LEVEL UP: My High School Life Glitch

The next morning, I woke up feeling… different. Not just physically, though my muscles were definitely sore from the workout, but mentally. I felt… focused. Like I had a purpose. I checked my stats:

"Player: Kenjie Social Points: 31 Physical: 16 (Slightly Weak) Social: 9 (Slightly Introverted) Intelligence: 15 (Average)"

Things were moving. I felt more confident, and even my mom had noticed. 😊 "You look… brighter, Kenjie," she'd said, her eyes filled with a hopeful glint.

Then, the app hit me with a new mission: "Mission 6: Improve Academic Performance. Objective: Achieve a minimum grade of 80% on the upcoming math test. Reward: 30 Growth Points. Penalty for failure: Academic Debuff (Temporary memory loss)."

My heart sank. 80%? In math? I was barely scraping by with 60s. And temporary memory loss? That sounded terrifying.

"Warning: Failure to meet academic objectives will result in significant setbacks," the app stated. "Prepare accordingly."

I stared at the screen, my mind reeling. This wasn't just a game anymore. The stakes were getting higher.

I started studying, for real this time. I spent hours going over equations, practicing problems, and even asking my teacher for extra help. I was determined to ace this test.

The day of the test arrived, and I was a nervous wreck. My hands were shaking as I filled in the answers, my mind racing. I finished the test, feeling like I'd done… okay? Maybe?

A few days later, the results were posted. I held my breath as I scanned the list. 78%.

"Mission 6: Failed. Penalty: Academic Debuff activated."

A wave of dizziness washed over me. I felt… foggy. Like my brain was wrapped in cotton. I tried to remember what I'd studied, but the information was slipping away.

"Academic Debuff: Temporary memory loss. Duration: 24 hours."

I groaned. This was awful. I couldn't remember what I had for breakfast, let alone what I'd studied for the test. I felt a wave of anxiety. What if this was permanent?

I went home, feeling defeated. My mom looked at me, her brow furrowed. 😔 "Kenjie, are you alright? You seem… out of it."

I tried to explain, but my words were jumbled. I just shook my head and went to my room.

The next day, the fog lifted, and my memory returned. I felt a wave of relief, followed by a surge of determination. I couldn't let this happen again.

I checked my stats.

"Player: Kenjie Social Points: 1 (Significant Loss) Physical: 16 (Slightly Weak) Social: 9 (Slightly Introverted) Intelligence: 15 (Average) with lingering effects."

The loss of points stung, but the lingering effects made me sick to my stomach. I had to be more careful.

The app dinged again. "Mission 7: Improve Physical Performance: Advanced Workout. Objective: Complete a 30-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. Reward: 40 Growth Points. Penalty for failure: Physical Debuff (Temporary muscle weakness)."

I looked at the mission, then at my reflection. I wasn't going to fail again.

I started the HIIT session, pushing myself harder than ever before. My muscles burned, my lungs ached, but I kept going. I finished the workout, collapsing onto the floor, gasping for air.

"Mission 7: Completed. Reward: 40 Growth Points. Physical: 18 (Average)."

I felt a surge of triumph. I'd done it. I'd overcome the challenge.

I checked my stats.

"Player: Kenjie Social Points: 41 Physical: 18 (Average) Social: 9 (Slightly Introverted) Intelligence: 15 (Average)."

I was back on track. But I knew this was just the beginning. The app was pushing me, testing me, and the penalties were getting harsher. I had to be smarter, stronger, and more determined than ever before. I looked at the app, and a new message appeared. "Mission 8: Improve Social Skills: Join a School Club. Reward: 50 Growth Points. Penalty: Social Anxiety Surge." I took a deep breath. "A club? Oh man..."