' Never ending happiness is a lie.' The boy read the line in his book as the wheels of his skateboard ate up the cracks in the sidewalk.
' I'm not saying you won't be happy for long periods of time. I'm just saying with every new high comes a new low. '
His red eyes were only focused on the small book in his hand. It was surprising he avoided every obstacle, it was like he had some kind of ultra instinct.
' well, yes. Life is more exciting this way. Only an NPC would think otherwise. '
Ren's shoulders tightened for a fraction second as a programmed response to an unexpected spawn in, before he recognized the person.
" Ren, can you believe it? " A boy suddenly appeared In front of Ren's speeding skateboard, his arms stretched out wide as if to stop him.
The bags under the boy's blue eyes and his messy, short black hair made him look like he'd been chased out of his bed.
" Tatsuya, I've told you spawning out nowhere Is like asking to be run over. " Ren's focus shifted to the boy In front of him.
" You're just trapped in your world. I'm certain you don't even notice the people around you. ' Tatsuya commented.
And it was true. The moment the boy stopped him, the world seemed to snap into focus. Other students wearing the same black and white striped uniforms suddenly became visible to them.
' well, I can't help it. Random npc's are mostly at the bottom of the ladder. They don't play any significant roles. '
The grip tape gritted under his shoe as he dragged the tail of his board to a halt, the cutting sound through the morning air.
" I don't have time for your weeb waifu nonsense this early in the morning. Only talk if it's important." Ren picked up his Skateboard and adjusted his backpack.
" Don't... disrespect my waifus, you'd understand if gave it a chance. " Tatsuya complained, as he walked besides him.
" No thanks I'm good, let's talk as we walk, timing... is everything. " Ren suggested, as he straightened his black uniform and grabbed his skateboard.
' I'm sure certain otakus will fall in love with anything but real women. ' Ren noted, when noticed the anime straps on Tatsuya's bag as they walked.
" I only got 25 points from the last quest we got. " Tatsuya said, pulling out his phone from his pocket to show Ren.
The screen read, " DON'T STUDY FOR THE UPCOMING TEST, +50 POINTS. ( Quest 50% complete. ) "
Upon reading the text Ren stayed silent for a moment then after a breath he spoke. " Well I think I understand why this happened, let me guess you answered everything correctly didn't you? "
" Crap... I should've just let Rick take this quest like you suggested and yes you are right I stupidly answered everything correctly. "
Ren stared at the screen again." DON'T STUDY FOR THE UPCOMING TEST, +50 POINTS. ( Quest 50% complete. ) "
At the bottom it read " POINTS EARNED +500 POINTS. WISH MARK CURRENTLY UNKNOWN. "
" Well I think this a partial reward and quest has expired. " Ren explained, then he handed him his phone back.
He added. " Well, you didn't do anything wrong. It's more like you just are too smart for your own good. When a person doesn't study they are usually fail. "
Tatsuya's blue eyes lit up, " oh you are right, don't study equals failing which makes sense why we only got a part of the points... well this makes things complicated. "
As the two continued talking they arrived at the school and three students were standing at the front gates.
Ren and Tatsuya walked past them then suddenly out of nowhere when they heard a voice from behind.
" Ren! " A girl voice screamed. Ren not bothered, continued walking
" Ren Katagiri! "
Tatsuya with a puzzled look called out to him, " Ren, the student council president is calling for you, can you not hear her. "
" Is that so the student council... " He said, as he stopped and turned back waiting for the furious looking girl to approach him.
" Ren Katagiri did you not hear when I was calling for you. " She said, her emerald eyes glaring at him.
Ren didn't respond immediately and Tatsuya gave him a side glance trying to understand what was going through his mind.
After a moment Ren finally spoke, " ooooh you were calling me, I did not hear but.... are you okay? "
The student council president surprised by the sudden random question seemed to have been debuffed of all her anger.
" What do you mean by that? " She asked not knowing what to reply to him.
" Well bottom tier Npcs always stick to there roles and don't bother the playable characters so never imagined a situation were you talk to me, " he explained calmly.
He then added in a low voice while looking at the confused president, " surely there must be something wrong with your character settings. "
" My what?.... What are you talking about? "
She added after a deep sigh, " You know what I don't have all day to deal with you I just wanted to let you know the principal wants to see you after school. "
Before Ren could speak Tatsuya interrupted, " so is that all? Miss President. "
As she moved her long black hair backwards while solely focusing her gaze at Ren
She said " Well there was more but... Well another time. "
" Alright cool thanks for the info... President Horimiya. " Ren said before walking away.
She said, looking mock offended with slightly red cheeks, " How Rude! it's Horikita. My name is Horikita. "
" Sure Hoshikita! " He shouted from a distance.
' I can't believe there is a student who doesn't know my name and keeps getting wrong it almost makes me think that he's doing it on purpose. ' she wondered.
The student council president watched as they walked while trying to maintain her composure at the thought of him ignoring and getting her name wrong.
What bothered her the most was the look of indifference in his eyes but she didn't drag it or more like she couldn't since he was already gone.
As the two approached the shoe lockers Tatsuya was confused about Ren's earlier conversation with the school president, " Bro don't you know your own classmates name? "
" For a genius you can be slow sometimes, and no I didn't... but I do now. " He said in casual calm tone as he opened his locker.
" Hey that was uncalled for.. please elaborate because I don't understand what you are trying to say. " Tatsuya asked as he put on his indoor shoes.
" Her name is irrelevant, her approaching me is a build up for a new quest, " Ren speculated.
" Hmmm build up, what do you mean? And don't we usually receive quests through our phones I don't understand... " Tatsuya asked as he was intrigued.
" I'm not talking about receiving quests, " he explained.
" I'm talking about why I made a lasting impression. By getting her name wrong, she'll remember me because it doesn't usually happen to her. And I did it because it's out character for her to talk to me and... "
Before he could finish explaining his phone buzzed, he took it out and saw a notification, it read.
" GET REJECTED BY THE NEW STUDENT, +100 POINTS. "
A smirk was tugging at the corner of Ren's mouth as he thought, ' how interesting. '