Lunch at Olympus High wasn't served—it was experienced.
Lucas followed Theo and Raj into a cafeteria that looked more like a Michelin-star restaurant than a school canteen. Massive glass walls overlooked a private Zen garden. Tables were sleek marble with in-built touchscreens. In the far corner, a sushi chef prepared uni and toro like it was just another Tuesday.
Every student sat at tables according to their tier, their rank glowing subtly on holo-badges pinned to their chest. Tier 1s are near the entrance. Tier 2s and 3s in the middle. And at the farthest end, with the best view and service, sat the Tier 5s and 6s—Olympus royalty.
A waiter bot hovered next to Lucas and projected a floating screen in front of him.
Welcome, Lucas Grant. No active meal account. Please link payment source.
He blinked. "What?"
Theo leaned over. "You don't have a family link? Damn. That's cold."
Lucas muttered, "So even meals are gated behind status now."
"Yep," Raj nodded. "This is Olympus. Everything has a price."
Lucas sat down at a near-empty table with his two new allies. They handed him some of their sandwiches and fries. Raj nudged over a cup of synth-coffee.
Lucas took a bite. "So tell me everything. What's this Tier stuff?"
He used his accident as a front for missing some memories.
Theo wiped his hands and pulled up his tablet. A complex hologram lit up above the table, showing a pyramid-like structure.
"There are six tiers. Tier 1 is entry level. Think: kids of millionaires, minor celebrities. You get basic access to the school facilities."
Raj pointed to the second row. "Tier 2 unlocks private mentorships and low-level internship programs with major companies. Tier 3 and above—now you're getting real power."
"Tier 4 is when you're actually making headlines," Theo continued. "You start managing clubs, get investment capital from school funds, and even start small companies."
Raj added, "Tier 5? You're famous. You have media deals and corporate sponsorships. Some even sign stock options before graduation."
"And Tier 6?" Lucas asked.
Both paused.
"Tier 6 is Olympus royalty," Raj said. "Only a dozen students in the entire school make it to Tier 6. They basically run the school's council. It's like the martial sect leaders in your old world—if that helps."
Lucas stared at the pyramid for a while.
"So this school is a battlefield," he murmured.
Theo chuckled. "Exactly. Just with money and tech instead of swords."
Lucas leaned back, eyes narrowed in thought.
In his past life, he fought for survival using martial prowess. Here, it was strategy, economics, and connections. He had no family power. No allies in high places. But he did have something else: experience. Discipline. Vision.
And something these spoiled heirs lacked—hunger.
"How does one increase their tier?" he asked slowly.
Raj smiled. "Ah, the good question. A few ways: One, make money. If your net worth jumps, so does your tier. Two, win competitions—debates, business wars, startup simulations. They let you win tier boost points and when you collect 100, you can move from tier 0 to tier 1. Three, get recognized by sponsors—companies or Olympus alumni. And four, take someone else's spot. If you beat a higher-Tier student in a public challenge and meet the conditions, you can swap ranks."
Lucas's eyes gleamed. "So it's like cultivation duels… but modern."
Theo raised a brow. "Cultivation?"
"Never mind," Lucas replied.
He looked down at his hands—still soft, unfamiliar. This body wasn't built for war, not yet. But it could be forged. Trained. Just like the old days.
The difference? Now, he wouldn't be chasing strength. He'd be chasing power—the kind that ruled empires and dictated nations.
He clenched his fist. "What's the fastest way to reach Tier 2?"
"Compete in the upcoming war game," Raj answered. "Olympus runs one every month. You start a business with a seed investment, and whoever generates the most virtual profit wins real money and influence points."
Theo added, "This month's entry is limited to Tier 0 and Tier 1. First prize is $10,000 and a jump in Tier."
Lucas's fingers twitched.
Perfect.
This was his entry point.
He'd crawl up from the dirt if he had to. He did it once with fists and blood. Now, he'd do it with brains and money.
He stood up, eyes burning with quiet determination.
"I'm entering."
Raj blinked. "Dude, you just got here."
Theo leaned in, whispering, "The last winner was the son of a hedge fund manager. He made a fake biotech startup that tricked actual investors. The guy's 15."
Lucas smirked. "Then I'll show him what a real strategist looks like."