A Rat-Dragon System

BULLIED

Have you ever wished everything was just a dream… one you needed to wake up from?

I have.

Because just a few months ago, I had everything.

Money, respect. A name that opened doors without effort.

But now?

Now I was lying on a thin, creaking bed inside a cramped cubicle that barely deserved to be called a room.

The ceiling above me was stained, cracked in places, like it had given up on life just like I had.

I let out a slow yawn, stretching lazily, my body heavy from exhaustion.

BANG!

The door slammed open so violently it bounced against the wall.

I jolted upright instantly, my heart racing as my sleepy eyes snapped toward the entrance.

A man stood there. He was short and thick.

A pot belly pushing against his worn shirt with sweat glistening on his forehead.

His face twisted with irritation, lips curled in disgust as his eyes locked onto me.

“Where is my rent for two months?!” he barked, his voice loud enough to shake the walls.

I blinked, still half awake.

“Rent…?” I repeated, my brows knitting together in confusion.

What the hell was he talking about?

A sharp pain throbbed in my head as I pushed myself up, running a hand through my messy hair.

“Are you deaf?” he snapped, stepping further inside without permission. “Where is that woman? Huh? Or are you both hiding from me now?!”

I frowned, irritation flashing across my face.

“Can you stop yelling?” I said, my voice was low but edgy. “How much is she owing you?”

The words slipped out before I could stop myself.

The man paused. Then slowly—A smile spread across his face. Not a kind one.

A calculating one. His eyes scanned me from head to toe like I was some item on display.

“Well,” he said, his tone changing completely, “I guess you’re paying for her then.”

My eyebrows lifted slightly. “What?”

Before I could react, he stepped closer—too close—and grabbed my wrist.

My eyes widened.

My Rolex.

The watch my father gave me on my thirteenth birthday.

“Hey—!”

But it was already off.

He held it up, inspecting it, his grin widening.

“This should cover at least a year’s rent,” he said casually, slipping it into his pocket like it meant nothing.

My chest tightened.

“That’s not yours,” I said, my voice dropping, my fists clenching at my sides.

He laughed. “You can keep staying here as long as you want,” he added, turning toward the door.

Then—

He slammed it shut. The sound echoed and just like that he was gone.

The room went silent except for my hard breathing. I stood there, unmoving.

My wrist felt… empty.

Slowly, my hand rose, fingers brushing against the bare skin where the watch used to be.

My jaw tightened.

“…Damn it.”

I grabbed my phone and rushed into the bathroom.

The place was worse than I ever thought it would be.

Cracked tiles.

A broken shower hanging uselessly from the wall.

I stared at it for a moment before letting out a quiet scoff.

“Of course…”

I grabbed a bucket instead.

By the time I was done, frustration was already sitting heavy in my chest.

I threw on my clothes quickly. They were wrinkled and unkept but I didn't care.

I needed to get to school.That is my life now.Or maybe…My curse.

“The system…” I muttered under my breath.

A soft movement caught my attention.

My rat slipped neatly into my pocket, its small body warmed against my side.

I exhaled slowly. “Yeah… I know,” I whispered.

One hour later. My legs felt heavy. Each step dragged slightly as I walked down the long road leading to school.

I could have taken the shuttle but I was broke.

Completely. I had even sold my sneakers to some rich kids just to get money.

Money I needed for one thing—My system upgrade.

My fingers brushed lightly against my wrist. Time was running out.

I swallowed.

“I can’t fail…” I murmured.

If I didn’t upgrade my pet—

It would weaken.

And I didn’t know what that meant for me.

My clothes clung slightly to my skin, damp from sweat as I finally reached the school gate.

“You’re late.”

The voice came from behind me.

I didn’t need to turn.

I already knew.

Dan.

I closed my eyes briefly before exhaling and turning around.

He stood there with a smug grin, arms crossed, his posture relaxed like he owned the place.

A prefect badge sat proudly on his chest.

“Didn’t your pet system wake you up?” he mocked, tilting his head slightly.

My lips pressed into a thin line.

I said nothing.

His grin widened.

“You’re scrubbing toilets today, rich boy,” he added, stepping closer. “Follow me.”

Rich boy.

The irony almost made me laugh.

