《Martial God Of The Era》


 The Martial Era

    Grey City, a desolate and neglected metropolis, stood as a mere shadow of what a thriving city should be. It was a place with little progress, barely surpassing the squalor of slums.


    A middle-aged woman, radiating an ethereal beauty, questioned with a mix of concern and frustration, " Just how many times have I said you not to practice martial arts?" Tenderly, she wrapped a bandage around the swollen arm of her ten-year-old son. His jet-black hair and eyes, paired with his ghostly pallor, evoked a sense of frailty. One could hardly bear witness to him without fearing he might collapse at any given moment.


    "I''m sorry... Mom," the young boy stammered, his attempt to halt the tears proving futile as they streamed down his cheeks. In an era where a single pill could mend such injuries in mere seconds, the sight of bandages and plastering remained an unfortunate norm confined to cities like Grey City.


    "Let''s go home. I''ll prepare dinner for you. Please, don''t cry," she whispered, her voice filled with a soothing tenderness. Simultaneously, she playfully tickled her son, eliciting a joyous laughter that caused her lips to curl up in a bittersweet smile.


    After a brief stroll, they arrived at their three-story apartment. The building, sadly neglected, showed signs of poor maintenance, including abysmal soundproofing.


    The sofa in the living room emitted an unpleasant creaking sound as Nova settled upon it.


    Ignoring the discomfort, he swiftly activated the holographic TV and immersed himself in a match between two skilled martial artists.


    Isabell, though concerned, refrained from stopping him, considering that he had just ceased his tears.


    It wasn''t that Isabell didn''t harbor aspirations for her son to become a martial artist. Like any parent, she held such dreams.


    After all, in this era of Martial Arts, practitioners enjoyed esteemed political statuses. However, Nova''s frail physique betrayed him, leading to injuries every time he attempted to train.


    What startled her was that her son possessed an innate brilliance¡ªhis ability to memorize and comprehend things with a mere glance. This indicated a promising future for him! Moreover, his sharp intellect was unparalleled.


    This served as another reason why she discouraged him from pursuing martial arts. Gazing at Nova, whose face beamed with excitement, Isabell''s lips curled up once more as she made her way to the kitchen, preparing a hearty dinner for her son.


    The delightful aroma wafted into Nova''s nostrils, instantly triggering a symphony of rumbling in his stomach. "Mom! I''m starving!" he exclaimed, his small hand tenderly caressing his tummy.


    Isabell couldn''t help but chuckle, moved by her son''s adorable hunger pangs. She swiftly returned with a plate of freshly cooked, warm food. Such luxuries were scarce in their life in grey city.


    Seated together, they engaged in light-hearted conversation as they savored each bite. In the midst of their meal, Nova suddenly broke the cheerful atmosphere with a heartfelt question, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "Mom... Why am I so weak?" The question hung in the air, shrouding the room in silence.


    Observing his mother''s lack of response, Nova rose from his seat, carrying his plate to the kitchen to wash it.


    In that very moment, tears began streaming down Isabell''s cheeks, revealing the depth of her emotions.


    The next morning, Nova stood on the floor, determination etched upon his face. He steadied his breathing and tightened his fist, preparing to execute a martial move he had committed to memory the previous night. However, in that very moment...


    "Nova!" His mother''s shout jolted him, causing his heart to race. He rushed over, fearing that she had somehow discovered his intention to practice martial arts. But as he approached her, he saw something unexpected¡ªa smile brimming with excitement adorning her face.


    As he gazed at her, a peculiar sensation of happiness welled up within him, the depths of his being stirring with an unexplainable joy.


    "Nova! You''ve been accepted into Ace Academy!" His mother''s words burst forth, her voice brimming with elation. "You''ve been chosen for the Technology and science category, Tech as main subject and science as secondary, and it''s fully covered! Starting from June first, you''ll be attending Ace Academy!"This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Ace Academy, the epitome of educational institutions across the entire alliance of species. A planet had been dedicated solely to building this prestigious academy, catering to a staggering population of 5 billion students.


