[DING DING DING DING DING]
[!!!MISSION COMPLETED!!!]
[ANALYZING PERFORMANCE…]
I put my phone away, trying to maintain my outward composure while internally I wanted to scream in victory.
"Thank you," I said, smiling genuinely.
"You're welcome." Sophie adjusted her backpack. "I have to run to my next class, but… text me later, okay?"
"I will."
"Perfect." She started walking toward the door, but stopped and turned around. "And Gino…"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you asked."
And with that, she left the classroom.
I stood there, processing what had just happened.
I did it.
I REALLY DID IT.
"Mr. Morretti."
I jumped. Professor Romano was still there, putting her last things into her briefcase. I had completely forgotten about her presence.
"Yes, Professor?"
She looked at me with an expression that was hard to read.
"Well done," she said simply.
"Excuse me?"
"In class. Your answer about damages was correct, despite your obvious distraction." She closed her briefcase. "And… the other thing too."
My cheeks grew warm. "You… heard?"
"I have ears, Mr. Morretti. And I was three meters away." Professor Romano smiled slightly. "It was… brave. Direct. Those are good qualities for a lawyer. And for life."
"Thank you, Professor."
"You're welcome. Now, please try to pay more attention in my class. Although," she added as she walked toward the door, "I understand that sometimes there are… valid distractions."
She left, leaving me alone in the empty classroom.
My phone exploded with notifications.
I left the classroom in something like a trance. My legs automatically carried me to an empty bench in the hallway. I sat down, took out my phone, and watched the cascade of System messages.
[MISSION #002 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED!]
[PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS:]
[Total mission time: 5 days] [Time used: 1 day, 14 hours] [Efficiency: EXCELLENT]
[Execution evaluation:]
[- Eye contact: PERFECT]
[- Tone of voice: FIRM AND CLEAR]
[- Body language: CONFIDENT]
[- Phrasing: DIRECT AND HONEST]
[- Timing: APPROPRIATE]
[- Result: TOTAL SUCCESS]
[Overall grade: A+]
[You have demonstrated significant growth]
[from your pathetic initial state.]
[REWARDS GRANTED:]
[+5 PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS] (29 → 34)
[+8 CHARISMA] (13 → 21)
[+10 CONFIDENCE] (27 → 37)
[+25 SIN POINTS] (10 → 35 SP)
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED:]
[BASIC CONVERSATION – Level 1]
[Effect: You can initiate and maintain]
[casual conversations without panic.]
[Words flow more naturally.]
[Reduces social anxiety by 50% in]
[normal interactions.]
[UNEXPECTED BONUS:]
[Professor Romano noticed and approved]
[+5 Academic Reputation]
[Relationship with Romano: POSITIVE]
[ACCELERATED PHYSICAL CHANGES:]
[Processing improvements…]
[Estimated time: 24–48 hours]
A familiar warmth ran through my body. It wasn't uncomfortable. It was like… waking up after a good sleep. Energizing.
[UPDATED STATS:]
[GINO MORRETTI – Level 2]
[Attractiveness: 34/200]
[Confidence: 37/100]
[Charisma: 21/100]
[Seduction: 12/100]
[Sin Points: 35 SP]
[Missions Completed: 2/2]
[Success Rate: 100%]
[Rank: COMPETENT NOVICE]
[You have leveled up.]
[You are no longer the pathetic virgin you were.]
[You are still pathetic, but LESS.]
[Acceptable progress.]
I smiled despite the System's insult. I was too euphoric to care.
My phone vibrated with a real message. From Sophie.
Sophie: "Did you survive your next class without having a panic attack? 😄"
My first instinct was to overthink the reply. Write, delete, rewrite.
But then the new skill "Basic Conversation" seemed to activate. The words came naturally.
Gino: "Barely. Still processing that you actually gave me your number 😅"
Sophie: "Haha, why so surprised?"
Gino: "Because I'm usually terrible at this"
Sophie: "Well, it didn't seem like it. You were pretty direct"
Sophie: "I liked that"
My heart skipped a beat.
Gino: "Good to know for future reference"
Sophie: "😊 I have to go into class. Talk later?"
Gino: "Sure. Good luck in class"
Sophie: "Thanks! 💙"
I put my phone away with a stupid smile on my face.
"BRO."