Prom

Han Chen had been cultivating with a calm mind for about five days in real time. But inside the temporal chamber, where time stretched endlessly, he had already spent months. At first, he thought this extended training would speed up the fragmentation merger—but it had no noticeable effect.

Yet, the system fragments were slowly merging on their own. It had already been about two months since his encounter with Qin Jianwei, who was still in the hospital recovering.

Han Chen hadn't bothered going through all the memories from the system—just a quick glance was enough. The original host of the system consciousness had lived a long, ordinary life.

An old man with children and grandchildren, he had passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind many regrets. What stood out the most was the realization that his original world was purely physical; martial arts existed only in fiction, and even the strongest disciplines were nothing compared to the Ming Jin Realm, which could dismantle them with a single strike.

But the world he found himself in? It resembled the novels he once read, and strangely enough, he already knew the future plots. So Han Chen and everyone where just characters to him.

This left Han Chen with one lingering doubt—what exactly was real?

Now that the system had fully merged into his consciousness, he had access to new information: there were never any other worlds to begin with.

The so-called memories of the host were nothing more than artificial constructs—pseudo-memories, designed to help his consciousness accept itself. From the very beginning, new Qin Jianwei had never questioned why he had received the system or what it even was—the system itself had subtly programmed him not to.

The truth was, the system was an Investment Rebate System.

For every ten parts of high-grade energy it absorbed due to timeline changes, it would return one part—modifying cause and effect within the world and rewarding the host.

But such system only functioned within cyclic branches of reality. Hence the programming of a novel setting.Han Chen wasn't particularly interested in rewards, so during the merger, he made a choice—to keep only the ability to absorb extra-dimensional energy. And he could already feel the benefits.

As his consciousness fully integrated with the system, Han Chen had a sudden realization—it felt like a cultivation breakthrough, but for his mind. Previously, it was as if he had only been given permission to drive the system. Now? He was the system.

When he delved into the deeper memories of the source consciousness, he caught glimpses of fragmented dimensions, his own soul transfer, the merging of realms, and even the mechanism behind ascension. But the information was vast—too vast. If he tried to push further, his mental strength would be drained instantly.

Energy seeped in enhancing his wisdom root once again. He felt new inspirations bursting forth. By his estimation, in approximately 10⁹⁷ years here—or about 1078 years in the immortal plane—the system would reach its next major breakthrough.

Until then, no further fragment mergers would bring about a complete transformation like this one had.

Han Chen's spiritual power had undergone a qualitative change. His raw physical strength had increased—he had originally set 10 tons of force as 1 unit under this planet's gravity. Now, he was at 1.6 units.

But what intrigued him the most was his spiritual perception—the left over energy transformed his spirit will conduit.

His resolution had improved to the point where he could now directly sense macromolecules in the human body. The only issue? His control wasn't refined enough. If he tried to manipulate them, he'd end up tearing them apart rather than shaping them. True fundamental transformation was still beyond him—he would still need immortal techniques to achieve that.

But all of this would have to wait.

For now, he had a graduation ceremony to attend.

Han Chen stepped out, blending into the ordinary world once more. Under the guise of shopping for a suit, he wandered through the bustling streets, hands in his pockets, watching people go about their lives.

At some point, he stopped by a park, letting the breeze wash over him, the chirping of birds mixing with the distant hum of city life. Under the shades of sun, he saw the elderly and the young together. The park was an urban wildlife corridor. Everything is in peace. He let his mind wander around and spirit refreshed.

When he finally returned home, he already had a design in mind—he had glanced at enough reference suits to adjust his armor into the exact shape of a proper blazer. It wasn't about standing out or making a statement.

He had no intention of becoming some local protagonist, wearing the wrong thing just to attract attention.

...

The graduation banquet had been exactly what Han Chen expected—formal, meticulous. Teachers and parents sat in their designated areas, tables filled with extravagant dishes—abalone, truffle-infused delicacies, imported steaks cooked to perfection.

The speeches dragged on, highlighting students accepted into top universities already, reinforcing the quiet divide between the elite and the ordinary.

When they called on Han Chen to give a speech, he tossed the mic to the class's enthusiastic little team leader instead. Let them have their moment.

He sat through the rest of the ceremony in silence.

His black suit was simple—neither flashy nor cheap, blending in just enough. He didn't seek attention, yet people still noticed him. That was just the way it was.

A reincarnated immortal, sitting among fleeting mortals, watching them celebrate what, to him, was nothing more than a single chapter in their short-lived stories. Too much indifference is not good. Well he had to sent away his parents first. After that leaving away from those fan girls he had, he came back.

As the formalities ended, the parents began filtering out. Teachers lingered a little longer, offering polite smiles, words of encouragement, and advice on "future prospects." Han Chen nodded where necessary, returned smiles when expected, and gave just enough of a response to appear engaged without actually caring.

Then, as the second half of the night began, the true nature of the event unfolded.

With the adults gone, the lights dimmed, casting a golden glow over the ballroom. The music shifted into something slower, smoother, indulgent.

Students moved freely now, pairing off, swaying to the rhythm. Some danced earnestly, others clumsily, while a few just used it as an excuse to get closer to the people they wanted. But most of them including Tian Feng and Fan Qing, sat at the edges, some will take funny group photos, and others will just people-watch.

And then there was Hye Won.

She approached cautiously, her midnight-blue dress swaying slightly with each step. "Do you want to dance?"

Han Chen thought about saying no but she already requested being partner.

Besides there was something in her expression—nervous yet sincere—that made him reconsider.

"…Alright."

She smiled, reaching for his hand and leading him onto the floor.

