The news spread faster than any exam result. By Wednesday morning, Ethan's name was everywhere—group chats, campus gossip forums, even the morning announcements on the student radio. Memes of "The Ice Queen's Fiancé" trended before first period ended.
Ethan had never been so visible, or so nervous. But something was different now.
He caught his reflection in a window as he entered the cafeteria. His posture was a little straighter, his eyes clearer. The usual wave of anxiety didn't hit as hard. When Derek and his crew tried to block his way, Ethan simply met Derek's gaze.
"Out of my way," he said, voice steady.
Derek blinked, thrown by Ethan's tone. Tyler started to say something, but Ethan walked past them without flinching.
He sat with Claire and Logan at their usual spot. Both looked like they'd been up all night.
"Dude, you're blowing up online," Logan whispered, showing Ethan his phone. Claire looked worried. "Are you… okay?"
Ethan shrugged. "I've had worse days." Even he was surprised by the calm in his voice.
Logan grinned. "Our guy's got a spine now!"
Claire tried to smile but kept glancing at the entrance. "Isabella hasn't said anything, right? No rumors that she'll call it off?"
"Nothing," Ethan said. "We're just supposed to act normal."
[Milestone Event: Faced Down Bullies in Public!]
[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]
[Skill 1] Quick Recovery (Common)
You bounce back faster from embarrassment or setbacks. Mental and emotional wounds heal with speed.
[Skill 2] Clear Voice (Common)
Your words become more confident and less likely to tremble under pressure. Ideal for public speaking or standing up for yourself.
[Skill 3] Social Awareness (Common)
You're more attuned to subtle cues—body language, moods, hidden intentions—making it easier to read a room or spot incoming trouble.
Ethan studied the choices.
Quick Recovery was tempting—life would be easier if nothing ever stuck. Clear Voice might help, especially if he wanted to defend himself in front of a crowd.
But right now, what he really needed was to know what people were thinking, to see problems coming before they hit him. He'd spent too long missing hints, getting blindsided, never knowing who to trust until it was too late.
If he could read the room—even just a little—maybe he could finally stay a step ahead.
[Skill Acquired: Social Awareness (Common) — You're more attuned to subtle cues—body language, moods, hidden intentions—making it easier to read a room or spot incoming trouble.]
Ethan chose [Skill 3] Social Awareness, feeling a subtle new clarity in reading people around him.
For the rest of the day, whispers followed him down every hallway. Some people stared, some snickered, a few even offered high-fives or curious glances. He ignored the attention as best he could—Iron Will making the noise feel distant, like rain on a window.
He glimpsed Isabella once, crossing the central plaza. She didn't look his way, but the crowd parted around her—and now, they parted for him, too.
For the first time since his reincarnation, Ethan felt the weight on his shoulders start to lighten.
He wasn't sure what would happen next. But for once, he wasn't afraid to find out.