Chapter 18: A New Perspective
A minute before Liam entered the class.
The art classroom had a calming atmosphere compared to Ain's previous literature class. Rows of desks sat in uneven clusters, scattered with sketchbooks, stray pencils, and smudged erasers. Ain stepped into the room and took a moment to assess his surroundings.
He'd switched to art not because he particularly loved the subject but because he wanted a fresh start—a new class where he could distance himself from his past. Most of the students didn't even glance up at him. It was a welcome change from the judgmental eyes he'd faced before.
The teacher, an older man with a slightly graying beard, called the class to order. "Alright, students, let's settle down. Take your seats, and let's begin attendance."
Ain had sat toward an open desk near the middle. It wasn't too close to the front, where the teacher could hover, but not so far back that it would signal he wanted to avoid everyone. While he sat down, he noticed two boys at the desk beside him engrossed in a grainy video on a shared phone. They were so focused that they barely acknowledged the teacher's roll call.
"Here," Ain said when his name was called, his voice steady but neutral. It earned him a few glances from his classmates, but they quickly returned to their conversations or activities.
The teacher continued with a short introduction to the day's assignment, explaining techniques for shading and perspective, but Ain's attention drifted back to the boys beside him.
One of them, a lanky kid with glasses whose name tag read "Josh," was gesturing at the phone. His friend, a shorter boy with curly black hair, leaned in, eyes wide with excitement.
"Look at that block," Josh said. "He's totally controlling the fight."
"Yeah, but watch this counter," the other boy replied. "Dylan's footwork here is insane."
Ain recognized the video immediately. It was the low-quality footage of his fight with Dylan. The shaky camera and distant angle obscured his face, making it impossible for most to realize who was in the clip. He smirked to himself. They're watching me and don't even know it.
The teacher's voice faded into the background as Ain decided to make his move. He leaned slightly toward them, keeping his tone casual. "Don't you think, Dylan's stance has a flaw," he said.
Josh and his friend turned to him, surprised but intrigued.
"Who's asking?" Josh said, narrowing his eyes.
"Just someone who's seen a lot of fights," Ain replied with a shrug. "Look at his left foot. It's slightly turned out. Makes his base unstable when he's forced to pivot."
The two boys glanced back at the screen, replaying the moment in question. Josh adjusted his glasses, squinting. "Huh. You're right. How'd I miss that?"
The shorter boy, whose name tag read "Sam," grinned. "Man, you know your stuff. I'm Sam, by the way. And this is Josh."
"Ain," he said, offering a small nod.
"So, Ain," Sam said, leaning in. "What's your take on the fight? Think the guy's got a shot at beating Dylan?"
Ain's smirk deepened. "Depends. He's holding back here. You can tell by the way he's measuring Dylan's movements. It's not just about winning; it's about endurance. Testing limits."
Josh nodded slowly. "Interesting. You're saying he's strategizing, not just swinging wildly?"
"Exactly."
Josh and Sam exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to admiration. They were clearly impressed.
The teacher's voice cut through their conversation. "Alright, everyone, start sketching your assigned perspective piece. I'll be walking around to check your work."
The boys reluctantly set the phone aside, and Ain turned his attention to the blank sheet of paper in front of him. He picked up his pencil, but his thoughts lingered on the conversation. It had been a long time since he'd connected with anyone over something he was genuinely passionate about, even if it was indirectly about himself.
When the bell rang for break, the classroom buzzed with chatter and movement. Josh and Sam didn't waste a second, pulling Ain into their orbit as they packed up their materials.
"So," Sam said, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. "Who do you think's the strongest in the school?"
Ain raised an eyebrow. "Aren't there official rankings for that?"
Josh shook his head. "Not yet. I plan on making one next week. Though, it might not be accurate since everyone's got their theories."
"Dylan's definitely top eight," Sam said. "And Jack's obviously number one."
Ain's pencil paused mid-air as he packed it away. "Jack Stanford?" he asked, keeping his voice neutral.
