Chapter 7: Genius
Author: June girl
last update2025-01-20 15:10:39

Gavin’s morning began with anger brewing in his chest as he pulled into the school parking lot, his sleek bike catching the attention of a few students who turned to look at him.

He didn’t care about their stares. His focus zeroed in on Austin, standing by the school steps, his face was bruised and swollen from yesterday’s attack .

To Gavin’s surprise, Austin avoided making eye contact and didn’t utter a single word as Gavin approached. Instead of his usual taunts or smug attitude, Austin simply walked away, blending into the crowd.

Gavin attention shifted from Austin when he spotted Angela walking down the hallway.

“Angela!” Gavin called out, catching up to her in the bustling hallway.

She turned, her smile fading into a frown. “What do you want, Gavin?”

“Why did you post that video of me?” Gavin demanded, in an angered tone.

Angela’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she let out a laugh. “I did what I felt like doing, Gavin. Don’t question me.”

“Take it down,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Angela smirked. “Pass.”

As a group of students walked by, one of them laughed, pointing at Gavin. “Hey, isn’t that the guy from the crying video?”

Gavin’s blood boiled. His anger bubbled to the surface as he turned back to Angela. “If you don’t take that video down, you’re going to regret it.”

Angela crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, really? This is payback for humiliating me yesterday. You think I’m done? There’s going to be more embarrassing videos. Remember that pathetic video you sent me last year? Begging me to take you back?”

Gavin froze, the memory hitting him like a freight train. He had been desperate back then, recording himself in tears after Angela dumped him. She had returned from a summer trip to the Bahamas, talking non-stop about a guy she met there—Fernando. Jealousy had consumed him, and their argument ended with Angela asking for space. Gavin, consumed by regret, had poured his heart into a series of videos begging her to reconsider.

‘Never again would he do that,’ Gavin thought.

He snapped back to the present, staring Angela down. “Take. The. Video. Down.”

Angela rolled her eyes. “And if I don’t?”

A sly smile crept onto Gavin’s face. “Then I’ll post the pictures you sent to your ex on the school group.”

Angela’s eyes widened, the confidence draining from her face. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me.”

Her voice rose in anger. “I can’t believe you kept those pictures? You’re a pervert!”

Just then, Austin passed by, and Angela called out to him. “Austin! Get over here!”

Austin stopped, his bruised face twisting in annoyance. “What is it, Angela?”

“What happened to you face!” Angela asked and before Austin could reply she spoke up.

“I need you teach Gavin a lesson he’s threatening me.”

Austin avoided her gaze. “Do what he says, Angela. I’m late for class.”

Angela’s jaw dropped in shock as Austin walked away.

The bell rang, and Gavin smirked.

“Five minutes,” he said before heading to his own class.

***

Gavin walked into Mr. Matthew’s classroom a minute late.

“You’re late, Gavin,” Mr. Matthew said, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s just one minute,” Gavin replied, sliding into his seat.

As he sat, Ethan, the school quarterback and one of Austin’s close friends, stuck his leg out. Gavin tripped, stumbling forward and landing on the floor. The class erupted in laughter.

“Settle down, everyone,” Mr. Matthew ordered as Gavin got up, shooting Ethan a glare. His fists itched to activate his fighting skills, but he held back.

Once the class quieted, Mr. Matthew made an announcement. “Today, we’re having a pop quiz.”

The room filled with groans.

“It’ll be on last class’s topic,” Mr. Matthew continued, ignoring the complaints.

As the quiz began, Gavin’s attention drifted to his phone, checking to see if Angela had removed the video. His heart raced as he refreshed the page. Finally, the video was gone. Angela had complied.

Mr. Matthew adjusted his glasses, his gaze fixed on Gavin. “Since you seem more interested in your phone than this class, Gavin, why don’t you enlighten us? Tell me: what are the layers of the Earth and their primary functions?”

The room fell silent, all eyes shifting to Gavin.

Gavin stood slowly, his palms sweating.

“Uh…” he started, his mind a complete blank.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Don’t hurt yourself thinking too hard, Gavin,” he said, drawing chuckles from a few classmates.

Mr. Matthew frowned. “Settle down, everyone. Gavin, I’m waiting.”

Gavin’s throat went dry. His mouth opened and closed as he stammered, “The layers of the Earth are… uh…”

Then, the voice came.

Revenge System: User in distress.]

[Activating academic mode.]

[Downloading…1…2…3…4…5…6.]

[Academic mode successfully loaded.]

A sharp, throbbing sensation filled Gavin’s head, but it wasn’t painful. It was like a floodgate opening, pouring knowledge into his mind. His hand instinctively went to his temple.

“What’s wrong, Gavin?” Ethan teased. “Covering your face in shame?”

Mr. Matthew sighed. “Gavin, sit down if you don’t know the answer.”

“No,” Gavin said, lowering his hand. “I know the answer.”

“The Earth is composed of four main layers. The crust, which is the outermost layer, supports life and includes the continents and ocean floors. Below that is the mantle, a layer of hot, semi-solid rock where convection currents drive plate tectonics. The outer core, made of liquid iron and nickel, generates Earth’s magnetic field. Finally, the inner core is a solid sphere composed mostly of iron, which is incredibly dense and under immense pressure.” Gavin said. He was surprised by his own words.

The classroom went silent. Mr. Matthew looked stunned.

“That… is correct,” he said in a surprised tone.

Gavin smirked, glancing at Ethan. “Was that clear enough for you, Ethan, or should I dumb it down?”

Ethan sat up, his face turning red. “Who are you calling dumb? I can assure you that I’m way smarter than you will ever be.”

“Enough, Ethan,” Mr. Matthew said sharply. “If you’re so sure of yourself, let’s see if you can answer the next question. What is the process responsible for the movement of tectonic plates?”

Ethan’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. His face twisted in frustration as he struggled to find an answer.

“Convection currents in the mantle,” Gavin said smoothly, cutting in. “The heat from the core causes the mantle’s material to rise and cool, creating currents that move the plates above them.”

Mr. Matthew nodded, a small smile forming. “Excellent, Gavin. You’ve done your homework.”

Ethan slammed his hand on his desk. “This is rigged!”

Gavin turned, locking eyes with him. “You’re just upset because you can’t keep up.”

“Enough!” Mr. Matthew raised his voice, silencing the room. “There will be no fighting in my class. Ethan, if you’re struggling, I suggest you review the material after school. Gavin, well done. Please take your seat.”

Gavin sat down, a smug grin on his face. Ethan glared at him but said nothing.

As Mr. Matthew continued the quiz, and Gavin kept answering question after question.

When Ethan tried again he failed , and Gavin confidently answered them all, humiliating Ethan.

When the bell rang, Mr. Matthew smiled. “Impressive work today, Gavin. Keep it up.”

As Gavin left the classroom, Ethan followed, glaring at him. “You think you’re smart, huh?” Ethan growled.

Gavin ignored him, heading toward his next class.

By lunchtime, Gavin grabbed his tray and searched for a vacant table. Normally, he would eat with Angela, but after what she has done. He was on his own now.

Just as he sat down, he heard his name. He turned, only to have a carton of milk dumped on his head, followed by a tray of food slammed onto him.

Laughter erupted around Gavin, followed by it was a sound a familiar voice.

“That’s for earlier, genius.”

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