Back From Gym

As we neared Dove's house, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I was grateful for the guidance and support of my newfound family, for the opportunity to explore my abilities and embrace my true potential.

We pulled up to her sleek, modern house, nestled amongst lush greenery. "Thanks for the ride, and thanks for agreeing to train with us, Xian. We're lucky to have you," Dove said, dismounting the bike.

"Thanks for having me, I'm looking forward to learning more about our family's legacy and using my powers for good."

"Don't worry, and hey, you still haven't unsealed your eyes, right?" she reassured me, a gentle smile on her face.

"Yeah, I'm going to keep searching for a way to open them."

She nodded. "Don't rush it, just enjoy the process and trust that the answers will come when you're ready."

I nodded, her words filling me with a sense of calm. "See you tomorrow," I said, revving the engine.

"Don't forget to come to the gym!" she called out as I pulled away.

I waved goodbye, the thrill of the unknown coursing through me. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was ready for whatever challenges it might bring.

***

As I pulled into our driveway, the warm glow of the house beckoned me home. I parked the bike in the garage, turned off the engine, and headed inside, the key jingling in my hand.

"I'm home..." I announced, stepping into the living room.

My parents were still on the couch, my father's head resting in my mother's lap as she gently stroked his hair. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"Oh, you're back already?" my mother said, looking up at me with a warm smile.

"Where did you go?" my father asked, raising an eyebrow.

"To the gym," I replied, trying to keep my voice casual.

"The gym? That's sudden."

"Xian, there's some dinner left for you in the dining room," my mother offered.

I nodded. "Thanks, Mom. I'm just going to rest for a bit." I climbed the stairs, eager to escape the prying questions and process the whirlwind of events that had transpired.

I peeled off my sweaty clothes, my muscles protesting with every movement.

Damn... everything hurts...

I collapsed onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Still skinny as a twig... I must have a super-fast metabolism... or maybe I just don't eat enough. Probably both.

I thought, examining my arms and legs.

I stared at my hands, flexing my fingers experimentally.

That steroid Irune made... it wouldn't actually make me go crazy, would it?

I had no idea what steroids were, but the word itself conjured up images of hulking athletes and unstable personalities.

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and typed a simple question into the search bar: "What is steroid?"

The search results painted a complex and unsettling picture. Steroids, it seemed, were synthetic substances that mimicked the hormones naturally produced in the body. While they could indeed increase muscle mass and strength, they also carried a host of potential side effects, ranging from mood swings and aggression to liver damage and heart problems.

A wave of unease washed over me. I had blindly trusted Irune's assurances that her concoction was safe, but now doubt gnawed at me. What if the "supplements" she had given me were actually harmful steroids?

I scrolled through the search results, my heart pounding with anxiety. Articles detailing the dangers of steroid abuse, the stories of athletes whose lives had been ruined by their pursuit of physical perfection, filled my screen.

What have I gotten myself into? I wondered, a cold dread settling over me. In my eagerness to embrace my powers and become stronger, I had blindly trusted my newfound family without considering the potential consequences.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to talk to Dove, to get some answers. But first, I needed to rest. My body ached from the intense workout, and my mind was exhausted from the constant barrage of new information.

I set my phone aside, forcing myself to relax.

I'll just have to trust them, They said it has no side effects, so it must be okay.

With that thought, I drifted off to sleep, the worries of the day fading into the darkness.

***

Back at school, the morning buzzed with a different kind of energy. As I walked into my classroom, all eyes turned towards me. There was a mixture of worry and awe on their faces.

"Huh? A senior wants to see me after lunch?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah," Dinda explained, her voice laced with concern. "Earlier this morning, he came in here, kicked your desk, and yelled that you should meet him after lunch."

I looked at my desk. It wasn't overturned or anything.

"I fixed it for you," Marcel chimed in. "You're my buddy, after all. I'll go with you to face him."

I looked at him and shook my head. "Don't worry, I can handle it myself."

"Well, good luck with that," Marcel said, a hint of worry in his voice. "Just be careful, okay?"

I nodded, trying to mask my own apprehension.

"The senior who wants to see you is the same one you faced on the stairs yesterday, Xian," Rayhan chimed in, his voice low.

I raised an eyebrow. "Which one?"

"The fat one," Rayhan clarified.

I nodded slowly. "I see..." I yawned, suddenly feeling tired. "Just call an ambulance."

Everyone stared at me, their faces etched with confusion. "For what?" Marcel asked.

"For them," I replied with a cryptic smile.

My casual remark sent a shiver through the classroom. The students exchanged nervous glances, their laughter dying in their throats.

As they whispered amongst themselves, speculating about what might happen, I looked down at my hands.

Ouch... My hands still hurt from yesterday's workout, I thought, flexing my fingers gingerly.

< Chapter 032 > Fin.