As soon as
Aiden got to the computer room on the third floor of the science building, the bell rang.
Since they weren't assigned seats in the information technology class, and the room was
already filled with people, Aiden had trouble finding an empty chair. Aiden! Over here! A
figure in the corner waved at Aiden. It was Mason.
There was an empty seat beside him. I saved this seat for you. Thanks, man.
You're welcome. You're the main character of my comic book. The IT class's teacher was
a cultured man in his forties.
His name was Paul Walker. This man knew what he was talking about. His classes were
never boring.
And he always allowed lots of time for actual practice, which helped Aiden a lot. Aiden
had attended his class two weeks ago, too. After taking attendance, Mr. Walker started the lesson.
Two weeks ago, I introduced you to the basics of computers. Today, we will begin with
something slightly more difficult. Please open your books.
The first half of Mr. Walker's class was a lecture about basic programming theory. In the
second half of the class, they would get to practice. Aiden took detailed notes of
everything Mr. Walker said, which was rare for him.
Listening to basic programming class. Computing ability, plus one. Computing ability
leveled up to proficient.
Current progress, eleven out of a hundred. A warm current flowed through Aiden's head
as a huge amount of computer knowledge poured in. Things that seemed complex a
minute before instantly became simple.
Next, I would like all of you to complete a single program using the information from
today's class. Everyone turned on their computers and began to work. The science
building in Otis High School cost as much as the library.
All the equipment was brand new. The computer in front of Aiden only took a second to
turn on. It reminded him of his annoying old computer at home, which made him even
more determined to get a new one.
Mason, who was sitting next to Aiden, was in a daze during the entire lesson. He hadn't
learned anything at all. It was only when Mr. Walker announced the start of the actual
task that he woke up from his dream and came back to his senses.
Mason had a pained expression on his face. He opened the computer as he read the
course book. He eventually found the software they were supposed to use after a few
minutes of trial and error.
When he saw the menu, he groaned. It might as well have been written in another
language. As Mason stared blankly at his screen, he heard the crisp sound of a keyboard
tapping beside him.
Aiden was focused. His hands moved quickly over the keyboard as if he was playing the
piano. The rapid and rhythmic tapping was starting to attract the attention of the
surrounding students.
They turned their heads to look at Aiden's screen and couldn't look away. Aiden quickly
finished the task Mr. Walker had assigned and then started to make something entirely
different. His own program! His classmates looked on as he slowly created a simple
game.
The other students had only just figured out how to start the first step of their main task.
A group of people crowded around Aiden. They opened their mouths wide and stared in
disbelief at Aiden's work until he finished.
The students held their breath and nervously watched as Aiden pressed the run button.
Melodious music started to play as the small characters on the screen began to dance,
signaling the complete success of Aiden's first program. The students reacted like they
had all worked on it as a team.
They cheered and celebrated, even happier than Aiden himself. I hope you'll accept me
as your disciple! exclaimed Mason as he bowed his head with hands outstretched. Then
he slapped Aiden on the back and chuckled.
Aiden looked back at Mason and shrugged. In the end, he ended up patiently helping
Mason and the others to finish up their projects. Half the class stood around him with
their notebooks in hand, listening to his instructions, nodding from time to time.
They realized that Aiden's explanation was even easier to understand than Mr. Walker's.
Gradually, more and more people gathered around him. Mr. Walker, who was standing at
the front of the room, was operating the computer in front of him.
He frowned as he looked up at the crowd of people squeezed into one corner of the
room. What are you guys up to over there? Mr. Walker was about to go check on the
situation when he accidentally tripped over a cord under his feet. He cried out as the
computer in front of him turned blue.
No! Mr. Walker's face darkened. He pressed some buttons on the keyboard and clicked
the mouse frantically. Some of the students looked up at the noise.
After a few abnormal sounds, the computer turned black. No matter what Mr. Walker did,
he couldn't get it to turn back on. Students, there's something wrong with my computer.
Please continue with your work as I figure out the problem. The students cheered in
delight. They hoped Mr. Walker wouldn't be able to fix it so that they could end class
early.
Aiden scratched his head and walked to the front of the class. He knew he had to take
responsibility for this. Mr. Walker, I may be able to help.
Why don't you let me take a look? Aiden looked at Mr. Walker's sad face and smiled.
