As Lucien contemplated this twist of fate, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, relishing the poetic justice that had occurred to Francis. He knew that this wasn't enough retribution for him, but he knew that for now, he could do nothing.
Lucien had made a decision, a dark and unsettling one. He harbored a plan to obliterate not only Francis's family but also those of his friends. In his mind, these people were beyond redemption, and he was determined to prevent them from repeating their harmful behaviors. A sinister grin crept across his face, and if one were to peer closely into his eyes, they would detect a disturbing amusement at the thought of destroying them.
However, he swiftly pushed these malevolent thoughts to the back of his mind and refocused his attention on the laptop before him. Graduation was approaching, and he needed to write a speech that would resonate with the audience. Fortunately, he found it relatively easy, as he decided on a simple speech expressing gratitude and discussing the university.
Once he completed his speech, Lucien ventured to the grocery store. He purchased steak, asparagus, and a few other ingredients, planning to treat himself to a feast in celebration of his outstanding results. Although he wasn't the most skilled cook, the meal didn't turn out as unappetizing as it appeared. He acknowledged that dining at a restaurant might have been a superior option, but old habits of frugality persisted. Lucien was still adapting to having ample financial resources at his disposal.
Even the purchase of his laptop had been a difficult decision for him, despite the fact that he possessed a substantial $378,419 in his bank account and the potential to earn more through his laboratories.
As Lucien washed the dishes, his phone began to ring. He dried his hands and glanced at the screen to see that it was his aunt calling. She likely wanted to inquire about his exam results.
Accepting the call, Lucien heard the anxious voices of his aunt and uncle talking simultaneously, making it challenging to discern their words. Nonetheless, he responded, anticipating their probable questions, "Hey, Aunt and Uncle, everything is okay. I messaged before the exams that you don't need to worry, and that still holds true. I actually scored 100 on three of my exams and achieved high scores in all my other subjects. So, please, calm down."
A sigh escaped him; he understood their concerns but felt they sometimes treated him like a child.
A moment of silence followed, broken by a soft gasp. "You actually scored 100 on three of your final exams?" his uncle inquired with surprise, while his aunt chimed in, "I knew you would excel. It seems our worrying was in vain." She laughed, her nerves dissipating into pride. Lucien was like a son to her, and his accomplishments filled her with maternal pride.
Aiden, his Uncle, also spoke up, saying, "I'm proud of you, son. When are you coming back to celebrate? We miss you."
Lucien's smile broadened at his uncle's words, and tears welled up in his eyes. Just then, he heard a door opening.
"I'm home, Mom and Dad," Felicity announced as she entered the room.
"Hey, Lissie, say hi to Lucien," his aunt said, pointing at the phone.
"Hey, Lucien," her cheerful voice greeted him.
A brotherly smile graced Lucien's face as he replied, "Hey, Lissie. "
"What about your results? Tell me about them." She immediately began questioning him.
Before he could answer, he heard his aunt and uncle simultaneously exclaim, "He got a 100 in three exams!" Their proud smiles spoke volumes. Lissie squealed and jumped with excitement. "Wow, Lucien, that's so cool!" she exclaimed.
Lucien smiled but didn't respond immediately. His aunt inquired, "So, when are you finally going to come and visit us?"
"I will try to come and visit you in the following week. I still need to clear up some stuff with the company I'm going to work for, but I will try to come as soon as possible," he assured them, attempting to sound as convincing as possible. He knew that if they didn't believe him, they would pester him until he made the trip back.
"Okay, take care of yourself and don't stress yourself too much. You need to enjoy your life more," his aunt said in a worried tone, her voice growing slightly hoarse at the end, indicating that she might be on the verge of tears.
"I will, Aunt and Uncle. Lissie, take care of your parents for me until we see each other. We'll reunite soon, don't worry," he reassured them before bidding farewell and ending the call.
Lucien sat there in silence for a moment before beginning his daily workout, which had become a routine for him. The previous day, he had taken another strengthening pill, and he now felt significantly stronger. His body looked healthier, except for the lingering injuries that were slowly healing. He even noticed some changes in his physique resulting from the pills, and he knew he had finally reached a normal weight. While the injuries were still a minor hindrance, he felt they would vanish completely in a few more days.
After the effects of the first strengthening pill wore off, his fitness challenge intensified. His daily missions now included a rigorous exercise routine, reflecting his increasing strength and stamina.
Missions:
Daily Missions:
Healthy Eater Challenge: Consume three healthy meals per day for 10 experience points (non-optional).
Fitness Challenge: Perform 150 sit-ups, hold a 5-minute plank, and run 6 kilometers for 10 experience points (optional/can be increased).
Main mission:
-
...
His mission mandated doubling his exercise regimen, and his suspicion that as his strength continued to grow, his workouts would become even more demanding turned out to be true. However, he didn't mind the added intensity; after all, a light workout wouldn't benefit him in any meaningful way.
