Chapter 5: Skill Acquisition

Aoroi's eyes fluttered open to the shrill beeping of his alarm clock. He groaned and rolled over, slapping his hand on the clock to silence it. "It's morning already?" He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The first day of classes at the academy. Aoroi felt a nervous flutter in his stomach, but mostly excitement.

He stretched and got out of bed, quickly changing into his uniform - the crisp white shirt and navy pants, along with the academy's crest stitched on the breast pocket. He ran a comb through his messy hair and splashed some water on his face, trying to wake up.

Aoroi's stomach rumbled loudly. He hadn't had a decent meal since arriving at the academy yesterday. Breakfast was calling so he grabbed his backpack and headed out the door towards the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was a massive hall with rows of long tables that could seat students on both sides. It was already buzzing with activity when Aoroi arrived. Students chatted loudly with their friends, the clatter of dishes and utensils adding to the din.

Aoroi joined the queue of students waiting to get their breakfast. His stomach rumbled loudly in anticipation as the aromas of grilled fish, steaming rice and savory miso soup wafted through the air.

Just as he reached the front of the line, a tall third-year student with pale green skin, long, jet black hair and a mouth that looked like it was ready to puke at any time, strode into the cafeteria. The older student had intense, electric light-brown eyes that scanned the room authoritatively. He wore the academy's slim-fit uniform in a meticulous, crisp manner that conveyed his senior status.

The third-year student zeroed in on Aoroi, recognizing him as a first-year. He cut in front of Aoroi in line, forcefully pushing him aside. The other students remained silent, not daring to challenge him.

Aoroi swallowed his pride and said nothing, avoiding confrontation on his first day. But inside, his anger simmered at the arrogance displayed by the older student. He vowed not to forget this slight. For now, he would bide his time and eat. There would be a reckoning later.

Aoroi stepped back, biting his tongue to restrain himself from lashing out. The third-year student turned and gave him a smug, contemptuous look before facing forward again.

Aoroi's fists clenched at his sides. He imagined punching that arrogant sneer right off the older boy's face. But he knew he had to be smart on his first day. This wasn't the time or place to start trouble.

The third-year student piled his plate high with food. He then strode over to a table occupied by some first-year students. "Move," he commanded. The younger students quickly scrambled to pick up their plates and vacate the table.

The third-year sat down and immediately began shoveling food into his mouth, not bothering with manners. Aoroi watched him, disgust mingling with his anger now.

Finally it was Aoroi's turn at the front of the line. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his simmering emotions. One way or another, he and the third-year student would cross paths again. For now, he just wanted to enjoy his breakfast in peace.

Aoroi moved through the breakfast line, keeping his eyes down. He could feel the weight of stares on him after his encounter with the third-year student. Whispers followed him as he picked up his plate of food.

He found an empty spot at a table in the back corner of the cafeteria. As he walked over, he noticed the third-year student watching him with a sly grin. Aoroi met his gaze steadily before sitting down with his back to the bully.

He tried to focus on his food, but his anger made every bite taste like cardboard. The sounds of the rowdy cafeteria faded into background noise as Aoroi thought about how to get back at the smug third-year. A direct confrontation now would be unwise, but perhaps he could find a subtle way to retaliate, something that wouldn't be traced back to him.

For now though, Aoroi resigned himself to eating quickly and avoiding any more trouble this morning. He had a long first day of classes ahead and didn't need any more distractions. The third-year's comeuppance would have to wait. Patience and planning were key.

Aoroi's stomach let out another loud rumble as he eyed the spread of food before him. There were steaming bowls of white rice, the tops perfectly domed. Next to the rice were deep fried pork cutlets, the breading crispy and golden brown. The cutlets were topped with sweet caramelized onions and sunny side up eggs, the bright orange yolks beckoning.

There were also plates stacked with maki rolls - some with tuna, others with cucumber or avocado. Small balls of rice wrapped in nori known as onigiri were stuffed with salted salmon, sour plums or bonito flakes. Slices of watermelon, pineapple and honeydew melon completed the meal.

Aoroi piled his plate high, not wanting to miss out on anything. As he brought the first bite of juicy pork cutlet to his mouth, he sighed in satisfaction. The crispy coating gave way to the tender, flavorful meat inside.

