In his past life, he was from China.
And he definitely wasn't planning on coming to the United States.
He knew all the good universities in China inside and out, which was fundamentally different from how US universities operated. So now, when Lock had to choose where to apply... he was at a loss.
But!
Gwen was a school genius.
With her, he wouldn't have to worry about where to go after high school. Now he had another ace up his sleeve: the [Goddess of Knowledge].
Furthermore, there was another advantage to befriending her, which tied into his previous thoughts.
As a rule, prospective students carefully concealed their target universities and weren't about to tell others, fearing someone might snatch their spot.
But not Gwen.
Gwen was the [Goddess of Knowledge]. While ordinary applicants chose universities very cautiously, ensuring their admission scores were sufficient, and then still paid huge sums, Gwen... No, the [Goddess of Knowledge] would make universities pay *her* to enroll.
Lock didn't intend to emulate Gwen and become a bookworm himself, but ultimately, it was better to follow the path of the [Goddess of Knowledge] to ensure he wouldn't miss out.
Gwen looked at Lock with some curiosity, pondered something, and then told him about several AP courses she personally attended.
But...
Gwen added, —The main thing is, don't forget to prepare for subject tests.
Lock smiled, making notes on several courses Gwen had mentioned, then nodded and thanked her.
Tests were no problem.
The main thing was that every test became a [Mission].
A test was a [Mission]. Even if he didn't have a talent for learning, unlike the [Goddess of Knowledge], he had his [System]. No matter what, he could achieve a satisfactory score and earn points.
In the afternoon, Lock approached a teacher to clarify questions about attending preparatory courses.
But that wasn't the most surprising thing...
Gwen, who was in chemistry class, looked at Lock as he entered and was a little taken aback.
—Hi.
—...hi.
Quickly collecting herself, Gwen stopped staring at Lock, then wondered if it was a coincidence that Lock was seated next to her for the second time. But she quickly dismissed the thought and focused on her textbook.
As always.
The [Goddess of Knowledge] focused.
At the same time, Lock simply stared into space.
Though in reality...
"System, [Improvement]!"
After spending a thousand [Potential Points] and raising his chemistry knowledge to an eighth-grade level, Lock felt he was beginning to understand this complex science. After investing another thousand, he finally grasped what the teacher was droning on about.
Lock was slightly upset about losing a full two thousand [Potential Points].
But...
When a new [Mission] appeared before him, Lock felt it had all been worth it.
*Ding!*
[Mission] created.
Rewards for completing the [Mission]: 500 [Achievement Points], 500 [Potential Points].
The task appeared after the teacher assigned homework.
The guy definitely liked that.
However, his expression immediately darkened.
And all because...
The homework assignment required two people. Rubbing his forehead, Lock wondered where he'd find a second student.
Gwen happened to glance at Lock just in time to catch his strange expression. It didn't take her long to understand its meaning and what her classmate was thinking.
—Hey.
—What?
—Want to do the homework with me?
—Um... Are you sure?
Gwen immediately shrugged and began putting away her books: —Suit yourself.
Lock glanced around, unsure what to expect, then looked at Gwen and said, —Thanks.
—Then let's go to my place.
—?!
"Isn't that a bit fast?"
—What's wrong? —Gwen asked, looking at the motionless Lock.
The guy shook his head in response.
But in his mind, he was already rethinking his homework partner choice. He somehow highly doubted George Stacy would let this slide and not shoot him in the head...
"Oh well, screw it."
He had a [Mission] to complete!
The Parking Lot.
—Whoa!
—Is that... your car? Really?
Gwen stared blankly at the silver Audi R8 parked right in front of her. She'd already heard her classmates whispering about it during lunch, so she decided to clarify: —This R8... Is it yours?
Lock opened the passenger-side door and nodded: —Yeah, I just bought it. Don't worry, I have a license.
The guy had passed his driving test right after he turned sixteen. Back in March.
But after buying the R8, he was out of money again.
Tonight, he'd have to take on a new order.
Gwen watched Lock in surprise: she knew it was wrong to pry into others' finances, but she was still curious how much money Lock had inherited.
Ten minutes later.
Rumors began spreading through the school, causing many students' eyes to pop out and some to even grow envious: Lock, the new kid who had only transferred two days ago, was already making moves on their goddess, Gwen. And these rumors quickly gained widespread attention.
Half an hour later.
Lock pulled over to the side of the road and followed Gwen home.
An hour later.
Sheriff George Stacy, having received news from his wife, Helen, rushed home in a fury.
—Where?!
—They're studying.
Helen looked at her husband's expression and quickly said, —Don't bother them, I already peeked. They really do seem to be doing their homework.
That didn't seem convincing enough to George Stacy.
Helen knew this wouldn't end well and decided to change the subject: —How was your day?
George waved a hand and silently went upstairs to Gwen's room, listening to the various voices from inside, then returned downstairs somewhat skeptically: —Let's not talk about that.
—The [Hunter of Sinners] is now operating in New York.
—...
Helen looked at George: —Is that the one who was operating in Texas, or whatever you called him?
The [Hunter of Sinners] was the code name assigned to a killer in the police department.
George sometimes talked about his work with Helen, so it was perfectly normal for his wife to know about him: —Yesterday, a man named Alan Wood was found dead. The method of killing and his 'calling card' were found on the victim's body. He's caused us a significant increase in workload.
On one hand, the search for the [Hunter of Sinners] continued.
On the other hand, the investigation into Alan Wood began.
It took the Texas Police Department two full years to confirm one thing: any contract given to the [Hunter of Sinners] was always fulfilled, and he only killed those who truly deserved death.
Fortunately, the [Hunter of Sinners] had only been actively operating in Texas until now.
But the New York police managed to identify the perpetrator in time, otherwise, headlines about the [Hunter of Sinners] appearing in New York would already be gracing the front pages of all the city's newspapers.
Helen nodded and headed toward the kitchen: —I quite like this [Hunter of Sinners].
George snorted a couple of times: —Sympathy is one thing, but we are enforcers of the law. We can't just condone murder.
Helen shrugged. That was all she said; she didn't try to convince George.
In any case, she believed it was a very good thing.
Especially after George explained Alan Wood's crime. She felt that for such deeds, a person truly deserved death. Yes, this woman had a peculiar mindset; an ordinary person would never simply justify a murderer.
George looked at his wife, already preparing to lecture her that no murder could be forgiven—murder was murder.
Just then...
—Mom...
—Dad?
Gwen came downstairs, saw George in the living room, and blinked: —You're back already?
George laughed: —What, am I not welcome here?
Gwen quickly waved a hand and called out to Helen in the kitchen: —Mom, can Lock stay for dinner tonight?
George fell silent.