Godly Beggar

The air inside the Seladang Institute auditorium buzzed with anticipation. The remaining three teams stood on stage, their determination etched on their faces. Among them, Jiang Han's team stood tall, having navigated the first two trials with precision and teamwork.

Lee Wei Ren's team was on the opposite end of the stage, his trademark calm confidence unshaken. Wei Ren caught Jiang Han's eye, offering a slight smirk as if to say, I've got this.

Jiang Han ignored him, focusing instead on the large digital screen that displayed the name of the final trial: "The Gauntlet of Minds."

The moderator, a professor from Seladang Institute, stepped up to the podium. "Congratulations to the top three teams," he began, his voice amplified across the hall. "You've all proven yourselves worthy competitors, but only one team will claim victory. The final trial will test every facet of your abilities—logic, creativity, and teamwork. Prepare yourselves."

The Gauntlet of Minds was divided into three stages, the first of which was the Logic Conundrum. A large digital board lit up with a complex series of riddles, each tied to a timer. Teams had to answer before the countdown reached zero or risk losing points.

As the first question flashed on the screen, Jiang Han's team huddled together.

"What has cities but no houses, forests but no trees, and rivers but no water?"

Hui Qi spoke first. "A map."

"Correct!" the screen displayed, and their points climbed.

The questions grew more difficult as the round progressed. Jiang Han's system-enhanced Observation Skill and Collaborative Thinking rewards came into play, allowing him to guide the team through the toughest puzzles.

Meanwhile, Wei Ren's team was keeping pace, their answers equally quick and precise.

By the end of the round, both teams were tied at the top of the leaderboard, with the third team trailing behind.

The second stage required teams to devise a solution to a hypothetical scenario. A scenario appeared on the screen: "Design a sustainable city using only renewable resources while balancing population growth and environmental conservation."

Jiang Han's team immediately began brainstorming.

"Focus on modular housing," Hui Qi suggested, sketching designs on a notepad. "Efficient and adaptable to population changes."

"We'll need renewable energy sources," Derek added. "Solar panels and wind turbines in strategic locations."

Jiang Han nodded, tying their ideas together. "Let's add a green transport system—electric buses and bike-sharing programmes. That'll reduce carbon emissions while improving mobility."

As they presented their solution to the judges, Jiang Han noticed Wei Ren's team watching closely. Their presentation followed shortly after, equally polished and well-thought-out.

When the scores were displayed, Jiang Han's team led by a narrow margin.

The final stage pitted each team captain against one another in a rapid-fire duel of wits. The stakes were high—whoever emerged victorious would secure enough points to claim the championship.

Jiang Han stepped forward, meeting Wei Ren at the centre of the stage. The Prodigy's calm demeanour was unwavering, but Jiang Han noticed a flicker of something in his rival's eyes—respect, perhaps?

"Ready, gentlemen?" the moderator asked.

"Always," Wei Ren replied, his tone laced with confidence.

Jiang Han simply nodded, his focus razor-sharp.

The duel began with a series of rapid-fire questions spanning a variety of subjects—mathematics, science, history, and logic.

"What is the square root of 2025?"

"Forty-five," Jiang Han answered instantly.

"Correct."

"What year was the Declaration of Malayuna's Independence signed?"

"1957," Wei Ren replied smoothly.

"Correct."

The questions came faster, each one more challenging than the last. Jiang Han's system-enhanced skills allowed him to think quickly and clearly, but Wei Ren was equally sharp.

With the score tied, the final question appeared: "What is the missing variable in this equation: E = mc² - x?"

Jiang Han's mind raced. His system reward for Physics Problem-Solving kicked in, piecing together the equation in an instant.

"The missing variable is gravitational potential energy," Jiang Han answered confidently.

"Correct!" the moderator announced.

The auditorium erupted into applause as Jiang Han's team was declared the winner.

As the crowd cheered, Jiang Han's teammates pulled him into a celebratory hug. Hui Qi's normally composed expression cracked into a wide grin, while Derek punched the air in triumph.

"You did it!" Hui Qi exclaimed.

"We did it," Jiang Han corrected, his voice filled with gratitude.

Wei Ren approached them, his expression calm but unreadable. "Congratulations, Jiang Han," he said, extending a hand. "You've earned this."

"Thank you," Jiang Han replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Wei Ren leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "But don't get comfortable. I'll be back for a rematch."

Jiang Han smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

That evening, as Jiang Han walked home, the weight of the day's events settled over him. The system chimed softly in his mind.

[System Notification: Major Mission Complete.]

Reward Unlocked: Critical Thinking Skill (Advanced Level).]

Jiang Han felt the familiar rush as the reward activated, his mind sharpening even further. But it wasn't just the system's rewards that mattered—it was the lessons he had learned along the way.

"Teamwork, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt," Jiang Han thought. "These are the things that truly make a difference."

