"If I knew it would turn out like this, I shouldn't have taken him to that place," Aiden sighed with regret.
After returning from the gym, Eric had decided to teach Aiden and Cain some self-defense skills that they desperately needed in their current situation. To start, he initiated their training with physical exercises designed to gradually push their limits.
Cain willingly followed his boss's commands without any complaints after witnessing a bloody confrontation that had nearly taken everyone's life. He understood the importance of this training and the need to be prepared for similar situations in the future.
However, Aiden couldn't help but complain about the training, especially when he realized that he had to do twice as much as Cain. His lack of enthusiasm made the sessions even more challenging for him.
"Young master, if I've ever offended you, can't we talk it out? Why make my life so hard? This is already the third lap I've run around this large mansion," Aiden panted as he struggled to keep up with Eric, who was leading the rounds in front.
"Can't you follow my commands without talking back, even for just one day? Your stamina is rock bottom, and you're still complaining," Eric replied sternly.
"Isn't it too much to expect everyone to have your stamina? Besides, I don't think I need this training. I already passed the Black Dragon physical test when I first joined as an employee here," Aiden protested.
"Is that why you keep getting beaten up by others, taking hits without even defending yourself? Stop fooling around and run, Aiden," Eric retorted, pushing Aiden to keep moving.
In training, Eric assumed the role of a strict instructor, showing no mercy or sympathy to anyone. Aiden and Cain couldn't help but feel like they were living under military rule. However, as time passed, they began to adapt to the rigorous training, understanding that resisting only made the training even more challenging.
…
At school.
"Only three days left for exams, how about we study together during our free periods?" Nithane proposed an idea to Eric and Aiden, taking into account the upcoming midterm exams and their previous exam records. They both agreed, not suspecting Nithane's true motive until Ardat joined the group.
At Ardat's request, he willingly agreed to help her prepare for the mid-term exams. However, fearing that it might spark further gossip at school, he cleverly added Eric and Aiden to the study group.
"Let's take a test; it's a few previous year's questions. Try to solve them," Nithane passed two sets of question papers to Eric and Aiden. "Don't think about copying; they're different sets." With that said, Nithane began assisting Ardat with her studies while allowing Eric and Aiden to complete the test. Half an hour later, he reviewed their papers.
Nithane wasn't surprised by Aiden's answers; only a few were attempted, and half of those were incorrect. It made him think, 'Passing the exams all this time was a great achievement for him.' Meanwhile, Eric's answer sheet far exceeded Nithane's expectations. He had answered all the questions, and they were all correct.
Nithane couldn't understand how the student who had ranked last in the class had managed to answer all the questions with such ease.
"How did you solve them all?" Nithane curiously asked.
"It's just a few basic questions; even a child could solve them," Eric replied with a prideful face upon learning that his answers were all correct.
"Huh… Then why do you score so low on all the exams?" Nithane was puzzled. Eric, who had solved these advanced math questions with ease, was consistently at the bottom of the class in terms of scores.
"Because I wasn't interested before. First or last, what makes a difference? Isn't passing the exam more important?" Eric replied without batting an eye. His comment seemed fitting, given the circumstances where he couldn't reveal the truth about the numerous challenges he had faced in his past life at his current age.
With his father being a nerd and a successful businessman, Eric had struggled to achieve good grades in school. There was even an endless list of home tutors who had become wealthy thanks to him.
Feeling betrayed, Aiden shouted at Eric, "You cheated... All this time, you were cheating me. How could you? I hate you..." Aiden's anger and frustration boiled over, causing him to lash out at Eric before storming out of the room, leaving everyone else in the group confused.
Eric decided to follow Aiden outside to address the issue.
A few minutes later.
"Having a meat roll, chocolate shake, and a peaceful atmosphere; that's life," Aiden happily remarked, enjoying snacks at the school canteen with Eric.
"You have no shame, do you? After calling me a cheater, you're now enjoying spending my money on snacks."
"How else could I escape from that room? He grouped us for a study session and focused on teaching her, leaving us to solve the questions that I hadn't even seen in my lifetime. On top of that, you answered all the questions correctly, and I was left alone."
"You might not understand the pressure I faced in that room; it is like showing the grade card to parents filled with C's and D's when your sibling scores straight A's," Aiden explained while cooling his mind and soul with a chilled shake.
"Eric," Abaddon interrupted their conversation as he approached. "Can we talk?"
"Yeah, please." Eric gestured to a chair.
"It's something personal," Abaddon said, noticing Aiden's presence.
"O-K."
Their conversation took place on their regular spot, the terrace of the school building, and it unfolded in a way Eric had not expected at all.