His stomach rumbled again, this time in appreciation. Aoroi grinned and continued eating with gusto. The lively chatter of the cafeteria faded away as he focused on enjoying this delicious breakfast. After yesterday's long journey and nerves about starting at the academy, this was exactly what he needed to start the day off right.

Aoroi stood up with his empty plate and returned his tray and plate to the dish return area, his stomach still rumbling with hunger. Even after finishing the large breakfast he had taken, he was still not satisfied.

As he walked back towards the food line to get seconds, he noticed the third-year student watching him and snickering.

"Look at the punny pig going back for more slop," the third-year mocked loudly enough for others nearby to hear.

A few students turned to look at Aoroi, some with judgmental expressions. Aoroi felt his face flush, but he held his head high and continued gathering food onto his plate - an extra helping of rice, another pork cutlet, and a few more pieces of fruit.

When Aoroi sat back down, the third-year was still staring at him, an amused smile on his face. "Oink oink," he said just loud enough for Aoroi to hear.

Aoroi's grip on his chopsticks tightened as anger boiled up inside him. He was used to being judged for his appetite, but this outright bullying from the smug third-year was too much.

Unable to hold back any longer, Aoroi turned and looked directly at the third-year student. Maintaining eye contact, he slowly raised his middle finger in an unmistakable insulting gesture.

The third-year's eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in rage. He started to stand up from his table, but Aoroi had already turned his back and continued eating, ignoring the bully. Let him stew in his anger, Aoroi thought. Your days are still numbered.

The third-year student stormed over to Aoroi's table, grabbing him by the shoulder and yanking him around.

"You've got some nerve disrespecting me like that, first year," the third-year growled through clenched teeth.

Aoroi jerked his shoulder out of the bully's grip and stood up to face him directly. Though the third-year was taller, Aoroi refused to be intimidated.

"Maybe if you didn't act like such an arrogant jerk, I wouldn't have needed to put you in your place," Aoroi shot back.

The third-year's face turned red with rage. "Why you little..." He drew back his fist and punched Aoroi hard across the jaw.

Aoroi's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow. He staggered back a step, but quickly regained his footing. His jaw throbbed with pain, but he managed to stay upright.

"Is that the best you've got?" Aoroi spat, glaring defiantly at the bully.

With a roar of anger, the third-year unleashed a barrage of powerful punches on Aoroi. He hammered Aoroi's face and body relentlessly, not holding anything back. Aoroi tried to defend himself, but the blows came too fast. All he could do was take the beating as punishing hits landed on his head, chest, and stomach.

Aoroi fell to his knees, groaning in pain. The third-year seized him by the shirt collar and yanked him up, drawing back his fist to deliver another devastating punch.

Aoroi braced himself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, he heard a strange voice echoing in his mind.

"Unique skill synthesis detected. Adding Divine Eye, Godspeed, and Divine Regeneration to host's abilities."

Aoroi's eyes widened in shock. What was happening? Before he could process it further, the third-year's fist slammed into his face. This time, the pain was exponentially worse. It was as if liquid fire coursed through Aoroi's veins. He screamed in sheer agony, his legs giving out beneath him.

The third-year let Aoroi's limp body crumple to the floor. Towering over him, the bully laughed cruelly. "Not so tough now, are you?" He delivered a sharp kick to Aoroi's ribs, eliciting another cry of pain.

Aoroi's vision started to blur, darkness creeping in at the edges. The voice spoke again, more urgently this time.

"Synthesis process accelerating. Host will lose consciousness imminent upon completion."

Aoroi struggled to remain awake, but it was no use. As the voice faded, so did his awareness. His battered body went still, succumbing to the sweet release of oblivion. The last thing he heard was the third-year's scornful laughter ringing in his ears. Then Aoroi knew no more as he sank into unconsciousness.

Aoroi's eyes fluttered open. How long had he been out? Seconds? Minutes? He wasn't sure. But something felt different. His mind was clearer, his senses sharper.

The third-year stood over him, arm pulled back and ready to strike again. But to Aoroi, his opponent's movements now looked slow, as if trapped in molasses.

Aoroi easily dodged the incoming blow, rolling out of the way with surprising speed and agility. The third-year gaped at him in shock.

