NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: Rivalry Ignited
Xanthia was well aware of how attention-grabbing her outfit was.
With her new look and stylish haircut, she had managed to complete her holiday challenge of getting approached by strangers a hundred times. It had taken considerable time and effort, employing various tricks, but it was all worth it. She earned a +3 in appearance and +3 in charisma, receiving the title "Street Goddess" and reaping rich rewards.
Her appearance now rated at 72 and her charisma at 51, although these numbers included the temporary boost from her purple outfit. Still, she was undeniably a "7-out-of-10 beauty," a rare find even without makeup.
Xanthia admitted there were always more beautiful and talented people. She wasn't yet a top-tier goddess and still lagged behind the true 8 or 9 out of 10 girls. However, she had plenty of room for improvement, especially regarding her physique.
Like in RPG games, advancing to higher levels required more experience points, but she had the patience. After all, she had once been the "Sword God of World's Plateau." Never underestimate a dedicated gamer’s drive to continually enhance their character.
Besides completing this challenge, Xanthia also leveled up her singing skill from Lv1 (Beginner) to Lv2 (Proficient). This took significant effort, and she was just short of completing the progress bar when her OCD kicked in. She gritted her teeth and used her "Deep Blue, Add Points" technique.
"Happy Points" were meant for critical moments like this!
Though it drained her accumulated Happy Points, she deemed it worthwhile. With Lv2 singing skills, she now had a trump card to showcase her talents and earn back her Happy Points by performing.
Everyone loves a good show-off moment, or as the saying goes, "showing off makes you happy!"
Dressed in her purple-quality system outfit, Xanthia made a grand entrance into Class 1-3, her behavior a prime example of flaunting her success.
Happy Points increasing +++!
Few high school girls had the psychological fortitude to wear a JK uniform with over-the-knee socks and black English-style shoes into a traditional European school. This was practically cosplay. Usually, only girls taking photoshoots wore such bold outfits.
Not everyone had the courage to be so flamboyant.
But Xanthia, a natural entertainer, felt no embarrassment. She eagerly anticipated her classmates' reactions. The thought alone amused her. She enjoyed doing things others wouldn’t dare to do, even in their wildest dreams.
Always ready to stir things up, Xanthia found joy in causing a scene.
In comparison to Elena La Loannou and Luciel La Lebrador, Xanthia's unique style was a dimensional strike!
While Elena and Luciel failed to capture the class's attention, Xanthia did it effortlessly. Her classmates were first shocked by her outfit, then mesmerized by her pure face, slender legs, and absolute territory.
Who was this stunning girl who seemed to step out of a manga?
The classroom, previously buzzing with chatter, fell silent as everyone’s attention focused on Xanthia, as if she had cast a “Great Silence” spell.
The boys stared, spellbound, while the girls were dumbfounded.
Given Xanthia’s previous low profile, many classmates didn’t recognize her, leading to thoughts like:
“Wow! This incredibly beautiful girl is really my classmate?”
“What’s her name again? Damn, how could I forget?”
“We have such a treasure in our class. She must be school beauty level. Isn’t her name Xan... Xanthia?”
“How did I never notice such an adorable girl in our class? She’s my dream type! Elena La Loannou and Luciel La Lebrador are nothing compared to her. She understands male aesthetics perfectly. I think she’s called Xanthia. Xanthia is the best!”
Meanwhile, the girls had different thoughts:
“She looks good, but isn’t that outfit a bit much? This isn't Japan!”
“Kind of tacky. Purely for attracting guys. Shameless!”
“So over the top. Has Xanthia gone crazy for attention? Shameless.”
“The boys’ reactions are disgusting. It’s just a JK uniform. I could look just as good if I wore that. Hmph.”
Hera La Andronikos, a wealthy young lady, prided herself on her looks. She firmly believed that if she wore a JK uniform, her charm would match Xanthia’s.
Seeing Xanthia’s dramatic entrance, which cast a "Great Silence" over the classroom, filled Hera with jealousy. How could this previously invisible pauper be so audacious? It was infuriating!
"She needs a lesson she won't forget!" Hera seethed internally. Her disdain for Xanthia, already fueled by her feelings toward Luciel, now burned even hotter.
Meanwhile, at the back of the classroom, Sunny was nonchalantly bouncing a soccer ball. He hadn’t stopped his routine even when Elena and Luciel entered. None of these so-called beauties could compare to his beloved soccer.
But when Xanthia stepped in, his eyes widened, his heart skipped a beat, and the soccer ball rolled away unnoticed...
Imaginary red-haired soccer ball lady: "WTF!"
“Whoa! That girl is Xanthia, right? She’s... she’s really beautiful, so cute!” Sunny stammered, utterly floored by Xanthia’s transformation.
Previously, Makarios had convinced Sunny to follow Xanthia and Luciel, so he remembered Xanthia’s earlier appearance well. The drastic change left him speechless.
Even Makarios, who had critiqued Elena and Luciel with sharp precision, was stunned. Adjusting his thick black-framed glasses, he took a deep breath and murmured, "Now this is a true late-blooming heroine with boundless potential. I need to watch some JK-themed videos to cool down tonight, or else even an experienced guy like me might..."
No, no, he couldn't let his heart waver!
Lusting after a real-life girl was terrifying! Makarios warned himself. A self-aware pervert knew his place. Watching videos and indulging alone was his destiny...
Xanthia’s deskmate, Dematero, watched her elegant approach with a growing sense of unease.
Is this adultery? ...No! My heart and soul is for Elena only!
He couldn’t understand why, but her stunning transformation left him feeling flustered.
Xanthia’s unique style had shattered the norm, and the impact of her entrance rippled through the classroom. Boys and girls alike were drawn to her, each reacting in their way—some with admiration, others with jealousy or confusion.
Yet, amidst this whirlwind of emotions, Xanthia remained composed. She knew exactly what she was doing, and every step she took was calculated to leave a lasting impression!
