The sound of chalk scribbling against the blackboard was dull, like distant rain. Rei sat in his usual seat, second row from the back, notebook open but untouched. His fingers played with his pen, but his mind was somewhere else.
Orbiting that one voice.
"Child of Chaos… Your first step is done." Soon, you'll remember."
No response came from the system when he asked about it. Not this morning, not even now. It was quiet.
Too quiet.
He sighed softly. The class moved on around him. But he was still.
The bell rang.
As students shuffled out, Rei noticed more glances than usual. Not from malice—yet. Just… attention. Observation.
"Is that Kurohara?"
"Didn't he win some event yesterday?"
"He's kinda…"
"Popular" wasn't the word they dared to say. Not yet.
Outside the Classroom
The hallway buzzed with energy. Festival posters were up—bright, loud, decorated in chaotic glitter and tape.
SPORTS FESTIVAL:
5 DAYS TO GO! Sign-ups open now!
Rei passed a few students as they argued over team names and costumes. He would've slipped by unnoticed before. But now, someone stopped him.
"Yo, Kurohara! Are you joining the treasure hunt? Your brain would ace that!"
Rei opened his mouth to decline—but—
[Side Quest Activated: Outsmart Your Rivals in the Treasure Hunt]
Reward: +150 CC | +0.5 Intelligence
Bonus: Solve all riddles under 20 minutes
He shut his mouth.
"...Sure."
"Hey."
A voice, lower and colder, reached him.
He turned to find a boy with dyed-red hair leaning on a locker, arms crossed. His name was Jun Kirigawa, from Class 1-A. Popular. Athletic. Competitive.
"You've been getting a lot of attention lately."
Rei didn't respond.
Jun stepped forward. "Word is, you jumped from invisible to genius overnight. You win one race and suddenly you're some kind of prodigy?"
A small crowd gathered without meaning to. Whispers floated.
"Jun's pissed." "He's the best runner in the school. "Is he jealous?"
"I don't care about popularity," Rei said calmly. "But if you want to race during the festival… I'll be there."
Jun's eyes narrowed. Then, he smirked. "Don't cry when you lose."
[New Rivalry Registered: Jun Kirigawa]
Rival-Based Event Chain Unlocked: "Crownless Kings"
Trackable Stat: Popularity (Emerging)
Courtyard Bench – Later
Rei sat beneath the old cherry tree with his tablet open.
The Order of Chaos app showed his recent activity.
✔ $104 earned
✔ 5 clients served
✔ Business Toolkit upgraded
✔ Unique Passive: "Trusted Vendor" unlocked
He had cleared Phase 1 of the business quest within a single day.
That feeling…Of winning a fight with pure effort.
It lingered.
[New Quest Available – Build Business Reputation: Phase 2]
Earn 5 positive testimonials
Launch an identity for the Order of Chaos
Reward: +150 CC | Passive Skill: "Brand Aura
"Bonus: Impress at the Festival Booth Presentation
"You're making me into a CEO," he muttered.
[System Notification: Be grateful. I even made your logo.]
The screen popped open a sleek, minimal black design: a spinning crown made of data lines.
"...Okay, that's cool."
[You're welcome.]
Evening – Dorm Room
Rei sat at his desk, reviewing task requests. A girl from earlier had requested a booth poster design for the relay team.
He finished it in under an hour.
Sleek. Impactful. Designed to win.
[Task Complete]
+1 Intelligence | +1 Charm | +50 CC
Bonus Pending: Art Club Evaluation
He collapsed into bed, eyes burning.
But before sleep claimed him—
"Why do you still feel like him? "But not completely…"
His eyes snapped open. That voice again.
Closer.
More curious this time.
Not hostile… but searching.
Elsewhere – Faculty Office
A female teacher sat in silence, staring at the biometric profile of Rei Kurohara.
A red scan pulsed over the screen.
"Deviation Detected."
Cognitive pattern variance: 0.2% above baseline.
"Origin Data: Fragmented."
She leaned back slowly.
"…Something's off about that boy."
Meanwhile – Rooftop
Jun Kirigawa stared at the running track lit by campus floodlights.
He tapped his fingers against a clipboard—Festival roster entries.
Then, without hesitation, he ticked a box labeled:
[Mystery Duel Challenge — Public Event]
Opponent: Rei Kurohara
He smiled.
"Let's see what you're hiding."
The End - Chapter 9
Chaos Crown System – Status Panel
Name: Rei KuroharaCurrent CC Balance: 1,855 → 2,105Evolution Progress: 13.8% → 15.1%
Stat Total Notes
Strength 5.3 Through physical tasks
Agility 4.4 Running, court trials
Endurance 4.5 Morning training sessions
Intelligence 15.2 Business + tutoring + art
Charm 30.025 earned + 5 base
Willpower 5.5 Natural baseline
Business Sense Tier 1 → Tier 1.5 "Trusted Vendor" unlocked