities he’d never dreamed possible.

Ramon opened the app, noting the notification in the corner of the screen: New Quest Available. His pulse quickened as he tapped it.

Quest: Uncover the Root of Xavier’s Power

Objective: Find evidence of Xavier’s family’s influence within the university.

Reward: Strategic Intelligence Upgrade, 1000 Credits.

Strategic intelligence? Ramon’s eyes narrowed. The system rewards were always potent, but this one sounded particularly promising. With heightened intelligence, he’d be able to plan his moves with the kind of precision that would make Xavier’s life a living nightmare.

But he couldn’t go at this alone. He messaged Violet and Lila, who had stood by him every step of the way.

Later that evening, they met in a quiet corner of the library, where whispers were absorbed by the towering bookshelves. Ramon explained the new quest.

“So, the system wants you to expose Xavier’s family?” Violet raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like they’re really pulling the strings.”

“Exactly,” Ramon replied, his eyes dark with focus. “The system isn’t just about making me stronger; it’s giving me the tools to dismantle Xavier’s power from the roots.”

“Alright, but where do we start?” Lila asked.

Ramon glanced down at his phone. “The system should guide us if we’re on the right track. We just need to start digging—documents, funding sources, anything that links his family to the university’s power structure.”

They headed to the university records office under the cover of night. With the system’s guidance, Ramon’s senses seemed to sharpen, giving him an edge. The darkness didn’t bother him; he could practically feel the system empowering him, heightening his focus and instincts. He hacked into the administration’s server using the system’s Enhanced Decryption skill, an ability he had earned from an earlier quest.

Files appeared on the screen, revealing financial records,b emails, and contracts, all tied to Xavier’s family. His father, a powerful businessman, had donated heavily to the university, securing key positions for his allies and placing Xavier in a position of unassailable privilege. It was more than just a series of bribes; his father’s name was tied to every corner of campus life, from student housing to faculty appointments.

Ramon felt a surge of triumph. This was exactly the evidence they needed.

“Let’s print this,” he whispered to Violet and Lila. But as they gathered the documents, Ramon’s phone vibrated. A message flashed across the screen: Challenge Upgrade Available: Higher Stakes, Greater Rewards. Accept?

He tapped Accept, feeling a thrill run through him. Another window popped up, showing a detailed map of Xavier’s family’s network on campus. However, an additional note warned: Extreme Risk. Proceed with caution.

“Whatever you just did, Ramon, I think it’s just turned up the danger level,” Violet whispered, her eyes darting around.

Ramon knew it was true, but he also knew that the greater the risk, the more impactful the rewards. He closed the files and led the group back to his dorm. His brain felt like it was buzzing with new energy, the system's power flowing through him. The Strategic Intelligence Upgrade began to take effect, and ideas started to form with startling clarity.

The following morning, Ramon’s mind raced as he went through his classes. He could feel his perspective shifting, his understanding of the campus dynamics crystallizing with startling precision. It was as if he could visualize the way power flowed, the connections between faculty, administration, and students mapped out before him.

He knew Xavier would hear about the breach soon, and he needed a counterattack ready. Thanks to the system’s upgrade, he’d already formulated a detailed plan. Step one: turn Xavier’s allies into liabilities.

During lunch, he sought out Melina, the former follower of Xavier who had bravely testified against him. She looked nervous as he approached, but he could see a new strength in her eyes.

“Melina,” he said, lowering his voice, “I need you to help me get to Xavier’s inner circle. I know they’re still loyal to him, but with you guiding me, we can divide them from the inside.”

She nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. “I’ll do it. There are a few people who only stay because they’re afraid. If they see someone standing up to him… they might turn.”

Over the next few days, Ramon and Melina worked to identify the weakest links in Xavier’s chain of followers. Ramon’s upgraded intelligence allowed him to profile each of them with unnerving accuracy, pinpointing insecurities, ambitions, and frustrations. One by one, he began to exploit these weaknesses subtly, convincing them that Xavier’s power was waning, that standing by him was a sinking ship.

Meanwhile, Ramon used the system to build his own network. His new Charisma Boost skill allowed him to gain support effortlessly. Students who had once been neutral started seeing him as a leader, someone willing to take a stand for justice. Violet and Lila rallied students who had grievances against Xavier, their numbers growing by the day.

The momentum of Ramon’s movement wasn’t lost on Xavier, and as Ramon expected, he retaliated. Flyers appeared around campus, accusing Ramon of fabricating the footage and lying to the administration. But Ramon anticipated this and had his own counter-moves ready.

He called an emergency meeting of his supporters in the quad, gathering dozens of students who’d grown tired of Xavier’s influence. With a cold, confident expression, he addressed the crowd.

“For too long, we’ve let one person dictate the rules on this campus,” Ramon’s voice rang out, the crowd hanging onto his every word. “But we’re stronger than that. We deserve a community where everyone feels safe, where no one fears speaking their truth.”

The crowd cheered, and Ramon felt the surge of collective power. With the system’s help, he had them right where he needed them—committed, loyal, and ready to fight back.

Afterward, Violet approached him with a mixture of excitement and caution. “Ramon, you’re becoming a symbol. People are really looking to you for leadership now.”

Ramon nodded. “It’s only the beginning. We have to keep the pressure on.”

That evening, as he scrolled through his phone, another quest popped up:

Quest: Expose the Corruption

Objective: Gather enough evidence to present to the media, bypassing Xavier’s influence on campus.

Reward: Advanced Influence Upgrade, 2000 Credits, and Unique Skill: Charisma Command.*

Ramon’s fingers twitched with anticipation. This skill would allow him to sway even the most skeptical minds, perfect for rallying his movement.

The next day, Ramon, Violet, Lila, and Melina moved into the next phase. With the system’s help, Ramon compiled the incriminating evidence and carefully edited footage that exposed Xavier’s inner circle, revealing how they’d bullied and manipulated students to cement their hold on the campus.

As he pieced it together, Ramon marveled at the system’s Enhanced Perception upgrade, which allowed him to notice details he’d previously missed. He caught subtle audio cues, expressions, and background voices, stitching them into a story that showed the depth of Xavier’s corruption.

With the video ready, he contacted a local journalist known for covering issues of corruption and power abuse, sending her a secure link to the footage and attaching an anonymous tip about Xavier’s influence at the university.

Within hours, the video went viral. Students crowded around their phones, whispers spreading like wildfire. The campus was in an uproar. Ramon’s plan had worked—Xavier’s carefully crafted image was crumbling, and even his most loyal followers began to back away, unwilling to be dragged down with him.

Xavier’s reaction was swift. He stormed into the administration building, demanding an audience with the dean. But this time, his family’s influence couldn’t shield him; the evidence was undeniable. Dr. Thornton, alongside several members of the board, met him with hard expressions, the weight of the situation bearing down on Xavier.

Ramon watched from a distance, his face calm but his heart pounding with satisfaction. He had the system to thank for his success, but more than that, he had a newfound belief in his ability to change his fate.

That night, as he checked the system’s progress, another message appeared:

Congratulations, Ramon. You’ve completed all objectives. New Quest Available: Rise to Power.

A smile played on his lips as he read the description, feeling a thrill of excitement. This wasn’t just about revenge anymore—it was about claiming the power he’d fought so hard to grasp. He was no longer just a pawn in Xavier’s game; he was the one setting the rules now.

For the first time, Ramon felt unstoppable. With his friends by his side and the system guiding his every move, he was ready for whatever came next.

The future was his for the taking.