As Ren made his way to school, he couldn't help but notice the curious stares and whispers that followed him. It was as if his very presence had shifted, radiating an aura of confidence and power that was impossible to ignore.
Even his closest friends seemed taken aback by Ren's transformed appearance, his eyes widening with surprise as they took in his taller, more muscular frame and the subtle changes to his facial features.
"Dude, what the hell happened to you?" one of his friends, Kyle, exclaimed, his brow furrowed with confusion. "You look like you just stepped out of a movie or something."
Ren couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's exaggerated reaction. "I've just been... working on myself, that's all," he said, his voice calm and collected.
Kyle shook his head in disbelief. "Working on yourself? Come on, man, you look like a completely different person. What, did you suddenly discover steroids or something?"
Ren smiled, shaking his head. "Nothing like that, I promise. Just been hitting the gym a lot and, you know, taking care of myself."
Before Kyle could press the issue further, a group of familiar figures emerged from the shadows, their expressions twisted with menace
"Well, well, well, if it isn't our old friend Ren," the leader of the bullies sneered, his beady eyes narrowing as he surveyed Ren's transformed appearance. "Looks like someone's been hitting the gym, huh? Think that's gonna stop us from collecting what you owe?"
Ren felt a surge of amusement rise within him, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to mock the bullies.
"Owe you? Oh, I'm sorry, I must have misplaced my wallet full of money I owe to the local band of knuckle-dragging troglodytes. My bad." He turned to Kyle, feigning a look of concern. "You wouldn't happen to have seen it, would you?"
The bully's face flushed with anger, eliciting snickers from the surrounding crowd. "Very funny, smart-ass. But the joke's gonna be on you when we're done with you."
Ren let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, I'm so terrified. Please, spare me from the mighty wrath of the Neanderthal King and his merry band of muscle-bound goons." He placed a hand over his heart, his expression one of exaggerated fear.
The bully's eyes narrowed, and he took a menacing step forward. "You think you're real funny, don't you, Ren? Well, let's see how much you're laughing when we're done with you."
Ren couldn't help but grin. "Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots. Tell me, do you practice that whole 'tough guy' routine in front of the mirror, or does it just come naturally to you?"
The crowd around them erupted in laughter, further fueling the bully's anger. Kyle looked on, his eyes wide with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
"Alright, that's it!" the bully roared, his face beet-red. “after school, behind the gym. Be there, or else."
Ren merely shrugged, a confident smirk plastered on his face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, big guy. I'll be sure to bring my gym bag, just in case I need to give you and your goons a workout."
"Don't pee on your pants. . well the game is on…little trash” Broc laughed as he walked away…
*********
The final bell resounded throughout the empty classroom, but Ren remained seated, unfazed by the departure of his classmates. Kyle, poking his head into the room, called out to him.
"Hey man, you coming? We should head to the gym before those guys start causing trouble."
Ren reclined casually in his seat. "Relax, let's make them sweat a little. Go grab some sodas from the vending machine."
After thirty minutes, Ren rose from his seat, stretching his limbs.
"Ren, are you sure about this?" Kyle asked, catching up to him. "Those guys are dangerous. Maybe we should just ignore them."
Pausing for a moment, Ren turned to face Kyle, offering a reassuring smile. "Trust me, Kyle. I've been observing them for a while now, and I have a plan. Don't worry, I've got it under control. And once it's all over, I'll make sure to treat you to something special."
Furrowing his eyebrows, uncertainty etched across his face, Kyle responded, "I don't know, Ren. This could turn ugly. Perhaps we should let it go."
Placing a hand on Kyle's shoulder, Ren's gaze brimmed with determination. "I appreciate your concern, Kyle, but I can't let them continue to bully us and others. We need to stand up for ourselves. Trust me, I've devised a plan. Just stick with me, okay?"
"I've been contemplating how we can expose the bullies and put an end to their reign of terror once and for all," Ren began.
"We'll document their actions and gather evidence. Then, we'll present the video to the school, unveiling the truth."
Wide-eyed, Kyle watched the footage, disbelief transforming into a mix of awe and concern. "Ren, this is risky, but it might just work. We must ensure that everyone sees it, especially the teachers and the principal."
Nodding with focused determination, Ren replied, "Exactly. That's why we won't give them a choice but to watch it. We'll turn this fight into a spectacle, and once we have everyone's attention, we'll reveal the truth."
