Cheng Sui turned off the PS2 and stretched.
Today was Wednesday, the agreed-upon time for the physical test with Angers. norma had messaged him early in the morning, instructing him to arrive at the Gymnasium at nine.
He checked the time on his phone; there was still half an hour until the scheduled appointment.
Cheng Sui changed into light, comfortable clothes, put on his shoes, and headed straight for the Gymnasium.
Men and women picnicked together on the lush green lawn, and couples sat close, whispering sweet nothings. Someone played the violin by the roadside, attracting many passersby to stop.
Girls in shorts were jogging on the track, their ponytails bobbing, forming a beautiful picture.
"Hmm, such white air... oh no, such long sunlight," Cheng Sui said, feeling inspired as he breathed the fresh air.
Walking along the road, Cheng Sui clearly felt that he was receiving more attention.
The gazes of the passersby varied: some were admiring, some appreciating, and some scrutinizing.
However, Cheng Sui didn't care. Ever since he defeated Caesar at the Gymnasium that day, he had been prepared to be the focus of everyone's attention.
How did that saying go?
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Before long, Cheng Sui arrived at the location norma had specified in her message.
This was the indoor track and field area of the Gymnasium. Although usually open for use, it was rarely empty today.
Wait, there was someone.
Cheng Sui heard a series of "thump-thump-thump" sounds, like a tennis ball hitting a wall.
But if that sound was made by a tennis ball, it was far too fast. Even a serving machine couldn't achieve that speed; perhaps a machine gun could.
But there was no serving machine on the tennis court, let alone a machine gun.
There was only an old man.
In Cheng Sui's sight, Angers was moving so fast he was almost a blur, continuously hitting the tennis ball against the wall, catching the rebound, and hitting it again.
Although the old man's movements were incredibly fast, every action was distinct and clear, full of the beauty of speed and power.
The old man seemed to notice Cheng Sui's gaze, stopped his movements, and the tennis ball rolled to his feet.
"Seeing this tennis ball suddenly reminded me of my time on the Cambridge tennis team when I was young," Angers said, picking up the ball at his feet and hitting a clean, sharp backhand against the wall. "I was the ace of the team back then. Every time I hit a beautiful overhead smash, it would make the girls scream."
Angers wiped his sweat and tidied his slightly messy silver hair.
Only then did Cheng Sui notice that Angers wasn't wearing a suit, but rather a set of sportswear that looked quite old-fashioned.
A cotton long-sleeve shirt paired with denim shorts, and a white sweatband on his forehead—he looked like a tennis player who had stepped out of a magazine from the last century.
It wasn't obvious when he wore a suit, but now Angers' well-honed muscles were on display before Cheng Sui, making it impossible to imagine that this was a man over one hundred and thirty years old.
Angers switched on the lights in the indoor track and field area. Illuminated by the huge incandescent lamps, the Gymnasium looked even more empty.
"I had norma clear out the indoor track and field area. Students who got up early to exercise today will probably have to find another spot, but getting more sun isn't a bad thing for young people." Angers' voice echoed throughout the Gymnasium.
"Speaking of which, Headmaster, didn't you say you wanted to retest my bloodline? Why not just proceed directly to the 3E Exam? Why the need for a physical test?" Cheng Sui stood on the synthetic track, stomping his feet hard twice to feel the friction of the rubber granules.
"The Hybrid bloodline is a marvelous thing. It is the spark we stole from the Dragon Race. Its origin is humiliating and bloody. Although Hybrid history spans thousands of years or even longer, we still haven't fully grasped the secrets hidden within the bloodline," Angers said, looking at Cheng Sui with a mix of appreciation and scrutiny. "And you are an exception. To reach this level with a C-rank bloodline—this could be the beginning of a miracle. We must treat it with caution."
Cheng Sui nodded, indicating he understood, but complained internally.
My esteemed Headmaster, even if you dismantle me for research, I'm still just C-rank.
Any achievements I have today are purely due to my sweat and effort.
System, issue a mission!
"Later, we will also draw a sample of your blood. I hope you will cooperate."
Cheng Sui's heart skipped a beat.
Although his dragon blood genes were normal, he still possessed the bloodlines of the Uchiha and Uzumaki Clans. Would they really find something?
You must know that the dragon raja world doesn't just rely on technology; it also has Alchemy, a branch of the occult.
Science might not detect anything, but the occult side might be different.
Cheng Sui suddenly recalled the System's previous prompt.
Danzo Shimura, who is near the Third Hokage, suspects him of being a spy from an outside village.
It is well known that Danzo and the Sandaime are two good buddies who knew each other since they were young and have been locked in a love-hate rivalry until old age.
Then, in the dragon raja world, the person who knew Angers when he was young, is still alive, and knows about his situation... the Night Watchman, Nicholas Flamel!
So it was this Old Cowboy who suspected him. Fortunately, Cheng Sui had a clear conscience.
Anyway, given Angers' personality and his favorable impression of Cheng Sui, as long as he wasn't a Dragon, Angers would shield him—even if he were an alien.
A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, but Cheng Sui maintained a steady expression, merely stating calmly that it was fine.
"Let's test the hundred meters first." Angers pulled an electronic stopwatch from his pocket and asked.
"Headmaster, aren't you going to use my data for research? Can a manual stopwatch be accurate?" Cheng Sui jumped in place a few times, slightly loosening his wrists and ankles.
Angers smiled. "I am a rigorous person, and I have great confidence in this aspect. Moreover, I've prepared Infrared Equipment as a backup. Do you need to warm up?"
"No need. Let's start now."
Angers took out the Starting Pistol. "The Starting Pistol is linked to the Infrared Equipment. Start sprinting when you hear the shot."
Cheng Sui walked to the starting line, bent his legs slightly, and gathered energy, waiting for Angers' shot.
"Bang!"
Almost simultaneously with the gunshot, Cheng Sui bolted out like a cheetah.
Because Cheng Sui exerted too much force, the rubber at the starting point was dented into a fist-sized depression.
Cheng Sui had never run at full speed since the System strengthened his body.
Running at full power now, he only felt the wind whistling past his ears, as if everything was being left behind him.
"Ding!"
The Infrared Equipment at the finish line chimed.
"6.82 seconds. A good result, 0.5 seconds faster than the school record." Angers, who had somehow already reached the finish line, said while looking at the electronic stopwatch in his hand.
Cheng Sui took a breath and looked at the electronic display at the finish line, which showed the result from the Infrared Equipment: also 6.82 seconds.
Cheng Sui raised his head, meeting Angers' gaze. Both of their eyes held strange emotions.
Angers looked at Cheng Sui as if he were a monster. It was known that improving the 100-meter dash by 0.01 seconds was a huge leap, yet Cheng Sui had improved the record by half a second instantly.
Cheng Sui, conversely, was surprised that Angers managed to reach the finish line before him. Time Zero truly was a ridiculously powerful Kotodama.