You? Mr. Walker glanced at Aiden. He tried to hide the contempt he felt.
Aiden, right? Look, Aiden, it's not that I don't appreciate the thought, but this machine is
a new model that the school's just purchased. Even for someone like me who's been
teaching for more than ten years, it might be difficult to fix. But again, I appreciate the
thought.
Now go back to your seat and relax. Aiden wasn't angry. He just said lightly, If you don't
let me try, how can you know that I can't do it? You certainly are a stubborn one.
Fine, I'll let you give it a go. Mr. Walker said, Let's see what tricks you have up your
sleeve. He added sarcastically.
He snorted and moved aside. He was going to enjoy watching Aiden make a fool of
himself. Mason looked at his classmates around him proudly.
He said loudly, You guys watch. Aiden will definitely be able to fix it. Don't be too sure,
someone behind him said.
Aiden might just be good at programming. He probably doesn't know anything about
hardware. I heard that this computer costs more than $5,000.
More than $5,000?! Mason readjusted his stance as he contemplated this figure. His
confidence in Aiden wavered slightly. Aiden approached the computer and studied it
from every angle.
He was running the system in his mind. Ding! Activating proficient computing ability.
Scanning the computer.
One malfunction point has been found. Repairing success rate is 95%. Confirm if you
would like to continue with repair.
Yes, Aiden thought. Ding! The repair plan has been sent. As Aiden's mind shook, A
confident smile appeared on his face.
He knew what he had to do. Mr. Walker, do you have a screwdriver that I could borrow?
Mr. Walker took a screwdriver out of a cabinet and handed it to Aiden. He crossed his
arms in front of his chest and smiled mockingly.
Aiden used the screwdriver to open the back of the computer. He successfully found the
malfunction point amongst the jumble of complicated circuits. Ding! Repairing computer.
Computing ability plus one. Done, said Aiden. In less than a minute, he had reinstalled
the back cover of the computer.
That's it? Mr. Walker looked incredulous. From his perspective, he'd only seen Aiden
make a few small adjustments. How could he have solved the problem in so little time?
Still not believing it was true, he pressed the power button.
He could hear the distinct sound of the hard drive revving up. The computer booted up
as normal. Mr. Walker was stunned.
The students let out a series of exclamations. Aiden's popularity was sure to grow even stronger after this. I told you I knew Aiden would be able to do it! Mason was so proud
that he almost shouted it.
Aiden saw that Mr. Walker was staring into the distance like he was in some sort of
trance. Aiden walked closer to him and raised his voice. What's wrong? Mr. Walker came
back to his senses and looked up.
The contempt that he had shown earlier was completely gone. Most people had never
even seen this computer model before, let alone had practiced repairing one. His mind
was racing, but seeing Aiden's calm composure settled him down somewhat.
He regarded this half-grown kid in front of him in a new light as an adult and a peer. No,
perhaps something more than a peer. What is it? Aiden asked, growing concerned at Mr.
Walker's lengthy silence.
You... Mr. Walker didn't know what to say. Aiden could see the respect in Mr. Walker's
face. He handed the screwdriver back to Mr. Walker.
Here's your screwdriver, sir. Please continue with your lesson. Many admiring eyes
watched Aiden as he returned to his seat.
The students truly worshipped him. Ding! Invoking worship. Charm, plus one.
In another corner, a few girls started to tease Viola. Viola, your little lover is becoming
more and more popular, one said. Another chimed in.
Viola, have you two gotten to first base yet? Viola sank down in her seat as the teasing
continued. Her face had already turned pink. She wanted to look at Aiden, but was too
embarrassed to lift her eyes.
She could only say angrily, Don't talk nonsense. Aiden and I don't have that kind of
relationship. What kind of relationship is that? A few girls continued to taunt her, asking
more questions about her and Aiden.
Viola wished she could run away, but Aiden's success with the computer had destroyed
any hope of being able to leave class early. After class ended, Mr. Walker called out to
Aiden. He looked distressed as he begged, Aiden, I've actually opened a computer shop
nearby.
Recently, a customer dropped off a computer that needed to be fixed, and it happens to
be the same model as the one we have in the classroom. I've been trying to fix it for a
few days now, but haven't had much luck. Do you think you could come to my shop after
school and take a look? Aiden thought well of Mr. Walker, and he didn't have anything
important to do after school.