Monday morning arrived, signalling the beginning of a new week at Valorius Academy. Ahiro, determined to make the most of the day, readied himself for the physical class. He dressed in his gym uniform and made his way to the gymnasium, joining the assembly of students for the morning exercise session.
Ahiro settled onto a treadmill, setting a moderate pace to work on building his stamina. The steady thump of his feet against the conveyor belt accompanied the collective sounds of students engaging in various exercises.
However, his focus was interrupted when Mike, a fellow student with a demeanour that screamed arrogance, approached.
"Get off. I need this one," Mike's tone was insistent, his eyes narrowed in a display of dominance.
Ahiro, surprised by the abruptness of the demand, paused the treadmill, meeting Mike's gaze. "I'm in the middle of my exercise. There are others available," Ahiro responded calmly, attempting to defuse the tension.
Mike's posture stiffened, a display of annoyance crossing his face his voice raising. "Don't give me that. I said I need this one."
Before the situation could escalate further, Melvin, who was working out nearby, stepped in. "What's going on here, Mike?" Melvin's tone was assertive but composed,
Mike turned to face Melvin, his expression visibly tense. "He's hogging the treadmill. I need to train."
"What is it that you need, Mike?" Melvin inquired, his voice even but firm.
"There's a dual coming up, and I need to be in top form, unlike those E ranks." Mike explained, though his demeanour held a hint of hostility.
A hushed whisper spread among the students. In the previous classes, it was clear that while Mike was strong, but Melvin's ability was ranked higher. Melvin held a C+ rank, significantly higher than Mike's D rank.
"Then let's find you another treadmill," Melvin suggested, his tone placating yet resolute.
Mike knew that he stood no chance against Melvin so he decided to back off. "Fine," he muttered, heading toward the other vacant machine.
As Mike moved away, he cast a final glance at Ahiro. "See you in the Dual, where there'll be no one to hide behind," he taunted.
Ahiro held Mike's gaze for a moment but chose not to engage further.
Melvin turned to Ahiro, offering a reassuring nod. "You alright?"
Ahiro nodded in response, his expression composed but inwardly acknowledging the anxiety building within him. "Yeah, thanks. I appreciate it."
"Mike's just eager to prove himself. Don't let it get to you," Melvin encouraged, his voice filled with reassurance.
With a shared nod, the tension dissipated, and the gym resumed its usual activities. Ahiro returned to the treadmill, the rhythm of his stride resuming, albeit with the weight of the upcoming challenge heavy on his mind. The impending Dual would be a test of abilities and courage, one that now loomed closer and more daunting than ever.
Ahiro focused on his exercise, increasing the pace on the treadmill. His heart thudded with a mix of determination and unease. He'd long grown accustomed to the lingering tension and students occasionally picking unnecessary fights with him. He understood the reason, clear as day, and it wasn't merely due to the unavailability of gym equipment.
The source of the conflict stemmed from the special badge pinned to his uniform, signifying an Iron rank, a distinction far above the typical Copper rank badges worn by regular students. This badge that he had earned during forest survival, made him a target of envy and spite. Students like Mike often sought fights, harbouring their insecurities and taking them out on others. It was Melvin's presence and influence that had kept situations from escalating further, for which Ahiro was sincerely grateful.
However, despite Melvin's support, Ahiro knew he had a point to prove. He needed to validate his Iron rank to both himself and his peers, to show that he deserved the recognition it symbolized. The looming Dual provided the perfect opportunity for this affirmation, and Ahiro was determined to make the most of it.
With renewed resolve, he pushed himself harder, increasing the pace on the treadmill. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, his muscles working in sync with his unwavering will. The students around him continued their exercises. He concentrated on the rhythmic beat of his own footsteps, blocking out the distractions and the judgmental glances that occasionally came his way.
As the exercise session drew to a close, Ahiro put down the weights he was lifting, his chest heaving as he took a moment to catch his breath. A sense of accomplishment and anticipation swirled within him, bolstering his spirit for the challenges that lay ahead.
With a steely resolve and a newfound determination, Ahiro along with others exited the gym, the weight of the upcoming Dual heavier but met with a determination that burned brighter within him.
As the day continued, the rhythm of academic activities followed its predictable course. General studies and Techsysnthesia filled the daylight hours, marking a routine Ahiro had grown accustomed to. Engaged and attentive, he absorbed the lessons.
Completing his classes for the day, Ahiro made his way to the library, It was a space that offered both refuge and exploration, providing him with the resources he needed to enhance his understanding of various subjects, especially archaeology where he was missing so much behind others.
Seated amidst towering shelves, he delved into the depths of archaeological texts, immersing himself in the rich history and mysteries of ancient relics. He poured over the details, making diligent notes, preparing himself for the classes he was eager to rejoin this week.
Dinner came and went, a mundane yet essential part of his routine. Gathering along with his group of friends, he shared the news of his archaeology classes with everyone to which everyone congratulated him.
Post-dinner, Ahiro retreated to his dorm room, where he got ready for his daily practice. The ambient glow of the room's lighting fell upon him as he began.
With a focused mind and determined spirit, Ahiro centred himself, channelling his awakening powers. The room hummed softly with the energy of his abilities, the familiarity of the routine comforting in its consistency. He honed his skills, refining his protective barrier, exploring its limits, and finding new ways to manipulate and adapt its form.
In between when he would get tired he would go over the archaeology texts that lay sprawled around him, or the techsynthesia assignment that they were meant to complete before the upcoming Dual. The dual was not the only challenge that he needed to complete within these weeks.
As the night deepened, Ahiro reluctantly set aside his studies, acknowledging the need for rest to face the challenges of the new day. With a sense of accomplishment and a mind filled with newfound knowledge, he retired for the night, anticipation for the week ahead and the forthcoming class.