Chapter 4: Challenges and Rivals

Nobody missed Kai's metamorphosis. Whispers about his sudden genius spread like wildfire within weeks of his learning to play the piano and wowing everyone with his newly acquired culinary talents. Once mocking him, his classmates now regarded him with a mixture of distrust and wonder. However, not everyone was won over, particularly not Evan Blackwood.

Evan had always been the golden kid of the school. He was a born athlete and academic prodigy who dominated all competitions, whether they took place in the classroom or on the sports field. He was charming, self-assured, and unused to defeat. Thus, as Kai started to surpass him, Evan's spirit of competition was piqued, and a quiet rivalry was established.

The initial altercation transpired amid the school's yearly athletic celebration. Evan, the current 100-meter champion, grinned as he stood at the starting line. Kai was queuing up next to him and had a determined look on his face.

"I had no idea you were into running, Smith," Evan stated in a mocking tone.

Swearing under his breath, Kai shot a quick look at him. "I'm just trying something new."

Evan grinned and said, "Well, try not to trip over your own feet," sure of his approaching success.

They both ran off as soon as the whistle blew. Evan gained an early advantage, his strong strides consuming the distance to the cheers of the audience. But as they got closer to the midway point, an amazing event occurred. Kai, who had gotten off to a good start, started to get closer. His motions were smooth, and he was moving faster as though the track itself was pushing him on with each stride.

Evan looked to his side and saw Kai closing the gap on him, which made him lose confidence. When the finish line was drawing near, Kai gave it one more push and crossed the line just seconds ahead of Evan.

The crowd cheered, shocked by the upset. Panting, Kai stood there, a wave of shock and excitement passing through him. He had defeated an opponent who appeared unstoppable for the first time in his life.

But Evan was everything but delighted. His expression was one of annoyance as he strode over to Kai. He said, "You got lucky, Smith," with a hint of resentment in his voice. "Don't think this changes anything."

Kai got to know Evan's serene stare. His simple response was, "I don't believe in luck." "I just did my best."

After then, their rivalry just grew more intense. Evan always tried to beat Kai, whether it was in sports, academics, or any other kind of competition, while Kai kept getting better thanks to the system. However, Kai was more motivated by a deeper urge to convince himself that he was capable of greatness than by the need to beat Evan.

One day at the shooting range, as Kai was honing another new talent he had learned, archery, Evan came up to him. This time, it was only the two of them sparring silently; there was no audience around.

Evan said, "You've changed, Kai," as he observed Kai nocking an arrow. "You took advantage of having no existence. You're different now.

With the arrow still in his fingers, Kai hesitated. He turned to face Evan and observed something in his eyes that he had not before noticed: a mix of admiration and irritation. "Evan, people change. We develop and gain knowledge. You ought to give it a go as well."

Evan squinted his eyes. "I don't need your advice."

With a groan, Kai turned back to face the objective. "Evan, I'm not your adversary. You're not required to see me as one."

Kai's release of the arrow was the only sound to break the lengthy silence. It struck the bullseye with a gentle thud after flying true and straight. Kai turned to see Evan staring at him, his face unreadable.

Evan eventually remarked, his voice calmer, almost meditative, "Maybe I don't." But it doesn't imply that I'll permit you to triumph."

Kai gave a little smile. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

They were still at odds with one another, but something had changed. It was motivated no longer by hatred but by a common goal to push one another to the limit. Even though he was still competitive, Evan started to appreciate Kai's skills, and Kai started to appreciate Evan's unwavering determination.

Kai considers the changes in his life as the chapter comes to an end. He understands that the goal of his trip is to transcend not just other people but also himself. Although the system has provided him with the means, he is motivated to keep going ahead by his heart, his will, and the people in his immediate vicinity, such as Evan and Luna.

From here on, the difficulties would only increase, but so would Kai's determination. Rivalry would also turn into a tool rather than a barrier in this new chapter of his life, helping him achieve success.