"Yeah," Josh said. "You know him?"
"Heard of him," Ain replied. And fought him, and lost to him, and died because of him, he added silently.
Sam leaned closer. "Dylan's been getting stronger, though. Word is, he's planning to challenge Jack soon. That'll be a fight for the ages."
Ain's grip on his bag tightened. He hid his reaction behind a calm facade. "You really think Dylan stands a chance?"
Josh scoffed. "Not really. Jack's a monster. But it'll be fun to watch."
Sam nodded. "Yeah, Dylan's tough, but Jack's Jack. Anyway, who do you think could shake things up?"
Ain's eyes flicked to the back of the room, where a tall figure stood leaning casually against the wall. Liam had entered the classroom at some point, his platinum-blond hair catching the light. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on something outside the window, oblivious to the attention he drew.
"What about him?" Ain asked, nodding toward Liam.
Josh followed his gaze and chuckled. "Liam? I'd rank him fifth, but honestly, he's probably stronger than that. He just doesn't care much about anything making him not get into fights often."
Sam grinned. "Yeah, Liam's a legend. Doesn't bow to anyone, not even Jack. He's just… above it all."
Ain's gaze lingered on Liam. He activated Inspector's Eye.
Name: Liam Grayson
Height: 5'11"
Build: Lean and muscular with a sleeper build, concealing immense strength.
Fat Percentage: 9%
Visible Stats: Stamina – 69
Ain frowned. The fact that he could only see Liam's stamina meant the other stats were likely significantly higher, probably over 55 points beyond Ain's current attributes.
The conversation between Ain, Sam, and Josh continued in a low murmur, but it didn't escape the teacher's notice. He walked around the room, making sure everyone was working on their sketches when he paused by their desk.
"Alright, enough chitchat, gentlemen," the teacher said, his voice stern but not unkind. "Focus on your work. I won't tolerate distractions."
The boys quickly returned to their tasks, pulling out pencils and sketchbooks. Ain's pencil hovered over the blank page, but his mind was elsewhere, tangled in his thoughts about Dylan and Jack.
The mention of Dylan's planned challenge to Jack gnawed at him. It was far too soon. Dylan wasn't ready, no matter how strong he'd gotten. Jack was in a league of his own, and Jack could still beat the past Dylan at the time he had challenged him in the previous timeline. The thought of someone challenging Jack so early in their journey felt reckless, almost suicidal. In his past life, the fight hadn't happened yet. Dylan hadn't even risen to the level he was at when he challenged Jack pre-time travel, but now the timeline was shifting. There was a chance that Dylan's challenge would come too soon, and it could have far-reaching consequences for him, Ain, and everyone involved. Normally Ain wouldn't have cared much, but since he had already gained Dylan's respect and partial friendship, he saw Dylan as an ally.
But is that a bad thing? Ain wondered. Maybe Dylan needs this to awaken whatever potential he has left. But then again, Jack's on a whole other level. I don't want to think about it, but I can't stop myself.
Ain clenched his fists, imagining the upcoming clash. Jack was ruthless, unyielding. Even if Dylan put up a fight, it was almost certain he would fall short. Ain had learned that lesson the hard way.
I have to be ready when that time comes. I can't let this slip by.
He closed his eyes for a moment, drowning out the noise around him, mentally preparing for the battles to come. His mind raced with ideas, plans, and strategies. He couldn't afford to make the same mistakes again.
Suddenly, the teacher's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Ain, could you explain the perspective techniques I just outlined?" the teacher asked, his tone sharp.
Ain froze, heart pounding. He hadn't been paying attention to the lesson at all. His mind had wandered too far into thoughts of Dylan, Jack, and the inevitable fights ahead.
Before Ain could even stammer out a response, a voice chimed in from behind him.
