Godly Beggar

The classroom buzzed with energy as Jiang Han entered, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder. His system's recent upgrade to Level 2 had left him feeling more attuned to his surroundings. He could sense shifts in mood, spot subtle cues in conversations, and—most importantly—think faster on his feet.

"Morning, Han," Derek said, sliding into the seat beside him. "You're looking unusually chipper today. Let me guess—you've unlocked some hidden genius powers overnight."

"Something like that," Jiang Han replied with a faint grin, taking out his notebook.

Halfway through their physics lesson, the principal's voice crackled over the intercom.

"Attention, students," she announced. "We are thrilled to inform you that Petraling Jaya Secondary has been invited to participate in the Regional Academic Olympiad. The event will take place in Seladang City next month. We encourage all interested students to apply for selection trials, which begin next week. Good luck to everyone!"

The class erupted into chatter. The Olympiad was a prestigious event, drawing the brightest minds from across Malayuna.

"This is huge," Hui Qi said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a chance to showcase what we're capable of on a much bigger stage."

"Sounds like a lot of pressure," Derek muttered, leaning back in his chair.

Jiang Han, however, was already deep in thought. The Olympiad wasn't just an opportunity—it was a challenge.

As the bell rang for lunch, Jiang Han made his way to the canteen, his mind preoccupied. The system chimed softly, confirming his suspicions.

[System Notification: Major Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Secure a place in the Academic Olympiad team.]

Objective: Excel in the selection trials by demonstrating advanced knowledge and leadership skills.]

Reward: Critical Thinking Skill (Advanced Level).]

[Penalty for Failure: -50 System Points and Locked Daily Missions for 7 Days.]

Jiang Han sighed, rubbing his temples. The stakes were high, but the reward was worth it.

"Alright, system," he muttered under his breath. "Let's see what you've got for me."

That afternoon, Jiang Han headed to the library, determined to prepare for the trials. The Olympiad selection would test various subjects, from mathematics and science to critical thinking and teamwork.

As he sifted through textbooks and past Olympiad questions, Hui Qi joined him, her notebook already brimming with notes.

"Figured you'd be here," she said, taking a seat. "I'm guessing you're aiming for the team too?"

"Of course," Jiang Han replied. "It's a chance to prove ourselves—not just to others, but to ourselves."

Hui Qi nodded, her expression serious. "Let's help each other prepare. The trials are going to be intense."

The two spent the next few hours quizzing each other, discussing strategies, and tackling complex problems. Jiang Han's Adaptive Thinking skills proved invaluable, allowing him to approach questions from multiple angles.

As the week progressed, Jiang Han noticed that Chen Xun had also started preparing for the trials. The prodigy worked alone, his focus unwavering as he poured over advanced materials.

Jiang Han hesitated before approaching him one afternoon in the library.

"Chen," he said, earning a sharp glance from his rival.

"What is it, Jiang Han?" Chen asked, closing his book.

"I was wondering if you'd be open to sharing preparation strategies," Jiang Han said. "I know we're competitors, but there's always something to learn from each other."

Chen studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. What do you want to know?"

The two discussed problem-solving techniques, exchanging ideas and insights. While Chen's methods were precise and methodical, Jiang Han's approach was more intuitive and adaptive.

"I'll admit," Chen said after a while, "you're more resourceful than I gave you credit for. But don't think I'll go easy on you during the trials."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Jiang Han replied with a grin.

The first phase of the selection trials focused on individual skills, but the second phase emphasised teamwork. Jiang Han found himself grouped with Hui Qi, Derek, and two other students. Their task is to solve a series of interconnected problems within a strict time limit.

As they entered the designated room, a timer flashed on the screen. The problems were displayed on individual monitors, but each solution contributed to a larger, overarching challenge.

"We need to divide and conquer," Jiang Han said, stepping into a leadership role. "Hui Qi, you focus on the science questions. Derek, take the logical reasoning ones. I'll handle the maths. Let's keep each other updated on progress."

The team worked efficiently, communicating and supporting one another as they tackled the problems. Jiang Han's ability to adapt and think on his feet proved crucial when they encountered unexpected obstacles, while Hui Qi's precision and Derek's creativity added depth to their approach.

When the timer buzzed, the monitor displayed their results: a near-perfect score.