With their plan firmly in place, Ren and Kyle made their way to the gym. Tension hung in the air as they entered, the bullies and their entourage already assembled, wearing smirks of superiority.
Confidently approaching the Broc and his gang, Ren's voice cut through the murmurs in the gym. "You know, guys, instead of causing a ruckus in this cramped gym, why don't we take this outside? There's much more space there for us to settle things."
The bullies exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from amusement to curiosity. The leader of the bullies stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ren. You think you can take us all on? You've got guts, I'll give you that."
Meeting Broc's gaze, Ren's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm tired of your bullying. It ends here, today. Outside, behind the gym. Just you and me. Or are you afraid?"
Broc's eyes narrowed, his pride stung by Ren's words. Taking a step forward, his voice laced with defiance, he responded, "You're on, Ren. But don't think this will be easy for you. We'll see who comes out on top."
Ren turned and led the way, the gym doors swinging open behind him. Stepping outside, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement. He understood that this fight was not solely about physical strength; it was about standing up for what was right and exposing the true nature of the bullies.
Kyle followed closely, discreetly recording the events about to unfold on his phone. He believed in Ren and was determined to capture the truth.
Outside, the setting sun cast long shadows on the ground, creating an eerie atmosphere. Ren and Broc faced each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The crowd gathered, their murmurs fading into anticipation.
"Where's the money?" Broc asked.
"I don't have any money, okay? I'm just a high school student trying to get by," Ren replied.
Broc's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Ren. "That's too bad for you. You owe us, and we're not letting you off that easily."
Ren's gaze hardened as he spoke. "This is my parents' monthly allowance, which amounts to $1000. I want you to have it. Consider it a payment for one month and leave us alone."
"Please, let my friends go. I will take care of the bills. Here's my parents' monthly allowance, amounting to $1000. I want you to have it. Consider it a payment for one month, and leave us alone," Ren pleaded with them.
"I didn't know your parents were this rich"
Ren's eyes gleamed mischievously as he continued his act, fully aware that every word was being recorded. "But have you ever stopped to think why you enjoy picking on the weak? What satisfaction does it give you?"
Broc let out a scoff. "Please, poor kids like you disgust me. We do it because we can."
"I'm sure your father would be proud of you, using his power to Broc and intimidate others," Ren continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's pathetic, really."
Broc's face twisted with anger. "My father hates weak people; they make him sick. I'm carrying on his legacy."
Ren's lips curled into a knowing smile as he looked at Kyle, who was capturing the conversation on his phone. The pieces were falling into place.
"It's a shame," Ren said softly, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "If your ancestors could see you now, they would feel sorry for you. They would be scared."
Brock opened his mouth, as if to protest, but Ren interrupted him.
"Save it," Ren snapped. "I don't want to hear your excuses. You and your friends are nothing but a bunch of cowards, hiding behind your families' money and power."
Broc's fury reached its peak. "Enough talk! Let's teach this guy a lesson!" he barked, signaling his gang to surround Ren.
Ren gracefully dodged Broc's punch, moving his body with ease like a skilled martial artist. The force of the missed blow created a gust of wind that tousled his hair slightly.
"Is that all you've got?" Ren taunted, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "I was expecting more of a challenge from the big, tough bully."
Broc'sface flushed with rage, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "You think you're funny, huh?" he growled, his voice dripping with menace. "Well, let's see how funny you are when we're done with you.”