"Actually, it's about the vanishing point, right? And how objects closer to it appear smaller while those farther from it appear larger." It was Leyla, a girl from his class who sat a few desks behind him. Ain hadn't paid much attention to her before, but now he glanced over, noticing her brown hair, neatly tied into a ponytail, and her glasses perched on the edge of her nose. Her eyes were focused and confident as she spoke
Actually, it's about the vanishing point, right? And how objects closer to it appear smaller while those farther from it appear larger." It was Leyla, a girl from his class who sat a few desks behind him. Ain hadn't paid much attention to her before, but now he glanced over, noticing her brown hair, neatly tied into a ponytail, and her glasses perched on the edge of her nose. Her eyes were focused and confident as she spoke.
The teacher looked at her, then at Ain, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Leyla, that's correct. Ain, you should pay more attention. This is a critical skill for your next project."
Ain flushed, feeling the sting of embarrassment. He hadn't even noticed Leyla sitting behind him, let alone engaging with the class. He gave her a quick, appreciative nod.
"Thanks," he muttered, grateful that she'd rescued him from a moment of embarrassment.
Leyla gave him a brief smile, then returned to her own work. Ain quickly turned his attention back to his sketch, but his mind still wasn't entirely focused. Instead, it lingered on the conversation with Sam and Josh. Something about it had left him uneasy. Dylan's challenge to Jack wasn't just about pride or strength—it was a symbol of how the world around him was changing, how the game was resetting, and how Ain's own path was bound to be shaped by forces he couldn't yet fully understand.
"Stay focused," he told himself under his breath, gripping his pencil tighter. "The world's changing. And you have to be stronger than ever if you want to be in control of your life".
After Ains internal monologue Ain quickly regained his composure, though the uneasy feeling from earlier still lingered in his chest. The rest of the class passed by in a blur. His mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of Dylan's challenge to Jack and how the timeline was shifting. Every class felt like a stepping stone to something bigger, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something dangerous was on the horizon.
When the bell rang, signaling break, Ain packed up his things and headed out of the classroom. Sam and Josh were already waiting for him by the door, chatting animatedly.
"Yo, Ain! You coming?" Sam called, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.
Ain nodded and followed them out of the room, the school hallways bustling with the usual noise. The three of them moved toward the courtyard, their footsteps quickening as they left the confines of the building.
"So, you really think Dylan has no chance in beating Jack?" Sam asked, glancing over his shoulder at Ain as they walked.
Ain shrugged. "I don't think he's ready, but he might surprise us."
Josh chuckled. "Maybe. But Jack's untouchable. It's like the guy's got no weaknesses."
Ain felt the old resentment welling up inside him, but he kept his face neutral. "We'll see. No one stays on top forever."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they found a spot to sit on a bench near the edge of the courtyard. Sam and Josh continued to banter, but Ain was lost in thought, the weight of the impending conflict pressing on him. He had to be ready for whatever was coming. And as much as Dylan's challenge to Jack bothered him, there was something else that weighed heavily on his mind.
Leyla.
She'd caught his attention in class, but not just for her quick thinking. There was something in the way she spoke, the confidence behind her words, that intrigued him. She was different from the others, and that alone made her a target in his eyes. But it was more than that—her quiet intelligence, the way she carried herself, made Ain realize she wasn't someone to be ignored.
He glanced over at Sam, who was in the middle of a story about a recent school event. Ain tuned out the chatter for a moment, his mind shifting back to Leyla. There was something about her that felt dangerous—an enigma he hadn't figured out yet.
"Hey, Ain, you good?" Josh's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, just thinking," Ain replied, forcing a smile.
Sam grinned. "Well, if you're thinking about challenging Dylan, you're gonna need more than just strategy. You gotta get in his head, make him doubt himself."
Ain's smile turned to a smirk. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just about showing him who's stronger."
The three of them spent the rest of the break chatting and eating, but Ain's mind never fully left the thoughts of Dylan, Jack, and now Leyla. He had new targets now—Dylan, as a potential ally who needed his help, and Leyla, who had unknowingly caught his attention in a way he hadn't expected.
It was becoming clear that this life wouldn't be as simple as the last.