As I walked into the bathroom and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was taken aback.

Standing there was not the small, nine-year-old boy I once was, but a fit, muscular teenager. The years had sculpted my frame, defining muscles I didn't even know I had. I couldn't resist flexing a little, marveling at the transformation that had taken place seemingly overnight.

"Did I work out every day these past years or something?" I mused to myself, both in awe and disbelief at the changes.

Suddenly, a rush of memories and experiences flooded into my mind.

In an instant, I relived everything from the age of nine up to this very moment. The memories crashed over me like a tidal wave, each one vivid and intense. The relentless training sessions, the strategic planning for Gogimon card battles, and the meticulous schemes to outwit opponents—all these moments played out in my mind with startling clarity.

The sheer volume of memories made me feel nauseous, and I instinctively clutched my head as if to contain the overwhelming flood. The pain intensified, throbbing through my temples and making it feel like my skull might split open.

I staggered backward, gripping the edge of the sink for support, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The intensity of the memories was overwhelming, each one as real and immediate as the present moment.

Finally, as suddenly as it had begun, the pain began to subside, leaving me feeling drained but strangely exhilarated. The memories settled into the recesses of my mind, leaving behind a sense of profound exhaustion mixed with a newfound sense of understanding.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the sink as I stared at my reflection once more.

This was real. I was sixteen now, and I possessed the skills, knowledge, and experience of someone who had lived through every moment twice over. The realization was both daunting and empowering, a testament to the journey that had brought me to this point.

Glancing at the time, panic surged through me. I was almost late for the first day of high school!

Heart pounding with urgency, I hastily threw on my backpack, coat, and shoes. Thoughts raced through my mind—would anyone notice the change in me? Would I fit in with my peers?—but there was no time to dwell.

With determination fueling every step, I rushed out of the house, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited me in this new phase of life.

Every second was crucial now. I dashed forward, my focus honed solely on reaching the bus station before it was too late. The world around me blurred into streaks of color as I sprinted down the familiar streets, my backpack bouncing heavily against my shoulders with each determined stride.

Relief washed over me as I approached the bus stop and saw the familiar sight of the bus pulling up. With a final burst of energy, I sprinted the last few steps and lunged through the closing doors just in time.

Collapsing into a seat, I took a moment to catch my breath. The adrenaline from the mad dash still pulsed through my veins, but beneath the rush, a bubbling excitement for the day ahead simmered.

High school awaited—a new battlefield where every encounter would shape my path.

Exiting the bus, I approached Bear High School with a mix of anticipation and nerves. Its imposing facade loomed overhead, casting a shadow that seemed to engulf me as I entered.

Navigating through the crowded hallways, I felt the curious gazes of students as they sized up the new arrival. The old me might have been overwhelmed, but now I moved with purpose, ready to navigate this labyrinth of teenage life.

The bustling halls echoed with voices, a symphony of anticipation and energy as students prepared for the day ahead. Faces from my past life mixed with unfamiliar ones, a blur of recognition and anonymity.

Finding my locker, I paused. It was a simple metal box, yet it held the promise of stability amid the chaos—a place to stow my books, notebooks, and supplies.

As the lock clicked open smoothly, revealing its neatly organized contents, I couldn't help but feel a surge of readiness. This was my sanctuary, my anchor in the tumult of high school.

Closing the locker, I heard a familiar voice call out, "Dio! Over here!"

Turning, I saw Mia, Nora, and Lars approaching. Memories flooded through me, vivid and poignant, of the times we had shared growing up together.

From the carefree days on the playground to navigating the challenges of adolescence, they had been constants in my life. Sofia, their vibrant leader, had left a void when she moved away, but our bond had endured.

Together, we had faced the trials of middle school and now stood on the threshold of a new adventure: high school.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

As I stood amidst the bustling corridors of Bear High School, surrounded by the familiar faces of Nora, Lars, and Mia, a surge of gratitude washed over me for the enduring bond that had carried us through the years, despite Sofia's absence. Her spirit lingered in our memories, a reminder of the unbreakable connection we shared.

Mia waved enthusiastically, navigating through the throng of students to reach me.

"You ready for this?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Absolutely," I replied with a confident smile.

"Let's do this."

Together, we made our way to our first class, the chatter of the hallway fading into the background as we entered the room. Students settled into their seats, and Mr. Thompson, our teacher, organized his notes at the front.

Choosing seats near the back, Mia, Nora, Lars, and I observed quietly, taking in the mix of familiar faces from our past and strangers who were now part of our present.

As Mr. Thompson launched into his lecture, a sense of determination settled over me. This was my chance to make my mark, to carve out a place for myself in this new environment.

Ideas and plans buzzed in my mind, each one more ambitious than the last.

