Guinea Pig

As Ethan listened to Dr. Ava's explanation, he couldn't help but dig deeper into the implications of alternative physics in this new world. He thought about Maxwell's laws, and the fact that light, in his world, did not need a medium to propagate.

"But what if..." Ethan started, eyes alight with curiosity, "we reversed that concept? If light were to require a medium to propagate, it would imply that light from outer space would not be able to reach the Earth's surface."

Dr. Ava regarded him with a thoughtful look, nodding slightly as she considered his theory. "That's an interesting perspective, Ethan. Yes, theoretically, that could be possible. It would essentially result in a form of camouflage. By eliminating the light that strikes the object, it could, in effect, become invisible."

Ethan looked at her, exhilaration sparking in his eyes. His scientific mind was whirring, lost in the realm of possibility and potential. But Dr. Ava's next words brought him back to the ground.

"However, there's one thing you need to consider," she said, her voice calm yet firm. "It's one thing to propose a theory, it's another to put it into practice. To create a new law of physics, one that alters the fundamental behavior of light throughout our entire body... well, it would require an astronomical amount of energy. And right now, I don't think we have the means to generate or control such energy safely."

Ethan nodded, understanding the weight of her words. His excitement was tempered with reality, but the spark of curiosity and desire to explore more of this world's scientific marvels remained. "We may not have the means now," he said, a determined gleam in his eye, "but who knows what the future holds?"

Looking at Ethan, Dr. Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of pity. Despite his intelligence and obvious potential for groundbreaking research, he was in a world where survival demanded the practice of martial arts.

"Why not focus your attention on research, Ethan?" she asked him. "With your intellect, you could contribute so much to the scientific advancements in our world."

Ethan's response was simple, yet profound. "I need martial arts to survive. I can't do research if I'm not alive."

Dr. Ava was silent for a moment, processing his words. Then, she opened a drawer and pulled out a small box. Inside the box was a vial containing a translucent, glowing liquid. She held it up to the light, her expression serious.

"This," she started, "is a physical strength enhancer. It's an experimental formula we've developed based on Alternative Physics. It's not perfected yet, but it should enhance your physical capabilities and speed up your martial arts training."

Ethan stared at the vial, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty in his eyes. Could this be the key to his survival in this world? Only time would tell.

***

Back in his room, Ethan felt his muscles tense as the strength enhancer coursed through his veins. Beads of sweat trickled down his face, an intense heat permeating his entire body. His heart pounded loudly in his chest as he gripped the edge of his bed, trying to ride out the overwhelming sensation.

"E-System," he gasped out, "how... how much has my strength increased?"

The robotic voice of the system echoed in his mind, sounding as calm and emotionless as ever. "Analysis complete. Your physical strength has doubled compared to the previous level."

"Doubled?" Ethan repeated, his eyes widening in astonishment. He had expected an increase, yes, but to have his strength doubled was far beyond his expectations.

As the intense feeling started to fade, Ethan sank down onto the bed, his mind whirling with thoughts. He was stronger, yes, but why had Dr. Ava helped him? He was an outsider in this world, a foreigner with no backing or support. It was a mystery that made him uneasy.

"Whatever her reasons," he murmured to himself, "I should be prepared. This world... it's far more dangerous than I ever anticipated."

And so, armed with his newly enhanced strength, Ethan vowed to face whatever challenges this world would throw his way.

A knock sounded on Ethan's door, jolting him from his thoughts. A student stood outside his room, an impatient look on his face.

"The principal wants to see you," the student said curtly, before turning on his heel and leaving.

With a sense of unease, Ethan made his way to the principal's office. He was met with an unexpected sight: a man, shrouded in mystery, his face hidden behind a child's mask, was sitting across from the principal.

The principal looked at Ethan, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Ethan, I have a... proposition for you," he began. "There's someone in need of a... guinea pig. And you fit the bill perfectly."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine at his words. Was this some sort of punishment for standing up to the principal? Or was this masked man some influential figure who could make or break his life in this world?

The principal continued, completely ignoring Ethan's silence. "You'll be paid handsomely, of course," he added, as if that would make the offer more enticing.

Ethan looked at the masked man, his mind racing. Who was this man? Why was he here? And more importantly, what did he want with Ethan? There was something about this entire situation that made Ethan wary, and he knew he needed to tread carefully.

Ethan squared his shoulders and met the principal's gaze. "I refuse," he said, his voice steady. "Human experimentation is forbidden. I won't be a part of it."

A moment of silence passed, and then the masked man's laughter filled the room. It was a cold, derisive sound that sent a shiver down Ethan's spine. The man stood abruptly, stomping his foot, and an invisible force instantly pinned Ethan in place. His body refused to obey his commands, and he felt as if a thousand pounds were pressing him into the ground.

An alert flashed in front of Ethan's eyes, the nano-system alerting him to the strange energy coursing through his body. He had been forcefully restrained, his muscles locking up under the pressure of the unusual energy.

The masked man sneered at Ethan. "You're far too chatty, boy," he growled.

The principal's reaction was immediate. He shot out of his chair and delivered a hard slap across Ethan's face, the stinging pain momentarily overriding the pressure holding him down. "I apologize for his impertinence," the principal said quickly, turning to the masked man with a bow.

Then, to Ethan, he spat, "Bow and apologize, you ungrateful brat. Or else you'll regret it." His words echoed ominously in the quiet room.

Ethan swallowed his pride and mumbled an apology. He could feel the principal's triumphant smirk bore into him. The masked man, however, seemed to find the whole situation amusing.

"Interesting," the man said, his voice distorted behind the child-like mask. "I see something in you, boy." With a wave of his hand, Ethan felt the invisible force manipulating his body, binding his hands and legs together.

The principal's grin widened at the sight. He had won this round, it seemed. But Ethan glared at him, promising silent revenge. He was led away by the masked man, unable to resist due to the energy restraining him.

Ethan had no idea where he was being taken. All he could do was to hold on to his determination, vowing to escape this predicament and find out who was behind it all. He would not be a pawn in their game. His mind began working on a plan, even as he was dragged further away from the familiar grounds of the academy.