We arrived at the parking lot of the school buses at 7:00 AM. If my memories serve right, homeroom should start at 7:30 AM
I scanned everyone in the school bus and the results were as expected
All students in grade school have the stat values of 1 while the ones in highschool have a stat value of 2 in either one of the three stats
The driver, Mr. Ramon, have 2 strength and 2 stamina with 1 agility. His wife has 2 agility and stamina with 1 strength
I looked at the stat difference between a kid and an adult and I was still confused
'How could the strength of an adult woman with 1 strength be the same as a kid with 1 strength?'
It was then that I had a theory. My 『 Scan 』 is still at level 1, if I levelled up 『 Scan 』, I would probably get more details whenever I scan people and objects
The stat values probably have a decimal value and each decimal value are vastly different from each other
That could be the only explanation
So, I need to increase my proficiency of 『 Scan 』 so that my questions would be answered
We got off and we went our separate ways to go to our individual classrooms. A few of them is my batch mates of grade 2, some are grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6. Some are also in their high school years
I know this because I remember the color coding from the laces of our IDs
Light green is for grade 2, orange for grade 1, violet for grade 3, yellow for grade 4 blue for grade 5, and maroon for grade 6. On the other hand, 1st year high school has dark green, 2nd year has dark yellow, 3rd year has dark blue, and 4th year has red
This school has a college program, but it's only for becoming a nun. It's a catholic school after all
I walked towards the building where the grade schoolers are located. I barely remember where my grade 2 room is located and it's on the first floor
It should be the second room from the main staircase and I was correct. The section name of the room is 2B-Diligence
Each grades have at least five sections labeled with letters and a specific adjective name. Granted that these adjectives doesn't mean anything for the students that was put in that section, it was just a glorified name to make it unique
There are other sections that are called Peaceful, Respectful, Brave, and many more
I entered the room and saw most of my classmates. Half of us our present and the rest should arrive within 20 minutes until the bell rings
However, I stood at the back of the classroom and awkwardly surveyed the whole room
I was in a predicament
I really can't remember where my assigned seat is
I awkwardly paced around. Fortunately, my kid brained classmates don't find it awkward and only saw my actions as normal. They're not suspicious at all
I kept on thinking deeply and trying to remember. I've already been pacing around for 3 minutes
It was then that my eyes landed on the teacher's table. I went closer on the teacher's table and saw the things that are stuck in between the table and the clear glass
There is the Seat Plan for the class, complete with our full names and our 1x1 pictures
I tried to find my where my seat was, and eventually, I found my assigned seat
It was at the back right of the room, as per the orientation from the teacher's perspective. Meaning, I should be sitting at the farthest back, next to the window
'Really??'
I actually couldn't recall if I was ever sitting at the furthest back, next to the window, ever in the history of my school life. Even then, it's possible if it was in college, but never in grade school
Nonetheless, I quickly went to my seat and avoided the attention of my classmates as much as I can. I don't know how to interact with them considering that I've regressed
I'm aware with my situation after all. I'm an adult inside of my younger self. My classmates would probably be creeped out if I act matured in front of them. The same could be said if I act like a kid and I overdo it
I sat down on my seat. The seat is not a chair and one table shared by five people nor an armchair with a desk fused or forged into the chair itself, but an ordinary separate chair and table combo
The plank of the table can be opened and reveal a compartment where school supplies can be placed
I sat back on my chair, arms crossed, and looked outside the window
If one looked closer, I look like those main character from school life anime. Though, it's different in this setting since I'm a just a kid
As I was looking outside, I felt calm inside. This school is also known for its nature. It has a lush grassy field in the middle of the grade school and high school buildings, it also has plenty of big trees and tropical trees along pathways
There are also exotic and rare plants around several areas. There is a beautiful fountain just in front of the grade school building
This fountain has a Mother Mary statue in the middle. At the back of the fountain are yellow bell flowers and at the left and right areas have playgrounds
There is another playground in the middle, next to the pre-school building and it's enclosed by net fences. The reason for this is becasue inside, there is a Butterfly Sanctuary and a Turtle Pond
It was definitely a gorgeous school that's in the middle of the city in this day and age
『 Root Chakra unlocking progress: 17% 』
I smiled and kept on gazing at the field of grass. I then thought of what I should do during my school life
As a second grader, we will be thought most of the basics. From Math, Science, English, Computer, Filipino, History, and many more
Meanwhile, I regressed, therefore I already know all of this. I graduated as Cum Laude at Oxford University after all
'Now the question is, should I still act like a kid and a second grader or should I just say fuck it and ace everything and probably become the youngest graduate in the history of this country and go abroad to Oxford and immediately graduate again?'
I contemplated for a while until I suddenly got distracted
"..."
