The 5% Reject: Rise of the Powerless Hero"

Chapter 17: The Great Escape

Jack’s heart was drumming against his ribs. He had fought a ten-story robot and a shadow beast from hell, but the look in Nyx and Hana’s eyes was officially the most dangerous thing he had ever encountered.

He was backed against the window, the sun still highlighting every muscle, while the two girls closed in. Nyx’s hand was inches from his chest, and Hana looked like she was about to forget their blood relation entirely.

I messed up. I messed up big time, Jack thought frantically. In his mind’s eye, a private blue screen flickered that only he could see:

[ STATUS: PREDATORY TARGET ].

"You're very brave when you're holding a sword, Jack," Nyx whispered, her face inches from his. "But right now? You're trapped."

"And you're blushing, Jack," Hana added, her light-wings shimmering with a mischievous glow. "Is the 'Monster of Class 1-A' actually shy?"

Jack’s face was as red as a tomato. He needed an exit. He needed a distraction. He needed a miracle.

CLANG!

The hospital room door didn't just open; it hit the wall with enough force to dent the metal.

"HINATA! I'M HERE TO FINISH—"

Flame burst into the room, his fists already smoking, followed by Max and a few other curious boys from Class 1-A. They had finally worked up the courage to barge in and see if Jack was actually dying.

Instead, they found Jack shirtless against the window, looking like a swimsuit model, with the two most beautiful girls in the school practically pinning him to the glass.

The room went silent. Flame’s jaw didn't just drop; it hit the floor. Max’s black whips accidentally manifested and tangled around his own legs in shock.

"I... I..." Flame stammered, his fire literally fizzling out into pathetic grey bubbles. "We came here to challenge you to a rematch, and you’re... you’re doing this?"

Jack didn't waste a single second. This was his chance.

"Flame! Thank God!" Jack yelled, his voice cracking.

He dove past the girls, using a burst of speed that didn't even require his system. He grabbed a spare hospital robe from the chair, threw it on, and bolted toward the door. "I've gotta go! The doctor said I need... uh... more fresh air! Yeah! Fresh air!"

"Jack! Get back here! Your soup!" Hana screamed.

"We aren't finished talking, Hinata!" Nyx yelled, turning to glare at the intruders who had ruined her moment.

Jack didn't look back. He sprinted past the shocked boys in the hallway, his robe fluttering behind him. He didn't stop until he reached the rooftop of the medical wing, the cold wind finally hitting his face and cooling down his burning cheeks.

He slumped against a vent, sliding down to the floor. He looked at his hands—they were still shaking, but not from fear of the Beast.

"Forget the training," Jack muttered to the empty air, staring at the private blue notification only he could see. "I need to find a skill that helps me deal with girls. That was way scarier than the 1,000-fold dash."

He looked out over the Academy grounds. He was the most famous student in school, he had a mysterious new Fire power, and he had two girls who were ready to hunt him down.

The "Reject" life was officially over. The "Target" life had just begun.