    Though the number seemed immense, considering that a single galaxy alone held a population exceeding 100,000,000 billion lives, the exclusivity of the academy became evident.


    Ace Academy offered various disciplines, but the primary categories were science, technology, martial arts, Universal history, universal geography, and piloting.


    Nova had taken the manual exam as instructed by his mother, and today was the day they would receive the results. As the news unfolded, the White family erupted in a symphony of bliss and happiness, particularly Nova''s mother. Nova wore a smile on his face, but his mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts.


    Martial arts... What about those Fascinating moves...


    "I need to tell my friends!" Nova exclaimed, bursting out of the house and sprinting as fast as his legs would carry him. His mother swiftly placed an order for ingredients online, fully aware that certain occasions called for a proper celebration, even if they had to carefully manage their finances.


    As Nova ran outside, the world around him began to blur, his vision clouded with tears. Soon, the tears streamed down his face, and he felt his chest tighten, gasping for precious breaths of air.


    "Huff... I can''t even run properly without gasping for air like a patient with lung disease. I''m just a worthless good for nothing pest..." His voice broke, and he crumbled under the weight of his emotions. Breakfast time soon arrived, and Nova wiped away his tears, attempting to conceal the fact that he had been crying. Yet, despite his efforts, it was evident to anyone that he had wept for an extended period.


    The moment Isabell caught sight of her son''s face, she understood that he had been crying, and the reason behind it was all too clear. However, she chose not to address it directly. ''He has to face the harsh reality at some point...'' She silently lamented, feeling a pang of sorrow for her son. Nevertheless, she remained strong, shielding her own emotions from revealing themselves upon her face.


    They both sat at the table, consuming their breakfast in a solemn atmosphere. The usual lively conversations that accompanied their meals were replaced by an oppressive silence that hung in the air, weighing down their spirits.


    As their breakfast drew to a close, Isabell broke the silence with a gentle voice. "I''ve completed your online form. The only thing left is to choose three side subjects from the remaining four or minor subjects."


    "Martial arts..." Nova''s words rushed out of him the moment he heard his mother mention those options.


    A stern expression settled upon Isabell''s face as she looked directly at Nova. "Nova, you need to understand. Your body is incredibly weak. I''ve already lost your father, and I don''t want to risk losing you as well. Please," she pleaded, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and desperation.


    The weight of her words tugged at Nova''s heart, filling him with a profound ache. He longed to voice his thoughts, but the words seemed to escape him, leaving him momentarily speechless.


    Eventually, he managed to gather his thoughts and utter a response. "Piloting, and the other two," he managed to say, his voice filled with a mixture of resignation and determination.


    Taking his plate in hand, he silently made his way to the kitchen, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions.


    As night descended, Nova lay in his bed, cocooned beneath a comforting blanket. His mind raced, grappling with a multitude of thoughts. The question echoed in his head, "Should I run away?"


    Yet, almost instinctively, he shook his head, immediately discarding the notion, knowing deep down the tremendous sacrifices his mother had made for him.


    "What should I do?" he pondered, the weight of the decision weighing heavily upon him.


    Gradually, as the dawn approached, Nova reached a conclusion, though it pained him to do so.


    "It''s best to let go of martial arts." Despite a lingering feeling in his heart that disagreed with this decision, he saw no other viable option before him.


    The bittersweet reality settled within Nova''s being, and with a heavy sigh.


    The following days swiftly slipped away, leading up to May 17th, 4990. Nova and his mother, Isabell, found themselves standing in the bustling registration hall.


    It was a momentous day, as they attended to the final formalities, marking the imminent departure of Nova.


    With the submission of the last form, his journey to the planet where Ace Academy stood, a planet often referred to as the Planet of Hopes, would commence.


    Emotions ran high as they navigated the bureaucratic process. Isabell masked her inner turmoil with a brave face.


    The weight of leaving his familiar surroundings and embarking on a new chapter tugged at his heart. There were a total of three students chosen from this planet. Each family present in the registration hall is present in their city.


