By Thursday, Ethan had settled into a new rhythm. The stares were still there, but now there was something different behind them—curiosity, envy, even a little wariness. The gossip was relentless, but most people kept their distance. It was almost peaceful.
After a long afternoon group session, Ethan was heading for the cafeteria with Logan when Nathaniel Blake cut him off outside the main building, flanked by two hangers-on. A few classmates paused, sensing drama.
Nathaniel put on a lazy smirk. "Hey, Cole. What's it like, being everyone's favorite punchline? Must be fun to finally have your fifteen minutes."
Ethan glanced around. Logan looked tense, but nobody else moved to help. The air crackled with anticipation.
Nathaniel continued, voice rising, "Seriously, you think you actually belong here now? The Ice Queen's just using you as a shield, man. Enjoy it while it lasts."
Ethan's system pulsed—Empathic Insight told him Nathaniel's cockiness was paper-thin, his eyes darting for approval.
A calm washed over Ethan. He straightened, looked Nathaniel dead in the eye, and said, "You talk a lot for someone who always plays second place. If you're that interested, I can put in a good word for you—maybe next time they'll pity you instead."
The crowd snickered. Nathaniel's smile faltered, his cheeks flushing.
Logan burst out laughing. "Oof, you want some ice for that burn, Blake?"
Nathaniel tried to recover. "Don't get cocky, Cole. You'll never be more than a footnote around here."
Ethan shrugged, already turning away. "Footnotes still get read. Can't say the same for background noise."
Laughter erupted as Nathaniel stormed off, his lackeys trailing behind.
Logan slapped Ethan's shoulder, beaming. "That was epic, dude! Who are you and what have you done with the old Ethan?"
Ethan just grinned, adrenaline fading. For the first time, he felt the balance of power shift. No longer a victim—maybe even a contender.
As they reached the cafeteria, a system message popped up:
[Milestone Event: Handled a Rival Without Losing Composure!]
[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]
[Skill 1] Steady Nerves (Common)
Your body language and voice remain steady in confrontations.
[Skill 2] Crowd Reading (Uncommon)
You can sense the mood of any group and use it to your advantage.
[Skill 3] Snappy Retort (Uncommon)
Your comebacks are sharper and more effective in social skirmishes.
Ethan considered, feeling the eyes of his classmates still on him. He picked [Skill 3] Snappy Retort (Uncommon)—he was finally ready to talk back.
[Skill Acquired: Snappy Retort (Uncommon) — Your comebacks are sharper and more effective in social skirmishes.]
A spark of confidence flickered inside him.
Let them come. He was done playing the victim.