This world was clearly not normal, and Lucian intended to find out why. He also intended to find out why his own stats were so low in comparison, with the primary goal in mind being how to fix that…
'A person with those kinds of stats could only be created with some sort of scientifically advanced genetic modification. Even back in my previous world, we had over two and a half centuries of research behind this topic, yet we couldn't produce such perfect physical bodies…'
Lucian ruminated over the stat difference between humans in this world and his old one, and couldn't quite wrap his head around why they were special. Nothing about this place gave him the feeling that they were an even more advanced civilisation than even 2175 Earth, where they had already colonised half the solar system!
Let alone advanced, this place didn't even seem like they had discovered the most basic of basic medicinal advancements yet. Heck, all the books he had taken a peak at during class looked handwritten, so it wasn't even clear if the printing press was even invented yet.
'This world is definitely not a simple at all!' Lucian seemed sure of it.
On the surface Lucian's transmigration seemed like his consciousness had returned maybe a few hundred or thousand years into the past, but it was clear that this was not a case of time travel at all. The fact that they had completely different names for the locations here, as well as the only crudely drawn map he'd seen looking nothing like any place he recognised from Earth. He'd sure as heck never heard of a place called the 'Barren Islands' in any history books.
Lucian continued thinking to himself as he scarfed down his food like a starving street dog before looking over at the terrifying young girl who possessed those stats. Normally, seeing such figures without seeing the actual person who possessed them would create the image of a perfectly sculpted 7 foot tall bodybuilder in one's mind. Yet, they actually belonged to this petite, barely even 5 foot tall teen girl. She was clearly some sort of noble, as evidenced from her attitude towards Roderic earlier, but also from the fact she had a servant following her around wherever she went, keeping his head down and not daring to utter a single word in her presence unprovoked.
'Wait, she has a servant?' He did a double take, confused.
In fact, Lucian was surprised, because he failed to notice this servant's presence until now. Originally, he thought the only adult present was the cook, but things were getting interesting…
Lucian quickly developed a strong interest in this man after finding yet another mysterious phenomenon occurring around him. He was quite an observant person, thanks to his scientific nature, so for something to slip past his notice was quite the achievement.
Looking at him, he appeared rather normal. He wore a black robe, keeping a hood over his head constantly so only his face was visible, and his eyes looked despondent, like he was only half present in the moment, with his mind elsewhere.
'AI, scan this guy's stats!' He commanded.
Without hesitation, he initiated a scan on the unnoticeable servant with almost maniacal eyes, eager to dig into his secrets and all he had to offer.
Interestingly, the AI was silent for longer than it took to process the terrifyingly strong girl's stats, only further intriguing Lucian. But he was a patient man, or rather a child now, considering he was technically 12 years old? Regardless, around 10 more seconds passed before he received an answer from the AI.
[Scan complete!]
[Name: Unknown. Age: 31. Sex: Male. Vitality: 5.2, Agility: 5.5, Strength: 6.5, Mind: 0. Status: Body is in peak state.]
Lucian examined the stats as soon as they appeared, and his eyes practically widened out of their sockets. He almost couldn't believe what he was seeing, but considering all of the other weird and strange stuff he had witnessed in this world already, he suppressed his surprise for the time being.
'Average stats around 5.5? What is this guy, a monster? He can probably lift well over a ton or two with that kind of strength, and with his extraordinarily high vitality, his body would be able to withstand it. Incredible.' Lucian could hardly believe what he was seeing. 'This guy could probably classify as a superhuman hero in my previous world if he dressed up and went out solving crimes.'
Lucian thought to himself as he looked at the terrifying person who possessed these stats once again. 'No wonder the AI's alarms and warnings went off when I stepped into the cafeteria. They weren't because of Sofia, but because of her servant!'
His dinner was soon finished, as the portion sizes weren't too big and he practically vacuumed his food down in seconds. Lucian stood up and started walking back over to the counter to return his tray, but as he did so, a voice from behind stopped him.
"Oh? Who'd have thought that Lucian would be brave enough to come to the cafeteria today!" That same, high pitched and arrogant voice that scolded Roderic earlier spoke out once again. This time, Sofia directed her ridicule towards Lucian. It seemed he was her new target.
"Hurry up and take your food!" The cook over the counter shouted, suddenly scaring the two gawking students who were in the process of taking quick glances at Lucian and Sofia.
His great shout scared one of them quite badly, making him drop his tray on the floor and creating even more of a ruckus. But unfortunately for him, the school wasn't kind enough to give him seconds, so he either had to suck it up and eat the now dirty food or throw it away and go to bed with an empty stomach.
Lucian ignored the ruckus from his one side, and instead turned around to face Sofia, who was now staring at him with a face that screamed, 'Look at me, scum!'
'Am I, or rather my predecessor, really so unpopular in this place that I have to be picked on everywhere I go?' Lucian was starting to get a bit annoyed at this point. His predecessor really did set him up with a poor beginning to his new life.
Regardless of his slightly irked thoughts, Lucian quickly performed a deep bow towards Sofia and her servant, closed his eyes and strained his face.
"I am really sorry, Lady Sofia!" He shouted with fear evident in his voice, before turning tail and running out of the cafeteria in embarrassment. This was the best course of action he could take. It resulted in the conflict being resolved instantly, shortened the time he had to interact with her, and enabled him to make a quick exit. All it took was a little bit of embarrassing himself publicly.
But with his reputation already at rock bottom, could a few more ridiculing stares really make a difference? Lucian didn't care much for that anyway. Things would change in due time.
'That should satisfy her childish tendencies for now.'