Kuramoto opened his eyes in his room as he gently removed the VR Launcher and placed it on the table. After his discovery of a student who was probably stronger than Kaiser, he was pumped up and eager to train. The last time he probably felt this excitement was when he was still in the 'Project Facility'. Approximately 3 years ago.
'I still don't understand what caused its destruction.' He pondered as he slipped his shirt on— ready to head to the Training Facility.
In the elevator, he opened his phone and glanced through the huge amount of messages that had been sent to the group.
'They really have the energy to chat huh?'
Totally unamused, he pocketed the phone and walked out of the open elevator.
The night's cool air blew gently against his face and ruffled his hair.
'Is this what freedom is?'
Curious, he reached out as a yellow leaf fell into his palm. He looked up at the tree then back at the leaf.
Did it mean leaving everything behind?
Did it mean being alone?
Or was it so complicated that he didn't even understand?
He didn't know.
But perhaps soon... he'll understand.
On his way to the Training Facility, a soft voice entered his ears and stunned him. Although it was vague, he could clearly tell whose voice it was.
Isabella.
'What is she doing there at this time?' Curious, he changed his route and entered the building near the Sports Arena quietly.
"... really hate her. Acting superior and all."
Her voice was now clearer and he could discern her words.
'Hate? Who?'
"I just wanna get her expelled from this school. Since I can't kill her, I'll have to get her expelled— she's inconveniencing me anyway."
'A girl? But who doesn't like Isabella among the girls? Is it...?'
"Hazel, wait for it."
The last words confirmed his suspicion as his green eyes briefly narrowed.
'This is very surprising. I didn't expect Isabella-san to be this spiteful.'
"Damn it! Worst of all is that damned Kuramoto! Always ignoring people like their existence didn't matter. He's close with Hazel right? Haha! I'll see his reaction after I expel her.
Will he be sad? Angry? Depressed? After all, he seems to be her pathetic dog. Hahaha!"
Kuramoto almost choked on spot at her description of him. Calling him a dog? That was cruel!
'But she's probably underestimating me if she thinks that way. I should utilize her hate against Hazel to test Kaiser's wits. I know he's strong but he might just be a refined Logan.'
With that thought in mind, he decided to leave Isabella to her own monologue.
Clank.
Unfortunately, his leg hit an empty canned drink. Sighing to himself, he stopped and watched as she leaped from upstairs and landed right in front of him.
Her eyes held a hint of surprise and disgust as she scowled at him.
"So you were stalking me? Disgusting!"
Kuramoto looked uncomfortable and lowered his gaze.
"No, I came here because I forgot—"
"Shut up!" Isabella snapped furiously, her mask of 'Class Angel' gone.
Kuramoto looked stunned as his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Did you hear everything?" She asked.
"Would you believe me if I say I didn't hear anything?" He asked her back.
"Good question. No, I wouldn't." She said with a cold smile on her face. "Would you keep what you heard to yourself?"
Kuramoto seemed to look surprised but quickly nodded.
"Sorry. But I can't trust you for that. So... to ensure that, I'll have to frame you for attempting to harass me."
"W-what?"
Before Kuramoto could reply, Isabella pulled his hands forward and let them fondle her soft breasts for a few seconds.
"If you keep what you know to yourself, I won't reveal anything."
"Who the hell would believe such an absurd lie?" Kuramoto scowled in anger.
"There's evidence." She sneered as she pointed at her white shirt. "Also, who do you think people will believe? The dependable and cute angel of the class or a silent loner and stalker?"
Kuramoto's hands dropped in defeat, totally outsmarted.
"You really are something, Isabella."
"Am I?" She asked as she effortlessly switched to her gentle and caring expression. "Bye bye, Kuramoto-kun."
Kuramoto watched her departing figure in silence before a cunning smile appeared on his face.
'She's a bit smart but still immature. I'd say she's not much of a threat.'
With that thought in mind, he left the building and resumed his journey to the Training Facility.
When he entered, he booked a room with high secrecy and no supervision or monitoring.
TSSS!
The door closed behind him with a soft hiss as he calmly measured the room which was filled with advanced training equipments.
'I guess it's really worth 10,000 points.'
Satisfied, he summoned his runes and glanced through:
[Kuramoto Daisuke]
[Aspect Ability - Amplification]
[Aspect Rank - Legendary]
[Affinity - [Gravity] [Fire] ]
[Realm - Dormant]
[Rank - 0]
[Soul Trait: [???] ]
[Relics - [Nuance Kusarigama] [Bone Odachi] [Savage Armor] ]
[Spirit Beasts - ]
[Flaw - Control Seeker]
'I've been training with my fire affinity for a while. I should practice my Gravity affinity.'
Deciding on that, he activated his affinity with gravity— focussing it's effect only on himself and suddenly felt a crushing weight apply itself on him.
Grimacing, his knees buckled slightly as he tried to fight against the pressure forcing itself on him.
'This is harder than I thought.'
He said as he straightened after a full minute of struggling to adapt. Sweat soaked his body as he continued to endure the strain of the increased gravity.
'After this training, I have to train my stealth techniques and how to apply this gravity in combat.'
Picking up a dumbbell, he began lifting it up despite the tripled weight that could gravely injure him if he was careless. His muscles flared up and bulged, straining to their limit intensely.
After half an hour of the same exercise, he was finally able to adapt to the pressure.
*Huff* *Huff*
Panting heavily, he rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles.
It was finally time to move onto the next stage.
Standing before a treadmill, he increased the speed output to that of an Awakened then began training on it while maintaining his doubled gravity.
In the first minute, he fell four times in a row before adjusting to it bit by bit despite his speed being slower than normal.
Well, he couldn't be blamed anyway. There were a handful of people who could do what he was doing in the school by the way.
'Next week is going to be my second life threatening Trial. Yet... I feel not even an ounce of fear.'
Amazed, he clenched his fists as he now effortlessly ran across the treadmill despite the sweat flowing down his toned figure.
....
Unbeknownst to him, the school principal was watching him train with a look of utter seriousness.
The man had an overbearing aura— as expected of an Ascended Human. He was worthy of being a powerhouse of humanity and his power was greatly feared and reveled among both Mundane and Awakened Humans.
"He is likely to be the one who killed the Guardian beast. I guess our school is going to nurture a few prodigies this year." He said to himself as he smiled, amused by the potential displayed by several of their students.
"I hope they only bring fortune and not Calamity."