Chapter 2: Upgrade
The murmurs in the playground had not stopped since the result was announced.
Michael Willson, once the shining star of Moonveil Academy, now bore the stigma of an E-rank support talent.
The words "strength enhancement, E-level, auxiliary system" echoed again and again in the students' minds, as if the hexagram array had not simply declared a result, but had struck down an idol from his altar.
---
"Michael Willson, it doesn't matter if your talent awakening isn't good."
A boy from his class tried to console him, forcing a laugh that came out hollow.
"You're so outstanding already. You won't let this sink you. Don't be discouraged."
Another chimed in, her voice far too eager. "Support is also good, right? Strength amplification is to increase people's strength. Then we can go to the dungeon together! I happen to be physical-type. We'd make a great team."
Before Michael could even respond, a girl with braided hair rushed forward, her cheeks flushed. "Michael Willson, you were so outstanding before that I couldn't even look you in the eye. Can you… can you be my boyfriend? I'm also physical-type, C-rank. We'd match perfectly!"
Her boldness shocked the group. Some boys groaned in jealousy, while a few girls glared daggers at her.
Three minutes later, when Michael's consciousness finally returned from the strange "talent introduction panel" in his mind, he saw a circle of classmates around him , half pitying, half admiring, all misunderstanding.
They thought he was devastated, that he needed comfort, that maybe he was putting on a brave face.
Michael just blinked, then chuckled.
"I'm fine," he said plainly. "In fact, I really like this talent."
---
In those short three minutes, Michael had already realized the terrifying potential behind what others dismissed as trash.
One kilogram per minute.
That was sixty kilograms an hour.
That was 1,400 kilograms a day.
That was 42,000 kilograms a month.
And it had no limit.
Michael's mind wandered back to legends he had read in this world's archives. In the chronicles of Avalora, the mythical warlord Alex Von Solaris was said to wield strength enough to split mountains and scatter armies with a single swing of his colossal blade. His might was described as equivalent to four war-beasts—roughly fifty thousand kilograms of raw force.
But Solaris's fabled strength? Michael could match it in a little over a month.
And that was only at E-rank. His panel even said his talent could be upgraded.
----
If he kept growing, what ceiling could possibly exist?
Michael suppressed the grin tugging at his lips. Inwardly, he was ecstatic. Outwardly, he appeared calm, almost unnervingly so.
"Michael Willson, are you… really okay?"
One girl tugged his sleeve timidly. Her eyes darted to his face, worried he might break at any second.
Michael simply nodded. "I said I like it. And I do."
To him, this was no curse. This was a gift.
---
"It's okay. Let's go eat."
Michael stretched lazily, as though nothing of consequence had happened. His stomach growled. Strength was building inside him minute by minute, and with it, his hunger was swelling too.
The classmates around him were stunned. Eat? After falling from the peak of the school to the laughingstock of Avalora, he could still think of food?
They exchanged glances, whispering. Maybe he was pretending to be strong. Maybe he had gone mad.
But Michael just shrugged. "Of course. Why aren't you leaving yet?"
He led the way to the cafeteria, the faintest smirk on his lips.
---
Not far away, Aurelia Frost's gaze lingered on him. Her best friend tugged her arm.
" Aurelia , isn't Michael Willson stupid now? After being hit so hard, he still dares to smile? Let's not watch anymore. After the college entrance examination, you and he will be in two different worlds."
Aurelia's eyes didn't waver. "No, I wasn't looking at him."
"Then who—?"
"James Stonefang," she answered quietly. "One of the few A-level talents in our school. Berserker Power, physical system."
Her friend stiffened. "James Stonefang? That brute?"
She knew his name well. A fellow classmate, always overshadowed by Michael Willson. James had long desired to be Aurelia's protector, but her closeness with Michael had left him with no chance.
Now? The tides had turned.
Michael had fallen. James had risen.
"This James Stonefang can be useful," Aurelia whispered, a cold calculation in her tone. She pulled out her communicator and added James to her contacts.
Her real target was Eclipse Academy, one of Avalora's four great martial academies. The college entrance examination dungeon could tolerate no mistakes, and James's raw power could be her shield.
Michael Willson? She shook her head. That connection was meaningless now.
