THE HELLISH SYSTEM

Chapter ten

Frontale University bubbling with the news of how I had beaten the most ruthless tugs inside the university ground.

The fame was new to me. I haven't had so many people give me so much attention after what Selena did to me.

" Is that him?"

" The kid who single handedly beat up Aiden and Ethan Gray."

" Do you think he was lucky?"

" Lucky? Why don't you try and see how lucky you can get when you are up close against someone like Ethan and Aiden."

The university was in a frenzy mode.

While some talked about me being a good fighter, others who were friends with Frank Carter said I was just lucky.

If I was lucky then I don't want my luck to run out. Some said I was a freak. They even had the audacity to say it to my face.

" Do you think that is normal?"

" Don't you see the way he charges at Ethan and Aiden? Does that look normal to you?"

" Well, if you ask me then I would say he is done freak. He should be kicked out of the school premises."

I walked past them and they stopped talking. The thought of the system approaching me was all I could think about. After all, I was done with the task.

I had not only humiliated Ethan and Aiden but I had managed to put them in their place.

The more I look around the school ground, the more I see faces staring, gazing at me.

And of course, Track Stewart was there to remind me that we had a deal which was to nibble Frank in the mud.

She had told me the deal was absolutely just about making a perfect scene at the school and I was going to keep to that but then she did something that made me think otherwise.

I was near my locker when I heard the sound off heels walking into the school hallway.

The fragrance was pleasing and at the same time alluring that I began to wonder who it was.

My eyes clash with hers and before I know what was going on, her lips were pressed against mine.

" Did you see that?"

" I told you there were dating but you chose to believe that it was fake!"

" I knew it. He must have lied about who he really was. Maybe his parents are new money. Right?" One of the students said staring at the other.

Frontale University was all about the name, riches, fame and of course accomplishment.

" New money?"

" What does that even mean?" Another student said looking at Jaundice whose father was the police commissioner of the country.

" You have heard about them?" She paused staring at me and Tracy.

" They are people who got their money from sudden fame or wealth—lotteries, business booms, criminal enterprises. You name it.” Jaundice scoffed, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

" Are you saying his family must have gotten their money from that source?" Another student asked

" What do you think?" Jaundice replied ..

" Then I think Selena is a fool for leaving him to go after someone like Frank Carter."

" Maybe she didn't knew. Maybe he hid the fact that he was rich from her."

Alot of murmur and whispers filled the hallway as I was able to steal the spotlight yet again. That feeling of having everyone look at you, worship the air you breath him and even the ground you walked upon was quite intriguing and I can lie, online every bit of it.

Tracy's lips lingered against mine for just a second longer than necessary. When she finally pulled away, her smirk said more than any words could. It was all part of her game, and I was starting to suspect I wasn’t the only pawn she was moving around the board.

“You sure know how to draw attention,” I muttered, trying to catch my breath and make sense of what had just happened.

“That was the point, You were hot when you took down Aiden and Ethan. Keep that up and we might see Frank Carter's world crumble right before us." she whispered, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, then turning to strut away like nothing happened.

The whispers didn’t stop. They only got louder. Some cheered. Some hated. But one thing was clear—I had become the center of the university’s most talked-about scandal overnight.

“Hey!” A voice barked behind me.

I turned. Frank Carter.

His shirt was unbuttoned, tie swinging wildly, fists clenched at his sides. His eyes were burning with fury. “You think you’re clever, huh? Beating up my guys and kissing my girl like this is some kind of movie?”

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t need to. My silence made him angrier.

“I’m not Aiden. I’m not Ethan,” he growled, stepping closer. “You won’t walk away from this without crawling.”

“I don’t plan to crawl,” I replied, locking eyes with him. “Not now. Not ever.”

Before Frank could swing, someone stepped between us. Professor Hamden. His voice was sharp. “Save it for the ring. You boys want to tear each other apart? Sign up for the underground trials. Otherwise, get out of my hallway.”

Frank backed off, but not before spitting at the ground near my feet. “See you in the ring, freak.”

As he walked away, Tracy gave me a look—half proud, half guilty. I was starting to wonder what her endgame was.

And then… ding.

[System Task Complete.]

[ Reward: +15 Strength | +10 Agility | Skill Unlocked: Healing portion (Lv. 1) ]

A chill ran down my spine as the text blinked in front of my eyes. The system wasn’t done with me.

Not even close.

But as I stared at Tracy, at Frank walking away, and the rest of the students buzzing like bees with gossip—I knew one thing for sure.

This was only the beginning.

And the next task? I could not help but wonder what it was going to be. My bank account ringed and my face went pale