Revival System

Chapter 21: The Return to School

The sun shone brightly as Jae-min stood before the mirror, adjusting the crisp collar of his school uniform. It felt foreign yet exhilarating, the fabric fitting snugly against his redefined physique. He had transformed from the boy who had once been tormented into someone who now held a flicker of confidence in his eyes.

Today was the day he would return to school—a place that had been a battleground of torment and isolation. The anticipation twisted in his stomach, but it was different this time. He had fought hard for this moment, and he was determined to make an impact.

A New Arrival

As he stepped into the school gates, the familiar landscape felt different. Students buzzed around him, their voices a hum of chatter and laughter. Jae-min walked through the halls, feeling the stares of his classmates. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Is he a new transfer student?" one girl whispered, wide-eyed, as she pointed discreetly.

"Must be. Look at those muscles!" another added, astonishment etched across her face.

Jae-min felt a swell of pride. They don't even recognize me. For a brief moment, he reveled in the attention, imagining himself as a hero stepping into a new world.

As he made his way to his classroom, he caught sight of Eunji and her clique. They were gathered at the lockers, laughing and gossiping, but their laughter faded into silence as he approached.

"Oh look, it's that fat loser!" Eunji sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "What's next? Are you going to roll back here?"

The old Jae-min would have shrunk away, but this was a different Jae-min. He had faced worse in his past life, and the thought fueled him.

A Stand Against the Past

Without a moment's hesitation, he approached her, heart racing but determination fueling his resolve. "No, Eunji. You're looking at a winner now. I'm not going to let you bully me anymore."

Gasps rippled through the crowd as his words hung in the air. The moment felt electric, like a storm ready to unleash its fury. The girls exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

"What are you going to do? Flex those puny muscles?" Eunji mocked, her bravado wavering.

Jae-min stepped closer, his voice steady. "No, but I'll stand my ground. I won't back down."

His newfound confidence radiated from him, and for the first time, he noticed the awe in some of the onlookers' faces. This was his moment of power, and he could feel it coursing through him.

Teacher's Arrival

Before the situation could escalate, the classroom door swung open. The teacher walked in, clipboard in hand, ready to start the lesson. "Alright, everyone, settle down!" Mr. Choi announced, looking around the room. "Let's take attendance."

As he marked the names, the atmosphere shifted. Jae-min felt a rush of anxiety. Would Mr. Choi recognize him?

"Jae-min Park?" Mr. Choi called out.

Jae-min straightened, taking a deep breath. "Here!" he replied, his voice strong and clear.

The room fell silent. Students stared, surprise etched on their faces.

"You've changed!" one boy blurted out, disbelief hanging in the air.

Eunji's face flushed with embarrassment, her earlier confidence dissipating.

A New Beginning

After attendance, Mr. Choi glanced at Jae-min. "I see you've made quite the transformation, Jae-min. It's good to see you back."

Jae-min offered a small smile, feeling the warmth of acceptance wash over him. He had returned to a world where he was no longer just a victim, but a player in his own story.

As the lesson progressed, Jae-min found himself engaged, answering questions and participating in discussions. He was no longer the shy, introverted boy who sat in the back, invisible to the world.

During a break, he ventured to the cafeteria, his heart pounding with both excitement and nerves. As he filled his tray, he noticed Eunji and her friends whispering in the corner, casting furtive glances his way.

But instead of shying away, Jae-min met their gazes with unyielding strength. "I'm here to stay," he thought, a sense of purpose filling him.

A New Reality

After school, as he walked out of the building, he felt the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. He was not just a fat boy; he was a warrior, armed with the strength of his past life as Tae-sik and the will to forge a new path.

Revival System:
"New Quest: Establish your reputation at school. Earn respect among peers. Progress: 10%."
"Experience Points Earned: 500."
"Stats Updated!"

Strength: 105Agility: 96Charm: 48Looks: 67Weight: 60 kg

He grinned, knowing he had only just begun. This was the start of a journey he was ready to embrace, and he would not let anyone, especially Eunji, stand in his way.

Reflection

As he headed home, Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling of triumph. He had not only returned to school but had also faced his bullies head-on. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental. He was becoming the person he was always meant to be, and there was no looking back.

"I will rise," he vowed silently, determination igniting within him. "And I will thrive."