Power of Runes

Chapter 20 - 20: Quest Fail

A/N: ???? Extra chapter today! You all smashed the 20 Collections goal in just one day—amazing! Thank you for the support, and enjoy the read! ????????

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[Ray Dawson]

Ray moved with the crowd, his shoulders slumped and his expression dark.

He was clearly in a bad mood.

I failed the quest...he thought bitterly.

[Quest Failed]

He wasn't sure what had happened. After his fight with Ethan, he had gone to the mountain, yet somehow, his system had deemed the quest a failure.

Sigh... This is the first time I've ever failed a quest.

But what bothered him even more was the strange warning from the system.

[Warning: Someone is interfering with the host's fate. After analysis, it has been determined that the host's fate has been altered and is now moving in an unknown direction]

[New Quest Generated: Correct the World's Fate]

[Objective: Eliminate the Variable responsible for the change]

[Time Limit: None]

[Reward: ????]

"Is someone targeting me? But what did I even do? And what does it mean that the world's fate is being altered?" he muttered in confusion.

'Hey, System, how do I find this "Variable" you're talking about?' he asked in his mind.

[System is currently

His every step carried the weight of authority, and when he spoke, his deep, resonant voice silenced even the whispers lingering in the back.

"Welcome, future legends of Starlight Academy As you step beyond these gates, know that you are not merely students—you are the architects of destiny itself."

The words carried a force beyond mere sound, shaking the hearts of the students.

"You were born into a world where weakness is a death sentence. The strong rule, and the weak perish. That is the truth of this reality. No amount of talent, family status, or luck will save you if you lack the resolve to seize your own future."

Some students gulped, while others sat up straighter.

"Do you think a genius can remain a genius without effort? Do you think those who stand at the top were merely handed their power? No!"

He pointed toward the students, as if piercing through their very beings.

"It is effort that determines your worth. Talent may set the foundation, but determination is what builds an empire. Willpower is what allows a weakling to challenge a god."

His hand fell back to his side, but his voice never wavered.

"Power..."

"Real power does not belong to those who were born the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest."

"No."

"It belongs to those who will do anything, anything—to achieve it."

A silence followed, but it wasn't one of indifference—it was the silence of awe, of students clenching their fists, their eyes burning with renewed determination.

Then, after letting his words settle, Nichole turned to the side.

"Here, you will train, you will suffer, and you will grow. Some of you will rise, and some of you will fall. But let me tell you this—only those who persist shall rise above!"

"Now,"

"Vice Principal will take over from here and further instructions about your classes."

As the Vice Principal stepped forward, Ash suddenly felt a wave of unease.

His eyes widened slightly.

Why is she here?

She wasn't supposed to appear again after the entrance test.

I knew it… something has definitely changed!!

Before he could dwell on it, a cheerful voice rang out.

"Hellooo!! My dear lovely students! Did you enjoy your one-day break?!"

Her playful giggle echoed through the auditorium, but instead of comfort, it sent chills down every student's spine.

Something about her tone… felt dangerous.

"I bet most of you slept through the whole day and didn't even wake up to eat, right?!" she teased, a knowing smirk on her face.

Some students swallowed nervously.

Ash, on the other hand, froze.

Wait… how does she know I slept all day? Was she watching me!?

As if reading his thoughts, she turned toward the audience and chuckled.

"Oh, don't worry, there were no cameras. It's just that this happens every year, so I just know!"

Ash let out a small breath, discreetly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

I see… that's okay then.

But his relief was short-lived.

"Now, let me give you all a brief about the class divisions!" she announced.

"As you know, the first-year classes are divided into five sections… this year Section 1S will have 51 students, Section 1A will have…"

Her voice faded into the background as Ash's mind wandered.

'As long as I'm not in any trouble, I should be fine. I'll just blend in and—'

Then, her next words shattered his hopes.

"Oh, right! Before you leave, let me give you all a BIG piece of news! For the first time ever… I'll be taking a class as a teacher! And my class will be…"

She paused, looking across the students.

"1S!!"

Silence.

Then—

NO. NO. NO. NO. NO!!!!

Ash's mind spiraled into absolute horror.

His face turned pale as if he had seen death itself.

If she becomes my class teacher, my peaceful academy life is OVER!!

His expression twisted in pure despair.

Fuck you, Fate! Or whatever damn entity is messing with my life! he cursed inwardly, glaring up at the ceiling as if blaming the heavens.

Somewhere, fate (or the author) grinned maliciously.

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