Chapter 6: Chapter 6
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After a few minutes, the three of us left the cafeteria together. As we stepped into the hallway, Yuki slowed her pace and turned to face us.
"Well, then, I'll be heading off. My class is on a different floor," she said casually, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her expression softened, but her tone turned slightly teasing as she added, "Oh, and Masachika-kun, make sure to give some thought to that matter, alright?"
With a small, playful wave, she turned on her heel and headed to her class. Alya and I instinctively waved back, watching her figure disappear into the bustling corridor.
When it was just the two of us again, a moment of quiet settled between us, broken only by the distant chatter of students. Alya shifted beside me, her soft voice drawing my attention.
"Kuze-kun," she began, her tone tentative yet curious.
"What is it?" I asked, turning to meet her gaze.
"You and Yuki-san…" she paused briefly, as though choosing her words carefully. "You two seem to get along really well, don't you?"
"You weren't expecting that, were you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her curious expression.
"Yeah," Alya replied, her tone carrying a hint of disbelief. "I never imagined you'd have a girl friend."
"Huh? That part?" I blurted out, caught slightly off guard.
"What?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Nothing, it's just…" I hesitated, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly. "It's just that you're also a girl friend of mine."
As soon as the words slipped out, I instantly regretted them. They sounded like I was implying something absurd, almost as if I had casually declared that Alya was my girlfriend. Before I could correct myself, I noticed Alya's eyes widening in surprise, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. The moment of awkwardness hung in the air, and I scrambled internally, hoping she hadn't taken it the wrong way.
"Eh? We're… friends…?" Alya repeated, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
Hearing her interpret it as just "friends" rather than the more loaded term, I couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief in my mind.
"Hmm? We're not?" I asked, tilting my head slightly in mock confusion, hoping to lighten the mood.
She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she fell silent, her gaze dropping slightly. I waited, curious about what she was going to say, but the pause stretched on. Finally, she reached up and absently brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, her expression unreadable.
"Yeah," she murmured after a moment. "You're right. The two of us… we're friends."
There was a strange weight to her words, as if she were convincing herself as much as she was agreeing with me.
Seeing her like this, I realized I still couldn't quite figure out what kind of emotion she was expressing. Even when I dated those two girls before, there were always parts of their emotions I couldn't fully grasp.
Curious, I instinctively leaned in a little closer, trying to get a better read on her expression. But before I could, she quickly backed away, her movements sharp and defensive, almost like a startled cat.
"Don't get so close to me so nonchalantly!" she snapped, her voice carrying an edge of irritation.
"Ah, sorry," I said, raising my hands slightly in surrender.
She looked away, her cheeks faintly flushed. "W-Well, I'll be going now," she mumbled, already turning on her heel.
"Eh? Wait, where are you going? It's this way, you know," I called out, pointing in the direction we were supposed to head.
She froze mid-step, realizing she was walking the wrong way, and an awkward silence settled between us.
"I'm going to the Student Council Office! There's something I need to do there," she explained before quickly turning away and leaving me standing alone.
"Now that was sudden…" I muttered to myself, watching her walk off.
It made everything even more confusing. Understanding how girls thought was already tough, but this just added another layer of mystery. I sighed, realizing how little I truly understood about their emotions. Maybe… I should pick up a book on how girls' minds work, huh? That is, if such a manual even exists on how to understand women.
======================
The day was finally drawing to a close, and the long hours of school had come to an end. The once-lively classroom was now filled with the sounds of students packing their bags and chatting about their plans for the evening.
"Ugh… finally, school's done," I muttered, stretching my arms as I let out a tired sigh.
"Oi, Masachika," Takeshi called out, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "The two of us are heading to our club now."
"Alright, be careful," I replied casually, giving them a quick nod.
With that, Takeshi and Hikaru waved and exited the classroom, their laughter trailing off as they headed down the hall. Left alone in the quieting room, I stood up and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder.
"Well then, I guess I should head home now," I muttered to myself, gathering the last of my things and slinging my bag over my shoulder.
I turned toward Alya, who was still seated at her desk, her focus seeming to flicker between her notebook and the window. "Alya, I'll get going now. See you later."
She glanced up at me, her expression softening for a moment as her eyes met mine. "U-Un… take care out there, Kuze-kun," she said softly, her tone carrying a faint awkwardness that made her words feel even more sincere.
I hesitated briefly, her words catching me off guard. "Thanks, Alya. You too," I replied with a small smile. "Don't overwork yourself."
