5

Chapter 5: Gwen's House

In his previous life, Locke was from the East. 

The Federation...

He'd never been there.

He was well-versed in Eastern universities, but knew little about those in the Federation. Like many, he only recognized names. Thus, Locke was unsure which university to choose to continue his mission.

But...

Gwen was a scholar.

It didn't matter if Locke didn't know much. With his system cheat and by following a top student like Gwen, he figured he wouldn't have any problems.

Additionally, most students kept their intended universities a secret, fearing others might steal their spots. But Gwen was different. For top students, universities chose them, not the other way around.

Locke didn't aim to be like Gwen, but he knew that following her would be better than figuring it out on his own.

Gwen looked at Locke curiously, seemingly deep in thought, but she still shared the AP courses she was taking with him.

However...

"It's best to focus on your high school credits," Gwen advised.

Locke noted down the courses Gwen mentioned and smiled, "Thank you."

Grades didn't matter to him.

Missions were the key.

A top student like Gwen loved exams. Where there were exams, there were missions. Locke had no natural talent for learning, but with his cheats, he could earn some points and money.

In the afternoon, Locke found a college counselor and inquired about enrolling in the prerequisite courses.

Then...

In chemistry class, Gwen was puzzled when she saw Locke enter.

"Hi."

"...Hi."

Gwen snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Locke, who coincidentally was seated next to her again. She coughed, responded, and focused on her textbook.

As usual, Gwen, the top student, concentrated.

Locke, the academic struggler, listened.

But...

"System Upgrade!"

After spending a thousand potential points to upgrade his chemistry knowledge to the eighth grade level, Locke felt he could understand a bit more. Another thousand potential points later, he finally got it.

Locke felt a bit distressed.

But...

When a mission came, he felt it was worth the effort.

"Ding!"

"A mission is being generated."

"Basic Mission Reward: Achievement Points * 500, Potential Points * 500"

As the chemistry teacher assigned homework, the mission arrived as expected.

Locke was secretly pleased.

However...

Locke rubbed his forehead. The homework required a partner. Where would he find one?

Gwen noticed Locke's odd expression and quickly understood why.

"Hey."

"Hm?"

"Want to partner up?"

"...Is that okay?"

Gwen shrugged and put away her books. "Kem is on leave today. Can you find anyone else?"

Locke looked around and saw that most students were already paired up. He looked back at Gwen. "Thank you."

"Let's go to my house then."

"??"

Too fast.

Gwen noticed Locke standing still. "What's the matter?"

Locke shook his head.

He began to wonder if he could change the prerequisites. Otherwise, he seriously doubted he wouldn't get shot by Sheriff George Stacy.

Never mind.

Mission first.

Parking lot.

"Beep!"

"...Is this your car?"

Gwen blinked at the sight of the silver-white Audi R8 flashing in front of her. She'd heard classmates talking about it at noon. "Is this R8 yours?"

Locke opened the passenger door and nodded. "Yes, I went out at noon and bought it. Don't worry, I have a driver's license."

Locke had gotten his driver's license as soon as he turned sixteen in March. But after buying the R8, he was nearly out of money.

He'd have to make more money tonight.

Gwen glanced at Locke in surprise. Though it wasn't a good thought, she was curious about how much inheritance Locke's parents had left him.

Ten minutes later...

Under the shocked and envious gazes of the students, rumors spread that Locke, who had transferred less than two days ago, was already pursuing their goddess, Gwen.

Half an hour later...

Locke parked the car on the side of the road and followed Gwen home.

An hour later...

Sheriff George Stacy, having received news from his wife Helen, hurried home.

"Where?"

"Studying."

Helen quickly added, "Don't disturb them. They seem to be working on some homework."

George Stacy was skeptical.

Helen quickly changed the subject. "Busy day?"

George waved her off, heading upstairs to Gwen's room. He listened to the sound of academic terms from inside, then suspiciously returned downstairs. "Don't mention it."

"Sin Hunter is coming to New York."

"..."

Helen looked at George. "Is that the crime hunter you mentioned last time, the one active in Texas?"

Sin Hunter was the police department's codename.

George sometimes talked about his work with Helen, so it was normal for her to know. "Yesterday, Alan Wood was found dead in an alley, with a crime card left by the Sin Hunter. The police station is swamped today."

One task was to find the Sin Hunter.

The other was to investigate Alan Wood.

The Texas Police Department had spent two years confirming that the crimes written on the Sin Hunter's cards were always true.

Fortunately, the Sin Hunter had been confined to Texas.

Fortunately, the NYPD caught wind early. Otherwise, the New York papers would have splashed the Sin Hunter's arrival on their front pages.

Helen nodded and walked towards the kitchen. "I think this Sin Hunter is pretty good."

George scoffed. "We're the law, my dear."

Helen shrugged, not intending to argue. She just felt that way.

Especially after hearing about Alan Wood's crimes from George, she felt if they were true, then Alan Wood deserved his fate.

George looked at his wife, ready to convince her.

At that moment...

"Mom..."

"Dad?"

Gwen walked downstairs, seeing George in the living room. "Why are you home?"

George smiled. "Can't I come home?"

Gwen quickly waved her hand and called out to Helen in the kitchen, "Mom, can Locke stay for dinner?"

George: "..."