Walking through the pathway, Ren still heard whispers and gossip about him. It seemed like he became famous overnight –– in the wrong way.

Ren got to admit that he didn't know why it was such a big deal, though. It was only the second day of class, and they didn't even know him, so why make a big deal out of him?

Ren didn't know that when his picture went online, he became viral. In the past, Ren didn't have the confidence and maturity he had now.

And in this time line, even from just Ren's picture, everyone felt the indifference he gave off, which attracted a lot of eyes. True, there were handsome men together with him in the page, but there was something about him that commanded the attention of others. Like eyes were magnetized to his photo. Compared to him, those men appeared like kids.

And when the others took a peek at Ren while he was blissfully unaware yesterday because he was excited with COVENANTS opening, a lot of girls and even some boys went to the chat and commented that the photo proved no justice to the real deal. He seemed like an elegant, aloof noble that anyone wanted to please for just a smile.

Since Ren was busy all night, he didn't know that his photo received so many hearts and his face was leading as the most handsome among the freshman . . . until the anonymous guy went to the comments and provided proof of his claims.

Like cascading waters without stopping, all those who reacted retrieved their hearts and deleted their comments. No one wanted to find their names liking a guy's picture who was poorer than a rat.

Overnight, Ren's pictures turned into a curse. Whoever liked and commented liking the guy was immediately scorned by the others for having no taste.

While the internet was in chaos because of a mere picture, the guy in question had no care and was blissfully unaware.

Until Ren arrived in his class, the whispers never ceased. Evie was already in her seat while looking at the window with her hand supporting her chin, elbow resting on the table.

The moment Ren sat on his chair, one of his classmates tapped his shoulder and asked with a grin on his face.

"Is it true that you live in the slums in Zone C?"

The chatter died down a little, and it seemed like everyone was all ears for the answer. Even if they pretended to talk with the others, their faces showed the expression of a gawker.

Except for Evie, who seemed asleep with her eyes half open.

Ren raised a brow, and a sarcastic smile slipped on his lips. "And what of it?"

His classmate's teasing smile disappeared, and the guy scratched his head. He didn't expect that Ren wouldn't deny it. He really thought that Ren would catch his tongue and burst red in embarrassment.

But it seemed that it was him who burst red in embarrassment when Ren admitted it like he was even proud of it.

It was when whispers and murmurs circulated in the room while the man retreated from Ren, and the latter only smirked in response.

Still all eyes and fingers on him, Ren ignored it and sent a message to his parents about buying them an airplane ticket to come and see him over the weekends.

His mother immediately replied that she and his father would come and visit him.

A soft smile made its way to Ren's lips before it quickly disappeared after he ended their message and browse the news.

Ren read the latest broadcast in the E-sport news, where he usually passed the time. Besides the usual guild registration and mass construction, players protested about the PvP.

Despite its advantage of fighting players without them declining, there was a lot of disadvantage. And right now, the riot was ensuing in the game because players were PKing just anyone, either for revenge or to steal their loots. Some players were even scared of going out and exploring alone. Wherever they went, they were players who were fighting each other.

Not to mention the ATP loss, but there was also the concern of stolen items while their equipment sometimes dropped and the other players picked it up if they loss in a PvP fight.

Because of that reason, almost everyone wanted a PvP to steal the other's items. That was why exploring and grinding alone in COVENANT was suddenly scary.

It was complete chaos right now in the game.

Ren couldn't help but smile. It was none of his concerns since his ATP was so high no one could possibly PK him. Call him insensitive, but it was every man on his own.

Come to think of it . . . how was Evie doing in the game?

Ren glanced at the girl, who was still half asleep, looking at the leaves falling outside the window.

"How are you doing in the game?" Ren asked before he could stop himself. There was even a hint of worry in his tone that he hoped Evie didn't notice.

Evie blocked all noises from her surroundings, but when Ren asked, it was like his voice hypnotized her into answering.

"I'm fine." Evie didn't want to make small talk, but something in her wanted to hear Ren's voice some more because it really reminded her of the Ren in the game, so she questioned, "Why do you ask?"

"It's because of the PvP."

Evie's eyes shone in understanding before she pretended to look at her notes. Why were Ren's eyes so intense? She wondered.

"It's fine. I can manage." Not to brag, but she was an expert in escaping.

Ren didn't say anything more, and he was really curious about what spell Evie got and what her mask was all about.

Maybe he would ask her when they met in the game in the future.

Meanwhile, even though dizzy and puking all over the place, Leonel forced himself to go to school. The putrid acid in his throat and the swaying of his head made him throw another round in the water closet.

Leonel's head felt like splitting. He felt like dying at that moment . . . but then he remembered the millions in his bank, and his grin stretched across his face.

It was a good day to be alive!

Leonel somewhat recovered, thinking about his money. After taking another shower and medicine, he felt a little better.

That was when he remembered to call Roz and check about him.

"What is it?"

Leonel was surprised at the coldness in Roz's tone that he got confused for a second if he had done something before he brushed it off and asked in an excited tone, "Did you do what I told you before? Did you save your gil and became a millionaire overnight?"

". . ." Roz was silent on the other line. He bit his lip and repressed a tear. He couldn't possibly tell him that Mike and Saya ordered him to participate in the Festival of Gil while Mike snatched everything he had won.

There was nothing he could do since Mike was his employer and he was afraid of losing his job than the gil that he wasn't sure would even be helpful to him.

And that was where he was wrong.

The moment that the in-game currency was established, he lamented and deeply regretted that he had spent all his gil. If he didn't, he might have thousands in his hands right now.

Not much, but at least there was something.

Roz decided not to tell Leonel. He had already promised to distance himself from him. He had already destroyed his friendship with Mike and Saya, and he would no longer add another crack in it.

He really believed that his existence was a curse to him because every time that he associated himself with Leonel, bad things happen to the latter.

"No. I . . . spent it all."

"What?!" Leonel smacked his head. "Why?!"

Leonel took a deep breath when Roz didn't answer on the other line. "You know what . . . It's fine. If you ever need money, I can lend you–"

"Leo . . . thank you for your help . . . but I can manage on my own now."

BeEp . . .

Roz ended the call, and Leonel stared blankly at his phone, wondering what had happened.

A/N

No Goals this month since I will try to publish 2 chaps a day.

Though continue to support the story with PS, GT, and Gifts �

1 Super Gift = 1 Bonus chap as always

Thank you everyone! 💗