    The person in charge of the registration hall spoke with a warm tone, announcing the imminent activation of the teleportation portal.


    "Please proceed to the waiting room and await further instructions," he directed the families, his friendly smile encompassing the room.


    As his gaze fell upon Nova, a glimmer of admiration reflected in his eyes. Despite being an average student, Nova''s acceptance into Ace Academy held the promise of a remarkable future.


    However, the path ahead would be arduous, as only a select few¡ªroughly 1,000 or even fewer¡ªgraduated from each category.


    Nova and Isabell nodded in acknowledgment before taking their seats in the waiting room. Time ticked away slowly, one hour and forty-five minutes passing in silence. Then, breaking the quietude, Isabell spoke, her voice filled with understanding.


    "I know, deep down, you yearn to practice martial arts, don''t you?" she softly expressed.


    "No, I-" Nova attempted to interject, but Isabell cut him off, not allowing him to finish.


    "I''ve seen the admiration in your eyes, the admiration you hold for martial artists. I was once like you, filled with the same admiration when I was young," Isabell confided.


    "However, your fragile body is one reason why I am hesitant for you to practice martial arts. But the main reason is that your father was a martial artist too."


    "What?!" Nova exclaimed, his face contorted with surprise. He had inquired about his father on numerous occasions, only to be met with silence and avoidance from his mother.


    It had pained him, leaving a void in his heart, as a blurry image of a white-haired figure haunted his memories. Despite the fading recollection, a sense of fatherly love remained within Nova.


    Isabell continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "Martial artists are not as glorious as you may think. They aren''t protectors of justice or guardians.


    They are tormented souls, constantly consumed by their thirst for bloodshed. Your father too succumbed to this madness.


    Though it saddens me, I don''t want it to affect our lives, which is why..." Nova felt his vision blur as a barrier formed, slowly extinguishing his desire for martial arts.


    "Nova, remember this. Pursue your desires, but be prepared to kill those who threaten you, or else you may end up like a certain someone" Isabell cautioned, her words carrying a weight of experience. "In this temporary life, nothing remains permanent. Make sure to savor every second."


    At that moment a voice echoed, signaling the readiness of the portal. Employees guided Nova toward the entrance, while Isabell stood six feet away, her gaze fixed upon her son, who possessed a bright future ahead.


    As Nova turned his head, he felt the dwindling remnants of his martial arts aspiration. Only a faint flicker remained within him.


    "I... don''t want to say goodbye," he murmured softly.


    ...These six feet never felt so long.

 Chapter 2- Ace Academy [1]: The Grand city

    Ding!


    "The Fey Research Lab has created a groundbreaking G Grade body strengthening pill! Enhances overall physical attributes by 5 points! Community in awe!"


    "Renowned Sir Oliver Black successfully crafts a 5-star Martial Manual, ''The Way of the Sword''! Humanity''s might surges forward!"


    "Esteemed Sir Leonard Grey unveils a 4-star martial manual titled ''The Iron Style''!"


    As Nova materialized in the teleportation cylinder, he found himself enclosed within transparent glass. The circular teleporter stood right in front of him.


    Stepping out of the cylindrical enclosure, Nova noticed several other ten-year-old children, just like him, surrounding him. However, unlike his modest attire, most of them were adorned in luxurious clothing, each outfit worth more than a thousand dollars. The sight left Nova momentarily stunned.


    Surveying his surroundings, Nova was entranced by the advanced technology and vibrant atmosphere. Three-dimensional billboards adorned every corner, displaying various information, with martial arts taking the center stage.


    "Wow," Nova couldn''t help but utter in awe.


    The entire environment exuded an air of progress and grandeur, and the focus on martial arts hinted at the immense importance the discipline held in this society.


    As more students emerged from the teleporter, Nova''s attention returned to the gathering. Among them was a man who appeared to be around thirty years old, introducing himself as Roy Karlson, their personal instructor.


    He warmly encouraged the students to get to know each other, emphasizing that they would be classmates in Class 1-C at Ace Academy. Together, they boarded a futuristic bus that exuded a sci-fi vibe.