The morning classes passed in a whirlwind of introductions and syllabi. By lunchtime, I welcomed the chance to take a break.

Finding a quiet corner in the cafeteria, the four of us sat down with our trays.

"So, how's high school treating you so far?" Mia teased, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Better than expected," I admitted. "It's all about strategy, just like anything else."

Lars chuckled. "Spoken like a true mastermind. Just don't forget to have some fun along the way."

I nodded, appreciating the reminder. "Don't worry, I won't."

After lunch, we navigated through a few more classes until the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

As we gathered our belongings, Nora nudged me with her elbow.

"Hey, there's a club fair after school today. Want to check it out?"

"Sure," I said eagerly. "Let's see what they've got."

The gymnasium was transformed into a colorful showcase of student activities, with tables adorned with banners and students promoting their clubs.

We strolled through the rows, exploring options from the debate team to the robotics club. A particular table caught my attention.

"Entrepreneurship Club," the sign announced. A group of students animatedly discussed their latest projects behind the table.

"This looks interesting," I remarked to Mia, Nora, and Lars. "I think I'll sign up."

They exchanged knowing smiles, understanding that this opportunity aligned perfectly with my interests and ambitions.

"We had a feeling you'd go for that one," Nora said with a grin.

I approached the table and introduced myself to the club president, a tall, bespectacled senior named Ryan.

"Welcome to the Entrepreneurship Club," he said, shaking my hand. "We're always looking for new members with fresh ideas."

"Happy to be here," I replied. "I've got plenty of those."

As I filled out the sign-up sheet, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.

This was just the beginning.

High school was my new battlefield, and I was more than ready to conquer it.

Finally, it was my long-awaited time.

My huge collection of Gogimon cards from my childhood was going to be auctioned today, and I would definitely be making a lot for a 16-year-old kid.

The years of carefully preserving and strategizing were about to pay off, and I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.

This auction was more than just a financial opportunity; it was a testament to my foresight and patience. Today, I would see the fruits of my labor.

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, my phone suddenly rang, jolting me back to the present.

With a quick motion, I picked it up, wondering who could be calling at this moment.

"Hello?" I answered tentatively.

"Dio, is that you?" came a voice on the other end, vaguely familiar at first.

"Johan?" I replied, a hint of surprise in my voice. "Wow, it's been years! How have you been?"

There was a brief pause before Johan responded, his tone filled with warmth and gratitude.

"I've been good, Dio. Really good. And it's all thanks to you."

A rush of memories flooded back to me as Johan spoke.

I remembered the desperate man I had once encountered in that dark alley, on the brink of ending his own life.

But now, hearing his voice, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and relief.

"I'm just glad to hear you're doing well," I said sincerely. "How have things been since we last spoke?"

Johan chuckled softly. "Well, let's just say life has been full of surprises. Remember that advice you gave me about Bitcoin?"

"Yeah, I do," I replied, curiosity piqued. "Did you take it?"

"I did," Johan confirmed, his voice tinged with excitement. "And let's just say it paid off more than I ever could have imagined."

As Johan recounted his journey over the past few years, I found myself smiling, genuinely happy for him. It was a testament to the power of second chances and the impact we could have on each other's lives, even in the darkest of moments. By the end of our conversation, I felt a renewed sense of hope and gratitude, knowing that sometimes, even the smallest acts of kindness could change everything.

"Let's meet up soon, young stud," Johan said, his tone lighthearted. "And don't even think about saying no. Oh, and check your locker—I've got a surprise for you."

With a chuckle, I agreed, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me. It seemed that Johan had one more surprise up his sleeve, and I couldn't wait to see what it was.

"Alright, Johan," I said, a smile evident in my voice. "Thanks for calling. Talk to you soon."

"Goodbye, Dio," Johan replied warmly. "Take care."

Curious, I opened my locker to find a note from Johan, along with a substantial sum of money.

Congrats on starting high school, the note read. Consider this a small gift, it is my thanks to you for everything you've done for me. Oh i also I wanted to let you know that I sold one-fifth of my Bitcoin holdings. I bought them at 500 krone per Bitcoin, and now, in 2015, the price has fluctuated around 2000 krone. That made me a couple of millions krone. I couldn't have done it without you.'

Thank you for everything.

Best regard - Johan Olufsen

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me.

"I'm glad you found your way," I smiled.

Dio Stat's Info:

Lvl: 5

Skill Count: 1 (Key selling point analyze)

Strength:22

Agility:15

Intelligence:8

Endurance:8

Charm:17

Dio influence, power & riches:

Money - 100000 krone

Associate - 0

Asset - 10 (Gogimon pack)

Digital Asset - 0

Goons - 0

Car - 0

Guard - 0

Company - 0