The next morning dawned crisp and clear, the kind of day when the sun lit Sue City University's modern buildings in warm gold, the fountains sparkled like diamonds, and the air buzzed with student chatter. Yet beneath the cheerful atmosphere, tension hummed like a live wire.
Everywhere Jackim went, the world seemed to tilt slightly around him. Students stopped mid-step, heads turning. Girls whispered and giggled, boys muttered with envy, and faculty looked twice before pretending not to stare.
The once invisible poor boy had become the headline.
Kelvin walked proudly at Jackim's side, chest puffed out as if he'd inherited some of his friend's glory. "Bro, it's official," he whispered as they crossed the courtyard. "You're the hottest thing on campus right now. No one's talking about sports. No one's talking about grades. It's all about you."
Jackim's face betrayed no excitement. Calm. Collected. Hands in pockets. His steps unhurried. But deep inside, the System's hum was steady, wrapping around him like armor.
He knew. This was power.
---
At the center of the courtyard, a commotion was forming. A small crowd had gathered around the large notice board where upcoming events were pinned. The biggest poster in the middle bore bright red letters:
"Campus Charity Gala – Hosted by the Student Union. Special Guest Appearance: Lina Adebayo."
Kelvin groaned dramatically. "Oh no. Here we go. Every dude on this campus is about to lose his mind."
And indeed, the frenzy had begun. Guys jostled, whispering with frantic excitement.
"Lina's performing again? She never does public shows!"
"She's an angel. Forget classes, I'm buying tickets right now."
"Do you think she'll notice me if I wear my new suit?"
Jackim's eyes lifted to the poster, studying the elegant face displayed there. Lina's dark, intelligent eyes stared straight out of the image, her hair tied neatly back, her poise unmistakable. Even in a still photo, her aura radiated like quiet fire.
"First Campus Goddess," Kelvin muttered, shaking his head. "She's beautiful, smart, untouchable. Bryan chased her for months and she turned him down cold. Half the rich kids here tried too. She doesn't care. She's like… above everyone."
Jackim's lips curved faintly. "Above everyone? No one is above bragging."
The System's soft chime echoed in his mind.
[New Quest Unlocked: Secure Lina's attention at the Gala.]
[Reward: System Upgrade Chest.]
Jackim exhaled slowly. So it was set.
---
By noon, the cafeteria buzzed louder than ever. Jackim and Kelvin found their usual table, but it was impossible to blend in anymore.
A group of girls from the Law Faculty walked past, stealing glances, whispering behind their hands. One even waved shyly. Jackim's steady gaze made her blush crimson before scurrying away.
Kelvin nearly choked on his drink. "Bro! Did you see that? She's one of the Law Queens! Even seniors are acting like juniors around you now!"
Jackim only sipped his juice calmly.
But not everyone in the cafeteria looked amused. Across the room, Bryan Muturi sat with Sandra and his crew. His tailored blazer and designer watch screamed wealth, his posture screamed arrogance—but his eyes screamed fury.
Sandra, on the other hand, shifted uncomfortably. Her fork toyed with her food, but her gaze kept drifting, unbidden, to Jackim. He was calmer than she had ever seen him, his aura heavier, his confidence unshakable. It was a confidence Bryan could never fake.
Regret gnawed at her stomach like acid.
Bryan slammed his glass down, drawing attention. His voice carried across the cafeteria.
"Some people," he said loudly, "think buying one villa makes them gods. They should remember where they came from. Dirt is still dirt, no matter how much perfume you spray on it."
The room went silent. Everyone understood the target.
Kelvin bristled. "This bastard—"
But Jackim simply leaned back, his voice cool and casual, carrying just as far.
"You're right. Dirt remains dirt. But that's why I'm not dirt anymore. Villas, cars, bank accounts—I have them all. Tell me, Bryan… can you say the same?"
The cafeteria erupted with whispers, gasps, and nervous laughter.
The System chimed.
[Brag Detected!]
[Processing…]
[Reward Granted: $500,000 deposited into System Account.]
Bryan's face darkened, veins pulsing at his temple. He rose abruptly, slamming both hands on the table. "You—"
But before he could continue, a calm voice cut through.
"Enough."
Every head turned. Lina Adebayo stood at the cafeteria entrance, books in hand, eyes like cold steel.
She walked forward slowly, the crowd parting for her without hesitation. She stopped near Jackim's table, her gaze fixed on him, unreadable.
"Jackim," she said evenly. "I'd like to speak with you."
The entire cafeteria froze.
Kelvin's jaw dropped. Bryan's face twisted with disbelief. Sandra's knuckles whitened on her fork.
Jackim rose smoothly, adjusting his shirt, his movements unhurried. "Of course."
They walked out together under hundreds of stunned eyes.
---
Outside, the afternoon breeze ruffled the trees lining the pathway. Lina stopped near the fountain, her expression calm but her tone firm.
"You're causing waves," she said. "Big ones. Too big."
Jackim studied her face, the flawless composure, the elegance. "Waves are inevitable when the tide rises."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't like games. Tell me, Jackim—what do you really want? Fame? Money? Or something else?"
Jackim's eyes glinted. "Why don't you watch and find out?"
For a long moment, their eyes locked. Lina's breath caught—just slightly—before she turned away.
"I'll be watching," she murmured, walking off without another word.
The System's voice purred in Jackim's mind.
[Progress: Gain Lina's Trust – 15% Complete.]
Jackim smiled faintly. The First Campus Goddess had noticed.
---
Meanwhile, back in the cafeteria, Bryan smashed his glass on the floor, shards scattering.
"He's playing with fire," he growled. "And fire burns."
Sandra looked down at the broken glass, her heart pounding. She had chosen Bryan for his wealth once—but now, as she remembered Jackim's calm confidence, she realized something chilling.
She had chosen wrong.