Second Chance at School: Saving My Sweetheart

At the school gate.

Evan's mother, Linda, stood beside the car, watching her son carry bags of belongings. A mix of emotions flickered across her face.

After a pause, Linda asked tentatively, "Evan, why the sudden decision to transfer schools?"

"It's nothing major," Evan replied, stopping in his tracks and offering a small, reassuring smile. "I've been too complacent lately. Senior year is my last chance to turn things around. I just need a fresh start in a new environment."

Linda's eyes softened as she looked at her son, her voice carrying a hint of relief and hope. "If that's how you feel, I support your decision. By the way, today's your uncle Daniel's birthday. I made your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs. Come home for dinner, okay?"

Her words carried a gentle plea. Evan rarely came home since starting high school, and Linda had cried countless times in secret, knowing why—her son's resentment toward her second husband.

Hearing the emotion in his mother's voice, Evan felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest.

In his previous life, he had made too many mistakes.

This time, he vowed to make things right.

"Sounds good. I'm starving anyway. Let's have a proper feast tonight," Evan said warmly.

Linda blinked, momentarily stunned. "Evan, are you saying... you'll come home for dinner?"

Evan nodded, walking over to the red car parked nearby. He opened the trunk, stowed his bags, and climbed into the passenger seat without another word.

Watching her son, Linda wiped the corners of her eyes discreetly and smiled—a genuine, long-lost smile.

Her son was growing up.

On the Drive Home

Linda kept her eyes on the road, breaking the silence cautiously. "Evan, promise me something. When we get home, try not to argue with your Uncle Daniel, okay? He's been through a lot too."

Evan's gaze softened, and he gave a small nod. "Drive safe, Mom."

Linda glanced at him, surprised by his calm demeanor.

"Mom, I was immature before. That won't happen again."

Her hands tightened on the wheel as her throat constricted. She swallowed her emotions and focused on the road ahead.

Evan yawned. "Didn't sleep well at school last night. I'm going to nap for a bit."

He closed his eyes, but he wasn't resting.

In the depths of his mind, a melodic voice echoed:

Ding—

"Congratulations, host, on binding with the Omnipotent System."

The voice was soft, almost soothing, like sunlight filtering through leaves on a warm day.

Evan was no stranger to fantastical ideas; he had read enough online novels in his previous life to understand the concept of a "system."

Given that he had already been reborn, what was one more impossibility?

"Omnipotent System?" he murmured in his thoughts. "What does it do?"

The system responded, its tone poised and confident:

"Master the intellect of a scholar, knowing the stars above, the earth below, and the intricacies of human nature. Understand the mystic arts and balance the yin and yang.

"Possess unparalleled combat skills, able to defeat enemies with ease and leave no trace.

"Heal the sick and save lives, bringing light to those in need.

"Strategize with brilliance, navigating complex challenges to achieve great triumphs. Fulfill these four domains, and you are omnipotent!"

Evan smirked internally. Omnipotent? That's a tall order.

His skepticism didn't go unnoticed.

"Knowledge is the foundation of all human potential," the system explained patiently. "Master enough knowledge, and you can achieve omnipotence."

Before Evan could respond, a virtual interface appeared in his mind:

Host: Evan Turner

Knowledge: Level 1 (30/100)

Intelligence: Level 1 (20/100)

Combat: Level 1 (10/100)

Medicine: Level 1 (0/100)

Karma Points: 0

Experience: 0

Evan's lips twitched slightly. Level 1 across the board? Wow, how inspiring.

"How do I gain experience?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

"There are two methods," the system explained.

"First, you can study various fields of knowledge to gain experience, which can be used to level up your abilities.

"Second, on the 1st of every month, the system will release a task. Completing these tasks will yield random experience rewards."

Evan frowned. Today was only the 18th—he had nearly half a month to wait for a task.

"Looks like studying is my only option for now. How exactly do I study?"

"Read books."

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up to a cozy suburban house.

Linda gently shook Evan awake. "We're home, sweetie. Time to get up."

Evan stretched and rubbed his eyes for show, following his mother inside.

The house was just as he remembered it—familiar, comforting, yet bittersweet.

In his previous life, Evan had harbored resentment toward Daniel, his stepfather, for years. It wasn't until Linda fell seriously ill and Daniel's unwavering devotion became apparent that Evan truly accepted him.

As they stepped into the living room, Daniel emerged from the kitchen, his apron dusted with flour. He was a man of average build, his face warm and unassuming.

"Evan!" Daniel greeted, his voice tinged with surprise and joy. "You're home just in time. I made braised pork—your favorite. Go wash up and have a taste."

Evan nodded politely. "Thank you, Uncle Daniel."

The room fell silent.

Linda and Daniel exchanged wide-eyed glances, neither of them quite believing what they had just heard.

"Evan, you don't have to be so formal," Daniel stammered, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and happiness.

Linda's eyes brimmed with tears, her emotions too overwhelming to contain.

During dinner, Linda recounted Evan's decision to transfer schools.

"Which school are you thinking of?" Daniel asked. "I might be able to pull some strings."

Evan set down his fork, his expression calm yet determined. "Wellington Academy, in the capital."

Linda gasped. "You want to go all the way to the capital?!"

Evan nodded. "Yes, Mom. This is something I've thought about carefully. Please support my decision."

Linda's protests died on her lips. She knew her son's personality—when he made up his mind, there was no changing it.

Though reluctant, Linda couldn't deny the opportunity Wellington Academy presented. Daniel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Evan's growing up," Daniel said gently. "Wellington is a top-tier school. This is a great step for him."

Evan's gaze softened as he looked at the two people who cared for him deeply.

In his heart, he whispered a name - Nia.