    "Quinn Mitchell. That marks everyone," Instructor Karlson said with a gentle smile. "So let me introduce myself, I am Roy Karlson, your personal instructor. You people can call me Instructor Karlson.


    You guys should start to get to know each other as much as you can. After all, you people are classmates who will be studying in class 1-C. Let''s head to our destination for now."


    Inside the bus, each student received a wristwatch, containing a generous sum of 100 dollars, with the potential to earn more based on their performances.


    The bus soon sped off at a remarkable pace, arriving at a colossal skyscraper, designated as the residence for Class 1-C.


    Nova''s eyes widened in awe as he beheld the sheer magnitude of the building. This single skyscraper housed multiple classes, ranging from 1-A to 1-Z, with approximately 5 to 7 million students in the first year alone.


    Astonishingly, each subsequent year mirrored this incredible student count, culminating in a staggering total of around 5 billion students attending Ace Academy.


    Overwhelmed by the vastness of the academy and the diversity of species present, Nova felt his head spinning with the influx of information.


    He took a deep breath, attempting to ground himself, and began to observe his surroundings.


    Hundreds and thousands of buses unloaded students of various species, each adding to the tapestry of diversity at the academy.


    As these young, eager students gathered, they quickly struck up conversations with one another, excitedly getting to know their future classmates.


    Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!


    Notifications appeared on their wristwatches, informing them of their assigned dormitory room numbers.


    [Floor 1455: Room 156955]


    Nova first glanced at his wristwatch, reviewing his stats, before noting the room and floor number he had been allocated.


    Instructor Karlson then provided them with some instructions and the curfew time, granting them the freedom to either head to their rooms or explore the city''s facilities.


    After all, the entire planet was dedicated to the academy''s needs, with cities primarily existing for academic purposes.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Eager to explore and make the most of their time before official classes began on June 1, 4990, the students dispersed, their excitement palpable as they ventured into the vast and extraordinary world of Ace Academy.


    Nova quickly entered one of the cylindrical glass-like structures in the corner, inputting the floor number, and in just five seconds, the teleporter activated.


    They arrived at their designated floor within another five seconds. Walking towards his assigned room, Nova spotted two other kids already there.


    One had sharp features with black hair and slightly brown eyes ¨C Quinn Mitchell. The other was a 10-year-old boy with white hair, deep blue eyes, and a few deep azure scales on his face ¨C Reynold Azure.


    "A Dragonese," Nova stated, identifying Reynold''s heritage.


    "Yep, from the pureblooded Lightning Dragon tribe. You can call me Reynold Azure," Reynold replied.


    "I''m Nova White," Nova introduced himself with a smile.


    Reynold seemed surprised that his dragon heritage had been recognized. "How did you know I''m a dragon?" he asked.


    "Because of the scales on your face," Nova casually pointed out, leading Reynold to touch his face in response, causing the scales to retract, making him look like any other ordinary child.


    Reynold sighed, "I must be too excited. After all, I''m leaving my planet for the very first time."


    He then turned to Quinn, urging him to share his information. Quinn simply replied with an indifferent expression, "Quinn."


    Reynold playfully teased him, "Loosen up. No need to be so tense." Then, he shifted his focus to the room''s door, suggesting they move inside to discuss further.


    Unlocking the door, they entered the room. Inside, three beds were spread evenly, each accompanied by a table, chair, and cupboard. Various cool devices adorned the room, while the overall design remained simple.


    Nova chose the left-side bed, Reynold took the one on the right, and Quinn settled for the middle one. Unpacking their belongings, they contemplated their next move.


    "So, what should we do? Explore this building or the city?" Reynolds excitedly exclaimed, clearly an energetic person.


    "I prefer a peaceful environment," Quinn replied, taken aback by Reynold''s enthusiasm. "Rude."


    He then turned his attention to Nova, saying, "At least you are not as serious as him. Let''s go visit the city, how about it?"


