12

Naoto stood in front of the principal's door, deep in thought.

"Clearly that dog Akihiro must have complained to the principal since I haven't heard a mission completion notification. Good thing I came prepared."

Naoto opened the door and entered the room. As expected, Akihiro was there standing in front of the principal seated at his desk. The principal was a stout man wearing glasses, almost bald except for a few hairs on his head.

"Can you tell me why you two are in conflict?" the principal asked in a serious tone.

"He kept hurting me and bullying me just because I'm a good kid," Akihiro said with a sad, pitiful look.

"And how do you defend yourself, Naoto?" the principal looked at Naoto, who just smiled.

The room filled with applause. Naoto was warmly clapping with a smile on his face.

"What a great act! Akihiro, don't twist the facts with nonsense."

"Then what are the facts?" the principal replied, suspicion on his face.

"Akihiro assaulted many students and stole their money. Anyone who refused got beaten."

"Lies!" Akihiro shouted.

"If what you said was true, why hasn't anyone reported you? Where's the proof?"

Naoto raised his arms and shook his head.

"Simple—intimidate them and no one dares to."

"My face is proof you hurt me."

Naoto pulled out his phone and showed the principal a video where Akihiro could be seen attacking and robbing other students. The footage was clear and left no doubt about Akihiro's behavior. The principal was shocked and it became clear to him that Naoto was telling the truth.

"I apologize, Akihiro. I thought you were changing, but now I see you really haven't. I will take strict action against you and make sure you face the consequences of your actions."

Akihiro felt shame and anger at the same time. He couldn't believe that Naoto had tricked him like this.

"You did well, Naoto. But don't think it ends here. I'll make your life hell."

Naoto remained calm and firm, replying:

"If you plan to tell others, don't try."

Akihiro was stunned for a moment.

"How could he know what I'm thinking?"

Akihiro left the room and was suspended for a month.

Naoto and the principal were left alone exchanging looks before the principal spoke softly.

"How can I make it up to you?"

"Nothing, but it's best to watch your students before they start rebelling; that's the teachers' responsibility."

The principal's eyes widened for a moment before answering:

"You may go."

The principal stood after Naoto left and sighed deeply.

"Naoto… this boy has changed a little, but I don't know if it's for better or worse."

Naoto returned to his classroom, sat in his seat, and the mission was marked complete.

That's what I've been waiting for.

The Host received:

200 experience points

Lottery chance

Great plan, Host.

"Yes, it's all thanks to you and the Illusion Card."

"But you must wait until calculations finish, then I'll deduct 500 points. If you don't gain more than 2000, I wouldn't have allowed this."

"Alright."

Naoto went back to his class and continued the lesson.

Meanwhile, Akihiro left the school toward a dark corner.

"I'm back. Did you collect any money?" someone asked in the darkness with nicotine scent thick in the air.

Akihiro bowed before them, sweating profusely.

"No, I couldn't. Naoto blocked the way and refused to pay…"

Suddenly, someone stepped forward and delivered a strong punch to Akihiro's stomach, causing him to fall to the ground staggering and collapsed.

"I don't care about any of that. All I care about is the money. As for Naoto, he has to wait his turn."

"No need to rush," said a voice from the dark with a domineering tone and an evil smile appeared on his face.

"Naoto has changed a lot. Though Akihiro is just trash, he's naturally stronger than him. Naoto's chance to win means he's becoming stronger."

"No matter. I'll face him tomorrow."

Naoto returned home, went up to his room, took out his books, and began studying.

Calculation completed.

Total points: 4105

500 points deducted for the illusion card

Remaining: 3605

Statistics finalized.

Host reminded of a draw chance.

"Well, I'm not sure about my luck, but I'll try. Activate."

The wheel appeared again and began spinning. Over time, it slowed down and stopped at a random skill mark.

Naoto hoped to be lucky and get the desired skill.

Congratulations, Host obtained a subsidiary skill (Cooking).

"Now I'm starting to get bored with this."

Naoto sighed deeply, resumed studying, and then went to sleep.