She gave a subtle nod, her gaze momentarily shifting down to her notebook as if to avoid revealing too much.
As I made my way toward the door, I paused, glancing at Raiden-san, who was tidying up her things nearby. "Alright then, Raiden-san," I said, offering her a polite smile. "I'll be going now. And… thanks for the lunch this afternoon. It really hit the spot."
She looked up, slightly surprised by my words, but then gave a faint smile. "You're welcome. Just don't get used to it," she said, her tone a mix of teasing and genuine.
"Got it," I chuckled, waving a hand as I headed toward the hallway. The day had been long, and I was ready to leave school behind and unwind.
While I was walking down the hallway I then decide to think about on how to se how many Herrscher Authority that I have as a Herrscher of Finality. I know that there are 14 from the Official Honkai Wiki, but I don't know if that applies to Reality. So it's better to know how many Authority I have, me having zero information on that is fatal.
But on how exactly do I even check my Herrscher Authority is the question that I want to know. Do I need to meditate and delve deep inside my Herrscher Core to figure out how much authority I actually have, or is there some other way?
I continued to ponder, my thoughts drifting as I tried to figure out how I could explore my Herrscher Authority. Was meditation the key? Should I focus and try to sense the power within the Herrscher Core, or was there another method I hadn't considered yet? The more I thought about it, the more confused I became.
The easiest way for me to figure out how many Authorities I possess would be to simply ask Belfast. However, I'll save that as a last resort—it would spoil the fun of discovering things on my own.
But before I could dive deeper into my thoughts, I was jolted back to reality. As I bump into someone around the corner.
"Ah, sorry. I didn't look where I—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her expression suddenly shifting. Her gaze turned cold, almost sinister, as she locked eyes with me.
She was a beautiful young woman, with a slim yet well-endowed build, her features graceful but undeniably striking. What caught my attention most, though, was the sheer presence she carried, especially the noticeable curve of her hips.
Her light blue hair, shoulder-length and gently tousled, framed her face perfectly. A longer portion of her hair was neatly braided on the left side, adding a touch of elegance to her appearance. A single long strand of hair fell in front of her face, adding a bit of mystery to her already captivating look.
But it was her eyes that truly stood out—vibrant yellow eyes that seemed to gleam with a knowing, almost predatory gleam. There was an aura of something dangerous about her, something I could feel even in the air between us.
Yet, despite the tension in the air, I remained calm. My mental fortitude had been forged through relentless training in the military and countless battles on the frontlines. Fear and panic had no place in my mind anymore; I'd faced far worse than a cold glare or the threat of hostility.
As for why she seemed so on edge, I could hazard a guess. It was likely the faint traces of Honkai Energy emanating from me—subtle, yet potent enough to put someone with heightened senses on guard. It wasn't nearly enough to corrupt anyone or pose a real danger, but it carried an unmistakable weight, a reminder of the power that now resided within me.
Even with her intense gaze locked on me, I could sense her hesitation. That lingering trace of Honkai Energy seemed to hold her back, keeping her from acting impulsively. It was like an invisible barrier, making her think twice about making a move.
She stood there for a moment, studying me, her cold, calculating expression unwavering. Then, breaking the silence, she asked with an icy tone,
"Who are you?"
The question was direct and sharp, like a challenge. Her eyes bore into me, awaiting an answer.
Despite the coldness in her voice, I could sense that beneath her intimidating exterior, there was something else—something she wasn't revealing. The tension in the air felt thick, but I wasn't about to back down.
"Masachika Kuze. Why do you ask?"
I replied, keeping my tone neutral, not wanting to engage in a confrontation. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to deal with whatever she was about to say. I had more important things on my mind—like getting some exercise, completing the Daily Quest, and figuring out how many Herrscher Authorities I had.
But despite my attempt to brush her off, I could sense the caution in her demeanor. Her eyes never left me, and I could tell she wasn't about to let me walk away just yet. Without warning, she reached out and grabbed my hand, her grip firm as she pulled me toward her.
"Come with me," she commanded, her voice cold but unwavering.
I sighed internally, feeling the weight of the situation. It wasn't that I didn't want to know what she had to say; it was just that this place—this crowded hallway—wasn't the right setting for whatever conversation she had in mind.
Reluctantly, I allowed her to pull me along, figuring I'd just let her have her way for now. There was no point in resisting, especially if it meant getting whatever this was out of the way.
