The night Mateo regained his confidence, something unexpected happened.
A blinding red light burst from the Cool System orb hovering in front of him. A digital sound echoed through the air, and suddenly, a sleek virtual space unfolded like a sci-fi dream. Inside it was a single glowing object: a floating book titled:
"Cool System Manual: Rulebook for Becoming the Coolest in the World"
Mateo stared in awe as it opened by itself.
[System Rules Summary]
Gain Attraction Points by being cool in any situation
Points are converted to:
— Attribute Points
— Skill Unlocks
— Style Buffs
IRON RULE: ALWAYS BE COOL.
Stand out. Show off. Dominate the scene.
– Whether through power, words, fashion, or action – be unforgettable.
"That's it?" Mateo blinked. "Just… be cool? I can do that!"
He chuckled, more amused than worried, and walked home thinking the whole thing was some strange dream. He fell asleep with a half-smile on his face.
The Next Morning
[DING!]
[System Alert]
Mission #1: Be at the Academy in less than 1 hour!
Reward: +50 Attribute Points
Penalty: DEATH
"WHAT!?"
Mateo jumped out of bed like he'd been electrocuted, snatched up a half-opened pack of uncooked noodles, and dashed out the door barefoot.
A Sprint for Survival… and Something More
His heart pounded. Death? Real death? Was this system insane!?
He sprinted down the street like a madman, ignoring the stares of pedestrians.
But then—he stopped.
Right in the middle of the road, an old woman lay collapsed, breathing weakly. People walked around her like she was trash. Worse—
Leo, one of Mateo's academy bullies, stood nearby, filming her on his phone and laughing.
"Old hag's putting on a show. Hah—maybe I'll post this online."
Mateo's blood boiled. He froze.
One part of him screamed, "Run! You'll die!"
Another whispered, "You've been left like that before… haven't you?"
FLASHBACK
A young Mateo crying in the rain, ignored by everyone.
A voice in his memory:
"Why should anyone help a loser?"
He clenched his fists.
"Screw it."
He punched Leo straight across the face. The phone flew out of his hand. Leo hit the ground with a thud.
"Try filming that, you piece of crap."
Mateo turned to the old woman, smiled, and gently picked her up.
He dashed to the nearest hospital and left her in the care of the nurses. They tried to stop him for questions, but he shouted over his shoulder—
"No time! Gotta be cool and not die!"
With 3 seconds on the system timer, Mateo flung himself through the gates of Hunter Academy, breathing like he'd just outrun a demon lord.
[System Notification]
Mission Completed
+50 Attribute Points
Coolness Rating: +900%
Skill Unlocked: "Street Hero Aura (Lv. 1)"
System Comment: "That was stupidly heroic… I loved it."
END OF CHAPTER 3