The next day, the academy was buzzing.
Not because someone scored an A on the advanced spirit theory exam. Not because of a new announcement.
Because Jace Rowan won a duel.
And because Dean Kent hadn't shown up since.
Theories were flying. Some said Dean was hospitalized. Others claimed Jace cheated. A few even suggested it was staged—no way Trash Rowan could do that for real.
Jace didn't care.
He was walking through the halls like a ghost with a purpose. He had bruises under his eyes, a split lip, and a faint smile.
His system had fed him well.
[System Tip]
Your reputation is shifting from "Harmless Joke" to "Concerning Anomaly."
Keep going.
But then came the worst thing that could've happened.
"Hey!" a voice called from behind.
Jace turned.
Aria Bennett.
Perfect hair. Perfect posture. The class president. The girl who'd shredded his love letter in front of the entire student body.
She approached like nothing had happened. No apology in her eyes, but no smirk either. Just... calculation.
"I wanted to talk," she said.
"No thanks," Jace replied, already turning.
"I'm serious," she said, moving to block him. "I acted poorly. That public scene—"
"Yeah, that one where you publicly called me a weakling with no future?"
She flinched. Barely. But he caught it.
"I didn't mean for it to go that far," she said quietly. "I was under pressure. People were watching. I—"
[Warning: Apology Detected]
Caution: Sincere apologies may reduce future reward multipliers.
Recommendation: Stay trashy. Seek more humiliation instead.
Jace's eye twitched.
"...You're ruining my growth curve," he muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing." He sighed. "Look, Aria, whatever you're doing, save it. I don't need your pity. I needed it before. Now?"
He stepped forward. Closer than she expected.
"I'm starting to like being underestimated."
[Passive Trait: Bark Back – Activated]
Your voice carries confidence that unsettles those who once mocked you.
In the cafeteria, Jace slid into an empty seat with his lunch tray. Burnt noodles. No sauce. Classic.
"Rowan!" another voice called out.
He didn't even look up. "What now?"
Tessa Blake dropped into the seat across from him. She leaned forward with a grin.
"You broke Dean's ribs, didn't you?"
"I don't know. I just hit him."
"You're different now. I kinda like it."
He looked at her. "You used to call me your emotional support mutt."
"And now you're my dangerous stray."
[Humiliation Recalled + Flirty Mocking Combo]
+8 Strength
+5 Charisma
Trait Progress: Trash King Aura (34%)
Jace almost choked on his noodles.