Jason sits back down at the computer with two books. Just two. One was Python for dummies and the other was study guide for a CompTIA-A+ exam. They were heavy duty books. So before he started on them he went to the internet looking for videos on python and information security. Jason didn't want to overload his brain with too much new information, so to prevent another nose bleed and embarrassing himself in front of Vivian again he decides preliminary research would be the best idea.
It was easy to find videos on Python and beginner lessons on coding software/ tools for your computer. He plays two videos on two times speed to get the gist of the code, Jason dutifully takes notes on basic premises. The videos mainly focus on syntax and basic ideas such as if-then statments and how to end statements. Jason watches two more videos except now on Information technology and security. Jason finds some resources from people who have taken the CompTIA-A+ exam and starts learning the basics of what IT support does, including what that means for a computer Network.
Two hours fly by just from watching the extensive videos. He sighs and leans back thinking about his next steps. The world falls around him. The lights and people moving through the library seem to dissapear. The quiet conversations around him dull until all he is left with is the sounds of his thoughts.
'It's just a small set back I know that, but I need dirt on these people quickly. Thomas will be easy, his father is probably as sloppy as him, but Ashley that cold hearted.. Ugh She is quiet. She runs the shit heads cause she has real power. Daughter of a politician. She acts just like it. I'll need something substantial to ruin her and her family. I still remember what she sent those goons to do when I still had the idea of fighting back.'
Jason remembers vividly the day he fought back sophmore year. After a year of them bullying him, he couldn't handle another year. Jason spoke up, tried to do something. The principal, his teachers; none of them did anything. So when Thomas hit him and Ashley watched, Jason hit back. So stupid. His weak fist did nothing to him besides making him angry. Ashley though, she laughed and the next day she showed a picture of Ana to him.
Jason was quiet again. He took the pain and punishment, cause if he didn't Ana would be next. Jason felt like a piece of enertainment to her and now he isn't going to be her play thing. The system will have a weakness, it has too, for now Jason knows he just has to wait and learn.
Jason looks over at Vivian, she had already moved onto another game but seemed a little bored.
"You know there is a better site to use if you want to play some fun games on the internet." says Jason.
"Really," the light returns back into her eyes," Show me dude. I'm dying here."
"So, you've got addicting games, you've got itch.io, and you've got newgrounds. They all have their strengths but honestly you can play anything and have fun. Just find the type of games you like. Mindless action, adventure, or strategy." Jason starts listing off some sites he has used. He takes the mouse from her and scoots his chair close to her not realizing how much he is invading her personal space. Vivian inhales sharply. "Here is my account for itch.io, I've got some of my favorite games and authors already followed. There is a game by Rahzen that I like you should check it out if you get the time."
"Wow, it's a lot. I'm suprised all I see you do is study." Vivian's mouth drops.
Jason sighs and thinks about what she might say if she knew who he was before meeting her. How lost he was before the system and now how everything is changing. "It's recent. Gaming was all I did for a long time."
"Hmm vague as usual 007." Vivian chuckles.
"Just call me a man of mystery as I get back to my nerdy adventures into IT." Jason laughs and pushes his chair back to the computer he was sitting at. "Time to focus." He whispers to himself.
Jason grabs the book on the CompTIA-A+ exam and finds the first chapter. He rolls up his black sleaves exposive his olive skin paled by his lack of activity outside. He is ready to start reading.
Four hours pass, sticky notes filling each page with key words and concepts for review. Notes in his notebook finally reach the last page and he puts it away.
[IT expertise skill gained]
'At least that wasn't too hard to obtain. I wonder why my physics book didn't give me a skill, maybe it's too rudimentary or cause I suck at Calculus? Whatever it is this was a bonus.'
Jason looks over and see Vivian playing away. Something about this different side to her made him starry eyed. He looks over her and all he can do is absorb how beautiful she looks. She is so picturesque, she outclasses him in every way but is so human, so transparent. Jason struggles to find the words to describe her and he doesn't need to. Jason wonders if maybe he has a chance of romance outside of school.
'If I had time for that. I can't bring this girl into the pain that I will be inflicting onto the people that have hurt me. The people that have hurt my family. Vivian shouldn't see me like that.'
Jason shakes any budding feelings of romance for another day and continues reading. Python would take a while to master but anyone can learn the basics of programming in a few videos. Jason hopes the skill takes as quickly as speed reading.
BZZT BZZT BZZT
Jason's phone rings in his pocket. Three text messages from Mrs. Gold.
'Shit.' Thinks Jason.
He clearly forgot to message her. The woman who was protecting his ass while he tries to grow this system and take revenge on all these people.
He reads over the text.
'Hey Jason, Just checking on you.'
'You know I am here for you and I've got your back.'
'But if you don't get back to me soon. I will come over and make sure you learn quickly how to be courteous. :)'
The smiley face of the last message eats at him. He quickly sends a response.
'Carry I'm sorry. I got lost in studying. I'm safe no worries. No sign of any bullies either. How have you been?'
Carry doesn't respond immediately and Jason thinks she must be busy with something at school. She isn't. Carry Gold is irritated. Jason should have texted her instantly, but his excitement after getting home and learning more about the system got him so side tracked he almost forgot about her. Carry doesn't know why she is irritated but she was going to have him wait just like he did to her.
Vivian who is looking over is curious who texted him so many times and why Jason was so quick to text back. For a second she hopes it's not another girl, but she shakes that thought. Jason might be a little handsome but she barely knows him.
Jason goes back to learning python like none of this is happening around him. Oblivious to other changes happening in his life.
The final two hours pass quickly. Jason has a slight headache but he isn't worried this time. The videos and the memorization skill is helping ease the burden. He notices it's not as difficult to recall the information he read and almost proof that he is genuinely learning the system resounds in his head and appears in front of him.
The blue and slightly transparent screen approves of his dedication.
[Python Programming Language skill aquired.. two in a row. Hmm you might not be too stupid.]
Vivian gets up to leave as Jason is looking over the backwards compliment the system gave him. She looks at his vacant eyes staring but not staring and waves for his attention.
"Yes. Yes, are you leaving Vivian?" Jason asks closing the system in his mind.
"Yeah.. See you tomorrow." She asks
"Of course. Don't forget to ask your parents about coming over. I'll ask my brother when I get home." Jason reminds her of the date he unintentionally planned. The friend date obviously.
"Oh right right. I will see. I promise." Vivian rushes out of the library trying to keep her cool exterior. Jason gets ready to go home oblivious of her feelings. Vivian blushes thinking about going to Jason's home. 'This is like a date right?' She can't get those thoughts out of her head.
Jason walks home thinking about what game he was going to show her first.