' Never ending happiness is a lie.' The boy read the line in his book as the wheels of his skateboard ate up the cracks in the sidewalk. 

' I'm not saying you won't be happy for long periods of time. I'm just saying with every new high comes a new low. ' 

His red eyes were only focused on the small book in his hand. It was surprising he avoided every obstacle, it was like he had some kind of ultra instinct. 

' well, yes. Life is more exciting this way. Only an NPC would think otherwise. ' 

Ren's shoulders tightened as a programmed response to an unexpected spawn in, before he recognized the person. 

 " Ren, can you believe it? " A boy suddenly appeared In front of Ren's speeding skateboard, his arms stretched out wide as if to stop him.

 The bags under the boy's blue eyes and his messy, short black hair made him look like he'd been chased out of his bed. 

" Tatsuya, I've told you spawning out nowhere Is like asking to be run over. " Ren's focus shifted to the boy In front of him. 

" You're just trapped in your world. I'm certain you don't even notice the people around you. ' Tatsuya commented. 

 And it was true. The moment the boy stopped him, the world seemed to snap into focus. Other students wearing the same black and white striped uniforms suddenly became visible to them. 

' well, I can't help it. Random npc's are mostly at the bottom of the ladder. They don't play any significant roles. ' 

 The grip tape gritted under his shoe as he dragged the tail of his board to a halt, the cutting sound through the morning air.

 " I don't have time for your weeb waifu nonsense this early in the morning. Only talk if it's important." Ren picked up his Skateboard and adjusted his backpack. 

 " Don't... disrespect my waifus, you'd understand if gave it a chance. " Tatsuya complained, as he walked besides him. 

 " No thanks I'm good, let's talk as we walk, timing... is everything. " Ren suggested, as he straightened his black uniform and grabbed his skateboard. 

 ' I'm sure certain otakus will fall in love with anything but real women. ' Ren noted, when noticed the anime straps on Tatsuya's bag as they walked. 

" I only got 25 points from the last quest we got. " Tatsuya said, pulling out his phone from his pocket to show Ren.

The screen read, " DON'T STUDY FOR THE UPCOMING TEST, +50 POINTS. ( Quest 50% complete. ) "

 Upon reading the text Ren stayed silent for a moment then after a breath he spoke. " Well I think I understand why this happened, let me guess you answered everything correctly didn't you? " 

 " Crap... I should've just let Rick take this quest like you suggested and yes you are right I stupidly answered everything correctly. " 

Ren stared at the screen again." DON'T STUDY FOR THE UPCOMING TEST, +50 POINTS. ( Quest 50% complete. ) " 

At the bottom it read " POINTS EARNED +500 POINTS. WISH MARK CURRENTLY UNKNOWN. " 

" Well I think this a partial reward and quest has expired. " Ren explained, then he handed him his phone back. 

 He added. " Well, you didn't do anything wrong. It's more like you just are too smart for your own good. When a person doesn't study they are usually fail. " 

 Tatsuya's blue eyes lit up, " oh you are right, don't study equals failing which makes sense why we only got a part of the points... well this makes things complicated. " 

 As the two continued talking they arrived at the school and three students were standing at the front gates. 

 Ren and Tatsuya walked past them then suddenly out of nowhere when they heard a voice from behind. 

" Ren! " A girl voice screamed. Ren not bothered, continued walking

" Ren Katagiri! " 

Tatsuya with a puzzled look called out to him, " Ren, the student council president is calling for you, can you not hear her. " 

" Is that so the student council... " He said, as he stopped and turned back waiting for the furious looking girl to approach him. 

" Ren Katagiri did you not hear when I was calling for you. " She said, her emerald eyes glaring at him. 

 Ren didn't respond immediately and Tatsuya gave him a side glance trying to understand what was going through his mind. 

After a moment Ren finally spoke, " ooooh you were calling me, I did not hear but.... are you okay? " 

The student council president surprised by the sudden random question seemed to have been debuffed of all her anger.

" What do you mean by that? " She asked not knowing what to reply to him. 

" Well bottom tier Npcs always stick to there roles and don't bother the playable characters so never imagined a situation were you talk to me, " he explained calmly. 