    "Alright!" Nova readily agreed. Having grown up in a grade one city, he was eager to explore this new and fascinating place.


    They quickly walked out of the dormitory, and once outside the building, Reynold pressed an icon on his wristwatch, summoning a holographic map.


    The city boasted 64 main streets, all grandly named, and the streets were bustling with activity. Robots could be seen cleaning the streets or serving as personal assistants to the city''s residents.


    "That store seems interesting," Nova remarked, catching sight of a store they passed by. They entered the store, and to their amazement, it turned out to be a weapon store!


    An impressive array of weapons adorned the walls and holographic displays. Battle suits, guns, mechs, and martial weapons were on full display, each one more captivating than the last.


    Nova''s heart raced as he looked at the martial weapons, but he managed to keep his excitement in check.


    Taking a deep breath, he casually glanced at the prices of these weapons, only to feel his soul leaving his body.


    The lowest-priced martial weapon, a dagger, cost 1000 dollars. Meanwhile, the lowest-priced gun, an energy pistol, was priced at 10,000 dollars.


    Moving up the scale, the lowest-priced battle suit was listed at 30,000 dollars, while the lowest-priced battle mech reached a staggering 540,000 dollars.


    "You students can''t buy these weapons. You both aren''t in the third year or higher," said the robot, leading both Reynold and Nova to nod their heads before leaving the store.


    "Where should we head next?" Nova questioned. "The game section," Reynold suggested. Nova agreed, as he was extremely curious about the game section in this city. Would it be more fun than the ten-dollar game section in the Grey City?


    Walking down the second street of the grand city, they finally reached their destination. As they entered the building, Nova''s excitement quickly turned to dismay.


    He observed a holographic game where a boy was shooting holographic zombies with sheer excitement. However, when Nova looked at the price of the game, his eyes widened. It cost 50 dollars! It felt like a robbery!


    His eyes then fell on a virtual pod, which offered an incredibly immersive virtual environment. It was priced at 450 dollars! Nova couldn''t believe the steep costs. When he looked over at Reynold to gauge his reaction, Reynold seemed extremely calm.


    "Should we go away?" Nova asked. "Why?" Reynold replied.


    "I only have a hundred dollars," Nova honestly confessed.


    "Didn''t your family give you money?"


    "No."


    "You want some from me?"


    "No thanks, you enjoy."


    "But..."


    "Don''t worry. I will come to play when I have enough money."


    "Alright..."


    Nova then walked away from the store, deciding to head towards the library to gain some more knowledge.


    Entering the library on the third street, Nova encountered a sign instructing visitors to maintain silence. He observed long tables with chairs, each equipped with a holographic tablet in place of physical books.


    Sitting down on one of the chairs, Nova pressed a button on the holographic tablet and began searching for history books.


    A colorful holographic book appeared before him, allowing him to interact with it just like a physical book. The advancement of mankind was evident in this incredible technology.


    The book he chose was titled "History of the Previous Eras - Volume 1 (2000 - 2700)" and was written by the renowned author, William Oslov.


    Nova had read many history books, but he was particularly intrigued by William Oslov''s works. However, they were always expensive.


    This one, being an early work with fewer pages, still cost him 900 dollars! If it were one of Oslov''s later and more extensive works, the price would undoubtedly exceed 10,000 dollars. However, since he was reading it in the library and not buying it, only the entrance fee which was ten dollars was required to pay.


    Year 2000 to 2020.


    "The time duration between this period was considered to be the most peaceful.


    During this period, humans lived on a planet called Earth. This era was considered one of the most peaceful in history.


    However, many secretive organizations were working behind the scenes."


    "Sigh, the more peaceful something seems to be, the more chaotic it tends to be," - William Oslov


    As Nova continued to read, he found himself engrossed in the turbulent history of the years that followed.


    "The years slowly passed by, new inventions occurring and developing the world, but also slowly pushing it towards destruction. It was like a double-edged sword," the book narrated, painting a vivid picture of the complexities of progress.


