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The Second Chance System: A Life Unbound

In a world that's lost its luster, Zero Elsher leads an utterly average life. With an unremarkable job, appearance, and relationships, his existence is a monotonous cycle of tedium. Desperate to escape his boredom, Zero delves into the dangerous and illicit world of street fights and human betting, but this twisted pursuit of excitement comes at a fatal cost. Kidnapped and used as a pawn for others' entertainment, Zero meets a tragic end—but his story is far from over. Awakened by a mysterious system's voice, he finds himself thrust back in time, reborn as an eight-year-old child. The confusion of a second chance is overshadowed by the realization of the control he now wields. Armed with knowledge of the future and guided by the enigmatic system, Zero vows to reshape his destiny. With the determination to seize life's excitement and avoid the boredom that once ensnared him, Zero sets out on a journey of self-discovery, power, and redemption. Through the eyes of a man reborn, explore a world where second chances exist, and nothing is as it seems. Will Zero's pursuit of fulfillment lead him to enlightenment, or will the shadows of his past catch up to him?

Ullyses1 · Fantaisie
Pas assez d’évaluations
96 Chs

Weekend before Academy Festival 2

Clara's room was adorned with soft pastel hues, the afternoon light streaming through the sheer curtains. Stuffed animals and plush cushions dotted her bed, which currently supported her as she bounced, venting her frustrations.

She recalled the recent accomplishment. It was an honor to be chosen for the Academy festival, especially given the rigorous selection process. Physical tests aside, they had been evaluated based on their academic performances over the past three months. To think, out of the entire first-year batch, only Zero, herself, and Aurelia had achieved flawless scores on the theory tests.

It was 4 pm on a quiet Saturday.

The group from the fifth floor had made simple plans: a dinner outside the academy at a nice restaurant, scheduled for 5:40 p.m. The get-together was to toast their recent achievement — getting selected for the Academy festival. Those who made the cut were:

Zero Elsher,

Clara Asher,

Mike Rodriguez,

Orion Hale, and

Aurelia Storm.

these 5 were chosen from the other 15 candidates, 

Her gaze fell on her phone. The unread notification count had become quite the annoyance. She had anticipated the group chat would be buzzing with excitement. Instead, her own messages hung there unanswered, particularly those to Zero. She remembered drafting her first text, trying to sound casual. But her subsequent ones clearly showed her growing impatience and worry.

frustrated Clara is currently throwing her plushies while bouncing on her bed...

Clara pouted "damn it, why is no one answering my texts or calls...

Clara first sent a private message to Zero yesterday night.

Clara: Zero you are coming right? The fifth floor is having a celebration tomorrow at dinner.

no reply...

so Clara texted again today at 9 am.

Clara: Zero are you still asleep? if you don't have anyone to come with I can help you with that huhuhu<( ̄︶ ̄) >

Clara "..."

still no reply, so she decided to call him... 

BEEP BEEP BEEP

she called him 5 times and it all said,

'The person you are calling currently doesn't have a service, please try again later

Clara finally lost her mind and shouted "ARHHH whatever!"

In hopes of a diversion, she decided to address the next item on her agenda - getting to the restaurant. Surely, with her father's vast connections, someone would be available to ferry her there.

After scrolling through her contacts, she tapped on 'Dad<3', waiting for the familiar rings, hoping to hear his deep reassuring voice on other end. But once again, she was met with silence. The unanswered call added her mounting frustrations.< p>

"Why is everyone so elusive today?" she huffed, flopping back onto her bed, surrounded by her plush companions, wishing for something, anything, to go as planned.

It was just as Clara was about to give in to the weight of disappointment that her phone chimed to life, disrupting the silence of her room. Without sparing a second to check the caller ID, she hastily picked up, her voice filled with anticipation.

Clara: "Zero?"

Adrian: "Hm? Didn't you call me, sweetie?"

Clara, caught off guard, stuttered, "Ah... oh... dad? I... I thought you'd be busy."

Adrian: "I always have time for you. What's up, Clara?"

