Chapter 5: Not Ready Yet
Kalon woke up the next morning in his dorm room. The first thing he noticed was that he didn’t feel as tired.
His body ached less.
He stood up and looked in the cracked mirror. His eyesight was clearer, and the constant fog was gone.
A smirk spread across his face.
Formidable Body was already working it’s magic . His muscles felt slightly firmer. His height looked a tiny bit taller. Even his lower region felt different.
In only a matter of times, he would be an entirely new man.
Once he was done admiring his new form in the mirror, Kalon got dressed and headed to the academy on campus.
~~~
The University of Systems was one of the top academies on Earth.
Meals here weren’t cheap. Students paid high fees or earned credits through performance.
Unfortunately, Kalon could barely afford the basic meal plan. He grabbed a tray of soup, bread, and protein paste, then found a seat at the back.
The usual crowd was loud.
Richard and Ruby sat at the center table with their group as always. More first-year students had gathered around them today, and word of yesterday’s pants incident continued to spread.
People liked having someone to laugh at, as long as it wasn’t themselves.
There were of course othe students that were often times the topic of bullying, but Kalon was one of the few without a family name to back him up.
"Did you see his micropenis? Why is it like that?"
"The guys stats are all F. That probably has something to do with it."
"I’m surprised he even made it into the school. It’s not like his parents are famous or anything."
Kalon kept his head down and ate. The soup tasted the same, but he ate faster than usual.
His body wanted the fuel.
Richard soon spotted him, and from the smile on his face, it was clear that an idea flashed through his mind.
"Oi, Manchester! Come sit with us. We want to talk to you about your micro."
Laughter erupted throughout the first year cafeteria. More students joined in now, not even just those on the bullies table.
A girl at the next table pointed and whispered.
Two guys from another table started making jokes about Kalon being too weak for the academy, let alone organised matches.
Another table looked at him with pity, as though he were a child.
Kalon didn’t respond to anybody. He stayed seated. His old instinct was to shrink, but the new strength gave him some confidence.
He remembered the names and faces of every single person who laughed at him.
He wasn’t ready to fight back yet, but the time would most certainly come soon.
Ruby stood up and walked over to his table with two other girls.
"Can we see it, Kalon? My brother says it’s the smallest he’s ever seen!"
More students turned to watch. The cafeteria wasn’t full yet, but enough people were paying attention.
Someone even recorded on their phone.
In this world, everything could become content for the Organization leagues. After all, the entire world was centered around the entertainment industry, and those apart of the Academy’s were it’s future.
Kalon finished his bread and stood up quietly.
Ruby blocked his path.
"Arent you going to show us...?"
Kalon stepped around her without pushing. His improved balance made it easy.
Ruby looked annoyed but eventually let him pass.
They didn’t need to do anything physical to him right now. The Physical Mock Test was coming up at the end of the week and someone was sure to put on a show with him then.
They couldn’t wait...
Kalon dumped his tray and left the cafeteria.
...
Classes were the same grind,as always.
History of the Systems. Basic attribute training. Theory of Organization Combat. The instructor, Davidson, drilled the same lesson again:
"Ever since the final dungeon was cleared, the worlds threats have disappeared. Now, we dedicate our lives to entertainment . Public battles, rankings, sponsorships. Win matches, gain viewers, earn resources. This academy prepares you for that world. Being weak is not an issue, but staying weak is! If you are to represent yourselves and your families, you must perform!"
The instructor continued to ramble on about the upcoming mock battles. Every student would be forced to fight their first 1v1 battle against a student from another class.
This duel would be televised, to draw the worlds attention towards upcoming prospects that exist in the academies.
Kalon listened carefully. He took notes like always, but his mind was on Venduros. On Josinia. On what he would do with the four hours tonight.
During afternoon practicals, he got paired with a weak opponent for basic sparring. He still lost, but he lasted a few seconds longer than yesterday.
Yet he was still fodder. The professor looked at him like he was dirt, and the bullies still laughed at him.
...
Later, he saw Thea Bluegale in the hallway. She was walking with her usual group.
She glanced at him as he passed, but didn’t wear a smile on her face. She just seemed curious.
Kalon kept walking. He wasn’t ready to approach her. Not yet.
...
By the time night came, he was back on the rooftop. The stars were out, and Planet Venduros glowed in the distance.
He sat down and closed his eyes.
[Space Seducer System Activated...]
[Daily Travel Allowance Reset]
[1 Planet Found...]
[Ready to initiate travel to Venduros?]
Kalon selected it without hesitation. He felt himself growing excited.
[Initiating Travel Sequence...]
As the world started to shift, he thought about the cafeteria. About Richard and Ruby. About all the students laughing.
Soon I’ll show them. Every time I travel, I’ll come back stronger.
By the time the mock battles arrive, no one in the first year will be able to look down at me. I’ll make sure of it!
The orange light swallowed him, as he was transported to the distant planet.
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