Reality Quest: Lookism

I blinked as the world slowly came back into focus. The clatter of trays and chatter of students in the cafeteria surrounded me, the normalcy jarring after the chaos I had just been through.

Looking down at myself, I saw no blood, no bruises, and no torn clothes. My body was back to normal as if nothing had happened.

'So that's how it works.' I thought, shaking my head.

Pulling up the Stats Panel, I noticed something interesting:

---

[Stats Panel]

HP: 2800/2800

MP: 450/450

---

The upgrades I had purchased during the fight were still there. My boosted health and mana remained intact, which was a relief.

'At least I didn't lose that.' I mused, swiping the panel away and bringing up the quest rewards instead.

---

[Quest Rewards]

Grey Key x1

Copper Keys x15

---

I tapped on the description for the copper keys first.

---

[Copper Key]

Grants +10 permanent stat points to any attribute.

---

"Not bad." I muttered, already thinking about how to divide them up.

Then, I checked the grey key's description.

---

[Grey Key]

Allows the purchase of a passive skill for free.

Value: 100 Credits.

Note: If the skill costs more than 100 Credits, the difference must be paid in credits.

---

A smirk spread across my face. "Now we're talking."

The copper keys were simple enough; they were perfect for stacking up my stats. But the grey key? That was something special. Passive skills were expensive and invaluable. Having a free one in my pocket was a game-changer.

I leaned back in my chair, thinking about how to use the rewards.

'One copper key is equal to 10 stat points…so that's 150 points total. Not bad at all.'

And the grey key… It wasn't just a freebie, it gave me flexibility. If I wanted a skill priced at 130 Credits, I could use the grey key to cover 100 of that, then only pay the remaining 30. That opened up a lot of options.

Closing the panels, I folded my arms and smirked. "This system's got potential."

I glanced around the cafeteria. Everything was back to normal, students laughing, eating, and gossiping like they didn't have a care in the world.

'If only they knew.' I thought, chuckling to myself.

For now, though, there was no rush. I'd figure out my next moves after school. Right now, I needed to plan how to best spend those stat points and that grey key.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the glowing panel hovering before me. My System Notification Log caught my attention, and as I scrolled through it, I noticed something that made me pause.

---

[Hidden Mission Completed]

Reward: Gained the respect of Gun

---

I smirked, shaking my head. "Respect of Gun, huh?" I muttered. "That guy's a lunatic."

Pushing the chair back, I stood up and stretched. Studying was out of the question now, I wasn't in the mood. Grabbing my bag, I slung it over my shoulder and decided to head home.

The walk back was uneventful, the streets bustling with the usual hum of city life. When I finally arrived home, I kicked off my shoes, tossed my bag aside, and plopped onto my bed face-first.

"Alright." I muttered into the pillow before flipping over and opening the System Panel again. Time to see what else I got from that crazy mission.

A new notification popped up:

---

[Hidden Mission Rewards]

Completion of the Hidden Mission salvaged part of the failed principal mission rewards.

Gained the opportunity to purchase the skill: Brazilian Kick.

---

I blinked, sitting up. "So I can still learn the skill, huh?"

The thought of how I unlocked Blind Spot Strike crossed my mind. "No shortcuts." I muttered. "I'll just buy the right to learn it and grind it out myself. That's how I roll."

Another notification appeared, this one more elaborate.

---

[Hidden Mission Rewards]

Stat Points: +200 to all stats.

HP Increase: +10,000.

MP Increase: +1,500.

New Martial Art Unlocked in Shop: Kyokushin Karate.

---

My jaw dropped, and I stared at the panel with wide eyes. "What the actual…?"

I jumped off the bed, my face breaking into a blissful grin as I read the rewards over and over again. Then, without thinking, I started dancing around the room like an idiot.

Five minutes later, I collapsed onto the bed, laughing breathlessly. "This system...is the best thing ever."

Once I calmed down, I rubbed my chin, thinking. The stat increases were insane, 200 to every stat? That would skyrocket my combat abilities. But…

"I'll hold off for now." I decided. "No point in rushing. I'll train first, push myself to the limit, and then use them to break past it."

Satisfied with my decision, I closed the panel and headed to the kitchen. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten since lunch.

Pulling open the fridge, I grabbed a quick snack and leaned against the counter, munching away. Thoughts of Gun, Daniel, and the Brazilian Kick swirled in my head.

"I'll get stronger." I muttered to myself, clenching my fist. "Stronger than anyone. Just watch."

I grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder as I stood in the middle of the small apartment. The place was modest, but it had its charm, photos of my family on the walls, the faint scent of my mom's cooking lingering in the air. I glanced around one last time, taking it all in.

"Alright." I muttered, adjusting the strap of my bag.

Stepping outside, I flagged down a taxi, sliding into the back seat. The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, waiting for a destination.

"To the mountain trails in the northern part of Seoul." I said, pulling out some cash.

The driver gave me a curious look but shrugged and started the car.

The ride was long, giving me time to think. Training for two days up in the mountains might sound dramatic, but I wasn't playing around anymore. If I wanted to survive in this world, and thrive, I needed to push myself beyond my limits.

When we reached the foot of the trails, I handed the driver the fare and stepped out. The crisp mountain air hit me immediately, and I took a deep breath, feeling a rush of energy.

Stretching my arms over my head, I grinned. "Alright, let's get to work."

....

Three Days Later

The morning sun shone brightly over the bustling streets of Seoul as Jin walked toward school. His steps were steady, his posture confident, and his entire presence seemed...different.

His once-messy black hair was now slightly neater, but it still retained its rebellious charm. His sharp black eyes, though always piercing, now carried an edge that made anyone who looked his way think twice. He seemed taller, his frame more solid, as if the days of intense training had compressed years of growth into mere days.

With his left hand casually tucked into his pocket, Jin gripped his school bag tightly with his roughened right hand. Calluses lined his fingers, proof of countless punches and countless hours of practice.

At school, Jin kept a low profile as usual, breezing through the day with a nonchalant air. He didn't bother with unnecessary conversations or distractions.

But as the bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and he made his way toward the exit, something caught his attention.

A familiar figure stood at the entrance, her arms crossed, her expression as icy as ever.

Siyeon.

Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her sharp eyes scanned the students as they walked past. She looked as untouchable as ever, her confident stance making it clear she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

Jin stopped mid-step, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her. She hadn't noticed him yet, too busy with whatever, or whoever, she was waiting for.

With a smirk playing on his lips, Jin adjusted the strap of his bag and walked forward. "Well, well, well." he muttered under his breath, "What brings the ice queen here?"

----

1341 words.