On the ground stood Broc and his defeated gang, their bodies covered in blood as Ren had inflicted injuries on them. Ren made sure they would be hospitalized for at least a month. He wanted to teach them a lesson they would never forget and ensure they never crossed his path again.Ren squatted in front of Broc and whispered in his ear, "You can use the $1000 and treat yourself. You can keep the change." Broc felt the urge to stab Ren, but he was powerless.Kyle was shocked. He never expected Ren to overpower them. He had feared Ren would be the one getting hurt, but it turned out differently."Isn't that Ren? I thought he was weak... How did he defeat the number one?" The crowd was surprised and curious.Ren gazed at the bewildered crowd and shouted, "Pizza is on me!" Instead of being frightened, the crowd cheered and exclaimed, "Yeah!"Ren wasn't afraid of the consequences the school authorities might impose on him because he had recorded everything that had happened. He had acted i
OppositionRen Davis had just woken up and preparing for school when he noticed the air has become a bit chilly. He blew out a mouthful of air and it's outline.“We are still in June, are we not? How come it's cold all of a sudden.” Ren could not help but think to himself.Just then, the outline of a man in silver robe with sparkly diamonds embroidered on all round of it stepped out of thin air.“Its been a while Young Davis.” the man's husky voice echoed around the room.“Celestial god!” Ren showed deep respect to this benefactor of his.“I see you are doing well in the task you've been given. Now its time for you to know deeper information.” the Celestial god said with a somber expression.“Is everything alright?” Ren asked, a bit anxious.“You are not the only one brought from the future. As you know, your continent contains five empires. And your Empire; Eldonria, is at the center. To the West is the Tron Empire, and right now a young man has been chosen by another Celestial bein
A second chance and a system. Zachary Bemba was woken from a deep slumber by the crowing of a rooster. His eyes abruptly rolled open, glazed over with the remnants of a dream or rather a nightmare.Zachary was first aware of the foul polluted air with a stale fragrance. It was nothing similar to the coolness of the air and its fresh fragrance he'd grown accustomed to in the big city of Alistair of the Tron Empire. He was lying on an abnormally small foam which didn't seem to be the same as the king-size bed the TSF provided all it's players. It was very uncomfortable and hurt his back when he stirred.Zachary blinked as his as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the room before propping himself up and orienting himself to the surroundings.He was in a room with worn out brick walls that had holes in it. Small sewed in ragged curtains hid the shabby small glass window on one side of the cramped chamber-just leaving a shy peek of the dirt filled road beyond. One wooden seat and a r
Superstar SystemZachary blinked as his eyes adjusted. He gazed at the translucent blue book, wide-eyed, mouth agape, and face frozen in wonderment. Zachary had read many system- tagged web novels before he'd returned to his past. He could instantly comprehend what was happening. He was sure that he might be acquiring a leveling-up system' like all those protagonists in the novels. That was the dream cheat for any passionate fan of web novels.The system could help him level up his soccer skills and make him a star player within a few years if it was anything like in those novels. Since he was injured, this was the first time Zachary felt optimistic about pursuing his dream of becoming an internationally recognized soccer player. With a system, he could become one of the best players in Tron Empire or even in the whole world.He could then easily acquire mansions, supermodels, posh and big cars, without ever resorting to robbery and selling drugs like in his past life. The sky was the
Daily TrainingZachary was jogging at a steady pace. He was mindful of neither the ever-present potholes in the dirt-roads of the Kinsh town nor the mud heaps brought about by the rain of the previous day. He hummed the Chris Brown song(Don't Wake Me Up) that was supposed to be released two years later.Zachary smiled softly. He was in a good mood. Above him loomed the blue sky with just a few stratus clouds making their unhurried way toward the town hall. The sun was already a golden ball of yellow above, promising more heat as the day progressed. All in all, he could not have asked for better weather to complete the system mission. It had been six days since Zacharyreturned to the past, and he was very close to completing the tasks in his first system mission.He had been exercising like there was no tomorrow in his vocabulary.With the Superstar system, he had the motivation to work hard and thus never once thought about giving up when the going got tough.Every morning, he would
RewardEven in his previous lifetime, Zachary, as a general rule, hid his emotions. He figured they were intel he should not hand over, and so at all times, his face was blank.But today was different. Zachary had just received the first mission rewards from the system, and excitement poured out of him like sunshine through fine white linen; he glowed from the inside out. It felt like every fiber of his being was vibrating with anticipation when he looked at the virtual screen before him. He first rubbed his palms together and sat down on his bed before tapping on the system-shop tab that was still blinking red.[Ding!SYSTEM SHOP->Gift Packs (temporarily-unlocked) (1 msg)->Purchase Skills (locked)->Purchase Elixirs (locked)->Lottery Coupons (locked)->lnventory (temporarily-unlocked)(1 msg)]The Gift-Pack tab was blinking red,and Zachary right away extendedhis right forefinger and tapped onit. For the first time, he noticed thatthe screen felt tangible against histouch but d
