[ACTIVE MISSION: "The Devil's Number"] [TIME REMAINING: 4 days, 18 hours, 33 minutes]
The reminder blinked on my phone every time I unlocked it. As if I could forget it. As if I hadn't spent the entire night tossing and turning, thinking about how the hell I was going to get a girl's number.
I arrived early, as always. The classroom gradually filled with the usual murmur of morning conversations. I sat in my usual spot, third row by the window, and took out my materials.
Sophie walked in at 9:12, with her cup of coffee and her glasses on. She saw me and greeted me with a small smile and a wave. I returned the greeting, feeling that small boost of confidence that came with being recognized.
She sat in her seat diagonally from me, two rows ahead.
[Potential target present] [Sophie Laurent detected] [Probability of success: 45%] [Recommendation: Look for an opportunity after class]
"I know," I muttered under my breath to the System.
At exactly 9:15, Professor Isabella Romano entered the classroom.
Today she was wearing a navy-blue pantsuit that fit her perfectly, her black hair tied back in a professional low ponytail. Her heels echoed on the floor as she walked toward the desk.
"Good morning," she said, with her soft but firm Italian accent. "I hope everyone has read chapter four on contractual obligations."
The murmur stopped. She had that kind of presence.
"Today we're going to analyze real cases of breach of contract and their legal remedies." She opened her laptop and projected a case on the screen. "Let's start with Hadley v. Baxendale, a fundamental case of English Common Law from 1854."
She began explaining the facts of the case. A mill had hired a carrier to deliver a broken shaft for repair. The carrier was delayed, causing losses to the mill. The question was: what damages were recoverable?
Professor Romano walked as she spoke, gesturing elegantly. "This case developed the rule of 'foreseeability' in contractual damages. So let me ask you…"
She stopped, her dark eyes scanning the classroom.
"What is the fundamental principle that this case developed regarding the limitation of damages?"
Awkward silence. No one wanted to be the first to speak.
Her eyes settled on me.
"Mr. Morretti," she said, and my heart jumped. "What do you think?"
Shit.
All eyes turned toward me. I felt the heat rising to my face.
[CRITICAL MOMENT] [Answer well: +Confidence] [Answer poorly: -Confidence, public embarrassment] [The professor is waiting…]
Breathe. I had read the chapter. I knew this.
"The principle is that damages must be reasonably foreseeable at the time the contract is formed," I said, my voice coming out steadier than I expected. "In Hadley v. Baxendale, the court ruled that the carrier was only liable for damages that arose naturally from the breach, or that were within the contemplation of both parties at the time of the agreement."
Professor Romano nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips.
"Exactly right. And why is this important, Mr. Morretti?"
She didn't stop. Shit.
"Because," I continued, trying to organize my thoughts, "it prevents people from claiming speculative or unforeseen damages. It sets reasonable limits on contractual liability. Without this rule, no one would want to make contracts out of fear of unlimited liability."
"Excellent analysis." Professor Romano was smiling openly now. "That is exactly the point. Common Law sought a balance between compensating the injured party and not overburdening the breaching party with damages that were impossible to foresee."
She headed back toward the front. "Everyone should take note of Mr. Morretti's reasoning. That's the kind of analysis I expect in your essays."
My face was burning, but this time not from embarrassment. It was… pride.
[BELL]
[Highlight moment!] [Public recognition of authority] [Correct and articulate response] [Praise in front of classmates]
[+5 CONFIDENCE] (15 → 20) [+3 CHARISMA] (10 → 13) [+2 PERCEIVED ATTRACTIVENESS]
[Analysis:] [Several students looked at you differently] [Sophie looked at you with… impression?] [You've shown that you're not just] [a quiet nerd.] [Well done.]
The rest of the class continued, but I could barely focus. I had spoken in front of everyone. The PROFESSOR had praised me.
And when I discreetly turned around, Sophie was looking at me. When our eyes met, she smiled and gave me a small thumbs-up.
God.
Class ended at 10:45. Students started packing up their things and leaving in groups.
"Nice job up there," someone said behind me.
I turned around. It was a guy who sat in the same row as me, but on the other side. Tall, brown hair, athletic build. I think his name was David or Daniel.
"Uh, thanks," I replied, surprised that he was talking to me.
"Seriously. I hadn't even finished reading the chapter." He smiled. "You're Gino, right?"
"Yeah."
"Daniel. I've been in your class since the beginning, but I don't think we've ever talked."
"Yeah, I guess not."
"Well, see you around." He left with a casual wave.
[Unforced social interaction: +1 Charisma]
I walked toward the exit, but Professor Romano called out to me.
"Mr. Morretti, a moment."
My heart sped up again. I approached her desk.
She was putting away her materials, but she looked at me with a kind expression. "I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate your participation today. Not many students do the reading so carefully."
"Thank you, Professor. I'm interested in the material."
"It shows." She closed her briefcase. "If you ever consider specializing in Contract Law, let me know. I'm always looking for research assistants for next semester."
"Wow, I… I'll consider it. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Have a good day, Mr. Morretti."
I left the classroom almost floating.
[BELL]
[Secondary objective unlocked:] [You've impressed Professor Romano] [Door open for future connection] [Research assistant position available]
[Note: DO NOT try anything romantic with her] [She is your PROFESSOR] [There are lines you must not cross] […for now.]
"For now?" I muttered. "What does that mean?"
[Ignore that.] [Focus on your CURRENT MISSION] [4 days, 17 hours remaining] [Do you remember? THE PHONE NUMBER.]
Shit. It was right.