"What the...how did you..." He stammered, confusion etched on his brutish features.

Aoroi gazed down at his hands in awe. The voice had gifted him new abilities! With his enhanced reflexes and perception, he could anticipate the third-year's attacks. For the first time since the beating started, Aoroi felt a glimmer of hope.

The bully shook off his surprise and charged again. But no matter how hard or fast he swung, none of his punches could touch Aoroi now. Aoroi ducked and wove smoothly, almost effortlessly.

The third-year grew increasingly enraged with each missed strike. His face reddened as his earlier smugness gave way to embarrassment and impotent fury at being bested by a first-year.

Aoroi remained focused, determined to use his new skills to finally put an end to this abuse. When the third-year reared back for another blow, Aoroi saw his chance. In a burst of Godspeed, he darted forward and delivered a devastating counterpunch straight to his tormentor's jaw.

The third-year toppled over backwards from the force of the impact, crashing violently to the floor. He looked up at Aoroi with an expression mingling disbelief, pain, and fear.

Aoroi stood over him triumphantly, fists still clenched. The bully had gravely underestimated him, but not anymore. Aoroi had tapped into something deep within, and with these new gifts, a profound transformation had begun.

The cafeteria fell silent, all eyes turning to Aoroi standing over his defeated foe. A palpable energy radiated from him, a commanding presence that hadn't been there moments before.

Aoroi looked down at his trembling hands, flexing his fingers slowly. He could feel the new power coursing through him. It was exhilarating, but also concerning. Where had it come from? What did it mean?

He glanced up and noticed Ryoichi watching him intently from across the hall, brow furrowed in thought. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Ryoichi turned and strode briskly away.

Aoroi's mind raced, trying to make sense of everything that just happened. The bullying, the voice in his head, his sudden increase in strength and speed. It was a lot to process.

But he couldn't afford to lose focus now. The third-year was already staggering back to his feet, wiping a trickle of blood from his busted lip. Aoroi steadied himself, ready to finish this fight once and for all.

Aoroi took a step towards the third-year student, intent on ending this confrontation. But before he could act, a sharp pain lanced through his head, causing him to stagger.

"Synthesis complete," an unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind.

The pain intensified, radiating throughout his entire body. Aoroi cried out, clutching his head in agony. It felt like molten metal was flowing through his veins.

He collapsed to his hands and knees, barely conscious. The voice kept repeating "Synthesis complete" as the pain overwhelmed his senses.

Through blurry vision, Aoroi could see the third-year student regaining his composure. The bully looked down at Aoroi's helpless form and sneered. The fear that had gripped him just moments before was gone.

"Not so tough now, are you freshman?" the third-year taunted. He delivered a sharp kick to Aoroi's midsection, eliciting a pained groan.

Aoroi's mysterious power boost had vanished just as quickly as it came. Now he was at the mercy of this ruthless upperclassman.

The third-year grabbed Aoroi by the collar and lifted him up. "I'm going to make you pay for that little stunt," he growled menacingly.

Aoroi could only wince in anticipation of the beating to come. Whatever had awakened within in him was now gone. And with it, any hope of defending himself from this bully's wrath.

The third-year student dragged Aoroi's limp body across the cafeteria floor, the surrounding students parting to give him space. With a grunt, the upperclassman flung Aoroi against the far wall.

"Now stay there while I finish my breakfast. Then we'll continue our...conversation," the third-year said with a wicked grin.

Aoroi slumped against the wall, his head swimming. The pain from the complete synthesis was fading, but he still felt weak and disoriented. He watched helplessly as the bully sat down and began eating again, laughing and chatting with his friends as if nothing had happened.

After finishing his meal, the third-year rose and cracked his knuckles. "Time for round two."

He strode purposefully toward Aoroi, who struggled to rise but immediately collapsed again. This elicited raucous laughter from the bully and his gang.

"I'm going to enjoy this," the third-year said as he stood over Aoroi's crumbled form. He then crouched down and grabbed Aoroi by the throat, hauling him up the wall.

Aoroi gasped and clawed ineffectually at the third-year's grip. The upperclassman walked back a couple of meters and without warning turned back and started running towards Aoroi and jumped a couple of meters up.

