Someone poked my face.
I frowned and slowly opened my eyes. Standing right in front of me was Lucy, smiling brightly as she continued poking my cheek.
"Wake up. It's not even night yet. We need to wear our school uniforms and go to Class A-1."
"…Okay. I'll go change."
I pushed myself up from the bed, still half-asleep. Lucy nodded and walked toward the closet with me. I grabbed the male uniform while she picked up the female one. Since our dorm room had two bathrooms, we went in separately.
After changing, I stood in front of the mirror and looked at my reflection.
The uniform was a mix of formal and futuristic design. Underneath was a crisp white shirt with a standard collar, paired with a bright blue tie that added a sharp contrast. The pants were straight-cut and black, simple yet clean, giving off a professional look.
Over the shirt was a long jacket that reached my mid-thigh. It was mainly black and white, decorated with subtle geometric patterns that gave it a sleek and futuristic feel. The jacket had a zip closure, several front pockets, and a high collar. The inner lining was bright blue, matching the tie perfectly. The sleeves had elastic cuffs, and small straps and tech-like designs ran along the sides.
It really looked like something straight out of a sci-fi academy.
I also put on a pair of white gloves before leaving the bathroom.
When I stepped out, Lucy was already waiting.
Her uniform followed the same color theme. She wore a white shirt with a blue tie, just like mine. Over it was a fitted black-and-white jacket with geometric accents and a blue inner lining. It was long enough to cover her hips and gave her a sharp, polished appearance.
Her skirt was black and pleated, reaching just above her knees. She wore dark tights underneath for practicality, along with black shoes that had subtle white and blue accents. She was also wearing white gloves.
Honestly, she looked cool.
We left our dorm and headed to the elevator. I pressed the button for the first floor. The elevator descended incredibly fast, and in about ten seconds, the doors opened.
After stepping out, we walked toward the staff area and asked for directions to Class A-1. The staff member pointed us the way, and we followed their instructions.
Soon, we arrived.
A sign clearly read Class A-1.
We entered the classroom, and the room was already lively. Students were chatting among themselves. I immediately noticed the protagonist and the heroine, as well as Victor and the villainess.
Lucy and I took two vacant seats at the back and sat next to each other, quietly smiling as we waited for the teacher.
While waiting, I glanced toward Victor. He was chatting with the protagonist.
So this bastard really involved himself in the plot.
What was his motive. Was he trying to steal some of the girls.
I looked at Arthur and Alexander.
A trio, huh.
Then I looked back at Victor.
This guy really thinks he's the main character. Whatever. As long as he doesn't flirt with Lucy. If he does, he's dead to me.
Before that, I decided to scan him.
[Victor Bloodbane]
[Age: 16]
[Tier 2 Awakening]
[Strength: 78]
[Durability: 90]
[Speed: 78]
[Mana: 100/100]
[Skill: Telekinesis, Teleportation]
[Ability: None]
No ability.
And his skills were… ordinary.
So he was actually pretty pathetic.
Still, I could see what he was doing. He was sticking close to the protagonist. Once the protagonist got attached to him, Victor would gain protection. A smart move.
I couldn't help but feel thankful for my own overpowered skill and ability. I wondered what kind of authority I would gain once I reached Tier 5 Lord or Tier 6 King.
My system was honestly useless most of the time. It was just a shop. Still, the items were Legendary or even Mythical rank. Powerful enough to destroy continents. The problem was the points. The cost was insanely high, and I couldn't obtain that many yet.
What about Victor's system. Did he even have one.
Arthur, on the other hand, had a ridiculous system. Quests, rewards, and even an option like [Ascend to Tier 3? Yes or No]. He could literally cheat through trials just by pressing Yes.
That pissed me off.
Not because I was weak. I was already a cheat myself. Even during trials, I wasn't affected by them.
But the trials weren't simple.
They looked into your soul. Your fears. Your failures. Every mistake you ever made.
If I ever got affected by that, I might lose my sanity. Or worse, become a monster. Or lose my soul entirely. Failure meant brutal punishment or death.
While I was deep in thought, Lucy poked my face again.
"Brother, I'm bored."
I snapped out of it and looked at her.
"Bored? How about we try making friends with everyone. I'll do the same."
Her eyes lit up.
"That's a great idea, Brother."
She hugged me for two seconds before running off to talk to others.
I stood up and approached the trio.
