After the cafeteria spectacle, John became the talk of the campus. Word of his flawless victory over Brian spread quickly. Students whispered about the "new John Miller"—confident, mysterious, and suddenly the center of attention.
As he left the cafeteria with Mike and Chris, John noticed someone waiting by the entrance. It was Jessica Carter, the most beautiful and talented girl on campus. In his previous life, John had admired her from afar, never daring to speak a word.
Jessica approached, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "John, right? That was impressive back there. I've never seen anyone stand up to Brian like that."
John smiled, trying to keep his cool. "Thanks. I guess I just got tired of being pushed around."
Mike elbowed him, eyes wide. "Dude, Jessica's talking to you!"
Jessica laughed softly. "Are you going to the debate club tryouts this afternoon? I heard you're good with facts."
Before John could answer, the system chimed in his mind:
[Side Quest: Impress Jessica Carter at the Debate Club. Reward: Eloquence +30, Special Opportunity Unlocked.]
John's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Jessica and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be there."
Jessica smiled. "Great! I'll see you then."
After she left, Chris gawked at John. "Man, I don't know what happened to you, but I like it. You're making us all look cool."
John chuckled, feeling a strange but pleasant sense of destiny at work. With the system's help, he knew he had the power to seize every opportunity this time.
As the afternoon approached, John prepared for the debate club tryouts, determined to make an impression—not just on Jessica, but on the entire school.
A new chapter in his reborn life was about to begin.