After leaving the gaming lounge, Aiden James wandered over to the university track field.
He had just boosted his Agility stats and wanted to test what it actually did for him.
But when he got there, the place was packed. Students lined the track, cheering and filming with their phones.
Aiden frowned. "Huh… why are there so many people here today?"
A girl nearby,, slim, athletic, and easily one of the prettiest on the field, turned and smiled politely.
"You didn't hear? The sports department is holding a sprint competition. They're picking candidates for national-level training."
"Oh, I see," Aiden said with a grin. "Mind if I add you on Snap?"
The girl's friendly expression instantly cooled. "Sorry. I've got a boyfriend. He's the one in the red jersey, warming up over there."
She pointed proudly toward a tall guy doing stretches at the starting line.
Aiden's expression froze for a second.
"Wait… Brad Brook?"
"You know my boyfriend?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Yeah," Aiden said flatly. "We went to high school together. He was the sprint champ back then."
"Really?" The girl brightened immediately. "I thought he was just bragging when he said that!"
Aiden smiled thinly. "Nope. He wasn't lying."
But inside, his thoughts were a lot darker.
Brad Brook - handsome, athletic, and a known player. The kind of guy who changed girlfriends like outfits. Back in high school, they'd even fought once - over a girl.
Brad had pinned him down and slapped him across the face. It wasn't just a loss; it was a memory burned into Aiden's pride.
He clenched his fists.
That was the kind of thing you never forgot.
Ding! System Alert.
[ System Engagement Activated]
Target: Heather Crown
Age: 19
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 110 lbs
Appearance Rating: 8.2/10
Current Favorability: -5
Engagement Relationship #4 Bound.
When Heather's favorability exceeds 95, roles will reverse.
Reward upon reversal:
10% System Gold
22 Enhancement Points
Skill Unlock: Dance Mastery
Aiden blinked. "Wait, what? You're telling me she's… bound? That's her boyfriend over there! You're seriously trying to make me steal his girl now?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "System, you're turning me into the exact type of guy I hate."
Still… he glanced at Heather again.
She really was stunning - bright eyes, smooth skin, a smile that could disarm anyone. Maybe even more beautiful than Ivy Mae or Emily Rose.
And she was young - probably a freshman.
"Go Brad!" Heather shouted suddenly, jumping to her feet as the race began.
Aiden didn't push further. He wasn't that kind of guy - not anymore.
If he forced it, he'd just be the same thug he used to despise.
While the crowd cheered for Brad, Aiden quietly walked toward the track.
He overheard two coaches talking near the sidelines.
"That's Brad Brook, right? His best time's 10.12 seconds in the hundred. He's already near national qualification. Tons of potential."
"Yeah, this guy's the real deal," another agreed. "Strong stride, great reaction time."
A whistle blew.
"Runners ready!"
Bang!
The gunshot cracked through the air. Over a dozen sprinters exploded off the line like unleashed panthers.
Brad immediately took the lead - his movements clean, powerful, and fast.
Then someone shouted from the sidelines -
"Wait, who's that guy?"
The coaches looked up, stunned.
A boy in casual clothes - hoodie, jeans, sneakers - had joined the race, several yards behind everyone else.
But in seconds, he began closing the gap.
One by one, he overtook the trained sprinters, his strides impossibly light, almost effortless.
The crowd gasped.
And before anyone could comprehend it, the unknown runner crossed the finish line - two full meters ahead of Brad.
"W–what the hell?"
"9.63 seconds?! That's under ten!"
"He was late off the start by nearly a second! If he went all out - he'd be… world-class!"
"Is that guy even human?"
Aiden stood at the end of the track, calm and composed, as everyone stared in shock.
He exhaled slowly.