A Rat-Dragon System

WAS THIS REAL?

As I walked out of the building, everything felt unreal. One minute, my pet had been tiny and fragile, and the next, it was soaring above the ground with wings.

I bent down slightly, my gaze fixed on the small creature perched on my shoulder. “You just saved us back there… what are you?” I whispered. It let out a soft, squeaky sound and nudged against me, jumping lightly on my shoulder as if it was proud of itself.

We had won the match, but victory didn’t change the fact that I was still broke. My stomach rumbled, and I glanced at my wrist—no timer, no system alert. That was a relief. Maybe now I could focus on something practical: finding a job and a way to feed myself.

Then, a system message popped up.

[ System Message ]

[ Cash Prize Unlocked Due to Special Death Delivery ]

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. I glanced at my pet, who perched calmly on my shoulder, its tiny wings folding neatly behind it. I stopped walking, my heart pounding as I anticipated the amount.

[ System Cash Prize: £2,000 ]

My phone beeped instantly, displaying the alert. It was more than enough to buy a decent meal—and even one or two upgrade kits for my pet. I couldn’t help it; I jumped into the air, racing down the path toward the street, a rare rush of joy coursing through me.

The day passed quickly, especially when you have little to worry about. I had enough to eat for a week, and my pet was developing beautifully, all thanks to the upgrade points I had bought. I grabbed my phone later and froze. The fight scene was trending everywhere online.

I scrolled through the comments and couldn’t help smiling as I sank back into my small, familiar bed. Maybe Jack would finally learn to respect me… maybe even know his place. My thoughts drifted to my father.

Was he seeing this too?

I hope so. With a sigh, I shut my phone. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would be about keeping my head down. I knew trying to parade myself as high and mighty could get us both killed.

Back at school, the moment I stepped into the hallway, whispers followed me.

“Wait! Is that Dennis?”

One of them shouted staring at his phone.

“He’s the only one with the rat system!”

“How did he…?”

I walked past them as if nothing had changed, still the boy everyone looked down on. Staying calm was my only chance of avoiding trouble, but I didn’t count on it lasting long.

As I reached my locker, I felt it—the presence of Jack’s pet. His system was unlike anything in the school. No one had ever awakened a lion-pet before. I wondered how he had done it. This was supposed to be my moment, but instead, fate had chosen him.

Jack’s loud clap echoed through the hallway, and everyone froze. “Wow!” he exclaimed, striding toward me and wrapping his arms around me in mock camaraderie.

“I can’t believe your rat did that to a giant beetle. What the hell?”

Selena laughed quietly, hand covering her mouth. I had learned not to talk back after the last blow Jack gave me, but surprisingly, I wasn’t scared today. In fact, I felt like challenging him—maybe even taking some points from him.

Jack noticed the look in my eyes and laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to pick a fight?”

“Is he nuts?!” someone whispered. “But his rat just killed a beetle… who says it can’t kill a lion?”

Jack turned to the boy who spoke, his gaze sharp. “Why don’t you say that again, Freddy, and let’s see if your hare can run faster before my lion tears him limb from limb.”

Freddy immediately went silent, his eyes returning to me.

“Are you challenging me?” Jack asked, his voice low.

The hallway went silent, all eyes on us. Students waited, holding their breath, anticipating what would happen next.

“Get back to class!” a loud voice commanded. An educator strode toward us, and the crowd dispersed, each student returning to their own business.

Jack lingered, eyes fixed on me. “You can’t hide forever. I’m going to kill that thing you call a pet.”

He finally walked away, leaving me to exhale heavily, chest pressed against the cold metal of my locker. I looked up and saw her—staring.

Watching.

Ivy Henderson, another student with a powerful system, unlike anything most had seen.

She gave me a brief glance before turning and walking away.

I grabbed my books and headed to class, realizing how difficult life was becoming.

Balancing school and my pet-system was harder than I’d imagined.

The bell rang, echoing through the halls. Students poured out of classrooms, murmuring about the unexpected emergency assembly. I made my way to the assembly grounds, where the principal stood beaming.

“C’mon! Line up!” he yelled, and one by one, we formed a straight line in front of him.

" I have got a greet news for you all!" he said grabbing the microphone with excitement.

“The Mu Xiang has decided to host a tournament unlike anything this city has ever seen. The winner will walk away with a huge cash prize and a gold-level upgrade—a rare and powerful reward,” he announced.

Students gasped, whispering excitedly.

“But there’s a catch!” he continued. “Only those at Level 9 are eligible. If your pet is not Level 9, you cannot participate. Quick tournaments will be held in school to boost morale and gather points, or you can purchase upgrades at the market. But why wait? Test your might now—show us you’re ready. Who will sign up first?”

The students went silent, some hesitant, some protective of their pets. My hand rose slightly.

“I will fight!” I said, my voice ringing loud and clear.