A/N:Throw some power stones they motivate me to write more for you guys. Arigato.
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I settled into a comfortable rhythm over the next few days.
Every morning, I woke up early-no alarm needed, just my internal gamer clock. First thing: workout. Push-ups, crunches, a quick run, maybe some jump rope with ankle weights for that extra umph.
After that, I'd make myself and my family some breakfast. Not exactly a gourmet meal, but hey, every little bit of XP counts.
I'd read while eating, even when my mother gave me the classic "no reading at the table" look. Couldn't help it-multitasking is just efficient.
Nowadays, I actually look forward to going to school. There's this cute girl who smiles at me every time I walk into the classroom. Even when she's got her nose buried in a book, she always notices me and never forgets to wave a little "hi." It's a small thing, but it makes my day start on a high note.
We started chatting before class-sometimes about assignments, sometimes about random stuff. She was easy to talk to. Once she got past her initial shyness, she had this dry, clever sense of humor that caught me off guard. I think she's opening up to me. I even started sitting by her side instead of behind her. Progress.
One time, I made a joke about our AP Biology teacher's obsession with sanitizing her hands every five minutes, and Alex one-upped me with a deadpan comment about "germ warfare." I almost choked on my water. She's sarcastic- Inlike that. I guess it's the genes of phils funny jokes and claire dark humor.
Another interesting thing happened when I Picked up a book about chess from the library on a whim, thinking it'd be a decent way to kill some time between classes. Maybe train my INT and WIS stats. Let me tell you that it was a full-blown brain workout. After the first introduction book I installed chess.com and started playing it.
By day two, I'd already burned through every chess book the library had. Sounds like a lot but they had exactly only three books but they covered Openings, endgames, tactics, grandmaster games. I got strangely fascinated with the game.
I even started playing blitz games on my phone everywhere: in the bathroom, on the bus, and yes, even during class. I feel like classes are on easy mode after the INT mode. So I don't have no worries about my grades.
The best part that happened is my "Gamer System" unlocked a few skills.
[Pattern Recognition]
[Chess Analysis]
[Time Management]
I get XP everytime I beat an opponent higher rated than me even if it's in decimals. My new skills leveled up so fast it was almost criminal. I could practically see the chessboard even when I was not playing. I could play the game blindfolded if I needed to.
It's been three days since I started, and I'm already sitting at a 2200 rating on chess. com. I'm pretty sure that's not normal. Most people grind for years to get there. Me? I just speedrun the chess meta.
I am thinking of entering any FIDE tournament that are nearby or there's gotta be some local events with decent prize pools. We will see.
Besides, I genuinely like the game. I wonder, in how much time I will be good enough to take on magnus carlsen.(Absolute GOAT of chess)
Who knows? Maybe I'll be a grandmaster before Christmas. At this rate, anything feels possible.
One day at lunch, I was sitting with my friends in the school canteen-me, Josh, Leonard, and Debbie, all crowded around a table with the usual questionable cafeteria food. I was playing a chess rapid game on my phone while eating.
I stared at my tray and wondered how anyone could eat this stuff. I really should start making my own lunch.
Another thing to mention is I decided to install flappy bird on debbies phone as well and told her to give me feedback after playing. Debbie looked a little annoyed, realizing she was the last to know about this project.
"Hey Lucas, you changed a lot after the summer vacation. Everything good?" Josh asked out of nowhere. Leonard and Debbie both turned to look at me, curious.
"It's nothing," I shrugged. "Just thought a lot about my future and decided to actually put in some effort. You guys should also think about your SATs and college." I steered the conversation away from me and onto their futures instead.
"I've taken some mock tests and scored good enough. I'm aiming for a career in Physics. I'm confident I'll get into a good college," Leonard said, matter-of-fact. No arrogance, just Leonard being Leonard.
No one doubted him. We all knew Leonard was smart-genius smart. He'd practically learned every subject in high school. He could have graduated early if he wanted to, but only recently decided on physics.
"Finally!" Debbie mocked, rolling her eyes. We all laughed.