He then added in a low voice while looking at the confused president, " surely there must be something wrong with your character settings. " 

" My what?.... What are you talking about? "

 She added after a deep sigh, " You know what I don't have all day to deal with you I just wanted to let you know the principal wants to see you after school. " 

Before Ren could speak Tatsuya interrupted, " so is that all? Miss President. " 

 As she moved her long black hair backwards while solely focusing her gaze at Ren 

 She said " Well there was more but... Well another time. " 

" Alright cool thanks for the info... President Horimiya. " Ren said before walking away. 

 She said, looking mock offended with slightly red cheeks, " How Rude! it's Horikita. My name is Horikita. " 

" Sure Hoshikita! " He shouted from a distance. 

 ' I can't believe there is a student who doesn't know my name and keeps getting wrong it almost makes me think that he's doing it on purpose. ' she wondered. 

 The student council president watched as they walked while trying to maintain her composure at the thought of him ignoring and getting her name wrong.

 What bothered her the most was the look of indifference in his eyes but she didn't drag it or more like she couldn't since he was already gone. 

As the two approached the shoe lockers Tatsuya was confused about Ren's earlier conversation with the school president, " Bro don't you know your own classmates name? " 

 " For a genius you can be slow sometimes, and no I didn't... but I do now. " He said in casual calm tone as he opened his locker. 

" Hey that was uncalled for.. please elaborate because I don't understand what you are trying to say. " Tatsuya asked as he put on his indoor shoes. 

" Her name is irrelevant, her approaching me is a build up for a new quest, " Ren speculated. 

 " Hmmm build up, what do you mean? And don't we usually receive quests through our phones I don't understand... " Tatsuya asked as he was intrigued. 

" I'm not talking about receiving quests, " he explained.

 " I'm talking about why I made a lasting impression. By getting her name wrong, she'll remember me because it doesn't usually happen to her. And I did it because it's out character for her to talk to me and... " 

Before he could finish explaining his phone buzzed, he took it out and saw a notification, it read. 

" GET REJECTED BY THE NEW STUDENT, +100 POINTS. " 

A smirk was tugging at the corner of Ren's mouth as he thought, ' how interesting. ' 

" GET REJECTED BY THE NEW TRANSFER STUDENT. +100 POINTS "

" Whaaat.... What kind of quest is this? Whoever is sending these must really watch some questionable animes. Now I'm curious about their identity. " Tatsuya exclaimed at the sight of the pending quest.

" It's probably an F ranked ghost of some character who got rejected now is handing out quests like XP to feel better. " Ren added

They continued to discuss the new quest as they walked to class.

some of the student subconsciously moved out of their way as the aura around them was overwhelming.

" So we have a new transfer, these type of characters always play an important role sometimes they are even more than npcs. "

His expression was calm but the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth betrayed it.

Tatsuya got a glimpse of the smirk on Ren's face as he thought, ' That's Ren for you always welcomes a challenge and only see's it as an opportunity to level up. '

" We've got a new quest already, and the other unfinished one just disappeared. Do I accept it or.... " Tatsuya asked as he stared at his phone as they entered the classroom.

Tatsuya's expression faltered as noticed a boy standing at the back of classroom tapping his foot impatiently.

The boys eyes lit up at the sight of Ren entering the classroom and few eyes stole glances at him as he walked to back.

" Let's discuss it with him... " Before he could finish he was cut short.

" G'morning boss man I got everything on the list you gave me. "

" Sounds good how much of everything did you get? "

" I got everything which was available because I remembered your words when asked the exact amount and you said, " as much as you can afford." So I just got everything. "

" Good now we'll move faster and finish more quests than in the past. "

" Ren the new quest who will take it on? " Tatsuya interrupted their confusing talk.

" Oh you're here, I expected you to be roleplaying with your figures somewhere not ruining Ren's presence by existing. " Rick said while shaking his head with disapprove,

His gray hair seamlessly reflecting the light from outside and making him look cool from the slightly shaking.

" Tuff talk from a guy who whose on worth comes from paper and appearance at least I'm useful. " Tatsuya taunted him.

" Well money does make the world go round everyone needs it. " Rick said with a smug look trying to hide the fact that he was offended.

" You two focus. " Ren's three words cut through and there was completely silence.

" The quest the let's talk about with should do and how to guarantee a rejection. " He added.

    Tatsuya put his hand on the back of his head and tapped it as he spoke, " the probability of humiliation is hundred percent with no chances of recovery and no measurable returns. "

" I nominate myself I'll take one for the team, " Rick said in a serious tone.