That evening, as Jiang Han walked home, the system chimed softly.

[System Reflection: Leadership is not about control—it's about empowering others to succeed.]

Jiang Han smiled. The trials weren't just about securing a spot on the Olympiad team; they were a chance to grow as a leader and a learner.

"Thanks, system," he murmured.

The final phase of the selection trials took place in the school auditorium, where the top-performing students presented their solutions to a panel of judges. Jiang Han's turn came toward the end of the session, and he stepped onto the stage with calm confidence.

His presentation was clear, concise, and engaging, weaving together logic, creativity, and practical application. As he concluded, the judges nodded in approval, and the audience offered polite applause.

When the results were announced, Jiang Han's name was among the selected candidates. Hui Qi and Chen Xun were also chosen, forming the school's strongest team in years.

As Jiang Han left the auditorium, Hui Qi and Derek caught up with him, their expressions a mix of excitement and relief.

"You did it, Han," Derek said, clapping him on the back.

"We all did," Jiang Han replied.

From a distance, Chen Xun watched them, his usual smirk in place. "See you at practice," he said, his tone light but challenging.

Jiang Han nodded, meeting his gaze. "Looking forward to it."

The Olympiad was still weeks away, but Jiang Han knew the real challenge had only just begun. With the system at his side and a strong team behind him, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

[System Notification: Major Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Critical Thinking Skill (Advanced Level).]

The rush of the reward filled Jiang Han's mind, sharpening his analytical abilities and enhancing his problem-solving skills. As he walked home that evening, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude—for the system, for his teammates, and for the journey that had brought him this far.

"This is only the beginning," Jiang Han thought, a determined smile spreading across his face.

The glow of accomplishment hadn't faded entirely as Jiang Han walked through the quiet streets of Petraling Jaya that evening. His teammates' laughter echoed faintly in his mind, a reminder of how far they had come together. Yet the system's new reward—Critical Thinking Skill (Advanced Level)—brought more than just heightened abilities. It brought clarity.

As Jiang Han approached his front gate, he paused, looking up at the stars scattered across the night sky. There was a sense of calm, but also of anticipation. The Olympiad wasn't just an event—it was a test of everything he'd learned so far.

The system chimed softly, breaking the stillness of his thoughts.

[Reflection: The journey ahead requires not just knowledge, but resilience and trust in your team.]

Jiang Han nodded to himself. He wasn't alone on this journey, and that made all the difference.

The next morning, Jiang Han arrived at school to find Hui Qi waiting for him by the gate. Her usual composed demeanour was slightly tinged with nervous energy.

"Morning," she said, falling into step beside him.

"Morning," Jiang Han replied. "You look... focused."

Hui Qi chuckled lightly. "Focused is a nice way of saying stressed. There's a lot riding on this Olympiad, you know?"

"I get it," Jiang Han said. "But we've got time to prepare, and we've got a strong team. We'll be fine."

"Easy for you to say," Hui Qi muttered, though her tone softened. "You don't seem to get stressed at all."

Jiang Han smiled faintly. "Trust me, I do. I've just learned how to manage it better."

Hui Qi gave him a curious glance but didn't press further.

Later that day, the selected team for the Olympiad gathered in the school's resource room for their first meeting. In addition to Jiang Han, Hui Qi, and Chen Xun, there were two other members: Elsa Lee, a sharp-minded economics student, and Tan Kang Min, a programming prodigy with a knack for problem-solving.

The team adviser, Mr Tan, stood at the front of the room, addressing them with a calm but firm tone.

"This Olympiad is an opportunity to showcase the best of what Petraling Jaya Secondary has to offer," Mr Tan said. "But make no mistake—the competition will be fierce. Teams from Seladang City and other top schools in Malayuna are formidable. You'll need to work hard, support each other, and adapt to challenges as they arise."

As the meeting progressed, Mr Tan outlined their preparation schedule: regular brainstorming sessions, mock competitions, and collaborative problem-solving drills.

"Any questions?" Mr Tan asked, glancing around the room.

Chen Xun raised a hand. "How will we be evaluated during the actual Olympiad? Is it strictly individual, or is teamwork a factor?"

"Both," Mr Tan replied. "There will be individual rounds to test your specialised knowledge, as well as group challenges that require strategic collaboration."