She led me to an empty part of the school, a secluded area where not a single soul could be seen. The silence hung heavy in the air, and I could feel the weight of her presence growing stronger with each step. As we stopped, she turned to face me, her cold gaze unwavering as she stared into my eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked again, her tone as sharp as before.
I frowned slightly, irritation creeping into my voice. "What do you mean? I already told you who I am."
Her expression remained stoic, and there was no sign of backing down. "Then let me rephrase it," she said, her voice carrying a chilling edge. "What are you?"
The question lingered in the air, even more pointed than before. She wasn't just asking for my name anymore; there was something deeper in her inquiry, something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
She continued to study me, her eyes sharp and calculating, as if she was waiting for a response that would reveal everything.
"And why should I tell you what I am?" I replied coolly, my voice steady despite the tension in the air. "I'm a human, and that's it. nothing else. now If that's all, then I'll be leaving."
I turned to walk away, my mind already moving toward what I needed to do next. But just as I was about to step out of her reach, I felt it—a sharp, cold pressure against the side of my neck. My body froze, but my mind remained clear.
A blade, finely honed and lethal, was pressed against my skin, its edge grazing dangerously close to my throat.
For a split second, I felt the familiar rush of adrenaline. But the sensation didn't overwhelm me. I had been in far worse situations during my time in the military, where death had been a constant companion. This was just another test of my resolve.
I could feel her gaze, still cold but with an edge of something more—something that made the air feel even heavier.
"Wait," she commanded, her voice now more intense.
I didn't flinch. In fact, I barely reacted, my calmness almost unnerving in the face of such danger. I wasn't about to let her intimidate me, not now.
"Girl, I suggest you let me go," I said in a calm, unwavering voice, my tone sharp and to the point. "Or I'll have to use force. And just so you know, I'm a gender-equality kind of guy. I don't care if my enemies are women, children, or anyone else. If you're an enemy, then you're treated as such."
I didn't flinch, keeping my gaze locked with hers, matching her cold stare with one of my own. I wasn't about to show weakness—not now, not ever. What I said was the truth. I didn't discriminate when it came to fighting or defending myself. If someone was my enemy, their gender or age didn't matter in the slightest.
She stood still, but I could feel the change in the air between us. Her body tensed, and for some reason, she seemed even more on edge than before. Maybe it was my Aura, the one I couldn't completely control yet, running wild and making the atmosphere thick with tension. It was likely that my presence alone had triggered her heightened awareness.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I prepared to use the Authority I had. It would be the first time I'd fought as a Herrscher, and I wasn't entirely confident in my control. But if push came to shove, I would give it my all. The air around me shifted, heavy with energy as I began to focus, my instincts sharpening in anticipation of what was about to unfold.
Just as the tension reached its peak and things were about to take a turn for the worse, a calm yet commanding voice cut through the charged atmosphere.
"All right, that's enough."
Both of us froze momentarily, then turned our heads toward the source of the voice. Standing a short distance away was a woman who radiated an air of authority and grace.
She was stunningly beautiful, with sexy, hip-length black hair that cascaded elegantly behind her. Two playful ahoges crowned her head, and bangs framed her delicate face, hanging on the right side. Her piercing green eyes glimmered with intelligence, accentuated by red round glasses and a single earring on her left ear.
Her figure was nothing short of voluptuous, emphasized by the snug green knitted turtleneck she wore, paired with a tight black mini-skirt that highlighted her curves. Cross garter motif stockings and a pristine white lab coat completed her striking appearance, giving her the look of someone both professional and alluring.
The blue-haired girl lowered her blade slightly, her eyes darting toward the woman who had just arrived.
"Hasegawa-sensei,"
she said, her tone subdued but still cautious.
The woman, now identified as Hasegawa-sensei, adjusted her glasses with a calm yet firm demeanor.
"That's enough, you two," she said, her voice steady and commanding. "You'll disturb others if you continue this here."
Her words carried an undeniable weight, and I could tell she wasn't someone who tolerated unnecessary conflict. Still, her presence intrigued me for another reason.
From the way she addressed the blue-haired girl, it was clear she was familiar with her identity. What caught my attention even more was whether she knew about me. Did she suspect my true nature? After all, Herrschers weren't supposed to exist in this world—not in this timeline, not in this reality.
I kept my expression neutral, carefully watching her every move, trying to gauge how much she really knew.
With no other Choice, the blue haired girl then dismissed her Katana, and I too also withdraw the Honkai Energy that I was about to use against the her.
"alright…"
"un, now go home you two."
Chisato said as she walked away leaving the two of us. when I was about to leave, I then hear her say something toward me.