The stars overhead twinkled brightly as if echoing his thoughts.

"Second chances aren't just about fixing the past," he murmured. "They're about building a better future."

With that, Jiang Han smiled, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Jiang Han walked the final stretch home, the events of the day replayed in his mind. The applause, the victory, and even Wei Ren's parting words felt like pieces of a larger puzzle.

"Each challenge is preparing me for something bigger," he mused aloud. The system's missions had grown progressively harder, but so had his ability to adapt and overcome.

The familiar chime of the Begging System broke through his thoughts, drawing a sigh from Jiang Han.

[System Notification: Reflection Mode Active.]

[Host has demonstrated exceptional growth. New insights unlocked.]

"Insights?" Jiang Han muttered, stepping into his room and closing the door behind him.

The system's interface expanded in his mind, revealing a timeline-like display. Fragments of his past life flashed before him—moments of triumph, failure, and everything in between.

In one scene, he was hunched over a desk in a high-rise office, the glow of multiple screens illuminating his exhausted face. A cup of cold coffee sat forgotten beside him. The pressure of deadlines and the weight of unfulfilled expectations were palpable.

The vision shifted to another memory: an argument with a close friend over a missed promise, their voices rising until the friendship fractured.

Jiang Han blinked as the images faded, his heart heavy.

"You're not just teaching me skills, are you?" he said quietly. "You're teaching me how to live better."

The system responded with its usual chime, offering no further explanation.

The next day at school, Jiang Han felt a strange mix of satisfaction and anticipation. The Mind Trials were behind him, but he knew the system wouldn't let him rest for long.

As he entered the classroom, he was greeted by the usual chatter, though today, much of it was directed at him.

"Jiang Han, you were amazing yesterday!" one student exclaimed.

"Yeah, you completely outsmarted that Prodigy guy," another added.

Jiang Han offered a polite smile, though he wasn't one to bask in the limelight. He noticed Hui Qi and Derek waiting by his desk, their expressions amused.

"You're a celebrity now," Derek teased, leaning against the desk.

"Enjoy it while it lasts," Hui Qi added, though there was a hint of pride in her voice.

Jiang Han chuckled, setting his bag down. "It was a team effort. We all played a part."

Before the conversation could continue, the door swung open, and none other than Lee Wei Ren stepped inside. His presence instantly silenced the room, all eyes turning to the Prodigy.

Wei Ren's gaze swept across the room, landing on Jiang Han. Without a word, he walked over, his expression unreadable.

"Jiang Han," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let's talk."

The classroom buzzed with whispers as Wei Ren gestured for Jiang Han to follow him outside.

The two stood in the quiet hallway, the distant sounds of lessons creating a faint backdrop.

"I'll admit," Wei Ren began, crossing his arms, "you surprised me yesterday. You're not just talented—you're resourceful."

"Thanks," Jiang Han replied, his tone measured. "You weren't too bad yourself."

Wei Ren chuckled softly, though his eyes remained sharp. "You've changed since I first heard about you. At first, I thought you were just another ambitious student, but there's something different about you—something I can't quite figure out."

Jiang Han hesitated. Could Wei Ren sense the influence of the system? Or was it simply his own growth shining through?

"I've been learning," Jiang Han said finally. "From my mistakes, my successes, and from people like you."

Wei Ren raised an eyebrow. "People like me?"

"You're a rival, sure," Jiang Han explained. "But you're also someone who pushes me to be better. Without that, I wouldn't be where I am now."

For a moment, Wei Ren seemed taken aback. Then, his lips curved into a faint smile. "Interesting perspective. I'll keep that in mind."

He extended a hand, his expression softening. "Good luck, Jiang Han. I have a feeling our paths will cross again."

Jiang Han shook his hand firmly. "I'll be ready."

As Jiang Han returned to the classroom, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Mind Trials had been a stepping stone, but they were far from the end of his journey.

Wang Jia Qi approached him during lunch, her tray loaded with snacks. "So, what's next for our resident genius?" she asked, grinning.

Jiang Han shrugged, taking a sip of water. "Whatever the system throws at me, I guess."

"System?" Jia Qi echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Just thinking out loud," Jiang Han said quickly, waving her off.

"Well, whatever it is, count me in for moral support," Jia Qi said, nudging his arm. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Jiang Han laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Wouldn't dream of it."

That evening, as Jiang Han sat by his desk, the system chimed once more.

[System Notification: Warning—new challenges ahead.]

[Difficulty will increase to match the host's growth. Prepare accordingly.]

Jiang Han sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Of course, you're upping the stakes. When do you ever make things easy?"

The system offered no reply, leaving Jiang Han alone with his thoughts.

Despite the warning, he felt a spark of excitement. Every challenge brought new opportunities, and Jiang Han was ready to face them head-on.

"Let's see what you've got," he murmured, a determined smile playing on his lips.