The First Step to Extraordinary
As he lay back, Michael's mind buzzed with the weight of his decision. The path he was about to embark on would determine whether he lived an ordinary life or became something extraordinary—a being straight out of a superhero movie.
As Michael leaned back, his mind buzzed with the weight of his decision. The path he was about to embark on would determine whether he lived an ordinary life or became something extraordinary—a being straight out of a superhero movie. Michael decided he would begin this new journey the very next day, but for now, he would spend the night resting. Night fell quickly, and Michael slept soundly, waking early the next morning, eager to be discharged from the school's medical facility. He knew the discharge process would be handled by Olivia, who would follow all protocols strictly, leaving no room for leniency.
Soon, Olivia arrived to check on Michael. After a thorough examination, she was satisfied that he was in good health with no complications. Breathing a sigh of relief, she began the discharge process. About ten minutes later, Michael was officially discharged. He glanced at his phone and saw it was 9:30 AM. Quickly, he changed out of the medical facility's patient clothes and slipped into his jeans and t-shirt. With that, he hurried out of the medical wing and headed straight for Julia Adams' office.
Upon reaching her office, Michael rang the bell outside her door. Hearing the sound, Julia permitted the visitor to enter. Michael opened the door and stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to Julia. She looked stunning today, wearing an open-neck t-shirt and a short skirt that accentuated her beauty. Michael couldn't help but stare, captivated by her appearance. Julia, busy with her work, didn't notice him at first. When she realized he hadn't spoken for a while, she looked up and caught him staring. With a playful frown, she teased, "What are you looking at? Have you never seen a beautiful woman before?"
Michael, lost in her charm, didn't respond immediately. Growing slightly irritated by his silence, Julia pinched his arm lightly. Michael yelped, "Ouch! What kind of teacher are you? Your student is admiring your beauty, and you're pinching him? You're the worst teacher ever!" Julia burst into laughter at his dramatic complaint, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Emboldened, Michael grinned and said, "You're truly gorgeous, Julia. If you weren't my teacher, I'd make you my girlfriend. In fact, I'm going to make that happen because you're meant to be mine!" He laughed heartily, clearly enjoying his flirtatious banter. Julia, however, wasn't amused. She gave him a light slap on the cheek and scolded, "You little devil! You'll never change, will you?" She made a face but quickly changed the subject. "So, what's the real reason you're in my office, little troublemaker?"
Michael, still grinning, began, "Honestly, teacher, you're incredibly hardworking. I've never met a teacher like you. You explain everything so well and clear all our doubts." He was about to continue with more compliments, but Julia cut him off. "Enough with the flattery, Michael. I know you don't do anything without a reason. You wouldn't even visit your grandfather without an ulterior motive, so don't waste my time. Tell me straight—what do you want?"
Michael's face flushed with embarrassment. Julia had called him out perfectly. It was true—he loved his grandfather dearly, more than anyone in the world, but he often approached him with sweet talk when he needed something his grandfather might refuse. Realizing he couldn't dodge her, Michael's expression turned serious. "Teacher, the truth is, I can't come to school for the next fifteen days. I need you to grant me leave for at least that long."
Julia narrowed her eyes and replied firmly, "Forget it, Michael. I can't give you such a long leave." Undeterred, Michael leaned in and said, "Teacher, I'm asking nicely. If you don't grant me this leave, just wait—I'll pull a prank so big the school administration will suspend me for a month. Do you want me to go that far?" Julia paused, knowing Michael was capable of following through on his threat. But she also couldn't grant such an extended absence without justification.
After a moment of thought, she decided to pass the decision to Principal Eric Wilson. She called him and explained Michael's request. Wilson listened quietly before responding, "Ms. Adams, do what you think is right. If you believe Michael deserves the leave, you can grant it. But ensure he doesn't fail your subject. I'm not concerned about the others." Julia disconnected the call and fell into deep thought. Finally, she turned to Michael and said, "Alright, Michael, I'll grant you the fifteen-day leave, but on one condition: you'll have to attend extra classes with me after school once you return. Do we have a deal?"
Michael's face lit up with joy. Not only was he getting the leave, but the condition meant spending more time with Julia—a win in his book. He could get closer to her, and who knows, maybe even make her his girlfriend one day. Smiling broadly, he agreed to her terms. With that settled, Michael left the school, his mind now focused on his next challenge: creating the DNA-reconstructing pill.
He had the formula for the pill, but he lacked the necessary resources. Worse, he wasn't sure if the rare herbs required could even be found on Earth. Still, he resolved to research the area. Knowing that Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines often used potent herbs, Michael decided to head to Manhattan's Chinatown, a place known for its traditional remedies. Without wasting time, he started his car and drove toward the bustling neighborhood near Greenwich Village.
Chinatown, established long ago, was a vibrant hub filled with Chinese culture, including shops selling rare herbs. Michael figured it was the best place to start his search. Though he wasn't from Greenwich Village, he knew it was a lively spot in Lower Manhattan, especially for events and gatherings. Arriving at Chinatown's entrance around 10:30 AM, Michael found a parking spot and began exploring on foot. The streets were alive with activity, with 80–90% of the crowd being of Chinese descent, either shopping or running stores. A few Americans were also browsing the shops.
Michael's eyes scanned the stores until he spotted one selling herbs. He hurried inside and found it crowded with about ten customers purchasing various herbs. The shop was filled with the fresh, fragrant aroma of the herbs, which could rejuvenate anyone's senses. Michael began searching for the herbs he needed for his DNA-reconstructing pill. The formula required eighty specific herbs, including the rare 800-year-old dragon grass, 500-year-old ginseng, 400-year-old amaranth vine, 200-year-old ice grass, and several others. At this shop, he found eighteen of the required herbs, each of which he purchased in quantities of ten, unsure how many attempts it would take to succeed.
After buying what was available, Michael moved on to other stores, as he still needed sixty-two more herbs. Soon, he found another herb shop, five times larger than the first and teeming with customers. This store imported herbs from various countries, and to Michael's delight, he found nearly all the herbs he needed, including dragon grass, ginseng, and ice grass. As he browsed, a woman in her mid-thirties passed by, holding a slip of paper with a list of herbs. Michael couldn't help but notice her striking beauty. Curious, he glanced at the list in her hand and read some of the names. To his shock, he recognized them immediately.
"Medicines for the final stage of cancer!" Michael blurted out loudly. Every head in the shop turned toward him—customers and shopkeepers alike. The woman holding the list stared at him, stunned. Feeling the weight of their gazes, Michael stumbled over his words, trying to recover. "I mean, I just guessed! Those herbs are used for late-stage cancer, right?" His outburst had drawn attention because it was astonishing that an eighteen-year-old could identify a medical condition just by reading the names of herbs. Though no one knew if the woman's list was truly for a cancer patient, Michael's knowledge was impressive.
The woman, unable to contain her curiosity, approached him. "How did you know these herbs are used for late-stage cancer?" Michael smiled confidently and replied, "It's simple. The herbs on your list are known to regenerate blood cells in the body. That tells me someone close to you likely has blood cancer." Her eyes widened in astonishment. Hesitantly, she asked, "Is there a cure?"
Michael grinned mischievously. "There is a cure, but my fees are steep." Relieved, the woman replied, "Name your price. I'll pay whatever you ask." Michael leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "I don't need money—I have plenty of that. I want something else." The woman looked puzzled, her expression urging him to clarify. With a playful smirk, Michael whispered, "Just one kiss—a lip lock. If you're okay with that, we can talk further. If not, forget it."
Will the woman agree to Michael's terms, or will she dismiss him as a trickster? Stay tuned to Cosmic Devourers to find out!