Narrated by Alex
Seven weeks went by. Yep, 49 days of intense training. Every week, the number and weight of the rocks increased, so did the weight of our clothes. But we got used to it, and carried on. Benji also constructed a mini-gym, and we got good supplies for it. He also bought some boxing bags and training dummies, but the real fun was in the sparring matches, when we could test ourselves, and each other.
Benji hadn't nullified the weight of our clothes yet, he said that he'd do it before the tournament qualifier, and we must get as much training as we could.
And here we were. In the span of two months, my body had improved. I'd grown taller, better muscles, and way better speed than before. My strength had increased too, and I could easily punch through trees without getting hurt.
I'd learnt a good amount of energy control too. In fact, I'd begun developing my own special move!
The others had improved as well, but I didn't care much. Today was the day, and I definitely had to qualify.
We went with Benji to the campus, where all the students and teachers were present. We went inside, where many of the teachers looked at Benji, as if he wasn't meant to be here. It felt weird, as if we were uninvited guests at a party.
We walked to a counter in front of the middle building, where a sign read,"50th Bender Fair Qualifier Registration!"
We stood in the line, and it was our turn soon. An old man handed Benji a form, and said,"You're their teacher?"
Benji nodded, and the man said,"Fill this form up then."
Benji took a pen, and began filling the form. Many of the teachers smirked when he handed the form back to the man.
He read the form,"Teacher's name, Benji. Stud-"
He stopped. He looked up, a pretty shocked expression on his face,"Oliver?"
Benji smiled and nodded, to which the old man grinned, but frowned at the next moment. He said,"Why have you come here, after all these years? Especially after when-"
Benji interrupted,"I know. I'd like not to be reminded of it again."
The man nodded,"But, why are you here?"
"You'll see, just let the tournament come by."
"You've begun teaching. I never expected that. So, your students are entering?"
"Yeah"
"Good, good. Luckily, there's no more dis-"
Benji shook his head, and the man stopped.
He said,"But the teachers haven't forgotten."
I looked around, and it looked like what the man had said was true after all. The teachers didn't look happy about Benji's "return". In fact, they looked like they least wanted it.
Why did the entire school have a grudge against Benji?
Benji nodded, and said,"Let them be. For now, could you register us?"
The man smiled, and said,"Why not? You all can go relax, and I'll handle the rest! I'll call you when it's your turn."
We went to one of the benches, and I sat down. Gordon took a seat too, and Anne, John, and Benji stood nearby.
A gruff voice behind me said,"Well, well! Lookie who we got! Oliver Benji!"
I turned back, to see a big strong man in teacher's uniform. He walked to Benji, and said,"Been a few years since I saw ya!"
Benji put on a sarcastic smile,"Yep, I missed you, Chris. Oh wait, I didn't."
Chris scoffed,"Like I care. What are you here for?"
"Not much. Just registering my students for the tournament."
Chris looked at us, and began laughing,"These? At the tournament? Speak of a joke!"
He then turned serious,"Alright, then. Your guy, versus my guy."
He looked at John, and said,"Think he could even stand up to my student?"
Benji looked at him, smiling, but a seriousness was definitely visible in the eyes,"Stand up? I don't think so. In fact, I know, that John could defeat your student."
Chris laughed again,"Defeat? A Class-A student, defeated by a Class C student?"
"Class B," Benji looked serious now.
Chris stopped laughing, and said in a sarcastic way,"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought they were Class C. But, even B doesn't matter. Ethan solos your guy, no doubt. He's just better."
Benji looked at John, who nodded. He turned to Chris, and said,"Wanna put that to the test?"
"Definitely. But not here."
He walked to the counter, and talked to the man, who looked at Benji. The man nodded, and Chris came back.
"It's gonna be your guy, vs Ethan, up next. If he even manages to hit him, I'll accept that you actually had something in you."
Benji smirked,"Prepared for your humiliation?"
I'd never seen Benji like this. This was different Benji. But I liked this Benji.
Chris smirked back,"We'll see. Be ready."
He went inside the building, leaving us alone.
Benji said,"Well, that's one heck of a welcome. Oh, I almost forgot."
He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, I felt light. Very, very light. And strong! And fast!
"There you go. I've nullified your weight!"
I was in shock. I felt like I could easily run a few miles. I felt stronger than ever! I could probably jump a few meters too!
"H-how?" John looked at himself,"How am I so..."
"I did tell you that weighted clothing is very beneficial for your training!"
I clenched my fist, and punched the air. Before I knew it, my arm had already stretched. The speed, was more than I could imagine!
Suddenly, the man at the counter shouted,"John Will! Ethan Becker! Please proceed to the building for the qualifying match!"