"I don't care who you are or what you are," the blue-haired girl said, her voice cold and unyielding, her piercing gaze fixed on me. "But if you dare to disturb the peace of this place, I will show you no mercy."
Her tone was resolute, leaving no doubt that she meant every word. Yet, her hostility only fueled my own resolve. I met her icy gaze with one of equal intensity, my voice steady and unflinching as I replied,
"Same to you."
My words were sharp, almost a challenge, as I continued,
"I don't care who you think you are or what authority you believe you hold. If you cross the line with me, don't expect me to hold back."
The tension between us crackled in the air, like the calm before a storm. Neither of us was willing to back down, our auras clashing silently in a battle of wills. The truth was, I didn't have the time or patience for this. as I have to many things to do right now.
At this moment, I didn't care if I was making an enemy out of the Hero Clan or anyone else. They could come at me with all they had, but if they tried to do something I didn't like—something that crossed the line—I would treat them as enemies without hesitation.
It didn't matter who they were, what they stood for, or the influence they held. If they came after me, I would respond in kind.
My resolve was firm. I wasn't going to back down, not for anyone. The weight of the Herrscher Authority within me was something I couldn't ignore, and if it meant facing off against enemies like them, then so be it.
With that, the two of us left the premises. I made my way out of the school and headed straight home. As I arrived and opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of Belfast standing elegantly by the entrance, her usual composed demeanor making her presence both comforting and reassuring.
"Welcome back, Masachika-sama," she said, bowing slightly in her refined manner.
"Yeah, I'm back," I replied with a small nod. "I'll be heading out again after I change clothes. Could you prepare a basket filled with those energy drinks you gave me this morning?"
"As you wish, Masachika-sama,"
Belfast responded promptly, her tone polite yet warm. Without hesitation, she turned to carry out my request, her efficiency as impeccable as always.
Meanwhile, I headed to my room to change into something more suitable for movement—comfortable clothes for exercising. Once I was ready, I stepped out of my room and found Belfast standing near the doorway, holding a basket filled with neatly arranged energy drinks.
"Here you go, Masachika-sama," she said with her usual elegance, presenting the basket to me.
"Thanks, Belfast. I'll be heading out now," I replied, taking the basket from her hands and put it in the Inventory.
She gave a small bow, her voice calm and composed. "Yes, please take care and do not overexert yourself."
With that, I stepped out of the apartment and into the hallway. The cool air brushed against my skin as I adjusted my grip on the basket. Just as I was about to make my way toward the stairs, a familiar voice called out to me from the side.
"Ah, Kuze-kun."
I turned my head to see Mei, carrying a bag full of groceries. Her presence caught me off guard for a moment.
"Raiden-san, what are you doing here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I could say the same to you, Kuze-kun," she replied with a small smile, her tone light and teasing.
"Well, I live just behind this door," I said, pointing to my apartment with a shrug.
"Eh? Does that mean we're neighbors?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly.
"Eh? Is that so?"
I responded, equally surprised. I hadn't expected Mei to be living so close. It was a bit of a shock to realize she was practically next door.
"Yes, we just moved in yesterday afternoon, so there's still some unpacking to do," Mei explained, a faint smile playing on her lips. "And Kiana-chan and Bianka-san live beside my place, while Bronya-chan and Sirin-chan are next to Kiana's."
"Heee, now that's a first,"
I said, surprised by the revelation. I hadn't known that. Now that she mentioned it, I vaguely remembered seeing a bunch of boxes outside the door next to mine yesterday, but I hadn't thought much of it at the time, assuming they were from someone else. But wow, all of them live here?
"I see," I continued, still processing the information. "Then once again, I'm Masachika Kuze. You can call me Masachika or Kuze, whichever you prefer, Raiden-san."
Mei smiled again, her eyes softening a bit.
"Mei's fine, or Raiden if you prefer. Either works for me."
"Alright, Mei-san," I said, nodding. "So, why are you carrying such a large grocery bag?"
"Ah, this? This is for dinner and tomorrow's lunch box," Mei explained, giving the bag a slight shake. "Everyone asked me to make lunch for them, especially Kiana-chan, since she loves my cooking. And she can't cook for herself here."
"Heh, now that's tough," I said, giving her a sympathetic look. I wasn't sure about the specifics of the Kaslana family curse, but I knew that whenever they cooked, their food would turn into something… well, less than edible, to say the least. I wasn't sure if Sirin had the same cooking problem, but it was probably for the best if she didn't learn from Kiana's family.