It was easy. Hye Won didn't try too hard, didn't force anything; she simply enjoyed the moment. Han Chen followed her lead, moving with natural grace, their steps effortless.

Occasionally, their gazes met, hers bright and full of excitement, his still calm.

Then came Tang Xuemei.

"Mind if I cut in?" she asked with a smirk.

Hye Won hesitated, but eventually let go.

Tang Xuemei wasn't arrogant, but she carried herself like someone who knew her worth. And tonight, she wanted a dance.

So Han Chen gave her a quick one.

The music shifted again—slower, deeper, more intimate. Tang Xuemei met his gaze as they moved, studying him.

"You don't seem that excited about tonight."

"I'm not."

She laughed softly. "I figured."

A flicker of curiosity crossed her face before she spun away at the end of the song, rejoining her friends.

Han Chen stepped back, and Hye Won returned to his side. She stayed with him the rest of the night, and though she seemed like she wanted to say something, she never quite did.

The Crowning of Prom King and Queen; Of course, it was a mere formality. Han Chen had heard the whispers long before the event started. It had already been paid for.

The MC stretched out the moment for suspense, but the outcome was already decided.

"And this year's Prom King is… Zhao Lin!"

Applause. Cheers. Zhao Lin grinned, adjusting his perfect suit as he stepped onto the stage. He accepted the crown with an air of mock humility, flashing a knowing glance at his friends.

"And our Prom Queen is… Xue Qing!"

Another round of applause. Xue Qing, daughter of a media mogul, dazzled in a shimmering designer gown as she gracefully took the tiara, smiling effortlessly for the cameras. Picture-perfect.

Han Chen said nothing. He simply watched.

This was their grand moment. To them, this mattered. The culmination of their youth, their fleeting reign in a world they had yet to understand. A mortal drama. And yet… he didn't scorn it.

He watched as Hye Won clapped politely, as Tang Xuemei sipped her drink with an unreadable expression, as Zhao Lin basked in the attention, as Xue Qing waved like royalty.

This was their world. A world he would eventually leave behind. The night ends, but not for everyone. With no more adults in sight, the after party began.

The wealthier students, freed from all constraints, drank recklessly, laughed too loudly, indulged too much. Tonight was meant to be their last taste of freedom before their families pulled them back into their scripted futures.

Han Chen stood at the edge of the room deciding whether to leave or not. He saw Zhao Lin and his group lounging in the VIP section, clinking glasses, celebrating futures already set in stone.

Across the dance floor, whispers spread—who was leaving for Harvard, who had been rejected, which heiress was seen with which young master.

At one point, he caught two students spiking someone's drink.

Silently, he switched the contents, ensuring that the culprits ended up wasted instead. They never even noticed.

Eventually, the night wound down. Some students stumbled into luxury cars, accompanied by girls they might not even remember in the morning. Others left in small groups, heading for afterparties in private villas. Han Chen barely spared them a glance.

Hye Won had drunk a little too much. She wasn't completely out of it, but she swayed slightly, her expression unfocused. When he offered to take her home, she initially refused.

"I can go alone…" she murmured.

She couldn't.

It was almost midnight, and she was half-conscious. Leaving her alone wasn't an option.

Han Chen called her mother, got the address, and hailed a taxi. He helped her inside, sitting next to her as the car pulled away.

Somewhere outside, the night continued. Luxury cars sped off, taking students to destinations unknown. How many of them would actually make it home safely?

Han Chen didn't know. Didn't care.

Instead, he stared out the window, and for a fleeting moment, memories stirred.

In his past life, he had been here before.

Xue Qing had refused to dance with him, saying she was busy with photos.

Zhao Lin had offered him a drink, one that had nearly put him on the floor. He had been nothing more than a side character in someone else's story. But this girl was still there.

Back then, Hye Won seemed to help him. Took him home. Never got the chance to thank her later apart from a text message.

They hadn't spoken much after that. In his previous life, their connection had ended there.

And now? Now, he was the one taking her home. A quiet shift in fate.

Just as he turned to check on her, she stirred awake temporary leaning against him. Her voice, slurred but firm, broke the silence.

"Han Chen… I like you."

He blinked.

She repeated it, shouted this time, as if declaring it to the world.

"I LIKE YOU.. very much. Han Chen, you ..."

And just like that, she fell asleep against his shoulder. Taxi driver was a woman, gave a jealous gaze back at him, saying " treat her well".

Han Chen sighed. Gently, he adjusted her position so she wouldn't wake up with a stiff neck. Then, on impulse, he picked up her phone and took a single photo—her sleeping expression, peaceful and sincere against him.Something for her to remember.

Her home was simple, nothing out of the ordinary. At the gate, her mother stood waiting, arms crossed, her face a mix of relief and frustration the moment she saw them.

Han Chen helped Hye Won to her feet, steadying her as she mumbled something incoherent. Her mother sighed, shaking her head.

"You let yourself get like this…" she muttered under her breath, but then looked up at Han Chen. "Thank you for bringing her home."

He gave a small nod, not staying long. He had no intention of taking the taxi back. Instead, he walked. The city at night never truly slept. The streets were alive with neon lights, headlights flashing by, shop signs buzzing under the hum of passing voices. The sky, hazy from the glow, left no room for stars.

With his spiritual sense stretching five kilometers, over the course of walk for an hour he saw more than most would ever notice. He saw people ganging up, a women in distress and child left alone. Even saw two girls raping a man under gun point. He didn't care, if he saw these in one night, then it is a daily occurrence and he has no plan on being some white knight with unreasonable altruism.