The rest of the house was alive with noise—pots clattering in the kitchen, Clifton's mischievous laugh, Leratho's shrill cries—but I felt cocooned in silence. My world had narrowed to the faintly glowing textbook before me, and the system's hovering text that only I could see.
[Quest in Progress: Master Chapter Two – Atomic Structure]
Reward: 150 ZWD | +2% Academic Mastery.
A grin tugged at my lips. Just yesterday, I had stared at these same diagrams of electrons and protons, feeling like they were written in another language. But now, with every sentence I read, the concepts slid into place like puzzle pieces. It wasn't easy—my head still throbbed with effort—but it was possible.
And for the first time in a long while, possible felt like hope.
"Shelly!" my mother's voice broke through, sharp and weary. "Don't just bury yourself in books. Come help me with supper."
The spell cracked. My eyes darted to the glowing bar—12% progress. I hesitated, torn between the old Shelly who obeyed instantly and the new Shelly who knew every second mattered.
"I'll be there in a minute!" I called, louder than I intended. My voice shook, but I didn't move.
The system flickered again:
[Decision Point: Continue Studying vs. Family Duty]
Continue Studying: +5% Progress | Risk: Mother's Suspicion.
Help with Supper: Relationship +1 | Quest Progress Halted.
My breath caught. The system wasn't just about academics. It was watching me, testing me. Every choice mattered.
For a long moment, I stared at the glowing options. My fingers traced the page of the textbook, the scent of ink and worn paper grounding me. A year ago, I would have chosen family without hesitation. But now?
Now, I wanted more.
"I'll finish this page first," I whispered to myself, turning back to the textbook.
Ding!
[Progress +5% | Mother's Suspicion +1]
I winced. Somewhere in the house, I heard her mutter under her breath. Guilt prickled at me, but beneath it was a thrill I couldn't deny. For the first time in my life, I wasn't just reacting—I was choosing.
I looked at the faint glow of the money tucked into my wallet. 100 ZWD already earned, with more waiting. If I pushed through, I could pay for things myself. I could ease the weight on my mother's shoulders. I could prove—to her, to Clifton, to everyone—that Shelly wasn't just another struggling girl lost in textbooks.
I was going to win.
And the system would make sure of it.