"No, no, it's not that bad," Mei chuckled softly. "I actually enjoy making food for them. It's one of my hobbies, and seeing their smiles when they eat it makes it all worth it."
"I see," I nodded, understanding now. "So, you've been doing this for a long time, huh?"
Mei's smile brightened at the question. "Yep, Since my parents are always at work, I started cooking for myself. Over time, it became a hobby, and now it's something I really enjoy doing for them." She adjusted the strap on her grocery bag and continued,
She said which made think for a second. I see, so her mother didn't die huh, like in the Manga, where she died of Honkai Cancer.
"I see, but I want to ask do your parent love or do they neglect you?"
I asked her that because I wasn't sure if the version I had read in the manga was the same as her reality. From what I knew, her mother cared deeply for her, while her father, always busy with work, didn't have much time to bond with her.
When she heard this, her smile softened.
"Yes, they love me. Even though they're busy, they always try to make time for me. It's just that sometimes they're so caught up with their work, it's hard to see them as much as I'd like."
"I see," I said, feeling a sense of warmth for her. "Then, if you don't mind, Mei-san, I'll be heading out to do some workout now."
"Oh right, then see you tomorrow, Masachika-kun," Mei said, giving me a friendly wave.
"Un, see you too, Mei-san," I replied with a nod, watching her smile. She turned toward her door, the sound of her footsteps light as she made her way inside.
As I stood there for a moment, I couldn't help but think how different things were in this world. Mei, Kiana, and Bronya seemed to have a life filled with warmth and love from their parents. It felt strange, in a good way, to see them living so peacefully that I can't help but smile at this. I then to continue on my way, and start my Workout.
Before I started my workout, I raised my wrist, and the UI for adjusting the weight of my Exosuit appeared. It was currently set to 1000 kg.
"I think it's time to increase the weight significantly,"
I muttered to myself. I needed to build more physical strength, and frankly, I didn't have time for slow progress. I wasn't interested in gradual gains—I wanted results now. With that in mind, I cranked the weight up to 10,000 kg.
I hit Enter, and the moment I did, my body buckled under the sheer pressure. Before I could react, I found myself face-first on the ground, the impact jarring my senses.
"Gak!" I groaned, the weight overwhelming me more than I anticipated.
Right now, my muscles and bones screamed in agony, the immense weight pressing down on me, threatening to crush me under its force. Every movement felt like a battle as my body struggled to endure the strain. But thanks to Ultraspeed Regeneration, the injuries healed almost instantly, reinforcing my muscles and bones as they grew stronger with each painful moment, a result of Reactive Evolution.
I gritted my teeth and tried to push myself up, my body shaking with the effort. It was so incredibly difficult that I couldn't even find my footing at first. But despite the overwhelming pain and the sound of my bones cracking and nearly snapping, I refused to give in. I forced myself upward, each movement bringing a surge of excruciating discomfort, until—
[Pain Resistance has been Acquired]
The pain lessened, though not by much. It was still there, a constant reminder of the challenge ahead. My legs wobbled beneath me, threatening to collapse, but I continued to fight through it.
"Pant... pant... pant... Now... pant... let's do this..." I muttered to myself, struggling to catch my breath as I tried to steady myself.
With a determined step, I planted my foot forward, and then another, pushing through the agony. My movements were shaky at first, but slowly, I started to build momentum. By the time I was far from my apartment, I had worked up to a slow jog. Sweat poured down my body, dripping from me like I had just stepped out of a shower. But it wasn't water—it was pure sweat, evidence of the relentless effort and pain I was enduring as I pushed myself further than I ever had before.
I pushed myself further, my legs growing more accustomed to the intense pressure as I maintained my pace. I kept an eye on the Daily Quest, monitoring the distance I had covered. Each step, each stride, brought a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction, but I refused to slow down. My muscles were aching, my bones still straining against the weight, but with every passing second, they started to adapt, slowly becoming stronger, more resilient.
The pain from earlier began to fade as my body adjusted, but it wasn't enough to stop me. I wasn't just running; I was reshaping my very foundation, forcing my body to evolve under the weight I carried. The sheer willpower to push forward kept me going, the progress visible in how my stride had become more fluid, my breathing more controlled, even as the challenge grew heavier with every step.
With each lap, I could feel the strain turning into strength. The weight, once unbearable, started to feel like a part of me, seamlessly integrated into my every movement. And still, I ran, determined to push the limits of my physical endurance and unlock the full potential of my abilities.