    "The year 2020: One of the most secretive organizations that were pulling the threads behind the scenes finally revealed themselves, causing the world to go through greater changes."


    Nova flipped to the next page, now reading about the years from 2021 to 2059.


    "The year 2021: It was said that martial arts and its special effects were finally developed in the year 3079; however, many historians devoted their lives to studying history believe that secret organizations had developed it halfway. After all, some top martial artists were rumored to be as old as 3,000 years.


    During the year 2021, many apparent changes occurred. Legends were born during that age who would change the course of the world. One such legend was Aron Oslov, who would later start the next revolution.


    Walter Roy successfully created many biotechs, while Ron Lokster invented medical potions that could enhance the body''s features and slightly increase lifespan.


    Although Ron Lokster''s inventions may not seem that impressive, they laid the foundation for martial potions and many other categories of potions. There are many more such legends."


    "The year 2030: The third world war began, and this was the year when battle suits were officially developed. Although crude at the time, they laid the groundwork for future battle suits and mechs. However, the war also resulted in the destruction of much of the land mass."


    "The year 2050: This was the year when the AI revolution occurred."


    "The year 2059: Unfortunately, this was the year humankind had to leave its origin. They left the Earth. Thankfully, some space bases had been built."


    As Nova absorbed the historical events, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions.

 Chapter -3- Ace Academy [2]: Grand City {2}

    Nova had already read three-quarters of the book, and currently, he was in the years 2501 to 2650.


    "The year 2501: Mankind has finally come into contact with an alien species! This was another revolutionary point for humanity!


    These species were called Shuras! They looked exactly like humans, except for the fact that they possessed horns on their heads. A male Shura had two horns, while a female had one.


    They possessed tremendous strength and could perform feats that were beyond human capabilities. To a normal human, their abilities seemed almost magical.


    "These Shuras could control the energy of the world! The elements! Fire, water, earth, lightning, and many more complex elements! On top of that, they had extraordinary strength!"


    "The Shuras were extremely arrogant, considering themselves part of a group called the major species and deeming other species as minor ones," Nova continued. "Slowly, humankind started to learn about these topics."


    "The universe also had 22 higher species, 100,000 major species, 100,000,000 minor species, while the rest were considered and called the ''weaker ones''," Nova explained.


    "Hehe, when the Shuras came to know that humans are now part of the higher species, then they must have cried until no tears came out," - Comment by William Oslov


    "The year 2507: Humans discovered more alien species, and within the span of two years, they started to develop themselves even further with the help of alien resources. In 2507, they successfully established themselves as a minor species," Nova shared with excitement.


    As Nova continued reading further, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride and wonder at the remarkable progress of humanity over the years.


    Nova continued reading further on his own, coming to the final year in the history book.


    "The year 2700: Humankind has finally established itself as a major species. This is extremely shocking to other races! How could a species that wasn''t even categorized as a minor species establish themselves as a major one within the span of 200 years?" Nova read with a sense of awe.


    "This was the year in which humankind became part of an alliance between seven races. And this was the year a cold war between races started.


    This cold war was going to serve as a foundation for the future galactic war," Nova murmured, his voice filled with intrigue.


    As he read about the momentous events that had shaped the course of human history, Nova couldn''t help but feel a mix of emotions.


    The progress of humanity from being a minor species to a major one, along with the complexities of intergalactic relations, filled him with wonder and excitement.


    Nova finally completed reading volume one. He wanted to read the next volume, but he checked the time and realized it was already 8:00 in the evening. With the curfew at 10:00, he knew he needed to have dinner before it was too late.


    Reluctantly closing the holographic book, Nova felt a sense of eagerness to continue reading but understood the importance of following the academy''s rules and maintaining a proper schedule.


    "You think you can bump into me like that and just say sorry? That''s it?!" Suddenly, Nova froze in his tracks. He was on his way to the cafeteria, looking forward to a meal.


    At the academy, students were entitled to free meals up to 50 dollars each day to ensure they didn''t go hungry. However, an unexpected confrontation halted him in his steps.


