Director Reed's office was a stark contrast to the sterile, functional corridors of Ares Academy. It was a spacious, well-lit room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. One wall was lined with antique-looking bookshelves filled with physical data-slates, a rare sight in this digital age. The air of quiet authority that clung to the Director seemed to emanate from the room itself.
"Please, have a seat, Mr. Azazel," she said, gesturing to a comfortable chair opposite her polished oak desk.
Michael did as he was told, his senses on high alert. He had won the Director's favor for now, but he knew that figures like her were not easily impressed. Her support was an opportunity, but it was also a test.
"I have reviewed your file," Director Reed began, her fingers steepled before her. "Three years at this academy, with minimal progress in your genetic energy cultivation and an F-Rank talent. By all accounts, you should be at the bottom of your class. And yet, you defeated a Rank 2 Super Soldier and his team with a level of skill that even our top instructors would find difficult to replicate. How do you explain this discrepancy?"
Her question was direct, leaving no room for evasion. She wasn't looking for excuses; she was looking for the truth.
"I've been practicing, Director," Michael replied, his voice steady. He had anticipated this question and had prepared his answer. "My talent may be weak, but that doesn't mean I have to be. I focused on what I could control: my fundamentals."
It wasn't a lie, not entirely. He *had* focused on his fundamentals, just with a little… ten-thousand-fold assistance.
Director Reed studied him for a long moment, her gaze analytical. "Diligence is a commendable trait, Mr. Azazel, but what you demonstrated was more than diligence. It was perfection. To master a basic combat art to that degree... it's a feat that would take a genius decades of dedicated practice."
She leaned forward, her expression unreadable. "Tell me, what is your true talent?"
Michael met her gaze without flinching. This was the real test. "Director, with all due respect, my file is accurate. My awakened talent is F-Rank Regeneration."
A faint smile touched Director Reed's lips. "I see. You wish to keep your secrets. Very well. I will not press you further. Talent, after all, manifests in many forms. Perhaps your true gift is not in your genes, but in your comprehension."
She stood up and walked over to one of the bookshelves, pulling out a small, metallic data-slate. "Your display in the arena was impressive. It has earned you a certain degree of recognition. And it has also earned you this."
She slid the slate across the desk toward him. Michael picked it up. The screen lit up, displaying a list of combat techniques.
"This is a token of my personal encouragement," she explained. "A selection of combat arts from the Genesis Archive, specifically chosen to complement a skill-based fighting style. Consider it a reward for your… diligence."
Michael's eyes widened as he scrolled through the list. These weren't basic techniques. They were advanced, rare arts, each one a valuable asset.
But it was the system notification that truly took his breath away.
**[New Data Files Detected. 10,000x Comprehension Multiplier is applicable to all listed techniques.]**
His mind raced. With this, he could master advanced skills in a fraction of the time it would take anyone else. He could build an entire arsenal of perfected combat arts.
"Thank you, Director," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I won't disappoint you."
"I know you won't," she replied, her smile enigmatic. "Now, I suggest you make use of your time. The world doesn't wait for anyone, Mr. Azazel."
Dismissed, Michael left the office, his mind buzzing with possibilities. He found an empty training room and activated the data-slate, his eyes scanning the list of techniques. He needed to choose carefully. He decided to start with the most fundamental of the advanced arts, a technique called "Flowing Shadow Steps." It was a mobility skill designed to enhance evasion and positioning, a perfect complement to his current style.
As he began to practice, the system immediately kicked in.
**[Practicing [Flowing Shadow Steps]... 10,000x multiplier applied.]**
The complex footwork and subtle shifts in balance that would have taken months to learn felt instantly intuitive. His body moved with a grace and precision that felt both foreign and completely natural. In a matter of seconds, a new notification flashed in his vision.
**[Congratulations! You have mastered [Flowing Shadow Steps] to the Flawless Execution stage!]**
He was a blur of motion, his steps leaving faint after-images as he moved, making him an almost impossible target to track. The efficiency of his movements was breathtaking.
But he knew this wasn't enough. He needed to prove his worth, to solidify his new status beyond any doubt. The rumors and whispers about his victory over Caleb were still circulating, many still clinging to the idea that it was a fluke. He needed to silence them, permanently.
An idea began to form in his mind, a bold and audacious plan. He scrolled through the student directory on his bio-monitor, his eyes landing on a familiar name: Gideon Croft, another one of Caleb's close allies, a powerful Rank 3 Super Soldier known for his aggressive, power-based fighting style.
With a smirk, Michael sent out a public broadcast to the entire first-year student network.
"Gideon Croft. I, Michael Azazel, challenge you to a formal duel in the main Combat Arena. Tomorrow, at noon. Let's see if your strength is anything more than brute force."
The message exploded across the academy's network. The "immortal cockroach," the "trash" student, was not just challenging another high-ranking student; he was openly taunting him. The student forums erupted in a frenzy of activity. Some called him arrogant, others suicidal. But no one could deny that they would be watching.
Michael closed his bio-monitor, a calm resolve settling over him. He would not use his new mobility skill in the duel. He would not use his high-frequency blade. He would use nothing but the academy's most basic, most fundamental technique.
He would show them all what true mastery looked like. He would show them the flawless execution of Form 1. And in doing so, he would shatter every preconceived notion they had about him, once and for all. The stage was set, and Michael was ready for his performance.