Time passed by, and in the training facility, those who were training took notice of a strange, handsome red-haired youth swinging around a wooden stick as though his life depended on each swing.
By the time that most had started to leave, Zeke still kept on swinging, his eyes glazed at the void like he was facing an enemy. He didn't seem to care he was being watched, or perhaps, he didn't even notice in the first place.
Immersed in his training, by the time he had finished, the sun was already setting. Only a few people were left in the training facility, but they were also about to leave.
"Haa…!"
Zeke let out a deep breath, sweat pouring down his back. This time, he wasn't as tired as before, and his muscles weren't as stretched. Compared to his last session, he was in a far better state.
This was the beauty of rest!
By allocating a 20-minute cool-down period after each hour, he's able to maintain perfect condition even now, making every swing so far count on his proficiency. He trained for exactly 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Zeke sat down on the floor and looked at his panel.
---
[Name: Zeke Crimson]
[Age: 16]
[Class: Stick Master (Gray 74/100), Gamer (Black 0/100,000)]
[Rank: Initiate 1.1]
[Striking Force: 615]
[Speed: 19m/s]
[Spirit Force: 0]
[Echoforce: 12]
[Skills: Stick Manifestation (Active 74/100), Stick Skill (Passive 74/100), Gamer Proficiency (Passive 0/10,000), Gamer Attributes (Passive 0/10,000), Gamer Growth (Passive 0/10,000), Gamer Overload (Active 0/10,000)]
---
'74!'
Zeke's eyes lit up, feeling excited. Only twenty-six points were keeping him from evolving his class. If it reached 100 points, will it really evolve just as its description said?
To be honest, he still had a hard time believing it. No one in history had successfully evolved or changed their class, by now, it was already a universal law that it was impossible. It's like a living being trying to change their soul.
However, countless experiments and attempts were made before that, but all of them ended badly.
But there was also no one in history who awakened a Black-quality class, so Zeke reserved his doubts. Even if the result wasn't actually a class evolution, as long as he could get stronger, he wasn't going to complain.
At that moment, he sensed someone approaching him.
'Hm? Trouble?'
Zeke closed the panel and turned his gaze to his right, seeing a tall, gray-haired man with slitted eyes. Seemingly sensing Zeke's wariness, the gray-haired man suddenly stopped, keeping a comfortable distance.
"I'm Kazuki, a second-year student and a member of the Kendo club."
The gray-haired man spoke calmly, his voice as neutral as possible.
"Sorry, I've been watching you for a while now… wait, that sounds a bit wrong. I was also training, and I happened to see you swing your blade. Even when people were laughing at you, you kept swinging with a focused gaze."
Kazuki rubbed his chin, his eyes locked onto Zeke. Seeing Zeke's increasing wariness, he dropped the long introduction he had prepared and went straight to business.
"… You seem like a direct person, so I'll get straight to the point. I want to invite you to join us in the Kendo club. Your spirit and passion are exactly what our president is looking for!"
Zeke didn't answer right away, looking at Kazuki silently. He thought for a moment and decided to stand up first. Kazuki looked at him expectantly, but unfortunately, the man was bound to be disappointed.
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to join."
He looked at Kazuki directly and said those words.
Contrary to his expectations, Kazuki wasn't surprised. He furrowed his brows for a moment, then asked. "… Can you at least tell me the reason?"
Zeke paused for a moment, then spoke honestly. "Clubs have activities, right? I'm very busy right now, so I don't have time for extracurricular activities… besides, I'm also untalented."
He wasn't speaking randomly, this was what he really thought.
Clubs would just take more time on his already scuffed schedule, and frankly, he'd rather not join any groups or cliques right now.
"Ah, talent isn't a problem," Kazuki waved his hands. "Our president is a firm believer that passion and spirit are what define a swordsman, not their talent. Well, in short, you don't need to be concerned about it. For club activities, are you a first-year student? But that's strange… first years should already know this by now, though."
Zeke narrowed his eyes, falling silent.
Seeing his reaction, Kazuki smiled slightly and explained. "Clubs in the academy have loose responsibilities. Most of them function independently, so they're more of a gathering of like-minded people."
Zeke was surprised. He didn't reply right away, as though he was finally considering it. Kazuki waited patiently.
But after a moment, Zeke still shook his head.
"I'm really sorry. But I'm busy, thank you for the invitation though."
Kazuki sighed and waved his hand. "Don't be. But there's no need to reject us immediately. If you change your mind, you can join us in the Kendo room on the seventh floor."
Zeke nodded slightly, conceding.
"Okay, I'll look for you then."
After saying what he needed to say, Kazuki gave a slight nod and also left. But before he left, Kazuki suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Can I ask your name?"
Zeke hesitated for a moment, then replied. "Zeke."
Kazuki saw through Zeke's hesitation and quickly ended the conversation. "See you around on campus, junior. Good luck in your class exams."
Zeke nodded. "You too."
After that, Kazuki finally left, leaving Zeke by himself in the training facility. Zeke watched his back disappear from his view, his face deep in thought. Kazuki didn't strike him as someone with ulterior motives, but he still had to be cautious.
'Clubs, huh… I'll look into it more, but not right now.'
Zeke brushed aside his thoughts. He looked at his Herta ID, realizing it was time to go. It was already over 6 PM, and he still had to prepare for his night shift in Solace Bar later on 7 PM. He couldn't afford to waste any more time here.