    A harsh voice pierced the air, causing Nova''s body to tense up. Turning his head slightly, he saw a group of boys, all seemingly around ten years old. One of them was pinning another boy with brown hair and brown eyes against the wall, while the others stood around them menacingly.


    ''Bully''¡ªthis one word echoed in Nova''s mind. He had encountered bullies in his previous school, but his intelligence and wit had allowed him to avoid their torment for the most part.


    Despite the year being 4990, a time of advanced technology and progress, bullying still persisted. In this fiercely competitive world, the authorities wouldn''t interfere unless the bullying reached extreme levels or resulted in severe consequences.


    Nova grappled with conflicting emotions. He wanted to help the victim but knew that intervening directly could make him a target too. Fear gnawed at him, as he weighed the risks and consequences of getting involved.


    In a quick decision, Nova activated the recording function on his wristwatch, discreetly capturing the scene as evidence. It was the best he could do for now without drawing too much attention.


    His heart pounding, Nova searched for someone with more authority. Spotting a senior student who had interacted with academy staff before, Nova approached him quietly and showed him the recorded footage on his wristwatch.


    The senior student''s expression changed as he watched the video, understanding the gravity of the situation. Nova whispered, "Bullying is happening near the cafeteria. I don''t want to intervene directly, but I thought you should know."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The senior nodded, recognizing Nova''s concern. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I''ll handle it discreetly."


    Feeling a mix of relief and worry, Nova returned to the cafeteria line, trying to focus on getting his meal. Though he couldn''t directly intervene, he hoped that his actions would help bring justice to the victim and put an end to the bullying.


    After finishing his dinner, Nova stood up, ready to head back to his dorm. The curfew time was 11:00, and it was currently 09:30, giving him plenty of time to get settled for the night.


    However, just as he was walking toward his dorm, he was stopped by the senior student he had informed about the bullying incident earlier.


    "What''s the matter?" questioned Nova, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice. The senior, who appeared to be around 15 years old, smiled, but there was something off about it that sent shivers down Nova''s spine. "Don''t worry," the senior replied, his voice sounding strangely calm.


    Nova''s heart started racing as he sensed danger lurking in the air. Instinctively, he took a step back, intending to sprint away, but before he could react, the senior grabbed his wrist firmly, preventing him from escaping.


    Nova''s heart pounded in his chest, fear gripping him as he tried to pull away, but the senior''s grip was surprisingly strong.


    Without saying a word, the senior dragged Nova towards a secluded corner, his hand covering Nova''s mouth to stifle any sound.


    In that split second, Nova''s eyes darted around the corner and landed on a chilling scene. There, a ten-year-old boy with striking green hair and eyes sat arrogantly in a chair.


    He was surrounded by three intimidating seniors who looked to be around fifteen to sixteen years old, their imposing figures creating a chilling atmosphere.


    The sight that truly sent a jolt of shock through Nova was the figure lying on the cold ground. It was another boy, around the same age as Nova, with ashy black hair and deep black eyes.


    The boy was alarmingly pale, his body covered in painful bruises and his clothing stained with his own blood. Blood leaked from the corner of his lips, a clear sign of the harsh treatment he had been subjected to.


    The boy''s body trembled slightly, each shaky breath he took a painful reminder of the abuse he had endured. His eyes, however, burned with a fierce determination, a silent promise of defiance in the face of such adversity.


    The green-haired boy seemed to take perverse pleasure in the black-haired boy''s pain. He kicked at the wounded boy, his cruel laughter echoing through the corner, each laugh a chilling testament to his complete disregard for the boy''s suffering.


    ''Shit!'' Nova cursed inwardly, his mind racing.


    The green-haired boy shifted his attention to Nova, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "So you''re that punk who dared to snitch on me," he sneered. "Not that it would have amounted to anything, but I do admire your courage... especially when it comes from such a weakling."


    Bam!


    A deafening sound resonated through the space, and Nova felt a brutal punch land on his stomach. He staggered back from the impact, the taste of blood flooding his mouth. His vision blurred momentarily, the pain causing him to lose focus.


