NOVEL WEB Chapter 18: Really I'm Leveling up
The bell rang for break. Students began pouring into the halls, chattering and laughing. The bad boys — Derrick, Delvin, Bertinus, Aurelius, Josiah, and Verde — gathered at the end of the hall, their voices loud and cocky as always. Mabel and her squad of girls joined them, giggling and tossing their hair, already planning where to sneak out and what mischief to get into.
Elric watched them for a moment. He used to be part of that noise, that careless energy. But today, he didn't feel the pull at all. He didn't move toward them. He stayed with Ernestina.
Josiah noticed him and called out, "Elric! You coming or what? We got plans, man!"
Elric shook his head slowly. "Not today," he said calmly. "I'm done with that."
The boys exchanged surprised looks. Bertinus just scoffed, "Suit yourself, man. Your loss."
They all turned and swaggered out together, leaving Elric and Ernestina behind.
She looked up at him, her eyes warm and proud. "I'm so glad you stayed," she whispered.
He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as they started walking slowly down the hall. "Me too," he said. "From now on… I just want to be me."
Outside, the sunlight felt warmer, almost like it was shining just for them. Elric knew it wouldn't be easy. He knew there would be more whispers, more temptations, more tests. But with Ernestina by his side, he felt stronger than he ever had.
....
The hallway swallowed them up, buzzing with morning chatter and the sharp clang of lockers slamming shut. But to Elric and Ernestina, it felt as if they were walking through a quiet tunnel, just the two of them, side by side, fingers laced together like a silent promise.
A few students peeked curiously from their classrooms. Some looked surprised, others just watched in quiet respect. Rumors spread quickly, but today, Elric didn't care.
Ernestina glanced up at him every few steps, her eyes soft but flickering with uncertainty.
"Elric… are you really okay?" she asked in a small voice, almost as if she was afraid of the answer.
He looked down at her and squeezed her hand a little tighter. "I've never been better," he said. "I feel… free."
A shy smile spread across her face, the kind that lit up her whole expression brighter than the sun slipping through the windows.
As they reached her classroom, Ernestina stopped. She tugged his sleeve gently, hesitating. Her lips parted like she wanted to say something more, but she just stood there, searching his eyes.
Elric waited patiently.
Finally, she took a deep breath. "Thank you… for standing up for me," she whispered.
He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Don't thank me for that. You're worth more than all of them combined."
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she looked away quickly, covering her mouth to hide a shy giggle.
They stood like that for a moment, two young souls caught in a fragile moment that felt stronger than any wall or rumor.
Then, behind them, a voice called out.
"Elric!"
He turned.
Standing at the far end of the hall was Mrs. Everlyn, the senior teacher. Her arms were crossed, but her face wasn't as stern as before. This time, her eyes looked thoughtful.
"Elric," she called again, walking closer. Her heels clicked softly against the floor. "I need to talk to you for a moment."
Ernestina's smile faded a little. Her hand tightened around his.
Elric gave her a reassuring look. "It's okay," he whispered. "I'll be right back."
Reluctantly, she let go, watching him as he followed Mrs. Everlyn down the hall.
Inside her office, the air felt different from before. It wasn't heavy or cold anymore. Mrs. Everlyn stood by her desk, her expression softer.
"Elric," she started gently, setting a folder aside. "I've watched you these past years. I know you've struggled, and I know you've made mistakes. But today, I saw something different in you."
Elric's eyes widened slightly. He stayed quiet, listening.
She nodded slowly. "Change isn't easy. It's not just about one big moment. It's about small choices every day. I'm glad to see you trying."Elric swallowed, feeling a wave of relief rush over him.
Mrs. Everlyn continued, her voice low and calm. "I want you to keep Ernestina close. She's a good influence. Let her guide you, help you stay on the right path."
Elric nodded, a soft, grateful smile spreading across his face.
"I will," he said. "Thank you, Madam."
Mrs. Everlyn gave him a small smile, a rare kindness. "Now, go on. Keep making the right choices."
He stepped out of the office feeling lighter. As he looked down the hall, he saw Ernestina waiting, her eyes bright with relief when she saw him. She rushed to him and wrapped her arms around his arm, holding on tight.
"I'm okay," he said softly, resting his forehead lightly against hers. "She believes in me. Just like you."
Ernestina's eyes glimmered. "Good. Because I do."
Elric looked up to the ceiling and prayed "Almighty God, help me ] and looked straight as he walked with Ernestina and
said a word of prayer ...Just then. The System tab appeared
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[ SYSTEM: SPIRITUAL STATUS ]
Sin Points: [10,570]
Virtue Points: [+5]
Temptations Record: [Stabilizing]
_________
--Prayer Status
• Daily Prayer: [Completed]
• Prayer Bonus:[ +10 Virtue Points ]
• Heart Sincerity Level: [High]
• Spirit Resonance: [Active]
___________
--Effects
• Mind clarity boosted
• Temptations weakened temporarily
• New protective blessings unlocked
─
________
--Updated Points....
Sin Points: [10,500]
Virtue Points: [+15]
Temptations Record: [Strengthening]
______
---System Note:
"Prayer opens the path to healing. Keep your spirit sincere to gain higher bonuses."
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[ 🔥 🔥 🔥 ]
Elric stared at it, eyes wide. Slowly, a big grin spread across his face. His heart felt light, like he was floating above every mistake he'd ever made.
In his mind, he almost laughed out loud.
"Really… I'm leveling up."
....