Chapter 3: Back to school

Chronos stared at his reflection for a long moment before stepping into the shower. The events that had just unfolded replayed in his mind like a fever dream.

How did he end up in his past self's body—twenty years in the past, to be exact? None of it made sense. The warm water cascaded down his body as he scrubbed his hair, lost in thought.

After finishing his shower, he dried off and slipped into his school uniform. The feeling was surreal. He was a youth again, heading back to the academy for the gifted.

Just two hours ago, he had been on a battlefield, fighting against his closest friends. The contrast was jarring, almost laughable.

As he adjusted his tie, a translucent screen flickered before him.

[Time Valor System Online.]

{Beginner's Reward Granted: Infinite XP}

{The boundless potential of time itself fuels your growth. No limit shall constrain your ascent.}

Chronos blinked at the words in disbelief. Infinite XP? Did that mean infinite mana? Endless growth? He was still processing the implications when a sharp knock sounded on his door.

"Chronos! You're late!" Julius' voice rang through. "Get your ass out here before we both get in trouble." With a frustrated huff, he walked off.

Chronos exhaled. "Right. I'm an academy kid now. Gotta act the part."

He ran a hand through his hair, shouldered his bag, and stepped out. The school looked exactly as he remembered—unchanged yet oddly nostalgic.

The students bustled about, laughing, chatting, existing as if nothing had happened. But for Chronos, today was significant.

If his memory was correct, this was the day he had asked Arianna out before everything had gone to hell.

I have to stop them… he thought grimly. I can't let history repeat itself.

"Hey, dummy!" A familiar voice called.

Chronos turned sharply, his breath hitching.

"Darius?"

He took a step back. In the war-torn future, Darius had been the one to land the finishing blow on him before time reversed. The sight of his old friend—now just a carefree teen was almost too much to bear.

Darius frowned. "Dude, you okay? You look like I just ran over your dog." He stepped closer. "You sure you're not sick or something?"

Chronos forced a chuckle. "Just a bad dream."

"You sure? You look shaken."

"I said it was just a bad dream," Chronos snapped, sharper than intended.

Darius recoiled. "Damn, alright. No need to bite my head off." He frowned. "I'll leave you alone if that's what you want."

Chronos clenched his jaw. This isn't the future Darius—the hardened warrior. He's still the same kind, hot-headed friend I knew.

Guilt gnawed at him. "Wait—sorry," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "It's just been…a rough morning."

Darius studied him for a moment before sighing. "Yeah, well, you should see a doctor or something." With a shrug, he walked off.

Chronos exhaled and facepalmed. I shouldn't have snapped at him. I need to apologize later.

By the time he reached class, he was already thirty minutes late. Great. Sir Matheson's gonna love this.

He pushed open the door just as the teacher was finishing a lecture.

"…which is why rocks undergo weathering," Sir Matheson concluded before turning to Chronos with a pointed look. "Ah, good morning, Chronos. Let me guess your sister was sick again?"

"I'm sorry, sir," Chronos muttered, keeping his tone respectful.

"It's Sir Matheson to you, boy," the teacher snapped, his glare sharp.

A soft snicker came from behind. "Someone's in trouble," a voice whispered.

Chronos turned and felt his stomach drop. Arianna.

Memories flooded his mind—her standing over the lifeless bodies of Julius and Juniper, a cruel smile playing on her lips. The eerie confidence in her eyes. The betrayal. The blood.

"Chronos! Are you even listening?"

Sir Matheson's voice yanked him back to reality. "Yes, sir Matheson."

The teacher narrowed his eyes. "Got an excuse for your lateness today?"

"No, sir. Matheson." Chronos lowered his head, feigning guilt.

Matheson studied him for a moment before sighing. "No detention today."

A flicker of relief crossed Chronos's face. "Thank you, sir—"

"Not so fast," Matheson interrupted, smirking. "You'll be doing hard labor instead."

Chronos's relief shattered instantly.

"Where's that smile I just saw?" Arianna teased, a wicked glint in her eye.

Chronos ignored her and made his way to his seat. Sir Matheson watched him with a sad expression but said nothing.

After class, Chronos trudged toward the staff room to receive his punishment.

"Sir Gray, I was sent by Sir Matheson for hard labor," he announced, weariness in his tone.

Sir Gray, a hulking man with a reputation for being ruthless, glanced up. "Good." He adjusted his belt over his massive gut, his grin stretching wide. "I've got a couple of tasks for you."

Chronos sighed. "Yes, sir."

"Scrub the entire auditorium, trim the grass, no grass blades over two centimeters, clean the male toilets till they sparkle, wipe down all the classroom boards, and finish with a fifty-meter sprint around the school field."

Chronos stared blankly. What kind of punishment is this?!

"Got a problem?" Sir Gray challenged.

"No, sir."

"Good. Now get out. I'm busy." He waved him off and disappeared into his office. As Chronos left, muffled moans filtered through the door.

Chronos sneered. "Busy screwing around in your office, huh? Just wait till the officials find out what you do with the female staff and students."

Shaking his head, he trudged toward his punishment. "Not a single normal chore in the bunch," he muttered. "Figures."