Jiang Han exchanged a glance with Hui Qi. The stakes were even higher than they'd anticipated.

As the team started their first brainstorming session, the dynamic between Chen Xun and Tan Kang Min quickly became apparent. Both were brilliant, but their methods couldn't have been more different.

"I'm telling you, the most efficient approach is to streamline the calculations," Chen said, his tone clipped as he gestured at the whiteboard.

"And I'm telling you," Tan countered, "we need redundancy in the system to account for unexpected variables."

The tension in the room was palpable, and even Hui Qi seemed hesitant to intervene. Jiang Han, however, stepped forward.

"Hold on," he said, raising his hands. "Both of you have valid points, but we're not going to solve this by arguing. Let's test both methods and see which works better."

Chen crossed his arms but nodded. "Fine."

Tan shrugged. "Works for me."

As the group resumed their work, Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a surge of responsibility. Keeping this team united was going to be as challenging as the competition itself.

As the team started their first brainstorming session, the dynamic between Chen Xun and Tan Kang Min quickly became apparent. Both were brilliant, but their methods couldn't have been more different.

"I'm telling you, the most efficient approach is to streamline the calculations," Chen said, his tone clipped as he gestured at the whiteboard.

"And I'm telling you," Tan countered, "we need redundancy in the system to account for unexpected variables."

The tension in the room was palpable, and even Hui Qi seemed hesitant to intervene. Jiang Han, however, stepped forward.

"Hold on," he said, raising his hands. "Both of you have valid points, but we're not going to solve this by arguing. Let's test both methods and see which works better."

Chen crossed his arms but nodded. "Fine."

Tan shrugged. "Works for me."

As the group resumed their work, Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a surge of responsibility. Keeping this team united was going to be as challenging as the competition itself.

Over the next week, the team settled into a rhythm, though not without its hiccups. Chen Xun's perfectionism often clashed with Derek's laid-back approach, while Elsa's analytical mindset sometimes led her to overcomplicate problems.

But through it all, Jiang Han remained a steadying presence. His system-enhanced skills—Adaptive Thinking and Critical Thinking—allowed him to mediate conflicts and guide the team toward solutions.

During one particularly intense brainstorming session, Elsa and Hui Qi were at odds over how to approach a financial modelling problem.

"This method is faster," Elsa insisted, tapping her notebook.

"But it's not as accurate," Hui Qi argued.

Jiang Han stepped in, his tone calm but firm. "Why don't we combine the two? Elsa's method for the initial calculations, and Hui Qi's for refining the details. That way, we get the best of both worlds."

The room fell silent as the two girls considered his suggestion.

"That... could work," Hui Qi said slowly.

Elsa nodded. "Let's try it."

The compromise not only solved the problem but also reinforced the importance of teamwork.

Despite their progress, not every session was a success. During a mock competition, the team struggled to communicate effectively, resulting in a disjointed performance.

"Why didn't you tell us you were stuck on that question?" Chen Xun snapped at Tan Kang Min afterwards.

"I didn't want to waste time," Tan shot back. "I thought I could figure it out on my own."

Jiang Han stepped between them, his voice calm but firm. "Enough. This isn't about assigning blame. We need to learn from this and do better next time."

He turned to the team as a whole. "If we're going to win, we need to trust each other and communicate. No one person can carry this team—it's all of us or nothing."

The room fell silent, the weight of Jiang Han's words sinking in.

"You're right," Hui Qi said finally. "Let's start fresh tomorrow."

That evening, as Jiang Han reviewed the day's events, the system chimed softly.

[Reflection: Leadership is about more than making decisions—it's about inspiring others to rise to their potential.]

Jiang Han smiled faintly. The system's reflections often felt like cryptic lessons, but this one resonated deeply.

"We'll get there," he murmured, a quiet determination in his voice.

As the days turned into weeks, the team began to gel. Their sessions became more productive, and their communication more seamless. Each member brought something unique to the table, and Jiang Han took pride in helping them find their rhythm.

But even as they improved, Jiang Han knew the Olympiad would push them to their limits. With teams from across Malayuna competing, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Yet, for the first time, Jiang Han felt ready—not just because of the system's guidance, but because of the trust and camaraderie they had built as a team.

The road ahead was daunting, but Jiang Han wouldn't have it any other way.