Karmic System

[Karma System Activated!]

Athan was excited. He knew from the many novels he had read about "golden fingers" that this was his benefit as a reincarnator.

He understood that this was one of the things he could rely on in this world, but he wouldn't depend on it entirely. He had also read enough stories to know that not all systems were blessings—some were double-edged swords.

Taking a deep breath, Athan calmed his nerves. From the system's name, he deduced that it was related to karma. His understanding of karma was vague, but he knew it had something to do with one's actions returning to them in some form.

Athan had never been a deeply religious person, but he didn't consider himself bad either. He wasn't narcissistic, but he could confidently say that he had done more good than bad in his past life.

He had founded orphanages, built rural schools, ensured competitive wages for his employees—even at the cost of reducing his company's profit—planted trees, established animal sanctuaries, and funded scholarships. He had lost count of his good deeds. Of course, he wasn't a saint and had his own motives for doing these things, but he firmly believed that if he could help, he should. That was his principle: doing good where he could.

With growing anticipation, Athan browsed the Karma System. The interface appeared before him like a floating computer screen.

[User: Athan Silvernight][Age: 18][Alignment: Chaotic Good][Karmic Points: 3,678,953]

The first thing that caught Athan's attention was the high number of Karmic Points. He had no idea what that amount signified, but having more was surely better than having less.

Next, he noted his alignment. He recognized this from playing Dungeons & Dragons—Chaotic Good meant he pursued goodness, but without caring much for rules or order. That description fit him perfectly. His hands had been dirtied for what he believed was the greater good.

Then, he scrolled down to find a record of his karmic transactions.

[Karmic Points: 3,678,953][-1][+3,678,954]

Athan immediately understood the meaning of the huge numbers. This was the total karma he had accumulated in his past life. His eyebrow twitched at the negative point. When he thought about it, he recalled the boy who had fainted and was escorted out of the classroom earlier. He was beginning to understand how the system worked.

Finally, he arrived at the most intriguing part: the shop. His heartbeat quickened as he examined the wide array of things for sale. Everything listed was metaphysical—skills, talents, and abilities. There were options for learning how to play the piano, having a 300 IQ, and even acquiring the bloodline of a Golden Dragon.

The prices ranged from a single karmic point to a staggering one trillion. Out of curiosity, he checked the most expensive item.

[Truth - 1 Trillion Karmic Points]

Athan sighed, knowing that acquiring this was nearly impossible. In his entire past life, he had only accumulated a little over three million points. The thought of reaching one trillion was laughable.

Despite that, he felt exhilarated. The discovery of this system gave him confidence about his future in this unfamiliar world. He still lacked information about his circumstances, but with the Karma System, he felt prepared to handle whatever came his way.

Feeling as if a burden had been lifted from his chest, Athan whistled as he reorganized his desk. He made a mental note to bring a book and a pen tomorrow—he should at least pretend to be a student.

Meanwhile, the entire classroom was on edge.

There was not a single student at First Imperial High School who didn't know Athan Silvernight's name. Just hearing it was enough to send chills down their spines.

If Athan were merely a school bully, people could find ways to avoid him. Everyone at First Imperial High had connections, influence, and abilities, but none of that mattered in front of him.

At only 18 years old, he had already established a gang that controlled vast territories in the Imperial Capital. Rumors suggested that his influence extended far beyond, infiltrating industries in the underworld. But what truly terrified people wasn't his gang—it was his background.

His grandfather was the Prime Minister of the Imperial Planetary Alliance.His uncle was the interim mayor of the Imperial Capital.His father was the CEO of Silvernight Corporation, a company that had its hands in every corner of the world.And most of his relatives held high-ranking positions in government, business, and other influential sectors.

No one could understand why someone from such a powerful pedigree would stoop so low as to play in the criminal underworld.

But no one dared to question him.

Anyone who caught his attention could only pray for mercy.

Now, his classmates were filled with unease as they watched his every movement. His actions today made no sense, and that terrified them more than anything. Kenny had been sent to the infirmary for the eighth time this week—just from a single interaction with Athan. And now, their infamous classmate was laughing while staring into the air.

The students sat stiffly, their nerves stretched thin. The math lesson continued without further incident, and their teacher hurriedly assigned homework before making a quick exit, as if staying any longer would cost him his life.

Then, just as their anxiety began to settle, their homeroom teacher entered, bringing with her a girl in a different school uniform.

Every student turned their gaze toward the newcomer.

And what filled their eyes was not curiosity—but pity. Great pity.

Athan glanced up, mildly intrigued. The girl was wearing an unfamiliar uniform—a deep blue blazer with silver embroidery, unlike the maroon-and-gold attire worn by students of First Imperial High.

Her posture was rigid, and her long bangs partially covered her face. Though she seemed to be keeping her head down, Athan noticed her tense shoulders and clenched fists.

Before he could wonder why, their homeroom teacher spoke.

"Class, we have a transfer student joining us today. Please welcome Miss Elara Wintervale."

Elara barely lifted her head, her voice soft but steady. "Hello… I look forward to studying with you all."

A heavy silence filled the room. Nobody responded.

Athan noticed his classmates sneaking glances at him, their faces grim. Some looked like they wanted to help the girl, but fear kept them rooted to their seats.

'What's with this atmosphere?' Athan thought, tilting his head.

Then it clicked.

She had been assigned to his class.

Worse—there was only one available seat.

The empty seat… right next to him.

The homeroom teacher coughed lightly, shifting uncomfortably under the tension in the room. "Elara, you may take the seat beside Athan."

A visible shiver ran through her body. She hesitated for a moment, but after a deep breath, she forced her feet to move.

Every step she took felt like she was walking to her doom. The students watched with mournful expressions, some already whispering bets on how long she would last before she ended up in the infirmary like Kenny.

Elara finally reached the seat and slowly sat down. Her movements were stiff, her body practically screaming that she was ready to flee at any moment.

Athan raised an eyebrow. He was confident he had seen this trope before.