"Where have you been? Why are you sweating so much? Is it really that hot today?"
After leaving Alice’s office, Sam specifically went to the restroom to wash his face before returning to the classroom.
Louis looked at Sam with curiosity, noticing the still-damp water stains on his face.
Sam turned around and smiled. "Yeah, it’s pretty hot today. Plus, washing my face with cold water helps me stay alert. It lets me study better in the afternoon."
Louis stared at Sam in shock. "Are you serious? You’re actually going to study? You disgust me!"
Clearly, Louis would rather they both slacked off together than watch Sam strive alone.
Sam shrugged.
"Sorry, but some paths, no matter how tough, I have to walk alone. I don’t have the luxury of a backup plan."
Louis’s lips quivered.
"Why? If you’re facing troubles, tell me! Don’t bear it alone. Have you forgotten the days we skipped classes to play games at the internet cafe? How can you be so selfish!"
Sam gazed out the window, sighing deeply.
"Sorry, but heroes are destined to be lonely. Everyone has their own mountains to climb. I cherish our good old days, but... I must keep going, keep moving forward."
"Sam!!"
"Louis!!"
Madison, standing nearby, shivered and then awkwardly rubbed her neck, which had broken out in goosebumps.
"What the heck, that’s so passionately intense."
Meanwhile, a few girls in another direction looked over with disdain.
"Jeez, what are they on about? Did they take the wrong meds?"
"Ah, I used to like Sam, but now... I like him even more."
"Forget Louis, he’s just a maggot."
In truth, Louis couldn’t hear these comments. He was just a simple, unassuming boy. Although he was a bit overweight now, he would look much more spirited if he lost some weight.
Sam didn’t mind Louis’s oddities and even often played along. As for being perceived as strange by others, it didn’t bother him.
He didn’t need everyone’s approval, and such behavior wasn’t shameful. The romanticism of youth, like a girl’s heart, should be normal, free, and forever clear.
Looking at the laughing Louis, Sam turned to the window.
If he hadn’t come to this world, maybe he would have been a boy just like Louis.
Passionate about games, he was extraordinarily ordinary in every other way.
Rumors of beauties often circulated nearby, yet they never had anything to do with him.
...
[Detection: Host has initiated first-phase contact with one of the female leads, ’Alice’. Initiating conquest mission for the host.]
As with the previous situations involving Angel and Zoe, this development was expected by Sam.
Now that the missions with the three main female leads were activated, just like before, there were no time constraints, and each hinted at the possibility of a GOOD ending.
Gazing at the birds flying outside the window, Sam felt surprisingly calm and relaxed after his encounter with Alice.
He even wore a clear, serene smile.
"Really think you all can kill me? Don’t underestimate my strength!"
[Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the primary phase of conquest with three female leads, enhancing all attributes by ten points.]
[Host’s abilities have been upgraded.]
[Intelligence: 40]
[Physical Strength: 43]
[Power: 34]
[Luck: 30]
[Charm: 84]
[Sexual Desire: 115]
[Experience in Temptation Constitution increased]
[X-ray Vision level upgraded]
[X-ray Vision: The host can use this ability twice a day, with a duration of 40 seconds. It allows the host to see and hear through all barriers without being detected.]
With all abilities increased by ten points and an upgrade to X-ray Vision, it seemed like Sam’s chosen path was the right one.
Every additional reward seemed to enhance the final success rate. Everything appeared to be progressing in a positive direction, which was ideal.
Throughout the afternoon, Sam truly focused on his lessons. With his increased intelligence, his learning efficiency had notably improved.
Even the mathematical formulas that were previously incomprehensible to him now made sense.
However, with exams approaching, he felt a bit pressed for time.
School ended quickly.
"Sam, there’s a new internet cafe nearby. Want to play some games? My Yasuo skills are sharp; you won’t stand a chance no matter what you play!" Louis said excitedly.
Sam didn’t have to work today and had plenty of time, but after some thought, he decided to decline.
"Not today, I need to go to the study hall."
Louis’s eyes widened.
"Am I hearing this right? I’d rather believe you stepped in dog poop!"
"It’s not that dramatic. Exams are coming up, and I’ve fallen behind in my studies. I need to prepare."
"Sam, how did you become so unrecognizable? You’ve changed so much, I just can’t believe it!" Louis mumbled as he walked away.
Although Sam often played along with him, he felt a bit awkward at this moment, but it didn’t matter. As long as he wasn’t embarrassed, the awkwardness was on others.
Sam left the classroom but didn’t leave the school; instead, he headed to the study hall to catch up on the coursework he had missed.
Preparing for the upcoming exams and improving grades wasn’t really necessary, but given Alice’s request, achieving a GOOD ending seemed to hinge on his academic performance.
Moreover, achieving good grades would probably please his parents. Thinking this way, Sam found more reason to study.
The study hall was quiet, seemingly unpopular for sacrificing leisure time.
The facilities, however, were comprehensive, even boasting a coffee machine.
As Sam settled down, he suddenly noticed a black backpack on the opposite seat.
Huh?
What’s this about?
Was it someone’s forgotten bag?
"Tap."
"Tap."
As Sam pondered, he heard clear footsteps emerging from behind the large bookshelves, accompanied by a cup of coffee.
Their gazes met instantly.
The girl holding the coffee cup.
Neat pleated skirt, modest breasts, long legs wrapped in black over-the-knee socks.
And those signature, intensely indifferent eyes.
Isn’t that... Sophie?
What’s she doing here?
Suddenly, Sam realized the situation he was in.
A study hall with no one else but them.
Encountering Sophie, a female lead he barely knew, didn’t seem like good news.
After all, Sam wasn’t sure if she even counted as a female lead, as her presence in the game was minimal, almost negligible.
But then again, if she wasn’t a female lead, why was her character so distinctly crafted? And Louis had mentioned her earlier; her popularity at school entry was comparable to Angel’s.
So, she might well be one of the female leads.
Crucial now was how Sam should act.
Leave immediately? Or strike up a conversation to make a good first impression?