    With a hand clutching his stomach, he steadied himself, refusing to buckle under the agonizing pain. Nova had been blindsided, caught off guard by the sudden assault.


    In a sudden, cruel twist, the senior standing beside him delivered a vicious kick to his abdomen. Nova bit back a cry of pain, crumpling to his knees.


    His frail body was ill-equipped to handle such a forceful blow, resulting in severe damage and, likely, internal injuries.


    As he struggled to get back on his feet, a vice-like grip clamped around his neck. Without a moment''s hesitation, the senior hurled him two meters away like a rag doll. Nova collided with the ground harshly, every nerve in his body screaming in agony.


    Nova''s eyes were bloodshot as he bit back a scream, the taste of copper filling his mouth. In an instinctual move to survive, he attempted to roll away, to put some distance between him and his tormentors.


    But before he could get far, a boot slammed into his chest, the impact resounding like a clap of thunder in his ears. The force of it sent shockwaves of pain through his body, eliciting an agonized cry from his lips.


    "Aaaaaaaaa!"


    Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, blurring his vision. Blood dribbled down his chin, staining the floor beneath him a stark red.


    "Mom," he weakly whispered, the image of his mother, Isabell, emerging like a beacon of warmth in the darkness.


    The desire to see her again, to be enveloped in her comforting embrace, fueled his determination to endure the pain.


    His lips pressed together in a thin line, his fingers dug into his palms as he attempted to get up again. His body trembled, but he gritted his teeth, stubbornly refusing to remain on the ground. His efforts, however, were in vain as his knees buckled, sending him crashing back down.


    "Hehe, I was getting bored with Samuel. Thankfully, another clown appeared to entertain me," the green-haired boy, Ryan Hall, sneered as he sauntered over to Nova. He squatted beside the fallen boy, his cold eyes glinting with malicious amusement.


    Without any warning, he shoved a pill into Nova''s mouth. The healing pill was bitter but quickly melted away, sending a soothing wave through his body.


    Though it wouldn''t heal his injuries instantly, Nova could tell it was a powerful restorative that would help him recover faster.


    "Tomorrow, 3:00 PM, at the restaurant. If not, then..." Ryan''s threat hung in the air, the words unsaid yet loud in their implication. He stood up, dusting off his trousers, his gaze never leaving Nova''s face.


    "My name''s Ryan Hall," he introduced himself with a cruel grin, etching his name into Nova''s memory.


    With that, he and his cohorts left Nova lying on the ground, their laughter echoing off the walls, a chilling reminder of their encounter.


    Nova remained sprawled on the cold floor, his body immobile as if frozen in place. The pain coursing through him was intense, the chill of the floor seeping into his bruised body. For more than ten agonizing minutes, he laid there, each second stretching into an eternity.


    Suddenly, a timid voice broke the oppressive silence. "I... I am so-rry. It''s all my fault." The words stuttered out in a rush, thick with guilt and regret.


    Slowly, painfully, Nova turned his head towards the source of the voice, his gaze landing on the ashy-haired ten-year-old boy from earlier.


    "It''s not your fault," Nova reassured him with a pained smile. The smile, however, quickly twisted into a grimace as a spasm of pain wracked his body.


    He had witnessed plenty of bullying in his previous school, but nothing like this. The severity of the situation scared him, but he tried to keep his fear from showing on his face.


    His mind spun with questions and worries. ''What should I do?'' He asked himself. He knew he couldn''t afford to panic. He needed a plan, a strategy to protect himself and others from this bullying.


    In the midst of his turmoil, the ashy-haired boy, Samuel, hesitantly reached out, offering Nova a helping hand to stand up. "I... am sorry. Please forgive me," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Nova slowly pushed himself up, grimacing as pain flared up in his battered body. "Don''t mention it. I''m Nova," he introduced himself, putting on a brave face despite the pain coursing through him.


    The boy nodded in acknowledgment, a glimmer of relief visible in his eyes.


    "Samuel,"