" And how will you achieve the desired results? " Tatsuya questioned.

" It's all about presentation they do say first impression matters so I'll use that to my advantage. " Rick's sky blue eyes were practically glowing as he explained his idea.

" Guys I think I should do it... " Ren suggested and before he could anything else

They both said in unison not even will to entertain the thought, " not a chance, I'll handle it. "

Ren let a sigh as he sat down, " alright I'm trusting you don't screw this up. "

" If the girl's is in class B, I'll get it down before lunch break trust me,  I'm not like some otaku always screwing things up. " Rick explained

" Don't screw it up then. " Ren said and then the first bell rang

And with that Rick clicked the accept as button and quest accept button disappeared from the others phones

As classes were about to start so Rick and Tatsuya head to their respective classes.

As teacher called out the roll call, Ren was stuck in his thoughts.

     ' Tatsuya is smart but he failed the quest and Rick is too unpredictable and wild to know what's happen, I feel bad for the poor character hope it doesn't mess up their character settings. '

Classes progressed at quietly especially for Ren who was barely paying attention to the lessons.

After some time it was lunch break, Ren was walking in the hall with hand his pockets until he felt a tug on his sleeve from behind.

He turned back to find a girl holding a couple of papers close to her chest.

" Excuse me, are you Ren Katagiri? "

Ren's face remained netrual as he answered, " how may I help you? "

Upon the realization her eyes lit up as the light reflected the lens of her glasses.

"I'm so glad I found you, I came to ask you if could join our club? "

Before the words could even sink in he replied, " No thank you I'm good.

" But why not? I was told you're the only student who hasn't joined a club, please the literature club really needs more members "

" I haven't join any because I don't have time to waste on pointless side quests. " He explained as he continued walking.

" Side quests.... that's a fantasy term you just used, you like books too don't you? So please just join us." She said as she moved to his face unknowingly.

' what a troublesome character, is this a new quest or something, I wish they added the skip cutscenes option. ' he thought.

" Hey give me some time, I'll think about it okay. " Ren suggested before walking away without even hearing her reply.

' I'm not that hungry, I'll just skip lunch for today and I guess I'll go see the principal and see where that develop takes me. ' He thought as he changed direction and started climbing the stairs to the principal's office.

' Speaking of developments, I wonder how Rick is doing, ' before he could finish the thought his phone buzzed.

He took out of his and as he saw a quest notification from the Guide app.

Before reading it thought to himself, ' hmmm already did he screw things up. "

    Earlier, before lunch, Rick was sitting in chair, tapping his foot impatiently trying to figure out how to complete the quest.

' Aina Kazuki. The name of girl I need to ask out... it's the first impression that counts, and I'm sure I ask her randomly I'll get rejected. The thought getting rejected leaves a bad taste in my mouth '

Everyone was looking at him as he had undergone an appearance change.

" What's up with Rick,where did his gray hair go I don't like the black hair he has now and he looks chubby, " a voice came from the background.

" Were the his good looks fake. "

" I know, right? and look at the oversized parachute of a uniform he's wearing. I'm sure if he fell from the sky, he'd survive without a scratch. " Another added before the class burst into laughter.

To other students, his look was distracting and funny but to him there was something bigger going on in his.

' For the wish, it's all for the wish and I'm not losing anything so I have to do it for the wish. ' he repeated in his head.

He didn't pay any attention to chatter about him.

He was solely focused on preparing his lines like a government official preparing before going out to spill lies to before the public.

' I'm ready.... ' he thought as he stared at his reflection from his phone.

' The drama club didn't hesitate to offer help as soon as mentioned sponsoring them. They sure did a good job now, all I have to is wait for right moment to strike. '

When the bell for lunch break rang.

Rick didn't waste anytime, he grab the bag besides him then he hurried out the classroom.

He quickly speed walked through the hall way and entered the classroom labelled " B " on the door.

' it didn't expect the new student to end up in Tatsuya's class. ' he thought as opened the door.

Most of the students weren't out the classroom, some were eating while others were in small groups with some sitting on the top on the desks.

But most were gathered around one student with long golden hair.

As soon as Rick noticed the commotion he knew who it was and thought it was the perfect opportunity to strike.

' Students only surround a new student like that and she matches the description I was given, the long black hair, purple colored eyes and a good looking face, it's time to shine. ' he thought as he approached her.

