I stared at the glowing blue screen floating in front of me like it owed me money.
[System Points: 125]
[Crimson Thread – Passive Unlock: 200 Points]
Still not enough.
Not yet.
But close.
Too close to be humble.
I stepped through the gilded archway into the System Training Chamber — a private pocket dimension granted to nobility for "self-discovery" and "power development" and, more realistically, "screaming into the void where no one can hear you fail."
The room adjusted to my mood.
Dark marble walls. A soft wind circling me. Reflections of myself flickering in mirrored steel.
I held out my palm.
Focused.
Tried to make something — anything — dramatic happen.
A puff of air.
A twitch of blood.
Still useless.
"System," I muttered. "What's the current grind strategy?"
[You are one humiliation, one cheap trick, or one reckless performance away from greatness. Suggestion: Engage in an upcoming Academy event. Public battles = maximum attention = maximum rewards.]
"…You really do get me."
Announcement Crystal – That Afternoon
The moment the floating gem began to buzz, the entire common hall went silent.
A professor's voice echoed out.
"Attention all first-years. In two days' time, the Ascension Academy will host its Interdisciplinary Sparring Exhibition. Students from all Paths — Arcane, Combat, Support — will be paired randomly to duel. Performance will affect class rankings and faction standing."
"Participation is mandatory."
Students groaned. Some cheered. Most looked mildly terrified.
I grinned.
System Notification: Event Triggered – [Exhibition of Ascension]
New Quest Available: "Make the Crowd Boo Someone Else"
Primary Objective: Don't lose like a chump
Bonus: Humiliate a top-10 ranked student
Reward: +100 System Points | Crowd Fame Bonus
"Finally," I whispered. "A chance to weaponize pettiness."
Later – Academy Courtyard
I was halfway through my third dramatically slow lap around the garden fountain when a voice called out.
"Duskblood."
I turned. Slowly. Like a man being paid for dramatic tension.
It was Camden Vale.
Still smug. Still noble. Still looked like someone who ironed his emotions every morning.
He crossed his arms. "I hear you're participating in the Exhibition."
I smiled. "Mandatory, unfortunately. I was planning on a day of monologuing."
He ignored it. "Just a warning. You'll be paired against stronger opponents. This time, sand tricks won't save you."
Villainy +1. Smug Rival Detected.
"Oh, Camden." I clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Don't be jealous just because my dust made headlines and your air snake made nobody blink."
He tensed.
System Notification: Rivalry Progression – Camden Vale now considers you a personal obstacle. Rewards possible if publicly embarrassed.
I will cherish this.
Dorm Room – Midnight
Finally. Alone.
Just me, my terrible stats, and a glowing interface that whispered ruin.
System Points: 125
New Side Quests Available:
"Borrow Training Dummy. Don't Return It." (+25 Points)
"Sabotage a Sparring Weapon (Minorly)." (+20 Points)
"Get Caught Looking Cool in Front of Three Instructors." (+30 Points)
I smirked.
Time to earn my upgrade like a true young master — through pettiness, pageantry, and perfectly legal mischief.
Two Hours and a Few Ethical Grey Areas Later…
System Points: +75
Total: 200
[Purchase Confirmed: Crimson Thread – Passive Unlock]
Ability Upgraded: You may now form blood-based threads through skin contact. Threads are invisible unless triggered. Can be used for disruption, subtle manipulation, or just creeping people out.
Warning: Continued use may cause fatigue, dizziness, or nosebleeds. Do not use while operating heavy machinery.
I laughed.
"Perfect."
The Next Day – Arena Prep Grounds
The practice arena buzzed with students preparing for the Exhibition. Instructors watched from high balconies. Magical flags flapped overhead.
And from the corner of the courtyard?
Elaris stood silently, arms crossed, watching the chaos.
I sauntered over.
"You're not nervous?"
She shook her head. "I don't lose."
Simple. Direct. Terrifying.
I gestured to the crowd. "Well, I'm not here to win. I'm here to... disappoint expectations and ruin someone's semester."
She looked at me for a long moment.
Then — for the first time — a very faint smile curved her lips.
System Notification: Elaris – Interest Level Raised → "Mild Amusement"
New Flag Unlocked: "Potential Future Ally or Extremely Dangerous Fan"
Final Scene – Academy Broadcast Tower
That night, as the sun dipped below the cloudline, I stood atop the broadcast spire, watching the dueling stages take shape for the next day's event.
Lights flickered across the floating rings.
Fire mages tested blasts.
Earth users summoned walls.
Air flickered in the sky like invisible wires waiting to snap.
I ran a hand through my hair and smirked at my reflection in the glass.
"Weak? Yes."
"Unqualified? Obviously."
"Going to ruin everything? Without a doubt."
Let the Exhibition come.
I had threads.
I had flair.
And I had just enough villain energy to ruin a protagonist's week.