WebNovels

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: The Chat Group Unlocks—Temptation from the Lottery

The truth was, Brandon chose that back-row, window seat simply because it was the best spot to rest his eyes. If his vision ever felt strained, he could look outside and enjoy the greenery, relaxing his gaze and preventing nearsightedness—a problem he'd struggled with in his previous life.

There really wasn't any deeper reason.

"Of course, that's just how these so-called 'genius MC' tropes go nowadays," Wyatt quipped, lounging nearby. "A few years ago, all the stories were about loser-to-hero underdogs. If you use those tropes, then honestly, Brandon fits the classic antagonist profile more than a protagonist."

"So, come on, get real. There are no actual protagonists in real life. And if you start daydreaming about being the MC, at least think about the 'heroine.' Do you really think there are girls as perfect as in those novels? If there were, they'd be celebrities by now."

Wyatt's skepticism was clear—he never believed in main characters in real life, just in the endless possibilities each person holds. The so-called "Dragon Squad" and similar rumors were just fun ideas, nothing more.

Everyone laughed and gave themselves a mental slap to wake up. The stress of senior year combined with the excitement of awakening powers had definitely warped their thinking.

Reality check: in life, there are no set protagonists—anyone can be one. Rather than sink into fantasies, it was better to work hard and shape your own destiny.

Soon, their conversation moved on to other topics. Still, every so often, someone would secretly practice their power—maybe to get better, or maybe to show off for the classmates watching at the windows.

Brandon just shrugged and turned his attention to his own powers—more accurately, to the "profile" the chat group had generated for him.

[Name: Brandon White]

[Talent: Child of Nature – You are favored by the world itself, with the power to command nature. Everything that belongs to the natural world is your domain.]

[Elemental Resistance: 100% resistance to all elemental attacks—no elemental damage can harm you.]

[Nature's Blessing: Your strength increases in any natural weather—sunny, rainy, night, dawn, storms, and so on.]

[Elemental Mastery: You can freely manipulate all elements that exist in nature.]

[Notes:]

1. As the holder of the Authority of Nature, you are favored by Earth's consciousness. On Earth, your power can reach unfathomable levels. In special cases, you may choose to abandon material logic for a more "will-based" approach.

2. In a certain sense, you are no different from Reinhard van Astrea from Re:Zero.

Brandon blinked at the screen. Sure, he could understand the talents and abilities—but those notes left him stumped.

What did it mean to "abandon material logic and choose willpower" in special circumstances? And why not give an example?

The comparison to Reinhard was even more baffling. The guy had dozens of blessings and could even gain new ones over time. How was Brandon supposed to compare to that? Reinhard was practically the author's favorite son.

Still, it was interesting. Brandon mentally filed the info away, wondering how much of it would matter in the real world.

Just as he was pondering all this, a mechanical chime rang in his head:

[Ding! Group activity level has reached Level 1. Group functions unlocked.]

[Ding! Daily Sign-In, Group Lottery, and Group Pawnshop features are now available.]

Wait, already?

Had it really only been a day since he'd joined? Maybe the previous members had racked up enough activity before he arrived, and he just pushed it over the edge.

With some excitement, Brandon checked out the new features:

[Daily Sign-In: Check in once per day to receive 1-10 group points. Points can be spent in the group lottery.]

[Group Lottery: Use 1,000 points for a random prize, drawn from every world in the group.]

[Group Pawnshop: Items or abilities can be pawned, temporarily or permanently, for points. If the item isn't redeemed in time, it goes into the group lottery pool.]

[Note: Intelligent life can only be pawned if it willingly agrees.]

[Note: Unredeemed temporary items will be added to the lottery pool automatically.]

Roxie Vale (Group Leader): "Wow, I always thought we'd need ten people to unlock new features. Turns out it's just a matter of activity. Why didn't you say so earlier, system? I would've spammed the chat every day!"

She pouted at the screen. This chat group was nothing like the ones she'd read about before, and honestly, it wasn't very user-friendly. The only "perk" she got as leader was a 30% discount. No hidden powers, no secret privileges.

Wait, could her discount be used for the lottery? And why wasn't there a group store yet?

[Ding! Leader's discount can be used on the lottery.]

"Now we're talking." Roxie grinned, satisfied with the response.

Meowth (Just Like That, Meow): "A lottery? I'm not feeling very lucky, meow. Not after what I saw in that memory copy."

Kurumi (Spirit of Evil): "Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? None of us have enough points to use the lottery anyway."

Brandon (Child of Nature): "Actually, I see I've got one free lottery draw. Do you guys have one too?"

Come Be My Son: "Kurararara! I've also got a free draw."

Roxie: "A group member bonus? Yes! My fate depends on this lottery—come on, big prize! I don't ask for much, just a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. Kaido's Azure Dragon fruit would be fine…"

Make Daigu Into Soup: "You call that not asking much? Mythical Zoan fruits are rare! I'd be happy with a Logia like the Glint-Glint Fruit. Perfect combo for my world's Tiga!"

Kurumi: "Speaking of Tiga, has your story started yet?"

She was genuinely curious about Daigu's world. The power of the Ultramen had made her realize just how formidable beings of light could be. If she could get her hands on that power, maybe she'd finally be on par with the strongest spirits… Well, close, anyway. She knew her limits.

Make Daigu Into Soup: "Not yet."

For Daigu, a peaceful life wasn't so bad. No Tiga, no monsters, just quiet days. Even if he never became Tiga, he'd be fine with it.

Madara (Uchiha Dance King): "Hmph. The Ultramen are strong, but it's external power—just three minutes at a time. It's not worth it."

"What you should really focus on is your own growth. Shoddy fighting skills and a weak body will hold you back, no matter what power you get."

Make Daigu Into Soup: "Alright, alright, I get it. I've already started working out and learning self-defense. I promise I won't end up like my memory copy."

Madara: "See that you don't."

(End of Chapter)

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