Chapter 17: Patek
[Ding! Major Achievement Unlocked!]
[The protagonist has been successfully manipulated into committing public violence, further destroying his reputation and credibility. Multiple witnesses have observed him assault another student without clear provocation.]
[Quest Complete: "Orchestrated Downfall - Force the protagonist into a position where he damages himself without direct confrontation"]
[Reward: 500 Villain Points, +50 Villain Halo]
[Bonus Reward: Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 (Value: $100,000)]
[Note: The protagonist’s standing at school has reached an all-time low. The heroine’s trust in him has significantly decreased.]
Sebastian was sitting in an empty classroom on the third floor when the notifications appeared. He’d positioned himself far from the cafeteria but close enough that the news would reach him quickly.
Sebastian reached in and pulled out a watch box. It had a sleek, elegant design, with the Patek Philippe logo embossed on top.
Opening it carefully, Sebastian’s eyes widened slightly.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 sat nestled in black velvet. The iconic octagonal bezel, the horizontally embossed dial in a gorgeous blue, the integrated bracelet in stainless steel—it was absolutely stunning.
Sebastian knew watches. In his previous life, he’d only been able to window shop and dream. In this life, the original Sebastian had a decent collection, mostly Rolexes in the $10,000-$20,000 range. Nice watches, respectable watches.
But this? This was on another level entirely.
The Nautilus 5711 was legendary—one of the most sought-after luxury watches in the world. The waiting list was years long, and even with money, most people couldn’t get one. The retail price was around $35,000, but on the secondary market, they sold for $100,000 or more.
And the system had just given him one.
Sebastian carefully removed it from the box and fastened it around his wrist. The weight was perfect, the fit impeccable. The blue dial caught the light beautifully, and the thin profile sat elegantly under his shirt cuff.
He held up his wrist, admiring it from different angles.
"Now this," Sebastian murmured with genuine appreciation, "this is a proper reward."
He pulled out his system and checked his updated status.
===Status===
Host: Sebastian Fairfax
Combat Power: 82 (Average human: 100)
Villain Points: 2,350
Villain Halo: 265
Luck: E
Charm: E+
→ Skills: None
→ Inventory: None
265 Villain Halo. Only 35 points away from unlocking the Exchange Mall.
Sebastian stood up, adjusted his uniform, and rolled up his sleeve slightly so the Patek Philippe was visible but not ostentatiously so.
He made his way down to the cafeteria level, where a crowd had gathered outside. Teachers were trying to restore order, and he could see Derek being escorted to the nurse’s office, still holding his reddened cheek.
Students parted as Sebastian approached, whispers following him.
"That’s Sebastian..."
"Did you hear? Those were his friends that Ethan attacked..."
"Sebastian looks so calm. I’d be furious if someone hit my friend..."
Sebastian found Isabelle standing to the side, looking pale and shaken. Her arms were wrapped around herself.
"Isabelle," Sebastian said gently, approaching her. "Are you alright?"
She looked up at him, and her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "I... I don’t know what just happened. Ethan just... he lost it. Completely lost it."
"Where is he now?"
"The principal’s office. They took him away." Isabelle’s voice shook. "Sebastian, I’m scared. I’ve never seen him like that before. He was so angry, so violent..."
Sebastian placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You’re safe now. He can’t hurt you."
"He wouldn’t hurt me," Isabelle said quickly, then paused, uncertainty crossing her face. "At least... I don’t think he would. But after seeing him hit Derek like that... I don’t know anymore."
"Come on," Sebastian said softly. "Let’s get you out of here. You shouldn’t have to stand around while everyone gossips."
As he gently guided her away from the crowd, Isabelle’s eyes caught sight of his wrist.
"Is that... is that a new watch?" she asked, momentarily distracted.
Sebastian glanced down at the Patek Philippe. "Oh, this? Yes. Early birthday present from my father."
"It’s beautiful," Isabelle said quietly.
"Thank you." Sebastian smiled slightly. "Though I have to say, the company is much better than the watch."
Despite everything, Isabelle gave him a small, grateful smile.
Behind them, in the distance, Sebastian could hear teachers trying to calm the chaotic cafeteria.
But all he could think about was how perfectly everything was falling into place.