Aoroi tried to move, but his limbs felt like lead. This is it, he thought as his vision darkened. The last thing he saw was the third-year's fist descending toward his face. Then blackness swallowed him.

Aoroi drifted in and out of consciousness. He was only vaguely aware of his surroundings - the hard floor beneath him, the smells of food and sweat, the chatter of students. 

He managed to force his eyes open just in time to see the third-year student leaping into the air, hands clenched into fists. The bully's face was contorted in rage.

"Time to finish you off for good!" he yelled.

"Emoji Art - Acidic vomit spew," he chanted and an acid vomit spewed from his mouth, straight toward Aoroi's helpless form like a cannon.

"This is it," Aoroi thought again. He braced for the painful impact.

Suddenly a figure darted in front of him - a girl, holding part of a cafeteria table like a shield. She planted her feet and held the table fragment up just as the acidic vomit splashed against it. The wood sizzled and smoked, but it protected them.

"Pick on someone your own size!" the girl shouted at the bully.

Aoroi's foggy mind registered her school uniform - she was a first-year like him. Her short blonde hair whipped around as she turned to look down at him with concerned blue eyes.

"Just hang in there," she told Aoroi. "I'll handle this creep."

Before Aoroi could respond, she charged at the stunned third-year student, table fragment still in hand. Aoroi slipped back into darkness, trusting his fellow first-year to fight in his place. He had never felt so grateful.

The girl's fierce charge took the bully by surprise. He stumbled backward, spewing more vomit blindly in her direction. But she was too quick - with a dancer's grace, she dodged each acidic blast. 

"H-how?" the bully stammered, shocked by her skill.

The girl didn't answer. Her bright blue eyes were hard with determination. She darted forward and slammed the edge of the table fragment into the bully's gut. As he doubled over wheezing, she swept his feet out from under him with a low kick.

He hit the floor hard. The girl stood over him, pointing the jagged table edge at his throat.

 She deftly sidestepped his wild punch and countered with a sharp jab to his face. He reeled, blood trickling from his nose.

"You'll pay for that!" he roared. Drawing on his ability, he spewed a jet of acidic bile at Mirai. She barely dodged the sizzling stream.

As the bully paused to catch his breath, Mirai seized the opening. With blinding speed, she unleashed a furious barrage of punches and kicks. The third-year tried to mount a defense, but within seconds she had him on the ropes.

With a final powerful roundhouse kick, Mirai sent the bully crashing to the floor, out cold. The cafeteria erupted into cheers for the gutsy first-year who had taken down the infamous third-year.

Mirai hurried over to Aoroi, who was still slumped against the wall. "Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

Aoroi managed a weak smile. "Thanks to you."

Mirai helped Aoroi to his feet, letting him lean on her for support. The cheering students surrounded them, patting them on the back and expressing awe at their feat.

"That was incredible!" said one. "I can't believe you beat him!"

"We've never seen anyone stand up to that bully before," added another.

Aoroi winced, his injuries still paining him. But he managed a grateful nod at the praise.

"It was nothing," said Mirai modestly. "I just did what anyone would do."

"Are you kidding? No one's had the guts to challenge him until now," a student insisted. "You two are heroes!"

Mirai glanced over at the unconscious bully, who was being dragged away by his stunned friends. She shook her head in disapproval.

"There's no need for more violence here," she said firmly. "Hopefully he's learned his lesson."

The students murmured agreement and began dispersing back to their tables. Mirai helped Aoroi limp over to sit down, concern still evident on her face.

"I should take you to the infirmary," she said. "Who knows how badly you're hurt."

Aoroi gave her a reassuring look. "I'll be alright. Just...thank you again. I owe you."

Mirai smiled. "Anytime."

Word of the cafeteria showdown spread through the academy like wildfire. By the end of first period, everyone had heard about how two first-year students had defeated the notorious third-year bully.

Aoroi found himself the center of attention as he walked through the halls. Students he didn't even know came up to congratulate and praise him.

"That was awesome how you stood up to him!" said one. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" another added.

Aoroi rubbed his neck, still sore from the beating. "Just got lucky I guess."

In truth, he was as shocked as anyone by the strange power he had summoned in that moment. But he wasn't about to share that with these strangers.

Their lives at the academy had just gotten a lot more complicated.