By Monday, it was official: everyone on campus knew Ethan Cole's name. He could feel it the moment he stepped through the main gates. People paused in conversation, eyes flickered his way, and for the first time, he didn't wilt under the attention.
Still, it wasn't all admiration. Some students looked at him with suspicion, others with envy, and a few upperclassmen—led by Nathaniel Blake—openly sneered as he passed. The rumor mill had gone into overdrive.
He met Logan and Claire in the library before class. Claire shoved a protein bar into his hand. "Eat. You look like you barely slept."
"I barely did," Ethan admitted. "But I survived."
Logan grinned. "The Cole comeback arc. Can I get your autograph before you're too famous?"
Before Ethan could reply, a sharp voice cut through the library hush. "Mr. Cole. A word?"
He turned to see Dr. Evelyn Hart—the youngest professor on campus, known for her no-nonsense attitude and impossibly high standards. She regarded him over the rims of her glasses.
"Follow me," she said, already turning toward her office.
Logan winced. "Oof. Good luck, man."
Inside the office, Dr. Hart gestured to a chair. "Sit."
Ethan obeyed, nerves prickling. But Empathic Insight kicked in—he noticed her tightly clasped hands, the frown that wasn't quite irritation.
"Mr. Cole, I assume you're aware of the… attention you're receiving."
He nodded. "Hard to miss."
"I do not tolerate disruptions in my classroom," she said crisply. "Your recent… situation is not my concern. Your grades, however, are. I expect you to perform as well as before. Understood?"
Ethan surprised himself by holding her gaze. "Understood."
A flicker of surprise crossed her face—then, to his shock, approval.
"Good. See that you keep up."
The rest of the day went by in a blur. Between classes, Nathaniel Blake approached, flanked by a few friends.
"Enjoying your fifteen minutes, Cole?" Nathaniel sneered. "Don't get used to it."
Ethan almost fired back, but Empathic Insight nudged him—Nathaniel's voice was brittle, forced. There was something almost… anxious, beneath the arrogance. And the jab would've rattled him a week ago. Now, it barely registered. Iron Will anchored him.
He just smiled, refusing to give Nathaniel the reaction he wanted.
Later, as he packed his bag to leave, a system message flashed:
[Milestone Event: Maintained Composure Under Pressure!]
[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]
[Skill 1] Focused Study (Common)
You learn and retain new information faster during study sessions.
[Skill 2] Verbal Counter (Common)
You can quickly craft respectful but sharp responses to criticism or mockery.
[Skill 3] Group Rapport (Common)
You build trust and rapport more easily when working in teams or groups.
Ethan considered—he'd survived solo, but teamwork would matter more with all eyes on him. He picked [Skill 3] Group Rapport.
[Skill Acquired: Group Rapport (Common) — You build trust and rapport more easily when working in teams or groups.]
A subtle warmth spread in his chest, and he found it easier to connect with classmates—even those who'd once ignored him.
For the first time, he felt ready for whatever comes next.