Just as my body started to feel like it had adapted to the weight of the Exosuit, I stopped at a nearby park to rest for a bit before continuing.
"Pant, pant, pant... I need a drink right now," I muttered, pulling an energy drink from my inventory—the one Belfast had prepared for me—and took a sip. The moment the liquid hit my system, I felt an immediate rush of refreshment. All the fatigue that had built up earlier seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of renewed energy.
"I'm curious about what kind of drink Belfast gave me," I mused aloud. "If only I had the ability to analyze it, I could figure out exactly what it is... wait."
I paused mid-sentence. If I remembered correctly, the Herrscher of Reason—or Truth—possessed the ability to analyze things down to their fundamental logic. With that in mind, I decided to try using the Authority of Reason—or Truth, since they were clearly distinct and their powers were very different from each other.
I concentrated, channeling the Honkai Energy to analyze the drink. Instantly, a flood of information poured into my mind. I discovered that the "energy drink" was actually juice from the fruit of the World Tree—an unexpected revelation.
When I found out about this, I closed my eyes, processing the newfound knowledge, and took a few deep breaths to calm myself.
Inhale...
Exhale...
Inhale...
Exhale...
After a few minutes of breathing exercises, I finally managed to calm down—well, at least that's what I told myself.
"What the hell, Belfast?!" I blurted, my eyes widening in disbelief. "This is juice from the World Tree?! How the heck did you even get your hands on fruit from that to begin with?! "
I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer absurdity of it all. Of all the possibilities, a drink with such an extraordinary origin was the last thing I'd ever expect. No wonder it had worked such wonders on my body.
But whatever, let's focus on sorting out the information I've just uncovered. From analyzing the energy drink, I learned two key things.
First, it has the ability to fully recharge any type of energy—be it magical energy, life force, or any other form—regardless of the individual's energy capacity. Even someone with an ocean-sized magical energy pool would find it completely replenished.
Second, it possesses a remarkable healing property. It can instantly cure any injury, illness, or condition, no matter how severe. This effectively makes it a panacea in this world; even a terminal cancer patient would be fully healed after drinking it.
"Haha... hahaha, this is crazy."
I couldn't help but laugh to myself, fully grasping just how insane it was to hold something like this in my hand. And the craziest part? I had an entire basket of these drinks sitting in my inventory right now.
Groaaaannnn.
"I don't know why, but this is giving me a headache, even though I have Abnormal Ailment Nullification," I muttered, rubbing my temples as the pounding in my head grew worse. The sheer amount of information I had just processed was overwhelming. For the first time, I truly regretted discovering the truth about this drink.
"Sigh... Whatever," I said, shaking my head in resignation.
I decided to go for another run, but a thought crossed my mind.
"Should I raise the weight again?" I muttered to myself, considering the idea.
The current weight felt almost nonexistent now, as if my body had already adapted to it.
I don't know why, but isn't this progress a bit too fast? Sure, I've been pushing Reactive Evolution and Ultraspeed Regeneration to their limits, forcing them to heal the destruction happening inside my body, but damn, the speed of adaptation is insane.
Could it be that Reactive Evolution, combined with Ultraspeed Regeneration, has started to evolve itself?
If that's the case, then I might as well push it further and increase the weight again.
Raising my wrist, I brought up the UI for the Exosuit's weight settings. The current weight was set at 10,000 kilograms. With a reckless grin, I decided to go nuts and cranked it up to 100,000 kilograms.
The moment I hit "Enter," the familiar sensation of overwhelming weight slammed into me. Just like before, my body gave out, and I faceplanted straight into the ground with a loud thud, the impact shaking my entire being.
"Ugh! Damn… this is way heavier than before..."
I gritted my teeth, my muscles screaming in protest as they fought against the unbearable strain. The weight pressing down on me felt like an unyielding mountain, pushing every inch of my body to its breaking point. But I didn't care. Pain had never been my concern.
All that mattered was getting stronger.
With every agonizing second, I could feel my body being pushed to its absolute limits. My muscles and bones trembled under the immense pressure, yet the constant healing and reinforcement from Reactive Evolution and Ultraspeed Regeneration were working tirelessly, strengthening me with each passing moment. The pain, though intense, was nothing more than a reminder that growth was never easy. It was a test—one I had to pass, one I was willing to endure.
I clenched my fists, feeling the energy coursing through my body, and gathered the last of my willpower. Slowly, I pushed against the ground, every movement a struggle against the crushing weight. My body fought back, but I refused to stay down.
"AAAHHHH!!"
