First Trial

CHAPTER 26

[You have accepted the quest: Let's Get Stronger]

[A new linked quest will appear]

Vincent leaned on his palm, staring blankly as the lesson droned on. He wasn't sure if he had made the right call.

'Maybe losing two cards wouldn't have been that bad…'

He frowned.

'On the other hand, that guy really looks like a lot to deal with.'

With a quiet sigh, he let his hand fall and rested his face on the table.

The entire class—especially the girls—kept sneaking glances at him. The boys? Their bloodlust was almost palpable.

It was suffocating. Vincent wanted nothing more than for the bell to ring and for everyone to just leave already.

It was the last period of the day, and he had been enduring these unwelcoming stares since lunch break.

Another sigh escaped him. He closed his eyes, trying to sleep—trying to forget the weight of their gazes.

But then, the system's voice rang in his ears.

His head snapped up, eyes widening as a translucent tab flickered into view.

[First Trial Quest has been activated]

"What? What's going on? Why did a trial quest suddenly activate?"

His gaze darted to his left—Levi's seat was empty.

His instincts flared. Without wasting a second, he shot up from his seat and bolted out of the classroom.

'Class D, Class D, Class D…'

Thanks to the information Levi had shared earlier that morning, he knew exactly where to go. He just had to make sure he didn't mix them up.

The moment Vincent reached Class D, he turned the corner sharply and barged into the room.

There, in the center of the commotion, stood a buzz-cut boy with freckles on his cheeks. His legs shook, his fists trembled, yet his eyes—though terrified—were locked onto the towering figure before him.

[Trial Information has been updated]

[Side Quest: First Trial – Confronting Courage]

Description: Kasem Punchit has always been a weakling—timid, powerless, and lacking the courage to stand up for himself. However, after witnessing your unwavering bravery yesterday, despite knowing you would lose, he found something stir within him. Now, he wants to change. He wants to fight back, even if it means losing. But words are easier than actions. Can he truly take that step?

Objective: Kasem must land a single hit on his opponent.

Vincent exhaled slowly.

"Just as I thought… I can't interfere."

He stopped at the doorway, observing the scene unfold.

A tall, bald boy had Kasem by the collar, nearly lifting him off the ground, his grip tightening as he bared his teeth.

"Huh? What did you just say, you little twat?"

Kasem swallowed hard, his lips quivering. But then, somehow, he forced the words out.

"I—I—I s‐s—said… I w—won't listen anymore. I won't do it!"

The tall boy's eyes darkened. He let out a scoff, raising his chin.

"You must've mustered some guts to say that to me." He sneered. "But I know who you are. A pathetic little coward. You can't do anything—probably gonna run home and cry to your mommy."

His smirk widened.

"Fool, you know we've got Daniel backing us now. Even if your m—"

"Don't listen to him!"

A voice cut through the classroom like a blade.

Everyone turned to the entrance.

Kasem's eyes widened.

"What is he doing here?" His breath paused.

A sharp pang of regret hit him. Vincent had seen him like this—weak, afraid, incapable. Compared to Vincent's defiance the day before, he felt pathetic.

His gaze dropped.

Vincent recognized that look instantly.

"No!" he called out firmly.

Kasem's head lifted.

Vincent strode into the classroom, his voice unwavering.

"Remember, one punch. That's all it takes. I believe in you. Just like I broke free, you can too." He stopped in front of him. "You can take that one step toward freedom, Kasem."

A flame sparked in Kasem's chest.

Vincent's words—his conviction—they resonated deep within him.

His frown tightened. In one swift motion, he grabbed his opponent's wrist, locking eyes with a gaze filled with something new.

Determination.

The bald boy hesitated.

"Shit. That look… It actually scared me for a second."

His expression twisted into anger.

He clenched his fist and swung.

The punch snapped Kasem's head back—but he stopped midway. His brown eyes ignited with fierce resolve.

With a sharp inhale, he clenched his own fist and threw it.

A solid punch landed clean against his opponent's face.

A dull thud.

The bald boy's head jerked to the side.

He spat out, his frown deepening.

"Damn… this bastard actually packs a punch."

Kasem stared at his trembling fist in disbelief.

"I… I did it. I landed a punch."

It wasn't victory.

But it was freedom.

Kasem had fought for himself. For his choice. His resolve.

A grin stretched across his face.

"Damn… that felt good."

His opponent's expression darkened.

"Oh, so you land one hit and suddenly you think you're on top of the world?"

Kasem looked at him, grin widening.

"I don't know why," he said, his voice lower, almost amused. "But I feel like I can take on anything."

In just two seconds, Kasem had transformed.

And his opponent—he felt it. The shift in presence. The change in momentum.

He was hesitating.

He wouldn't admit it, but he was.

A small flicker of fear crept into his gut, but he masked it with bravado. He couldn't afford to disgrace himself in front of the class.

His gaze flickered to the side.

Vincent stood there. Watching.

That was his guarantee of defeat.

Rumors had spread—Vincent had taken down Roger and Ferd.

Yeah… this isn't worth it.

His stance relaxed. He scoffed and shot Kasem a glare.

"This isn't over. We're in the same class, after all." His tone was sharp, filled with quiet menace.

Then, with one final glare at Vincent, he turned and walked out.