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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Back to Reality

The morning sun spilled through the classroom windows, lighting up rows of desks. Mark Palmer slouched in his seat, pretending to pay attention to the lecture on macroeconomics, but his mind was still in the clouds… literally.

Yesterday, he had almost died stopping a plane crash. And Nova had saved not just him, but dozens of civilians. Yet here he was—back at school, trying to look normal.

"Mark… are you even listening?"

Lena Torres' sharp voice snapped him back. She had one eyebrow raised, her piercing gaze studying him like a hawk.

"Uh… yeah! Totally… listening," Mark stammered, flashing a grin.

Aya Chen snorted softly beside her, trying not to laugh. "You're terrible at lying, you know that?"

Mark leaned back, grinning mischievously. "I'm great at pretending, actually. Just ask Nova."

Nova's voice rang softly in his helmet, hidden in his ear. "Pretending isn't lying… unless you get caught. And you will."

Mark shot her a playful glare. "Noted."

Rina Maxwell, sitting across the room, gave him a subtle nod—half acknowledgment, half challenge. She had heard rumors of the mysterious hero who saved the plane, but no one knew it was him. The tension was palpable.

During lunch, Mark quietly excused himself, finding a secluded spot behind the school. He activated the suit's training mode with Nova's help.

"Calibration complete," Nova announced. "We can now integrate adaptive combat modules. You're still recovering, so I'll assist with energy output and stability."

Mark flexed inside the suit, feeling its hum like a heartbeat. He performed flips, dodged imaginary projectiles, and practiced rapid movement. Each motion was precise, graceful, and fast enough to make his heart race.

He couldn't keep this power hidden for long.

Back in the cafeteria, Lena caught his eye. "You're acting weird today," she said softly, her concern genuine.

"Just… practicing mental gymnastics," Mark replied with a wink, trying to hide his fatigue.

Aya leaned closer, grinning. "Or superhero training?"

Mark smirked, flexing subtly as he passed by. "Something like that."

Rina's eyes narrowed playfully. "You think you're the only one who notices? Don't get cocky, Palmer."

Mark laughed under his breath. "Not cocky… just confident."

Clara Hayes, observing quietly from the far end of the table, jotted something in her notebook—likely strategies to "help" him in his secret life later.

Nova's voice whispered softly in his ear, a mix of pride and caution. "Mark… they're all noticing you. Balance is key. Your hero work, your school life… and your harem dynamics."

Mark grinned, the thrill of double life coursing through him. "Don't worry, Nova. I've got this… in style."

Cliffhanger: As the bell rang, a notification flashed across his HUD:

"Unknown energy signature detected near school. Possible rival observation unit. Engage caution protocols."

Mark's eyes narrowed. Between school, friends, and secret missions, it seemed the real challenges were only just beginning…

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