"Hello. I'm June Marrow. It's a pleasure meeting you all."
I smiled brightly and immediately shook their hands, not even giving them a chance to refuse.
Victor looked confused for a moment but quickly composed himself.
"I'm Victor Bloodbane. It's a pleasure to meet you, June."
"Oh. You look different from the rumors I heard."
He sighed. "Rumors are just baseless talk. They have nothing to do with me."
I turned to the other two. "How about you?"
"I'm Arthur Blackthorne. It's nice to meet you, June," Arthur said cheerfully.
"I'm Alexander Ironheart. Pleasure to meet you as well," Alexander added with a smile.
"It's really nice to have people around here," Arthur said with a chuckle.
"Well, I'm nice to be around," I replied happily. "I came here to get stronger and protect people."
Arthur froze for a moment, clearly shocked.
"Looks like we have something in common," he said. "I also want to protect people."
Victor crossed his arms and said "Being a hero is hard. You never know what kind of danger you will face."
Alexander nodded with a calm smile. "That's true. Ascending is difficult. Reaching Tier 3 or 4 can damage your mind. We have to protect our sanity too."
"I'm an exception," I said, chuckling. "I always protect my sanity. Staying positive helps."
I smiled again. "I'm really happy to meet you all. How about the four of us have lunch together later. You guys seem fun."
Victor sighed. "Whatever. Do what you want."
"That would be great," Arthur said immediately.
"I agree," Alexander added. "It's good to eat together."
"We're friends after all," I said cheerfully.
Arthur and Alexander smiled. Victor just looked edgy, which honestly made it funny.
"How did you three become friends?" I asked.
"Oh," Arthur said. "Victor helped us rescue some kids earlier. That's why we were late. He wasn't like the rumors at all. As for Alexander, he's my childhood friend and rival."
"Wow… I don't even know what to say," I replied, still smiling.
"Maybe it's fate," Victor muttered.
"Maybe," I said with a chuckle.
I was involving myself because Victor had already changed the plot. Might as well play along.
"So it's true," Victor said. "The Marrow family is always positive."
"Of course," I replied. "What's wrong with being positive?"
Arthur laughed. "The Marrow family is famous for that. Smiley Marrow, right?"
"Well, thanks for the compliment," I said.
Before I could continue, I felt a presence approaching.
The teacher.
"I'll talk to you guys later," I said, waving before heading back to my seat.
Lucy also returned and sat next to me.
The classroom door opened.
A beautiful woman walked in.
She had black hair, pink eyes, glasses, and an impressive figure. She was once ranked first among the most beautiful students. She was also the villainess's older sister.
Professor Elena Aishi.
I resisted her charm easily. My expression didn't change at all. Lucy glanced at my face, saw my usual calm smile, and relaxed.
"Good morning," Elena said. "I'm Elena Aishi, your professor. Today's class will be held on the school grounds."
She cast a teleportation spell, and in an instant, we were outside on a massive track.
"We are here to make you stronger," she said coldly. "Run 100 laps. Time limit is five hours. No spells. Use your body only. Anyone who fails will run 150 laps."
The students panicked.
"Are you insane?" one student shouted. "100 laps in five hours is impossible."
Elena punched him.
He flew away and collapsed unconscious.
"Take him to the clinic," she said calmly. "Any more questions?"
No one spoke.
The running began.
I activated autopilot.
After one hour, I had already completed 50 laps.
Arthur had 48. Alexander had 45. Victor had 40.
Lucy was at 51, keeping pace with Yuria. Amy was at 50. Lilith at 49. Delilah at 46. Mia at 48. Carmilla at 48. Prince Leander and Princess Seraphine were both at 47.
After two hours, I finished all 100 laps.
Lucy, Amy, Arthur, Alexander, Victor, Leander, Seraphine, Lilith, Delilah, Mia, and Carmilla all finished as well.
Everyone was drenched in sweat except me, Lucy, and Yuria.
Alexander stared at me and muttered, "Monster."
Arthur laughed breathlessly. "How are you not sweating? Your body is on another level."
"He's from the Marrow family," Victor said. "Of course he's a prodigy."
"Just train," I replied simply.
One student failed and was punished with extra laps.
We were dismissed and allowed to go for lunch.
I ate with Victor, Arthur, and Alexander. We talked and laughed.
After school, Lucy and I returned to our dorm.
I lay down on my bed.
And finally fell asleep.