---
The cafeteria buzzed with noise as students discussed their awakenings.
"Hey, isn't this our top student?"
A mocking voice rang out. James Stonefang swaggered over, several lackeys trailing behind him. His broad chest swelled with arrogance, his expression dripping with satisfaction.
"Michael Willson, E-rank support, huh? So many people still following you. Amazing! You've truly inspired me." James clapped mockingly.
Michael didn't even look at him, instead focusing on his food tray.
"James Stonefang, don't think you're great just because you awakened an A-rank talent!" a girl snapped, stepping protectively in front of Michael.
The sight made James's blood boil. Even now, Michael drew loyalty, especially from the girls. Why? Why him?
But James forced a smirk. "Relax. I'm just reminding Michael Willson that the Gaokao dungeon is tough. Teamwork matters. Your talent determines which university you'll enter."
He leaned closer, his voice dripping with venom. "Did Aurelia invite you to her team? Hm?"
The cafeteria quieted. Dozens of eyes turned toward Michael.
James's grin widened. "No? Of course not. Because Aurelia Frost just invited me. Only I qualify to be her protector. You, a fallen E-rank, aren't even worth standing beside her."
The words cut deep not into Michael, but into those listening. Sympathy welled up in their eyes.
Everyone knew Michael and Aurelia had been closer than friends but not quite lovers.
To be discarded so easily…
Someone patted his shoulder gently, as if bracing for his collapse.
But Michael only raised his head, his gaze calm, steady.
"I can do the dungeon alone," he said evenly.
"If any of you want to join me, you can. If not, I'll manage."
The statement stunned them. Soloing a dungeon was practically suicide. But his expression was so steady, so confident, that doubt flickered in a few hearts.
James's smugness faltered. Why wasn't he angry? Why wasn't he broken?
Michael stood, brushing past him, and even patted his shoulder lightly. "Be her flower protector. That's probably all she needs you for."
The words struck like a whip. James's fists clenched, his face flushing with fury.
"Michael Willson," he growled under his breath.
"Don't let me meet you in the dungeon, or I'll crush you."
Michael didn't bother to reply.
---
James seethed as he watched Michael's back retreat.
For three years, he had endured the sight of Michael and Aurelia together laughing, training, whispering. The orphan boy had overshadowed him, the third young master of the Stonefang family, at every turn.
And now, finally, he had the power to turn the tables.
"I won't let you steal my light again," James muttered.
"This shame will be avenged."
--
By the time Michael returned home, it was past nine.
After awakening, students no longer needed to attend regular classes. All focus shifted toward honing strength and preparing for the Gaokao dungeon.
Michael glanced at the time. Six hours had passed since his awakening. Already, his strength had increased by 360 kilograms. His arms and chest felt taut with new power, every movement brimming with vitality.
But there was one problem.
"I'm starving," he muttered. His appetite had become insatiable. His body craved fuel to keep up with the endless surge of strength.
He opened the refrigerator and froze.
---
Inside sat a bottle of shimmering liquid, exuding a fresh, herbal fragrance. The label read: "Advanced Soul Strengthening Agent." Beneath it, neatly written: For Michael.
Michael blinked. "Emily?"
Emily Martin. His adoptive sister. Two years older, currently a sophomore at Eclipse Academy. She had always been both protective and fiercely supportive of him. If she had managed to acquire something this valuable, it must have cost her dearly.
"This must be for her own cultivation," Michael murmured. "And she gave it to me instead…"
A warmth spread in his chest. In both lives, he had not known much family love. But Emily's care was undeniable.
He unscrewed the cap and took a sip. The liquid slid down like nectar, cool and invigorating.
"Snoring " he exhaled, a rush of clarity filling his mind.
Then, the familiar panel flickered in his thoughts.
[Strength Amplification (E-rank)]
Experience: 1200 / 10000
Michael's eyes widened. For six hours, his experience had been stuck at zero. Now, with just a few sips, it had jumped forward.
"So that's it," he whispered.
"Resources… battles… maybe even comprehension. That's how I level up."
A slow smile spread across his face.
Others saw him as fallen, discarded, forgotten. But in truth?
He had just taken his first step toward power that could shatter the world.