Chapter 5: A New Reality

Kairos woke up to the unfamiliar scent of lavender. His body felt... different. Stronger. Lighter. Every breath filled his lungs with ease, every movement felt fluid, effortless. It was as if his body had finally settled into its new form.

As he sat up, his mind replayed the last thing he saw before losing consciousness—

[New Evolution Path Unlocked.]

[Next Trial Pending…]

The words lingered in his thoughts like an unsolved mystery. His body had changed, that much was obvious. He could feel it in the way his muscles moved—refined, precise, perfect. His vision was sharper, his hearing more acute. Even the air felt different, as if he could sense the flow of energy around him.

A soft clink of porcelain drew his attention. He turned his head to see Selene sitting on a couch across the room, elegantly sipping a cup of coffee, her violet eyes watching him with an amused expression.

"You're awake," she said, setting the cup down. "I was starting to think you'd sleep through the entire morning."

Kairos stretched, feeling his body move with unnatural smoothness. "How long was I out?"

"Not long. A few hours. Your body seems to adapt quickly."

Kairos ran a hand through his hair. "I still don't understand why this is happening to me."

Selene stood, walking toward him with slow, deliberate steps. "Well, you are the only person with a system. If that alone doesn't make you special, I don't know what does."

Kairos frowned. "But why me? There has to be a reason."

Selene smirked. "Guess you'll have to figure that out yourself."

Kairos exhaled in frustration. Just as he was about to press further, his stomach growled loudly.

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Looks like someone needs breakfast."

Kairos groaned. "Yeah… about last night. Why does my system burn through so much energy?"

Selene walked toward the kitchen. "Because you're evolving. The stronger you become, the more your body demands. If you don't replenish what you burn, you'll collapse. That's the price of your power."

Kairos leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling. "So, what? If I don't eat, I just shut down mid-fight?"

Selene called out from the kitchen. "Pretty much. So don't slack on meals, or you'll regret it."

A few minutes later, she returned with a plate stacked with eggs, toast, and grilled chicken. Kairos dug in immediately, the food vanishing at an alarming rate.

Selene watched him with a smirk. "Eat fast. We've got things to do."

Kairos paused mid-bite. "Wait—what things?"

Selene casually leaned against the table, arms crossed. "School."

Kairos nearly choked. "What?"

Selene gave him an innocent look. "Did you forget? You're transferring today. And since you're staying here, that means you'll be going to my school."

Kairos blinked, trying to process her words. "Wait, wait, wait. You mean the top school in the country? That school?"

Selene nodded. "That school."

Kairos set his fork down, suddenly not hungry. "You're joking, right?"

Selene smirked. "Nope. Your name's already on the list."

Kairos groaned, running a hand through his hair. "How the hell did you even pull that off?"

Selene shrugged. "I have connections."

Kairos slumped back in his seat. "Great. And I assume I don't have a say in this?"

"Nope."

He let out a long sigh. Just yesterday, he was living a quiet, forgettable life. Now? He was evolving into something unknown, being forced into a school where the elite gathered, and worst of all—he had to deal with Selene.

As if reading his thoughts, Selene smirked. "Don't look so miserable. Who knows? You might even enjoy it."

Kairos scoffed. "Doubtful."

Selene stood up and stretched. "Well, you better get used to it. Because from now on, things are only going to get crazier."

Kairos sighed, but deep down, he knew she was right.

He had already taken his first step into an entirely new world.

And there was no turning back now.

---

Later That Morning

After a quick shower, Kairos stood in front of the bathroom mirror, gripping the sink tightly.

The person staring back at him was almost unrecognizable.

His face was sharper, his features more defined. His body, once lean but average, had transformed into a physique that looked like it belonged to a top-tier athlete. Every muscle was carved with precision, balanced between power and agility. His hair, slightly longer now, held a subtle sheen as if vitality itself flowed through every strand.

But it wasn't just his appearance.

He could feel the difference in his very core. His strength, his senses, even his instincts—it was all sharper, like his body was a finely tuned machine built for something far beyond human limits.

Taking a deep breath, he flexed his fingers, watching the subtle pulse of energy dance beneath his skin.

This was real.

He wasn't dreaming.

Kairos exhaled, calming his racing thoughts. One step at a time.

He grabbed the uniform Selene had tossed at him earlier—a crisp white dress shirt, a black blazer embroidered with gold trim, and tailored pants. The fabric alone screamed luxury. He hesitated before putting it on, still grappling with the absurdity of his situation.

A day ago, he was just a nobody.

Now, he was about to step into the most prestigious academy in the country.

And he had no idea what awaited him there.