I focused on my peripheral vision and saw that most of my classmates were exchanging glances between themselves after glancing towards my direction. They then talked among themselves while doing so
I focused my ears and sorted the sounds I could perceive
"Is that really Philip?"
"Wow, he changed!"
"Wasn't he fat 3 days ago??"
"Yeah, he also looked ugly, but now..."
"What did he do?"
"I can't believe he's him"
『 Sound Sorter (Lv.1) proficiency increased to 13% 』
'Huh?'
I was fairly confused
'Why are they talking about me?'
Of course the people who did the most chatter were the girls. The boys were either minding their own business or their curiosity got to them and also looked towards me
After all, this class has most girls than boys, around only 15 boys and 30 girls. This catholic school used to be an all girls school after all. They began catering grade 1 boys around five years ago
I actually recognize most of my classmates, except for the ones I don't
I recognize my second crush in my previous life. I first experienced hand holding from her
Her name is Lara
=====
Name: Lara Valdez
Age: 7
Level: 1
Exp: 0/10
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Stamina: 1
=====
'Damn, that memory is so vivid'
However, I have no interest on her now. That's a memory of the past and I have moved on from that experience. That's a one time thing anyways. A fleeting memory
It was then I looked at myself since they won't be looking at me without any reason
Turns out, apparently my arms became defined, my neck muscles were developed, and, even though I can't see it, my face also became more defined. I could feel my sharp side jaw and my firm neck. I also have hard arm muscles and when I touched my belly, it feels somehow hard and I could feel the grooves between my abs
'How did I not notice this earlier?? Is this normal? My body has been built as a seven year old!'
I slightly panicked. I ignored their glances and I plopped my head down on the table with my arms crossed, as if I was about to take a nap. In reality, I feel very awkward and I would like to hide myself
*RIIIIING*
Eventually, the school bell rang and it alerted everyone that it's 7:30 AM and school is about to start
All students that are outside went inside of their respective classroom. The ones that are gathered together gossiping, went to their seats and sat down
My seatmate also sat down. I remember her. She pretty tall and I remember that she's smart and diligent
Her name is Mariella
=====
Name: Mariella Panganiban
Age: 8
Level: 1
Exp: 0/10
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Stamina: 1
=====
We often talked, but we mostly didn't interact with each other that much. We became friends later in the years though
After a few minutes, our homeroom teacher arrived. She is our class adviser, the representative of our section
Her name is Mrs. Altez
=====
Name: Michelle Altez
Age: 28
Level: 1
Exp: 0/10
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Stamina: 2
=====
'Stamina 2... That makes sense since she's a teacher, hustling to teach pesky children'
Our homeroom lasts for 30 minutes until the actual class starts. Homeroom is used for the advisers to catch up with their section and assign class order and such
"Good morning class!"
Our adviser greeted us as soon as she went to the teacher's table and placed her bag on the chair
Everyone of my classmates stood up to greet her back
"Goooood morning! Mrs. Alteeez!"
'Oh god...'
I slightly cringed. Everyone greeted in a kid's tone as they prolonged their greeting
Of course, I didn't greet vocally and only lip synced
"You may sit down"
I sat back down and--
"Thaaank yooouuu, Mrs. Alteeez!"
"..."
Crap, I forgot we're supposed to give thanks when we're allowed to sit down
"..."
I looked at our adviser. Thankfully she didn't notice that I preemptively sat down
"How was your weekend, class?"
"It was good and fun!"
"We went to the church yesterday!"
"Oh! Did you pray to God and ask for forgiveness!"
"Yes!!"
"Who else?"
"We went to the mall with mom and dad!"
"I played with my neighbors outside of the house"
"That sounds fun!"
I looked at everyone. This is classic second grader behavior and setting
I'm not fit in this place at all. I'm inching closer and closer to just immediately finish education and become free
But in the end, I calmed myself down so that I could think properly at my course of action
"Alright, wait who's that??"
Our adviser blurted out in surprise. I curiously looked at her and there it was. She's looking straight at me
'Am I that unrecognizable??'
"Teacher! That's Philip?"
"Philip?? What happened to you? You changed so much!"
She walked closer towards me, gliding across pass my classmates until she came in front of me
I looked back at her with a cold sweat. I don't know what to do or say
"Did you go to the gym? You're still young! You should be studying"
"Oh, uhm, no. I just did exercise in my home"
"Really? You can't change that much in just two days?"
"..."
As my advisor is questioning me. All my classmates were staring at us
I suddenly became the center of attention
This situation would be traumatic for some kids of this age, but not for me
I could feel embarrassment, but this is not enough for my state of mind
Although, this situation seems troublesome for me, I'll still act like an innocent child to the best of my abilities
"I don't know teacher. Maybe my metabolism is that great?"