I screamed as I forced myself to stand on both feet. The agony in my legs was excruciating—each muscle fiber felt as if it were being torn apart from the weight. My bones creaked under the strain, and for a moment, I thought I might collapse again. But thanks to Reactive Evolution and Ultraspeed Regeneration, my muscles and bones were healing, reinforcing, and evolving faster than I could keep up with. With each passing moment, they grew stronger.
I took a step forward, my foot barely lifting off the ground. The force pushing down on me was unbearable, but I refused to stop. Another step. Then another. Slowly, the weight on my legs became a little more bearable with each movement, my body adapting, evolving. Every step was an effort, but I could feel the progress.
Soon, I was jogging. It wasn't graceful, and it wasn't easy, but I was moving. The weight that once nearly crushed me was now something I could manage, even if it was still overwhelming.
And then, something shifted. I felt my muscles lock into place, my body falling into rhythm. My movements became smoother, more controlled. I wasn't just jogging anymore—I was running. Full-blown running, with 100,000 kilograms of weight pressing down on me.
I could feel my stamina increasing with every step, the strain becoming more manageable as I pushed forward. The best part? I didn't feel out of breath. I was running at full speed, carrying that immense weight, and yet my body was adapting so rapidly that I felt as though I could keep going forever. I guess that's the perk of having Reactive Evolution and Ultraspeed Regeneration working overtime for me.
Eventually, I slowed down and stopped in the same park where I had taken a break just a few minutes ago. My legs were sore, but it was the good kind of soreness—the kind that came from progress. I reached into my inventory and pulled out one of the Energy Drinks that Belfast had prepared for me.
Taking a long gulp, the familiar coolness and refreshment washed over me, instantly revitalizing my body. The fatigue that had been building up seemed to melt away, leaving me feeling completely renewed. Just what I needed to keep going.
"Phew… that hit the spot…"
I sighed in relief as I looked up at the sky, noticing that it had already turned to night. The stars were out, and the cool night air made me feel a bit more at ease.
"I guess this is the first time I've really pushed myself this hard," I murmured, reflecting on the effort I had just given.
It reminded me of the past—how I used to push myself so relentlessly, all for the hope of earning my mother's recognition. I'd shut myself off from everyone, avoiding any friendships, thinking that if I could just prove my worth through sheer effort, she'd finally see me. But after all that hard work, after giving up so much, the result was the same. Nothing. Not even a word of praise from my mother.
"Sigh Let's not think about the past right now..."
I muttered to myself, forcing those painful memories to the back of my mind. I had to. There was no point in dwelling on things I couldn't change.
Focusing on the present, I let go of the past and reminded myself of my purpose now. I wasn't going to let old regrets hold me back.
I then look at the Daily Quest Quote.
[Daily Quest]
[Push Up 100/100]
[Sits Up 100/100]
[Squats 100/100]
[Running/Jogging 50Km/10Km]
Seeing the progress made on the running part, I thought that would be enough for today. Now, I had to focus on the remaining exercises—Push Ups, Sit Ups, and Squats. I considered the number... 1000 for each should do. I wanted to make the numbers even, but maybe pushing it that far wasn't the best idea right now.
"Alright, let's do this!"
With newfound motivation, I threw myself into the exercises, starting with Push Ups, followed by Sit Ups, and then Squats. The goal was clear: 1000 of each. I'd already done 100, so there were 900 more to go.
I could be seen sitting down on the bench, as I drunk another Energy Drink, and feeling revitelized again.
"Now that's done. Let's see what I've got,"
I said, pulling up the Daily Quest Quota again.
[Daily Quest]
[Push Up 1000/100]
[Sits Up 1000/100]
[Squats 1000/100]
[Running/Jogging 50Km/10Km]
[do you want to submit the Quest?]
"Yes," I replied confidently, tapping the confirmation.
[Quest has been submitted.]
[Congratulations, you have acquired Extrasensory Perception.]
When I saw the reward, my eyes widened in shock.
"Extrasensory Perception?!"
I muttered, disbelief coloring my tone. This was far beyond what I had expected—but it was exactly what I needed. Even though my strength had increased immensely, I knew I still lacked true awareness of my surroundings. A skill like this would undoubtedly help me in the battles and challenges ahead.
Almost immediately, I felt a faint shift in my perception. My surroundings became sharper, clearer, as if a veil had been lifted. I noticed subtle sounds that had previously escaped me—the gentle rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of insects, and faint movements in the shadows. Even with my eyes closed, I had an acute awareness of everything around me.