"My editing gig is going good, haven't really thought about the future. But seeing you both makes me depressed. I guess I'll have to start studying," Josh sighed. He's a small-time editor, making reels and works on little side projects. He's actually pretty sharp, if he puts in some effort, he'd be set.
"You all are so boring. That's why none of you have a girlfriend," Debbie groaned, leaning back in her chair. She's not really worried about her future. She's rich. We're all peasants in front of her.
"Like your single ass is any better," Josh shot back. He doesn't discriminate with his insults.
"Because no one is good enough for me." Debbie the diva said it so casually, glancing at me, but I didn't notice.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex sitting by herself, eating her lunch. I waved at her and gestured for her to come over. My friends were surprised. Me, calling a girl over? And a nerdy-looking one at that? Miracles do happen.
Alex waved back and walked over, a little nervous but smiling.
"Do you want to join us?" I asked, and she sat down beside me.
"Guys, this is Alex Dunphy. She's in the same class as me," I said, introducing her. Leonard and Josh introduced themselves, and even Debbie did, though not exactly with a smile.
"So what were you talking about?" Alex asked, glancing around.
"SATs… Me and Leonard are giving it in a few months," I said. We chatted a bit before I showed her our game. I installed it on her phone and asked her to give me feedback. Then the bell rang and recess was over.
[Alex POV]
Alex was genuinely surprised by Lucas's friends. They were all smart and friendly. When she heard about the game, she was even more surprised-people her age already thinking so far ahead. She couldn't help but compare herself to Lucas. He really was the whole package.
Normally, Alex didn't play childish games, but today she would-for Lucas.
After school, she got into her mom's car and immediately started the game. It was good. Surprisingly good, considering it was made by a high schooler. By then, Luke had slid into the backseat beside her, but she completely ignored him.
"Hey, what game is that?" Luke asked, leaning over.
"None of your damn business," Alex replied, not looking up.
"Hey! That's not how you talk to your brother," Claire reprimanded from the front seat.
"Okay," Alex muttered, but then Luke snatched her phone to see the name of the game. They started bickering in the backseat. Luke searched for the game on the app store but couldn't find it.
"How come I can't find this Flappy Bird anywhere?" Luke asked, frustrated.
"Because it's not released yet. It's made by a friend," Alex explained, knowing he'd keep pestering her until she told him.
"Really? You have friends?" Luke raised an eyebrow, probing.
Another round of WWE in the backseat. Claire yelled the whole way home, trying to keep the peace.
That evening, Alex was still playing the game. She was hooked, determined to beat Lucas's score on the leaderboard. Her dad came home, but she barely noticed.
"Hey, family! Who's ready for some Dunphy dinner?" Phil called out, dropping his briefcase by the stairs.
He spotted Alex glued to her phone. "Hey, daughter. What's got you so glued to that screen?"
Alex looked up, startled but smiling. "It's this new game my friend Lucas made. It's not even out yet, but it's really fun. You have to keep this little bird flying through pipes by tapping the screen."
Phil's eyes lit up. "A new game? Hand it over! Let's see what the fuss is about."
Alex handed him the phone, and Phil plopped down on the couch, eager to try. Luke appeared from the hallway, spotting the phone in his dad's hand.
"Dad, I wanna play too. She didn't let me before," Luke said, sliding onto the couch.
Phil grinned. "Alright, young man. You go first."
They started taking turns, tapping furiously to keep the pixelated bird airborne. Phil's first attempt ended quickly with a crash, but his enthusiasm never faded.
"Okay, that was just a warm-up," he said, wiping his brow dramatically.
Luke, as competitive as ever, managed to fly a little further. "Ha! Beat that, Dad!" he teased.
Alex watched them, amused, and went off to do her homework. The game had already made her miss her study time.
When she came down for dinner, they were still playing, only stopping when her phone's battery died.
Later that night, she messaged Lucas about the game-how good it was, and how her family loved it. They chatted a bit and then wished good night to each other when it was almost midnight
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[frimorigo, Xylneir, AvidRead3rAd1ttc, Kieta Aki, Daoistgreenflash, Primaël Togbe, David Barcelona, Erich Bollers, Gw3n.CK, Trickey, LuqirGD, Jack Wright]
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