Emotion

The evening twilight cast long shadows on the path as Zero made his way back to his residence. The high of the game still coursed through his veins, making his footsteps light yet filled with purpose. The events of the day replayed in his mind, like a symphony of well-orchestrated moves leading to a climactic finish.

As he approached his abode, the familiar surroundings felt strangely detached. The room's quiet solitude mirrored the earlier silence of the white room, but this was different. Here, in the safety of his domain, Zero allowed himself to truly feel, to relish in the raw emotions of the day.

He sank into his favorite armchair, eyes closed, and let the memories wash over him. The scent of the polished wood of the chessboard, the soft click of the pieces, and more than anything, the look on Garrett's face.

Ah, that look.

Zero's lips curled into a smile, a sinister satisfaction flooding him. He recalled the precise moment when he'd cornered one of Garrett's rooks, trapping it with a combination of his bishop and queen. The realization, the dawning horror on Garrett's face was... exquisite.

Then came the capture of Garrett's units, the symbolic heart of his defenses. And oh, the delicious despair in the president's eyes. Zero had reveled in it, basked in the sheer helplessness of his opponent. Every piece taken, every move made was a step closer to that final, ultimate victory.

But it wasn't just the game; it was the power, the dominance, the ability to crush an opponent's spirit and will. Zero had tasted it today, and it was intoxicating. The deep-rooted desire to see that look again, to be the puppet master pulling the strings of despair, grew stronger.

He let out a deep sigh, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. The room was filled with a tangible stillness, broken only by Zero's labored breathing. The thirst for another challenge, another victory, another taste of that heady emotion was undeniable.

"I want more," he whispered into the void, his voice a haunting promise of things to come.

"well whatever, status."

===========================

QUEST COMPLETED:

Target: [Beat the student council president in chess]

Reward: 800 zen, +2 free attribute points

============================

===========================

QUEST COMPLETED:

Target: [Join the Student Council]

Reward: 1000 zen, +4 free attribute points

============================

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Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 18

Intelligence: 27

Stamina: 20.5

Unused points: 7 (+6)

Balance: 4800 Zen (+1800)

Skills: Future Sight

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The holographic interface projected in front of Zero displayed his stats and recent accomplishments. He stared at it, the green digits glowing softly in the dimness of the room.

Zero mused over the points he had earned, remembering the way they flowed into him at the end of each successful mission or quest. It was like a tangible recognition of his prowess and progress. The Zen balance, while a significant sum for someone his age, was secondary. For Zero, the real prize was in the attribute points.

His emotions from earlier still lingered – that heady mix of victory, thrill, and a newfound hunger for power. Controlling and mastering these emotions would be crucial. He couldn't afford to let himself be swayed or become overconfident.

Making up his mind, Zero activated the interface.

"Allocate 4 points to Intelligence," he commanded.

The system responded almost immediately.

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Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 18

Intelligence: 31 (+4)

Stamina: 20.5

Unused points: 3 (+6)

Balance: 4800 Zen

Skills: Future Sight -

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With the increase in his intelligence, Zero felt a wave of clarity wash over him. Emotions became more understandable and more controllable. He could dissect his feelings, understand their roots, and choose how to react. It was as if he had unlocked a more advanced version of emotional intelligence.

Breathing deeply, Zero felt more grounded than before. The overwhelming emotions from earlier now sat in his mind.

'shop', Zero again murmured.

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Welcome to the Zen Shop!

Balance: 4800 Zen

Categories:

armory

Potions

Miscellaneous

Upgrades

Daily Specials:

Mystery Box: 500 Zen

permanent intelligence +1 : 1000 Zen

Purchased history

======================================

Without hesitation, Zero immediately purchased the Permanent Intelligence +1, which was swiftly subtracted from his balance.

===================================

Balance: 3800 Zen (-1000 Zen)

===================================

A subtle energy pulsated through Zero's mind, strengthening the pathways of his cognition.

===================================

Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 18

Intelligence: 32 (+1)

Stamina: 20.5

Unused points: 3

Balance: 3800 Zen

Skills: Future Sight -

===================================

Zero's next command was clear. "Access 'Upgrades'."

The list of upgrades emerged, showcasing the myriad of enhancements available for purchase.

===================================

Upgrades:

Enhanced Reflexes Rank F: 5000 Zen

Advanced Memory Rank F: 10,000 Zen

Calm Mind Rank F: 3000 Zen

Enhanced Vision Rank F: 2000 Zen

===================================

"Purchase Calm Mind Rank F," he declared.

His balance again decreased, and a newfound tranquility enveloped Zero's being, merging with his sharpened intelligence to create a seamless blend of clarity and calm.

===================================

Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 18

Intelligence: 32

Stamina: 20.5

Unused points: 3

Balance: 800 Zen

Skills: Future Sight -, Calm Mind Rank F

===================================

The details of his newly acquired skill showed:

===================================

Calm Mind Rank F:

Current Status: Active

Upgrade Cost to Rank F+: 5000 Zen

Effects: Ensures a serene and analytical mindset at all times. Provides defense against external emotional and cognitive disruptions.

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Zero reflected on the events of the day, and a pressing realization dawned on him. The loss of his emotional equilibrium was a vulnerability. 'In critical moments, such a slip could be catastrophic,' he mused. Determined to safeguard himself from any future lapses, Zero prioritized investing in his mental faculties, ensuring his emotions were consistently in check.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the chime of a message notification on his phone. The name on the screen read "Sarah White."

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Sarah: "Junior, be present at the student council room tomorrow after classes. We have a meeting scheduled."

Sarah: "there will also be other members from other years, so you can meet with them, junior."

Zero: "Senior, how did you get my phone number?"

Sarah: "In this academy, the student council stands as the second most powerful entity. It's only natural we'd have access to the contact details of our students, and I am sure you know this too junior."

Zero: "I'll be there senior."

Sarah: "Just bring yourself. We'll fill you in on the details tomorrow. And, welcome to the council."

Sarah: " I can't believe you actually beat the president in his own game."

Zero: "Thank you, senior."

Sarah: "Rest up, junior. see you tomorrow."

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Zero locked his phone and went to bed.