What's more, I realized I could extend this newfound sense far beyond my immediate area. Experimenting, I pushed my perception outward, further and further, until I could sense something remarkable. I could feel Belfast's presence from here.
My mind formed a vivid image of her, as clear as if I were standing right next to her. She was waving in my direction, a soft smile on her face. The realization sent a shiver down my spine.
I waved back instinctively, chuckling to myself.
"This… this changes everything."
I then tried to reel my senses back, letting the overwhelming flood of information subside. After doing so, I stretched my arms up into the air, feeling the satisfying pull of my muscles.
"Well, I guess I'll call it a day now," I said, a content smile on my face.
With that, I began heading back to my house, my steps light as I enjoyed the gentle night breeze brushing against my skin. The streets were quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, casting long shadows that danced with the faint rustling of leaves.
As I walked, my enhanced senses suddenly picked up voices ahead.
"Come on, come with us. It'll definitely be fun, you know."
"Yeah, just like he said. It'll be fun."
The tone of their voices carried an unsettling edge, and my gaze shifted to the source. A group of men was standing in a semi-circle, surrounding someone. From their stance and expressions, it was clear they weren't just inviting someone out for a friendly evening.
A group of men stood in a semi-circle, their postures predatory, their expressions a mix of smug confidence and menace. But it wasn't just one person they were surrounding—my senses quick
I focused my vision, honing in on the scene. The person they were surrounding was a beautiful young woman. She had butt-length black hair, with bangs swept elegantly to the left side and hip-length strands framing her face. Her wide-set gradient black-pink eyes shimmered with unease, contrasting with her refined, well-endowed figure that exuded a natural grace.
Her body language spoke volumes—tense shoulders, clenched fists, and shifting feet. She was clearly uncomfortable, glancing around as if searching for an escape route.
When I got a closer look, recognition hit me. I knew exactly who she was.
"I told you no, haven't I?" she said firmly, her voice tinged with frustration yet maintaining a composed demeanor. "Now will you please let me go home?"
Her words only seemed to irritate the group of men further. Their impatience was evident in their narrowing eyes and aggressive postures, one of them stepping closer as if to assert dominance.
"Come on now," one of them said, his voice dripping with condescension. "We're just trying to be friendly. Don't be so cold."
"Yeah," another chimed in with a smirk. "You'll regret missing out on such a good time."
The tension in the air thickened as one of the men finally lost his patience, roughly grabbing her wrist.
"Alright, I said come with me!" he growled, his grip forceful and possessive.
"Eek!" she yelped, trying to pull her hand away, but his strength overpowered her.
"Yeah, come on. A one-night stand shouldn't hurt," another added with a sleazy grin, his tone dripping with arrogance.
My jaw tightened, and irritation surged through me like a flood. I clenched my fists, the muscles in my arms tensing as the audacity of these men struck a nerve.
"Tch… figures I wouldn't get to just enjoy a quiet night," I muttered under my breath, stepping closer.
As I approached, the group didn't seem to notice me at first, their focus entirely on her. The girl's eyes darted around, desperation growing as she tried to resist their hold.
"Hey."
My voice cut through the tension like a blade, calm but laced with a warning.
"And who the hell are you supposed to be?" one of them sneered, puffing out his chest in a pathetic attempt to intimidate me.
I ignored his question, my gaze locking onto the man gripping her wrist. "Let her go," I said evenly, my tone sharp enough to make it clear I wasn't asking.
"And what if I don't?" he challenged, his grip tightening as if to provoke me further.
I smirked faintly, cracking my knuckles. "Then I'll make you."
The group laughed, clearly underestimating me. "Oh, we've got a tough guy here. Think you can take all of us?"
[Quest]
Description: A group of troublemakers is harassing an innocent young lady. Teach them a lesson and ensure her safety.
Objective:
[Defeat the aggressors (0/5)]
[Ensure the safety of the young lady (0/1)]
[Reward : ???]
[Failure : ???]
[Accept Quest?]
I blinked at the sudden appearance of the UI system, momentarily distracted. The words on the screen were crystal clear, and I didn't need to think twice. I don't care what kind of Reward or Failure I got right now, but all I want is to beat the shit out his thug.
"Yes." I muttered under my breath, and the system chimed.
[Quest Accepted!]
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i don't know if this is too fast of a development but whatever. and also please tell me in the comment if the part with Yuki and Chisato. i don't know if i'm right or not on that, so please tell me in the comment.
and as always Thank You for Reading my Fanfic.