The news of Ethan's perfect make-or-break test spread faster than any rumor at Westbrook High. By lunch break, everyone was talking about how he had defeated the unfair accusation, humiliated the competition board's doubts, and secured the math team's spot in the regional contest. Reporters posted short articles online, calling him a "mystery genius" and "the most surprising student in the city's history."
Students who had once kept their distance now waved at him in the hallways. Even some teachers stopped to compliment his courage and skill. Lila walked beside him, her smile bright and unwavering. She was prouder than anyone, and Ethan could feel the warmth between them growing stronger with every passing day.
But not everyone was happy for him.
Jake Miller had been simmering in rage since the test ended. His plan to destroy Ethan's reputation and kick the math team out of the competition had completely backfired. Instead of ruining Ethan, he'd made the boy more popular, more respected, and more untouchable. To make it worse, his father had called him that morning, yelling about how he'd embarrassed their family name by interfering in school affairs.
Jake's face was dark and stormy as he leaned against the bank of lockers, watching Ethan and Lila laugh together. His hands clenched into fists until his knuckles turned white. He said nothing, but his eyes sent a single, clear message: this was not over.
Ethan noticed the stare immediately. He met Jake's gaze calmly, without fear or anger. He didn't look away, didn't flinch, didn't give Jake the satisfaction of seeing him hesitate. After a few seconds, Jake looked away sharply, as if burned by the intensity of Ethan's quiet confidence.
Lila followed Ethan's gaze and sighed. "He's never going to stop, is he?"
"Probably not," Ethan said calmly. "But that's okay. I'm ready for whatever he tries next."
[Ding!][Host's mental fortitude has increased.][Passive skill: Calm Demeanor upgraded.Fear and pressure no longer affect focus or judgment.]
After lunch, Ethan gathered the math team for their first official training with their private mentor, Mr. Cole. The man was in his late twenties, sharp and focused, with a stack of competition materials under his arm. He had won the national math championship during his own high school years, and he knew exactly what the regional judges were looking for.
"Most teams focus only on solving problems," Mr. Cole said firmly. "But winning requires speed, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm when everything goes wrong. Over the next two weeks, we will train until you can answer any question in seconds, without hesitation."
The team worked harder than ever before. Mr. Cole pushed them to their limits, timing every answer, correcting every mistake, and turning their weaknesses into strengths. Aaron, who used to freeze under pressure, slowly became more confident. Even the quieter students began speaking up, sharing ideas and solving problems together.
Ethan led the team, helping anyone who struggled. He explained difficult concepts patiently, shared his system-enhanced insights, and made sure no one was left behind. Under his leadership, the team was no longer a group of lonely, nervous students. They were a united, disciplined force.
[Ding!][Team Synergy has reached maximum level.][All team members gain a 20% boost to academic and mental performance.][New hidden reward unlocked: Team Telepathy.Members can understand each other's strategies without speaking during competitions.]
As the training session ended, Mr. Henderson pulled Ethan aside. His expression was serious, but there was a hint of relief in his eyes.
"The competition board released an official public apology this morning," he said. "They confirmed your innocence and praised your performance. No one will dare accuse you of cheating again. The regional officials are already talking about you as the favorite to win individual first place."
Ethan nodded. He appreciated the support, but he wasn't focused on individual awards. He wanted the whole team to stand on the winner's stage together.
Just as he was about to return to his teammates, his phone vibrated. An unknown number had sent a single, short message.
"Stay away from what doesn't belong to you. Or you will regret it."
Ethan's expression darkened. He didn't need to guess who it was from. The threat was quiet, but dangerous. Jake was no longer just playing schoolyard games. He was moving toward something more serious.
Lila noticed the change in his mood immediately. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.
Ethan put his phone away. "Nothing we can't handle," he said. He didn't want to scare her, but he knew he had to be more careful from now on.
That evening, Ethan returned to his penthouse as Kane stood by the door, holding a tablet.
"Sir, I have taken the liberty of increasing security around you and your close friends," the assistant said calmly. "No one will approach you or the people you care about without being noticed. The system has authorized all necessary arrangements."
Ethan smiled faintly. "Thank you, Kane. I knew I could count on you."
He sat by the window, looking out at the glowing city. Jake thought he could scare him, hurt him, or drive him away. But he was wrong.
Every threat, every attack, every dirty trick only made Ethan stronger.
The regional math competition was growing closer.The final showdown with Jake was inevitable.
And Ethan Reed was prepared to win both.
[Ding!][New main quest activated: Regional Championship.][Objective: Lead Westbrook High to first place in the regional math competition.][Final reward will be announced upon completion.]