Godly Beggar

The following week felt unusually calm for Jiang Han, though he knew better than to trust the peace. If the system had taught him anything, it was that challenges often appeared when least expected.

Sitting at his desk, Jiang Han glanced out of the classroom window, his mind replaying the events from the parallel dimension. The experience had been surreal, yet it had reinforced something important—perceptions could change, but it was up to him to act decisively.

"Second chances don't come often," he murmured to himself, gripping his pencil. "I can't waste this one."

Just then, the familiar chime of the Begging System rang in his mind, pulling him out of his thoughts.

[System Alert! Situational Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Persuade Sheng Hui Qi to let you participate in her science project group.]

Failure to comply will result in a deduction of -70 system points.]

Reward: Collaborative Thinking Skill (Advanced Level).]

Jiang Han let out a soft groan. "Here we go again."

Sheng Hui Qi sat a few seats away, deeply focused on her notes. Jiang Han knew she wasn't one to let just anyone join her projects—she was meticulous and selective. Convincing her would take more than a casual request.

He approached her desk cautiously. "Hui Qi, got a minute?"

She looked up, her expression neutral. "What is it?"

"I heard you're leading a science project group for the upcoming competition," Jiang Han began, keeping his tone calm. "I'd like to join."

Hui Qi tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Why? You've got your hands full with other subjects. Why science?"

Jiang Han paused. The system's mission didn't leave him much room for negotiation, but he also didn't want to come off as desperate. "I've been trying to improve in areas outside my comfort zone," he said honestly. "And I think working with you would be a great opportunity to learn."

Hui Qi studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know, Jiang Han. We're already a tight group, and adding someone new could disrupt things."

[Reminder: Persistence is key. Show your sincerity.]

"I understand," Jiang Han said, his voice softening. "But I'm willing to put in the effort. You won't have to carry me—I'll make sure I contribute meaningfully."

After a long pause, Hui Qi sighed. "Alright, fine. But if you slack off, you're out."

Jiang Han smiled. "Thanks, Hui Qi. I won't let you down."

[Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Collaborative Thinking Skill (Advanced Level).]

The science project revolved around renewable energy solutions—a topic that required research, experimentation, and a lot of teamwork. Jiang Han spent the next few days working closely with Hui Qi and her team, applying his newly acquired skills to bridge gaps and streamline their efforts.

The system's reward proved invaluable. Jiang Han found himself anticipating potential conflicts, mediating disagreements, and suggesting solutions that balanced everyone's ideas.

"You're surprisingly good at this," Hui Qi admitted during one of their sessions.

Jiang Han smiled. "I've learned that teamwork isn't just about individual contributions—it's about understanding how to bring out the best in everyone."

Her expression softened, and for the first time, Jiang Han noticed a glimmer of respect in her eyes.

Despite the progress of the project, Jiang Han couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing in the background. Rumours had begun circulating about an upcoming interschool competition, and the excitement among students was palpable.

During lunch, Wang Jia Qi slid into the seat across from him, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Have you heard about the new guy in Class 3?"

Jiang Han raised an eyebrow. "No. Should I have?"

"They're calling him the 'Prodigy from Seladang City,'" Jia Qi said. "It seems he's transferring here next week. People are saying he's unbeatable in both academics and sports."

"Sounds dramatic," Jiang Han said, though he couldn't deny a flicker of interest.

Jia Qi leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Word is, he's gunning for the top spot in our grade. That means you're in his sights."

Jiang Han chuckled. "Let him try. Competition only makes us better."

Later that day, as Jiang Han returned to his desk, another chime from the system caught him off guard.

[System Alert! Major Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Defeat the Prodigy in the upcoming interschool competition.]

Failure to comply will result in a system penalty: Skill downgrades for 7 days.]

Reward: Strategic Planning Skill (Master Level).]

Jiang Han's eyes widened. "Master Level reward?" he muttered. "The stakes just got real."

The interschool competition was shaping up to be far more significant than he had anticipated. But Jiang Han wasn't one to back down, especially not with the system pushing him forward.

As the days passed, Jiang Han threw himself into preparation. With Hui Qi's science project nearing completion and the competition looming, he had little time for anything else. Yet, the pressure only fuelled his determination.

His evenings were spent in intense study sessions, revisiting old subjects and mastering new concepts. The system's accumulated rewards gave him an edge, but Jiang Han knew better than to rely on them entirely.

"Hard work beats talent," he reminded himself. "But talent with hard work? Unstoppable."

The day the Prodigy from Seladang City arrived, the school was abuzz with anticipation. Jiang Han spotted him during the morning assembly—a tall, confident figure with sharp features and an air of self-assuredness.

"Let me guess," Jia Qi whispered, nudging Jiang Han. "That's him."

"He certainly has the 'prodigy' look," Jiang Han replied dryly.

The Prodigy glanced in their direction, his piercing gaze locking onto Jiang Han for a brief moment. Then, with a slight smirk, he turned away.

"Well, that was subtle," Jia Qi muttered.

It didn't take long for Jiang Han and the Prodigy—Lee Wei Ren—to cross paths. During a break between classes, Wei Ren approached Jiang Han, his expression calm but calculating.

"You must be Jiang Han," Wei Ren said, extending a hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Good things, I hope," Jiang Han replied, shaking his hand.

Wei Ren's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Mostly. Though I hear you've been quite lucky lately."

Jiang Han's grip tightened slightly. "Luck only takes you so far. Hard work does the rest."

"Let's see how far it takes you," Wei Ren said, his tone light but challenging.

As Wei Ren walked away, Jia Qi appeared at Jiang Han's side, her eyes wide. "Did you see that? He's already trying to psych you out!"

Jiang Han smirked. "Let him. The only thing that matters is what happens in the competition."

That evening, as Jiang Han sat by his desk, he felt a surge of anticipation. The stakes were higher than ever, but so was his resolve. The system's missions, his growing skills, and the challenges he had faced had all led him to this moment.

"This isn't just about winning," he thought. "It's about proving that I can rise to any challenge—even against the so-called Prodigy."

As the night deepened, Jiang Han prepared himself for what lay ahead. The competition was just around the corner, and he was ready to face it head-on.