Instead, I lowered my gaze slightly and followed.

As we walked, I could feel it.

Eyes.

Everywhere.

Students whispering.

Pointing.

Watching.

Like I was some criminal being paraded to execution.

My fists tightened slightly. Then—My mind drifted.

Selena.

Her message.

“Stay away from me.”

My chest tightened again.

But I tried to forget all about it.

I had no time for that.

Not now.

We were nearing the restroom when suddenly—Three students rushed past us.

Fast.

Excited.

“What the hell is going on?” Dan asked, his expression shifting instantly.

“Jack is proposing to her!” one of them shouted without stopping.

Dan’s eyes lit up.

“Oh, I’m not missing that.”

And just like that—

He ran off.

Forgetting me completely. I stood there for a moment.

Then—Without thinking—I followed.

My steps were slower.

Like something inside me already knew what I was about to see.

The field was crowded.

Students gathered in a circle. Phones were out.Whispers spreading like wildfire.

I pushed through slightly—Then I saw them.

Jack was on one knee and Selena.was there standing before him, holding a bouquet.

My heart stopped.

“Be my girlfriend,” Jack said confidently.

The words hit me like a punch.

For a moment—Everything went silent. Then—Selena’s eyes shifted. She saw me. Our gazes locked. And in that moment—

There was no softness.

No hesitation.

Only coldness and hatred.

She turned away.

“…Yes,” she said.

The crowd erupted into cheers,laughter and applause.

Then—They kissed.

Right in front of me.

My chest tightened painfully.

I remembered her words.

Her promises.

“I’ll stay with you no matter what.”

I let out a quiet breath.

“…Lies.”

A laugh broke through the noise.

Jack.

His eyes found mine instantly.

“Looks like rat-pet is finally learning his place,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery.

Laughter spread around him.

He stood up slowly, still holding Selena’s hand, and walked toward me.

“So,” he said, stopping right in front of me, his eyes scanning me, “how do you plan to upgrade your pet when you’re this broke?”

My heart skipped.

Instinctively, I glanced at my wrist.

Fifteen hours left.

I quickly pulled my sleeve down.

“And why is that your business?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

Jack’s smile faded. “That does it.” His fist moved fast.

BAM!

Pain exploded across my face as I was sent crashing to the ground.

Gasps echoed around us.

My ears rang.

My vision blurred.

I tried to push myself up—

But I froze.

His lion pet stood behind him.

Massive.

Terrifying.

Watching me.

Waiting.

I clenched my fists.

I couldn’t fight.

Jack crouched slowly, his face inches from mine.

I could smell his breath.

See the amusement in his eyes.

“Grow your weak rat-pet,” he whispered. “And when you do…”

His lips curled into a cruel smile. “I’ll be there to kill it.”

My heart skipped.

“I heard system users feel their pet’s pain,” he added softly. “Maybe you’ll feel more than pain.”

Before I could react—

STOMP!

My head slammed against the ground. Darkness swallowed me whole.

[ Two hours later. ]

Pain.

That was the first thing I felt. My eyes opened slowly, my vision was hazy.

I groaned, pushing myself up slightly. My face throbbed and my body ached.

I looked around. Everywhere was silent and empty.

Then, my eyes widened.

My bag. It was gone. Probably stolen. My breath quickened.

“No… no, no…” My hands moved quickly, checking for my sneakers which was equally gone too.

The last thing I had to sell. My chest tightened painfully.

I looked at my wrist.I was just having six hours left. My heart started pounding violently.

I turned slightly to see my pet lay weakly nearby.

Barely moving.

“…Hey,” I whispered, my voice shaking slightly but no reply. Fear crept in.

Then, a paper slid near me. I picked it up slowly.

A flyer.

My eyes scanned it. AnUnderground fight pit. For all pet system users.

Money can be earned and Upgrade points.

My grip tightened. I looked at my pet again. Then at the timer.

Then back at the flyer.

My jaw clenched. “…I don’t have a choice.”

Slowly, I pushed myself to my feet. My body protested but I ignored it.

“I’m not going to class,” I muttered. My eyes hardened. “I’m going to the pit.”

Because if I didn’t I’d lose everything.

Again.

And this time, I might not survive it.