Blushing from the unexpected call, she hesitated but then said, "I... I just wanted to know if you'd be free next week. I got chosen to represent the academy at the festival."

Adrian's voice warmed up with pride, "That's my girl! Of course, I'll be there. I've cleared my schedule for the next two weeks just for you."

Clara, her heart swelling with gratitude, replied, "Thanks, dad! Oh, and could you send a car? I'm meeting friends for dinner at 5.40."

Adrian teased, "Look at you, making friends! Seems like just yesterday you were a little toddler, and I had to change your di..."

Clara cut him off, laughing, "Dad, stop embarrassing me! I swear I'll hang up!"

Adrian chuckled, "Alright, alright. I'll also send some extra cash your way. And, by the way, who's this Zero fellow? Is he a boyfri..."

Before he could finish, Clara, her face turning crimson, hurriedly ended the call. "Dad can be so infuriating sometimes," she muttered.

She gazed at her phone, hoping against hope that Zero would finally respond. Mustering some courage, she texted him one more time.

Clara: "Zero, are you coming?"

Moments later, a reply flashed on her screen.

Zero: "No, I'm busy."

The curt response left Clara stunned. After all the effort she put into reaching out, that's all he had to say? Clara's heart wrenched. "Ugh, why does he have to be like this? I hate him!" she exclaimed, trying to smother the surge of disappointment that threatened to overcome her.

***

The restaurant exuded luxury and elegance, its grandeur evident in the intricate carvings on the wooden panels and delicate porcelain displays. Soft, ambient lighting shone down on private dining rooms, separated by ornate, deep-red dividers. Each room offered diners an intimate space, a private world adorned with silk curtains and fine bone china. Gentle, traditional Chinese melodies played in the background, enhancing the atmosphere of refined tranquility.

Seated around a circular table, Orion, positioned between Mike and Liam, broke the momentary silence. "So, Zero's not coming, huh?"

Clara, in the midst of enjoying her rice, replied with mild annoyance, "Yeah! I've been texting him since last night. Nothing. And then out of the blue, he says he's busy. Just...ugh."

Mike, ever the optimist, gave a dismissive smile. "It's Zero we're talking about. He's likely immersed in practice or engrossed in one of his projects."

Liam, his eyes twinkling with mischief, mused, "Are you implying that Zero is secretly moving up the TA ranks? And without us? The audacity!" His words were light, but his playful laughter followed.

Aurelia, always the pacifist, gently said, "Well, he must have his reasons. Let's not let that dampen our spirits tonight. Cheers."

As their meal progressed, conversations shifted from light-hearted banter to strategy.

Mike, gesturing with his chopsticks, said, "Honestly, Zero should be the leader. He's got the drive and the tact."

Clara nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I mean, he's aloof, but when it comes to strategy, he's unparalleled."

Orion, interjecting, countered, "I honestly think Aurelia should lead. She's balanced, insightful, and her calm demeanor is exactly what we need in high-pressure situations."

Aurelia, ever humble, responded with a gentle smile, "I'm honored, but truly, I'm good with any decision. What's most important is that we work together as a team."

The table was adorned with an array of dishes: Peking duck with its crispy skin gleaming, a steaming hot pot filled with succulent meats and crisp vegetables, steamed fish seasoned with soy and ginger, and bowls of fragrant fried rice with delicate shrimp and fresh spring onions. By the end of the meal, everyone was sated and content.

Clara, not wanting the evening to end in any sort of disagreement, graciously offered, "Let me cover dinner tonight. It's the least I can do to celebrate our team."

***

Across town, Zero presented his parents with a neatly wrapped gift. "Happy anniversary, Mother, Father," he said with a hint of pride.

his mother, smiling and replied. "aww thank you, Zero.."

his father joined in. " yes thank you son.. but you didn't have to."

Their eyes widened in anticipation. As they carefully unwrapped their present, expressions of shock and wonder replaced their earlier curiosity.

His father, looking at the new watch, clearly taken aback, stammered, "Zero... How did you manage to buy this?"

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