"Metabolism? Do you know what that even means?"
"Teacher, why do you care?"
"Why do I care? Of course I'm worried! Your parents could have been forcing you to work out or something. Now, tell me, is everything okay in your home?"
"Don't worry teacher, everything is fine"
I smiled brightly and showed it to everyone
However, my adviser only frowned while my classmates were somehow mesmerized by my smile
"I can see it in your eyes, you're not fine"
'...?'
My adviser spoke strange words
'How could she see? Ah...'
Since I've regressed, my mental and memories were left intact. That includes my battle experience and trauma
The eyes are the most beautiful part of the body. It also shows the personality and life of a person
'Perhaps she could see me through my eyes... Or perhaps...'
It's apparent in my eyes. My eyes are reflecting all of trauma and my previous life
'No, that can't be...'
I shook my head and looked back at my adviser
"I don't know what you're talking about, teacher. There really nothing wrong!"
"Alright. You can talk to me anytime. I'm your adviser after all, okay?"
"Yes! Teacher!"
My adviser walked back to the front of the room and resumed homeroom. While others has avoided their gaze from me, some others were still glancing at me
Looks like they weren't suspicious about my acting skills
『 You have gained the aptitude for Persuasion (Lv.1) 』
『 [Aptitude] attribute has been unlocked 』
'Huh? Aptitude?'
This is new to me. In my previous life, there are only eight main attributes that a single being can possess
It was later called as the [Eight Origin Essences]
Traits, the first attribute that defines the personality of the person. A trait generally dictates the person's origin and source as how they will live the rest of their lives
Abilities, the second attribute where a person receives a specific ability from an intende moment of their life, a practice, an inheritance, a passing, or an injection. This attribute is the most common for any person could have
A person could have an ability or two and none in any attributes
Skills, the third attribute and it's the rarest one for a person to receive. Skills have different tiers and they vary based on the achievements that a person could attain. Skills can only be bestowed by the universe and only when a person made a notable achievement that's unique and special than the rest of everyone
A person can't have the same skill as another, unless there was a significant exception
Talents, the fourth attribute and it's the hardest one to obtain. Talents come from the moment the person is born. It is also when the person devoted their lives to earn a talent
One could only have one talent, but in specific conditions, they could earn more than one
Talents come from the use of an external weapon, tool, or utensil. It is also the most versatile attribute because anything can have a talent born from it
Arts, the fifth and most complicated attribute. No one knows how this attributes work, even for me. I only earned a few arts by chance, training, and learning in my previous life
Arts come from the other attributes. It is a product for when a trait, ability, skill, or talent is used creatively, forging it into an art
The more beautiful the art is, the more destructive or effective it is
Techniques, the sixth attribute born from peoples talents. It is an attrbute that amplifies the power of abilities, skills, or talents
Unlike the other attributes where it's mostly passive and requires resonance for activation, techniques are needed to be executed manually step-by-step or with conditions to completely activate it
Titles, the seventh attribute and it's probably the easier ones to get. Titles are earned from executing specific actions, unrelated to skills and traits
As traits have an effect to the personality of the person, a title have an effect to the causality around the person and this cannot be bypassed or ignored, unless a counter or nullifying effect is applied
Finally, power. It is the eight attribute and all beings at least have one power when they are awakened. The power is tied to their source and origin and this power will grow the more they develop
Examples of powers are the basic elemental powers, stat powers, and much much more. It is the most versatile attribute of the seven
However, I never heard of the [Aptitude] attribute before, not in my previous life
But the fact that [Persuasion] is an aptitude tells me that any other specific skill sets are included
'I mean, it makes sense...'
Aptitudes can't be a [Skill] in the system's terms. The classification of abilities are also higher than aptitudes
Therefore, an ninth attribute was added in this moment to correct that misunderstanding
'If there's a ninth, is there going to be a tenth to achieve the Milestone Rule?'
I looked outside the window and into the sky
I started to question what was happening. In this era, it should be peaceful and normal yet a system display is literally in my vision and the fact that I regressed
This is not fake nor a dream nor a figment of my imagination
'The actual Omega System is locked, but what is this system display that I'm seeing?'
Perhaps it could be the proxy or the alpha or beta version of the Omega System
But even then, this shouldn't be my worries for now. My focus is to keep training and getting stronger, preparing for the worst until 12 years later when the world drastically changes
For now, I should get my bearings right and what t
o do during this school life
"Alright class, I'll be going now! Do well in your other subjects. Goodbye!"
"Gooodbye and thank youuu! Mrs. Alteeez!"
"You may take a seat"
"Thank youuu, Mrs. Alteeez!"
Our adviser went out of the room and my class waited for the next teacher to arrive. They began murmuring to each other and I couldn't care less as I stare outside the window