CH.20 A New Beginning

The next day, Calvin headed to school as usual.

After getting home yesterday, Calvin had hastily soaked his clothes with laundry pods, but exhaustion hit hard, and he soon passed out.

On the bus, he noticed his classmates sneaking glances at him, whispering among themselves.

At school, he’d become an instant celebrity. Peers kept their distance, pointing their phones at him and whispering excitedly. Their screens played the video of him thrashing Tyler the night before, spreading like wildfire online. Boys, girls, even the tall jocks, subconsciously cleared a path as he walked by.a

When Calvin sat down in class, one kid mustered the courage to approach.

“Calvin, you went to that witch’s birthday party yesterday, right? I saw the video—you wrecked Tyler! How’d you do it?”

“No comment,” Calvin replied coolly.

“Sorry!” The classmate backed off immediately.

Soon, the math teacher entered. “Looks like math first thing is bad news. Worse: Lucas was attacked last night and is in the hospital.”

So that monster hurt more than just Tyler, Calvin thought, resting his chin on his hand.

Halfway through class, two knocks sounded at the door. Several cops stood there, an Asian officer speaking. “Sorry to interrupt—we need a student named Calvin for questions about yesterday’s violent incident.”

It’s finally here, Calvin thought with a flicker of tension. What if the government discovered his supernatural powers?

The teacher glanced at him. “Calvin, you okay with that?”

“Yeah.” Calvin stood and approached the officers.

“Hey, officer.”

“Don’t worry—just routine,” the officer, Chen, said gently. “Let’s chat in the staff room.”

Calvin was confused. In the office, they only asked about “unusual phenomena” or “strange people,” seemingly oblivious to his display last night. Afterward, they sent him back.

That’s it? Calvin puzzled over the strangely uneventful questioning, slipping back into his daily school routine.

During break, he visited Tommy’s classroom. Many students froze or stood up in awe when he arrived.

“Where’s Tommy? He didn’t come today?”

“Uh, he hasn’t been here for two days,” a boy said.

“Two days? Alright.” Calvin had hoped to check on Tommy, maybe talk, but two days absent?

He didn’t even know where Tommy lived…

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“You’re finally here,” Tommy said to the floating graffiti man.

“Miss me that much?” The graffiti man grinned, its fluorescent mouth flapping like cheap Flash animation.

“I’ve got a question. What happened yesterday? My summoned infernal creature—it cut out, like it vanished.”

“Heh, a meat-lump from the infernal realm, as lowly as breadcrumbs, getting wiped out? Normal. Other forces are probably grooming agents here, too.”

“Other forces? Like what?” Tommy asked.

“Plenty—named ones like the Nature Alliance, Star Court, Ring of Gods, White Empire. As barriers weaken, those evil gods will eye this place too,” the graffiti man said, as if savoring chaos. “Things'll get fun.”

“Why… are you all coming here?”

“Not for you to know yet. But the Death Council isn’t small fry—we can stand against the big ones,” it boasted.

“So… today’s task—still making ghosts?”

“Drop that simple stuff. You’ve got a new assignment.”

“What is it?” Tommy asked.

“You’ll find out.”

Tommy was at a loss for words over the figure’s cryptic ways, but it wasn’t his concern.

Even without tasks, he was planning some action. His phone pinged—a message from Calvin: You okay?

It was a single line. Tommy glanced at it, then powered off his phone.

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Four days later, in Jane’s rented apartment

Jane frowned as she busied herself building and uploading models—they might come in handy someday. She'd also uploaded new abilities and was feeling swamped.

Jack’s Holy Blood Church was a goldmine. The third sermon alone earned enough points for an E-tier upgrade.

“Upgrade now,” Jane decided.

A flash dazzled her eyes, then faded—system upgraded.

She reviewed the new features: crafting special ability items, building moderate otherworlds, uploading stronger powers, and creating NPCs with advanced AI. Jane reviewed. She could control multiple NPCs and make supernatural items.

“Very interesting—this expands things,” Jane nodded. She planned to contact Jack next, but first, chicken legs. Tonight, she'd fry some up to celebrate—sick of hot dogs that now nauseated her.

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At the Holy Blood Church

Jack, also known as Leader Jack, delivered a sermon. He’d chosen a white robe and tall red hat, exuding holiness.

The crowd included many followers, plus curious onlookers pulled by zealots. Skeptics converted instantly after Jack’s power displays.

In just three sermons, the flock neared 500—nearly triple before.

After another healing miracle, the recipient knelt, tears streaming. “Praise the Holy One! Praise the Holy One!”

“Good, very good,” Jack smiled. This had happened countless times; even if tiresome, he praised their fervor.

Now spreading as the Holy Heart Assembly, it could cover the U.S. in under a year.

God, see the great work I’m building? Jack thought excitedly.

He felt his power growing—a divine gaze upon him.

Lost in fantasies of boons, even immortality, a voice cut in.

“People. I need more people.”

“God!” Jack exclaimed, addressing the faithful. “Quiet—God’s guidance speaks!”

They hushed tensely. Jack looked toward the ceiling, shouting, “God, what are your commands? Or do you wish to enlighten your servant?”

There was no need for yelling or facing a specific direction, but the drama helped.

“Too slow,” the voice said coldly.

“What? God, are you displeased with the faithful’s numbers?” Jack asked, sweating.

“The Godchild’s birth nears. More—more…”

“Your servant dares suggest—bless other loyal ones to preach; it’d spread faster.”

“Power? I’ll give the Blood Key. Open your hands.”

Jack cupped them. Red light flashed—an egg-like crimson object appeared.

“Wow,” the crowd gasped.

“God… what is this?”

“The Blood Key. Its holder gains health and strength—at the cost of… some blood,” the voice intoned darkly.