A special skillHope bloomed inside Zachary after reading the words below the superstar skill card.Without a moment of hesitation, he clicked on the image of the skill card filling up the screen and learned the Zinedine visual skill.He was looking forward to how it could improve his budding football career.Instantly, he felt pang of headache assaulting his brain as the system implanted new information into his mind. But a while later, his head cleared, and he noticed that there seemed to be no perceivable transformation within his body or mind.He thus opened the user-stats tab that was already blinking red on the system User-lnterface to understand the changes in his stats.[Ding!Host Stats:->Physical Fitness: B-->Soccer Technique: B+->Game Intelligence: A+->Mental Ability and Mindset: C-->X-Factors: F>Superstar skill: 1(1 msg)]Zachary's soccer-technique had once again leveled-up from the grading of B- to B+ in a single evening. His game intelligence had jumped from the C+
All according to planZachary slept off as soon as he hit the soft mattress. He couldn't believe that things were finally going to be different. Oh how he wish it's already here.. that moment he will finally achieve his dreams. Zachary smiled as he drifted of to sleep.*In a superb football field. Well trimmed grass, sunny weather, fans screaming in ecstasy to show their supports to the individual teams, flags were waving in the air. Twenty-two men clad in two different uniforms were running around the field doing their best to outdo the opponent team.Wardens F.C team were known for their gold uniform, while their opponent, the Crowders wore their signature Red and Black.Zachary Bemba was a striker for the Wardens F.C and right now he had managed to get the ball for the first time since the match began.“Zachary has just gotten the ball at his feet, will he be able to cope with his knee injury?” a male voice was heard through the speaker of the soccer field.“We all know that he wo
Epilogue. AgendaAtlas had just seen Ella today, how could he have prepared a present in advance when he didn't even know Amelia was going to adopt the child from the orphanage. Just as he was about to think of what to say, the system's robotic voice rang in his head.«Ding!System sense's Host's complicated emotion. Deploying the moonstone bracelet.Moonstone bracelet description: a piece of the moon, capable of enhancing a person's Will and also eliminate fatigue as well as stabilize emotions.Worth: Three million dollars ($3,000,000).Object: Tradable.»Atlas put his hand in his pants pocket and felt a bead bracelet. He brought out the bracelet from his pocket and gave it to Ella.“Happy Birthday, Ella. Daddy wishes you to grow up safely and happily.”Although Atlas had obtained this gift from the system and it's description suggested it was extremely worthy, it still looked like an ordinary bead bracelet to people.Amelia reached out and snatched the bead bracelet. After taking a
At wits endGarrick Gayle trudged through the rain-soaked streets, his eyes cast down at the pavement. It had been months since his family disowned him, blaming him for his father's death. The pain still lingered, a constant ache in his chest.As he turned a corner, he spotted a familiar figure leaning against a graffiti-covered wall. It was Vex, the leader of the gang Garrick had joined a few weeks ago."Yo, Garrick! What's up, man?" Vex called out, his voice laced with a hint of excitement.Garrick shrugged, approaching Vex. "Just trying to stay dry, I guess."Vex chuckled. "You're always so gloomy, Garrick. Lighten up, man! We've got a score to settle tonight."Garrick raised an eyebrow. "What kind of score?"Vex grinned mischievously. "We're hitting a convenience store on 5th Street. Easy in, easy out. We'll make some quick cash and have some fun."Garrick hesitated, his mind racing with the risks. But Vex's enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself nodding along."Alright,
La beteOmega sat down in front of Kahn and bowed his head without looking Kahn in the eyes. It felt as if Omega was submitting himself and acknowledging Kahn as it's master. The next moment, Kahn felt a connection towards Omega as of the wolf was an extension of his own body and consciousness.“Do you understand what I'm saying?” Kahn asked Omega to check whether his guess was right.Omega nodded in response and stood back up.“Good. Now go and hunt something I could eat. Not too big and meat shouldn't be too hard to chew.” Kahn commanded Omega. Since je was under the weakened state, he barely had strength to walk and could not go to find something to eat.He thought about having something to eat first because he had no energy left in him and meat was the best source to regain strength.After Omega ran off towards the bushes and completely disappeared out of his sight, Kahn called to the system again.“System, can you help me create fire?” Kahn asked curiously.«What am I, your mothe