As he approached where she was sitting and they all noticed him him, they immediately stopped talking.

"Aa...Ai... Aina will you pli...plea... Please will you be my girlfriend? " He stammered, and his voice sounded like his nose was blocked.

' Great, the was perfect. Looks like I haven't lost my acting skills I'm sure she's weirded out. Now I just have to push it a little further. ' 

He walked closer to her, " and you look like my favorite waifu with that golden hair and purples eyes. "

There was puzzled look on the girls face. She didn't know how to respond and students who surrounded her were holding back there laugher.

" I'm sorry what? I don't even know you and what are you doing? " She asked watched him pull something out of his bag.

It was a maid uniform he then bowed as he stretched his hands forward presenting it like it was some kind of offering.

" What's this? " She asked her voice sounded confused.

A creepy smile appeared on his face at the question which made her expression waver even more, she couldn't even look at him.

He then used his middle finger to adjust his glasses back in place as they were about to fall off. The lenses looked white, reflecting the light from outside.

" My... my name is Tatsuya an... And I've always wanted a girl who'd dress up like... Like my favorite anime character. So I bought you this as gift, will you accept me? "

" Sorry.... but you're not my type and you're weird. Gaaahhh I can't deal with this, it's just my first day. " She said before storming off not sure how deal with whole situation.

" That was really embarrassing and uncomfortable to watch, I wonder the other classes will react to the story. " A girl with blue hair commented.

Rick dropped to his knee without saying anything his head facing down.

His expression was unreadable as his hair covered his face. The group of the students who watched it all happen quickly hurried out the room following Aina.

The last student looked at the broken Rick. " How pitiful, did he really think he stood a chance, especially when he's that weird? "

Before leaving, she caught a glimpse of what looked like a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

When he heard his phone ring his smirk widened and turned into a smile.

It wasn't long after that, Tatsuya was heading to the cafeteria as he heard a few students talking.

" Hey did you hear? some guy named Tatsuya was rejected by the new student. "

His eyes widened in surprise, ' wait, I'm Tatsuya.... ' he thought, as stopped his tracks hoping to hear the rest of the story.

" Seriously, does anyone among the first years think they stand a chance against a girl like that? Especially not some anime freak. " Another voice added.

' Wait, I'm the only first year anime watcher named Tatsuya.... Don't tell me that idiot used my name for... '

His thought was interrupted by the sound of his phone vibrating in his phone.

He took it out and saw the quest notification it read, " QUEST COMPLETED WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY +100, BONUS +50 "

' Seriously I'm gonna kill him, ' he thought before storming off.

Rick was handing the bag back to a member of the drama club." So Rick how did it go? " Boy asked in a cheerful tone as grabbed the bag.

" Well, it was an outstanding performance, and I got what I needed thanks to you guys. "

" No we should be thanking you. What we did was nothing compared to what you're doing the club. "

" Yeah, I guess you are right. Well, I'll see you guys later. " He said, turning back and preparing to leave.

" Wait, Rick you still have the wig on and...  "

Upon the realization Rick grabbed the wig off his head and handed it over the boy before walking away.

' It might have been an outstanding performance, but it doesn't feel like a victory to me. And I can't to see the furious look on Tatsuya's face. I'm sure it will be priceless. '

Ren was looking at his phone outside a huge door, ' Bonus points, I guess he exceeded it's expectations or was it just easy to impress. Let's hope he didn't go too far. '

Another notification popped up from the Guide app, " CONGRATULATIONS YOU'VE REACHED A MILESTONE, DO YOU WANT USE  SOME OF THE POINTS TO UPGRADE YOUR SYSTEM. "

" YOUR CURRENT BALANCE IS +650 POINTS, USE YOU WANT TO USE HALF OF IT TO IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE. " it asked.

' I guess we've levelled up, the boys will... '  a voice from behind interrupted his thought.

" Are you just going to stand there all day? "

He turned his head to look it was the student council president.

" Come on let's go in, " she said without waiting for his response. She opened the door.

Inside the room there was a long table and at the end of a person was sitting on a huge chair.

As they approached the person Rick thought ' how an unexpected I thought the principal of the top school in the country would be some old looking character, but instead she doesn't look any bit older than twenty five. '

" Ren Katagiri, you're expelled. " She said in a serious and sharp tone.

Ren's face remained neutral as he took a sit and rested his head on the palm of his hand.