After completing his workout, Lucien took a cold shower and retired to bed.
...
He awoke, still feeling a bit groggy, but he knew he had a long day ahead. Lucien headed to the bathroom to freshen up before preparing a simple breakfast. He remembered his previous culinary attempt, so he opted for a more simple meal this time.
Following breakfast, he left his apartment and made his way to Harmony Plaza, a well-known shopping mall. Although he had been there before, he had only frequented the lower floors a few times to purchase necessities like socks and inexpensive shirts. Today, he had a specific purpose: to buy a formal outfit for the upcoming graduation ceremony and for other formal events like the meeting with the managers of his laboratories.
Lucien couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't received a call from the laboratories yet. Unbeknownst to him, they were aware of his university commitments and had decided to give him space to focus on his studies. They planned to visit his university to meet him in person, avoiding any impression of impatience that might offend someone with the potential to purchase the laboratories outright.
Lucien entered Harmony Plaza and made his way to the third floor. He needed to buy a suit, so he headed straight to the Hugo Boss store. Initially, the store attendant seemed to overlook him, but she eventually approached, asking if he needed assistance.
Lucien welcomed her help, admitting his limited knowledge of fashion. He candidly told her, "Can you assist me in selecting a formal suit that suits me? I'm not the best judge of fashion." Unbeknownst to him, she was taken aback by his striking appearance, which had been obscured by his usual second-hand clothes that appeared old and cheap.
After her initial surprise, she began asking questions about his preferences, such as color choices and style. She proceeded to bring him several different suits to try on. When Lucien emerged from the dressing room, she was astounded by his transformation. He appeared remarkably handsome, even drawing the attention of other female customers who were shopping with their partners.
Pleased with the clothes, Lucien, who wasn't accustomed to such attire, decided to make the purchase. He realized that his appearance had improved significantly, even though he had previously underestimated the impact of well-fitted clothes. As Mia saw him looking at her, she couldn't help but express her admiration. When he inquired, she replied without hesitation, "Yes, it suits you exceptionally well."
His smile widened, and he casually inquired, "Your name is Mia, right? Can you help me pack up the other suits you chose? I want to buy them all."
Mia agreed promptly, and as she began packing the additional suits, some customers were surprised by his decision to purchase them all. However, their curiosity soon waned, except for a few female customers who contemplated approaching him to ask for his contact information. Just as they considered making their move, the shop assistant called Lucien over to complete the transaction.
He paid for the suits and then ventured to a store across from Hugo Boss, a shoe store. There, he selected shoes that complemented his new attire and purchased a few pairs of casual shoes as well. Unprepared for the volume of his purchases, he enlisted the help of a store employee to transport the items to a taxi he had called. Upon arrival at his apartment, he gave the taxi driver money to help him bring the bags to his apartment.
Lucien swiftly changed into one of the suits, opting for a comfortable black ensemble with a waistcoat and white blouse, bypassing the tie as he disliked them. His choice of shoes consisted of black Oxford shoes.
Once he was dressed, he headed to his university. His transformed appearance garnered more attention than usual, as he was no longer the unassuming youth clad in second-hand clothing. Upon reaching the university, he made his way to the auditorium, the designated venue for the graduation ceremony. Some of his classmates were taken aback by his striking transformation, initially struggling to recognize him. However, his distinctive white with brown hair confirmed his identity, and they watched in amazement.
Lucien brushed off their astonished gazes and proceeded behind the stage. He wanted to confirm the schedule with the teachers organizing the event, as he still wasn't certain when he would deliver his speech. Behind the stage, he spotted Francis and his parents engaged in a conversation with one of the teachers. When Francis noticed Lucien, surprise flickered across his face, quickly replaced by a darker expression. 'He doesn't even try to hide his hostility for me.' Lucien thought.
Lucien approached the teacher for information and soon found out that he was the last to hold his speech.
Afterward, Lucien began walking back to the Auditorium when Francis intercepted him, seizing his collar and issuing a threat. "How dare you return after I gave you a final chance? Do you truly wish to meet your end?" Francis' voice grew louder and more menacing.
Lucien met Francis's gaze, unruffled, and responded, "Don't forget that I'm the top student of this school and that I'll be giving a speech later. It would be in your best interest if I were unharmed, wouldn't it?" His calm demeanor only seemed to enrage Francis further, prompting him to release Lucien and throwing him back so that he fell to the ground. Francis then began to walk back to his parents.
Lucien maintained his composure, walking toward the auditorium seats. He selected a spot close to the stage, ensuring a quick transition backstage when his turn to speak arrived. People began filling the auditorium, and the atmosphere grew lively. The principal took the stage to deliver a brief speech, expressing pride in the exceptional students and extending his best wishes.
Following the principal's address, various school staff and organizations delivered their speeches. Finally, it was Lucien's turn. He returned backstage, ensuring he arrived ten minutes before his scheduled speech to prepare.