ServantKahn heard all the notifications inside his head. He already expected something like this to happen when he killed the red wolf and heard the Ding sound in his head.To his surprise, he not only learned how to activate War Dominance but he also broke through the current threshold of his capacity and already went past his limits to meet the conditions to unlock his War Deity Body. This means he will be twice stronger when he recovered his strength again.The first encounter Kahn had in Vantrea as soon as he entered was a life or death battle and he barely managed to survive. Who knew if eh we ended up dying here, would anyone ever know or care? He would die just a nameless death.. AGAIN.Kahn tried to focus his mind again on the notifications in his mind. There was no system panel or screen board for him to check these notifications in a list or scroll through them one by one. It was as if this system was part of his consciousness itself and somehow acted like his mind when he
BattleDerek's new body.. now Kahn.. was something he always dreamt of and wanted to have in his ideal standards of a physical body. He was six-feet and three-inches tall, normal white skin tone same as his previous life. He had an angled but somewhat wider jaw. His face was well proportioned and very handsome. He had bulging muscles and six pack abs. Unlike his previous life, this time his hair color was completely black and not brown. They were smooth, soft, and wavy. His hair was done from the right side from his perspective. They were long but not till his shoulder length long either. His eyes were black, unlike his former life where they were blue. It was not to stand out or being assumed as someone from a particular region because blue eyes were always most noticeable part of particular countries or regions. Black hair and eye color was very universal on the other hand.His built was very balanced. His upper body had wider shoulders and big arms, his chest was big enough to ali
The VoidIn the void of nothingness, where the flow of time itself didn't exist and not even a ray of light could be seen. This place was neither Heaven nor Hell. It was just an infinite space filled with absolute nothing as if the concept of life and death did not exist here.Suddenly, a crack in space appeared out of nowhere, it kept elongating at an extremely fast speed and in an instant, it stretched around ten kilometers and a gigantic figure sitting on a black stone throne which was no less than a size of a mountain itself emerged from the other side of the void.This figure was akin to the height of a couple of mountains, completely clad in majestic black clothes and had a hood on the head almost resembling the Grim Reaper itself. Its face could not be seen as if it didn't exist. It looked around for a moment and waved its right hand and created a space of its own, widening for a dozen kilometers and stabilizing itself like forming a gigantic barrier.An ancient voice, so deep
Suicide“A car accident!?” Derek yelled while rushing out of the door and looking for a cab.“We don't have any fucken car! What the hell happened!?” Derek yelled at the nurse.“I'm sorry, I'm not at liberty to say. The doctors will explain it..” Derek hung up on her. He had no time for useless babbling, only for a goddamn cab. Every second in the traffic was torture, and when he finally arrived, it was too late.The surgeon and a police officer explained to him that Carl had been run over by a drunk driver. The culprit had run off and the police was still looking for him.A bystander had immediately called 911, but because of the traffic jam caused by the accident, it took hours for the ambulance to arrive. So when Carl arrived at the hospital he was already in critical conditions. He had multiple fractures, ruptured spleen and internal bleeding, requiring immediately surgery. Derek had been called to while Carl was just entering the OR.They had done their best to save him, but Carl
I seek an endThe bullying ended, but his social life never stopped being miserable. How could he possibly make any friend with such a shameful private life?He had to constantly hide the bruises with long sleeves and had run out of plausible excuses for his streak of black eyes months before. His classmates and professors simply pretended to believe being that good of a liar. It was painful, but manageable. He still had his little brother to share that pain with. Carl was all he had, his family, friend and confidant. He was Derek's whole world.But when that age came, he started having crushes towards girls in his school, and those feelings weren't easily suppressed. Once again, he felt utterly helpless.He could not tell anyone about his problems, could not allow people to get close to him, otherwise he would have to think of an explanation for not being allowed to bring any friend home. Let alone a girl he liked.Derek was tormented by cruel thoughts, often demanding the heavens wh
Cheaters gameIn a palace with clouds as it's flooring and golden pillars, five beings sat on golden thrones looking at a giant screen. "You all are cheating. Zeus, I never thought you'd actually have a secret candidate!" Arkeus, Ren's Celestial god said in anger at Zeus."You think mine is bad? Just look at Orion!" Zeus retorted."Tsk! You're just sore that the only ability you gave to your candidate is a useless photographic memory. No system nor superpower. Are you so tightfisted?" Hades said."Well, since everyone is showing their cards. I still have one more candidate I hid. Hehehehe, this one will make you all shit in your pants." Hades continued*No matter if you are a pessimist or an an optimist, Derek Esposito's life wasn't a good one nor a bad one. It was just a mediocre insignificant existence.His father was a bipolar abusive man, capable of disappearing in his bedroom for days during the depressive phase. He would wake up only to eat, use the bathroom and the occasiona