Chapter 10 Darkness

Later in the attached bathroom, Ethan washed his hands and sighed. In the end, Sasha declined him. Her eyes were burning with desire but more than that, she gave the reasoning that Ethan was still not completely healthy. Sex was something physical intensive.

She had logic with her side so Ethan accepted that but still asked for a blowjob. Recalling her flushed face and sparkling eyes when she did it made his lips curl up in a smile.

Sasha was waiting outside for him, so he quickly checked the status window. The result was surprising.

⠀⠀⠀Status:

⠀⠀⠀⠀[Name: Ethan Chase] | [Title: Heir ] | [Level: 10]

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Health: (87/100)』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Arcane Points: (46/46)』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Stress: (0/100)』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Charm: (67/100)』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Special Points: 232』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Fragments of Obsidian used: (68/??)』

⠀⠀⠀⠀[Stats:]

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Strength: 10』|『Agility: 5.2』|『S. Stamina: 5』

⠀⠀⠀⠀『Health RR: 0.7』|『 Arcane RR: 26』|『IQ: 125 』

The rest stats were alright and consistent like arcane points that increased by two with each level but he actually jumped from level six to ten. And more importantly, Ethan had actually received a whopping two hundred special points.

It took him more than a month to get 32 points but now he got so many in such a short time.

He heard Nyx's alluring voice, [The hidden quests give more points. Lowest should be 50 and highest should be 200.]

Ethan inquired, 'And what's the maximum amount for normal quests?'

[At your current level, it is around 40. But as you level up, your rewards for quests will also increase.]

'So basically I need to spam these tasks in the initial levels?'

[Yes], Nyx confirmed.

'…'

Sensing his worry and frustration regarding the low number of tasks, Nyx said, [It's alright. Once you discharge from here, you'll start getting more tasks. And right now you also have Sasha with you.]

Ethan's mind was jolted by the mention of Sasha's name and he reflexively went quiet, not revealing his thoughts to Nyx. He tried to mask his emotions by shaking his head and offering a bittersweet smile. The thrill of the moment had passed, and his mind was no longer clouded by any carnal desires. He couldn't help but reflect on Sasha and his future.

Finally, Ethan let out a sigh and spoke, "Okay, show me the hidden quests that I've completed."

[Okay!]

The screen appeared in front of Ethan and its title read.

[Ethan Chase's frustration.]

[Ethan had the physical ability to stand up to his tormentors, but for various reasons, he held back. However, finally putting one of them in their place and starting his revenge brought a sense of satisfaction and fulfilled his burning desire for retribution. Special points: +150]

Ethan couldn't resist rolling his eyes and muttering, "What start of revenge... but it looks like these tasks from my remnant will have something to do with it. I don't have any objections to it, though."

Suddenly, a memory came back to him, leaving him momentarily stunned. A sneer appeared on his face as he murmured, "Mia, just how low will you fall?"

Before now, Ethan only knew Mia's demeanor, personality, and that she was a member of the bullying group. Although she wasn't a direct participant, Ethan had still seen her smiling and relishing in the torment at times.

Only now did Ethan understand how someone like Ethan Chase ended up trapped in this cycle of hatred and pain. It all started in his first year of high school. Even after a few years had passed since his father's death, he still couldn't escape the darkness that consumed him after losing the swordmaster he respected the most.

The weight of his grief gradually ate away at him, making him more prone to emotional outbursts. If it weren't for the care of his step-parents, Ethan didn't know what would have happened to him.

Although Mia treated him poorly, Ethan always showed patience and even had a soft spot for her. But that all changed when she betrayed him, stabbing him in the back... or, to be more precise, hitting him from behind.

At the time, Ethan was surrounded by many peers his own age. He had the strength to fight them and if things escalated, he could easily outrun them. But then Mia entered the alley, and the group shifted their attention to her, gaining the upper hand over Ethan.

Despite feeling frustrated, he tried to intervene and protect her, but then he felt a blow to the back of his head and everything went black. When Ethan awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar room, with Mia crying beside him, accusing him of rape.

Confused and shocked, Ethan couldn't understand what was happening. But when Damian and his friend entered the room and showed him the photo they had taken, everything fell into place.

The evil woman that Ethan once cared for wiped away her fake tears and smiled maliciously at him, her eyes shining with glee. Ethan hated the group with a passion, but more than that, he felt fear.

The truth was, he didn't do anything to Mia, but she had fake evidence against him—the photograph of her half-naked, crying, and with his fingerprints on her.

Ethan was consumed by fear. His mind raced with the disastrous consequences of the situation he was in. The thought of losing the only people left in his life who cared for him sent chills down his spine.

The fear soon gave way to darker thoughts, including the idea of killing those responsible for his misery. But he knew that such a violent reaction would only bring more severe consequences.

The bullies, led by Damian, had powerful connections and it wouldn't take much for them to find out the truth. Thus, Ethan became their next plaything, subjected to constant torment and abuse.

More bullies joined in, not understanding why someone as strong-willed as Ethan had become so vulnerable. All they cared about was their own pleasure.

The so-called "fingerprint evidence" was debunked eventually, but the photograph of Mia crying half-naked and Ethan's fingerprints still played on his mind. The sadistic intentions of Damian, Derek, and Mia to torment Ethan had already succeeded in capturing his weaknesses and manipulating him.

"How can kids nowadays be so fucked up?" Ethan sighed and then he thought about his own past, a bitter smile appeared on his face.

He consoled himself. 'Atleast I wasn't this bad… just a violent idiot.' His eyes dimmed with a hint of sadness.