Revival System

Chapter 2: The Harsh Reality

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Kim Jae-min's bedroom. He woke up groggy and disoriented, the events of the previous day still fresh in his mind. The Revival System was real, but today he faced a different kind of challenge—high school.

As he dressed in his oversized uniform, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his new reality. The fabric hung loosely around him, emphasizing his round shape and making him feel even more self-conscious. He glanced at himself in the mirror, his reflection still a reminder of the vulnerability he was now trapped in.

After a quick breakfast, he made his way to school, the familiar path sending pangs of anxiety through his chest. The closer he got to the school gates, the heavier his heart felt. Would today be like the others? Would the whispers, the taunts, and the shove of lockers against his back begin again?

As he entered the bustling school courtyard, he felt a knot form in his stomach. The laughter of students rang in his ears, some of them casting furtive glances his way. It didn't take long for the bullying to begin.

"Look who decided to show up!" A group of students approached, led by a tall boy named Min-ho, who was known for his cruel sense of humor. He had a reputation for picking on weaker students, and today, Jae-min was his target.

"Did you eat your weight in breakfast again?" Min-ho sneered, smirking at his friends. They erupted in laughter, the sound sharp and piercing.

Jae-min felt heat rise in his cheeks, shame flooding through him. He opened his mouth to retort, but the words stuck in his throat. He was too weak, too vulnerable to fight back. Instead, he forced a weak smile and tried to walk past them, his heart pounding in his chest.

But they weren't done. A girl in the group, Sook-hee, stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Where are you rushing off to, Jae-min? Got a date with a buffet?" she mocked, her eyes glinting with malice.

"Just leave me alone," Jae-min mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt small and insignificant, a feeling he had grown accustomed to over the years.

Before he could move past, Min-ho pushed him back, sending him stumbling. "What's the matter? Can't handle a little fun?" He leaned in closer, his breath hot against Jae-min's face. "You're a joke, you know that?"

The laughter of the group echoed in his ears as he struggled to regain his balance, the humiliation washing over him. He wanted to lash out, to show them the power he had once commanded. But all he felt was the weight of his body holding him back, a constant reminder of his weakness.

As he stumbled away from them, he heard Min-ho shout, "Don't run away, fat boy! We're just getting started!"

Jae-min rounded the corner, his heart racing as he tried to escape their jeers. The hallways were crowded, students buzzing with energy, but all he could feel was the crushing weight of their disdain. He ducked into a nearby bathroom, desperate for a moment alone.

He leaned against the sink, looking at his reflection, the sadness in his eyes mixing with rage. He had been pushed around for too long, and the Revival System promised a way out. He just needed to find a way to make it work.

"System," he whispered, hoping for guidance. "What can I do?"

"Daily Quest: Endure Bullying. Task: Survive the Day. Reward: 5 EXP."

Jae-min sighed, frustration bubbling inside him. Was this really all he could do? Just endure? But then, a new notification flashed before him.

"Quest Unlocked: Find a Friend. Task: Approach a fellow student. Reward: Social Connection +10 EXP."

His heart skipped a beat. Maybe there was a chance to change his situation. If he could find someone who understood, who wouldn't judge him, maybe the weight of the bullying wouldn't feel so heavy.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. "I can't just be a punching bag," he muttered to himself. "I have to fight back somehow, even if it's not with my fists."

With newfound determination, he left the bathroom, stepping back into the chaos of the school hallway. The taunts and jeers still echoed, but this time, he walked with a purpose. He needed to find that connection, to build his strength not just physically but emotionally.

As he scanned the crowd, he spotted a girl sitting alone at a table in the cafeteria, her dark hair framing a gentle face. She seemed lost in thought, a book resting on the table in front of her. Jae-min hesitated for a moment, fear creeping back into his heart. Would she reject him too?

But the thought of spending another day as a victim pushed him forward. He took a deep breath, approached her table, and said, "Um, hi. Can I sit here?"

The girl looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Sure," she said softly, her voice warm and inviting. "I'm Eun-ji."

"Kim Jae-min," he introduced himself, feeling a little lighter just by making the connection.

As they started talking, Jae-min felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. Maybe, just maybe, this was the first step toward changing his life.

And as the Revival System guided him toward strength, he realized that finding friendship was just as important as gaining power.