The day before the regional math competition dawned cold and clear, and the atmosphere inside Westbrook High was equal parts excitement and tension. For the first time in the school's history, the math team arrived not as underdogs or last-place hopefuls, but as legitimate contenders. Students and teachers alike stopped them in the hallways to offer encouragement, and the school's official social media posted a group photo with the caption: "Meet our champions in waiting."
During the morning assembly, the principal personally praised the team, especially Ethan, calling him "a symbol of what hard work, courage, and unexpected talent can achieve." The entire gymnasium stood up and cheered, a wave of sound that echoed off the walls. Ethan stood at the front with Lila, Aaron, and the rest of the team, feeling a deep, genuine pride he had never known before.
This was no longer just about winning a competition.It was about proving everyone who had ever underestimated them wrong.
After assembly, Mr. Henderson and Mr. Cole gathered the team in their classroom for one final preparation session. The mood was focused but calm. There was no more cramming, no more stressful practice problems—only a review of strategy and teamwork.
"Tomorrow, you will face the best students in the region," Mr. Cole said firmly. "Many of them have trained for years, and some come from schools that spend thousands on competition coaching. But none of them have what you have: unity. You don't just work together. You trust each other. That is your greatest weapon."
Aaron raised his hand, his voice steady and no longer nervous. "What if we freeze? What if we panic under the pressure?"
Ethan smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "You won't. We've trained for this. We've faced accusations, sabotage, and doubt. If you can survive all that, you can survive a math competition. Stick together, listen to each other, and let's bring home the trophy."
[Ding!][Team morale has reached peak state.All team attributes rise by an additional 10%.Temporary skill: Competitive Focus activated.No distractions or pressure will affect performance during the contest.]
Lila turned to Ethan, her eyes soft but determined. "We've come so far," she said quietly. "From you failing a math test to leading us to the championship. No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm glad I got to be part of this journey with you."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. The connection between them was impossible to miss, thick with unspoken feelings and quiet understanding. In that moment, he knew that even without the system, he would still want Lila by his side.
Before he could reply, the classroom door opened, and Kane stepped inside, dressed in his usual sharp suit. He approached Ethan and handed him a small envelope.
"Sir, these are your competition credentials and parking passes," he said professionally. "The car will arrive at six tomorrow morning. I've also prepared snacks, water, and extra supplies to eliminate any last-minute stress. Everything is arranged."
The team stared in quiet amazement. Even in the busiest moments, Ethan's mysterious assistant made everything feel effortless.
As the final meeting ended and the team began to leave, Ethan's eyes met Jake's across the hallway. The bully was leaning against a wall, alone, his expression cold and bitter. He didn't shout or threaten. He just stared, as if trying to burn a hole through Ethan with his gaze.
Ethan held the stare for a moment, then looked away without a flicker of emotion.He no longer saw Jake as an enemy.He only saw a scared, angry boy who was afraid of being forgotten.
That evening, Ethan returned to his penthouse and stood by the window, watching the city lights sparkle below. In just a few weeks, he had gone from a bullied, failing student to a genius, a millionaire, a team captain, and the star of his school. He had money, power, respect, and people who cared about him.
For the first time in his life, Ethan Reed felt truly complete.
[Ding!][Host has completed all pre-competition preparation.All system boosts are locked in for tomorrow's contest.Final quest: Regional Championship is ready to begin.][Victory rewards will be unlocked upon winning first place.]
Ethan picked up his phone and typed a short message to the team group chat.
"Tomorrow, we win. All of us."
Within seconds, replies flooded in.
Lila: "See you on the winner's stage."Aaron: "I'm ready!"Mr. Henderson: "Make history."
Ethan smiled and set his phone down.He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, calm and centered.
The stage was set.The competitors were ready.The entire region would be watching.
Tomorrow, he would stop at nothing to lead his team to victory.
The era of Ethan Reed, the perfect score genius, was only just beginning.