31 A Waste of Time
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nBy the time Kieran woke from his deep sleep, the rays of the morning sun were already shining brightly through the cracks in his curtains. Once the warm rays touched his face, Kieran’s eyebrows knitted, and his eyelids trembled, opening slowly.
nA slight groan escaped his lips as he sat up in bed and glanced around the room with the usual morning grogginess. The first thing he did was check the alarm by his side. It hadn’t rung, and even if it did, his coma-like sleep wouldn’t be affected until he was suitably refreshed.
nNaturally, this was his body’s current way of dealing with the accumulated mental fatigue.
nShortly after, however, Kieran’s stomach growled ferociously. He hadn’t eaten all day yesterday, so he was particularly famished. After shaking off the morning grogginess, Kieran pulled himself out of bed and raided the fridge for anything sumptuous he could prepare.
nAlas, the only items in his kitchen were essential breakfast items—eggs, bread to make toast, orange juice, and a few other items. From what Kieran remembered, this wasn’t stocked by him. It was part of the services provided by the university he currently attended.
nThus, Kieran frowned slightly and shook his head while softly poking at his body. ‘This won’t do at all. I’m way too scrawny. I need to put on weight and muscle as soon as possible. Additionally, I should also start paying attention to a fitness routine. At least a basic one until I can properly understand my current condition.’
nKieran wasn’t sure if extensive training would exacerbate his disorder since it was already presenting signs of abnormal activity. At most, he would probably have to stick to basic mobility exercises and weight training. He didn’t dare delve into any vigorous combat training.
nShortly after, Kieran whipped up a relatively lavish breakfast composed of three delicious omelets flush with diced turkey and tomatoes topped with spices and garnishes that almost made him drool. His experiences in taking care of himself were still ingrained in Kieran. Zenith Online wasn’t his only focus in his past; he was very particular about his body in his former life.
nWhile devouring his breakfast at an even pace, Kieran checked through his schedule after noticing it was a Monday—a school day. Upon realizing this issue, Kieran frowned slightly. After all, he had already completed his course, and the information was somewhat fresh on his mind. This situation was akin to Kieran taking remedial classes.
nThus, Kieran made a concession. If it was too unbearable, then he’d just have to stop going altogether. It wasn’t like he aimed to become a lawyer or an esteemed doctor. There was no need for him to complete countless years of academic toil that wouldn’t be used in the future.
n“I have no goddamn use for these formulas and crap,” Kieran grumbled softly. Still, he at least needed to visit the university today. So, after finishing his breakfast and stretching, Kieran freshened up and threw on casual wear that one would see every day on the street.
nHis wardrobe wasn’t the best, lacking designer clothing or flashy suits suitable for high-class events. That wasn’t his life right now. It could be said that Kieran was indeed at the “bottom” of the social ladder. Of course, this didn’t bother Kieran because he understood most individuals at that level were superficial with no real personality.
nAnd, even if they did have personality, it was oftentimes difficult to stomach for long periods of time since their entitlements made them feel superior to others. This was especially true for socialites born with silver spoons.
nWith a deep sigh, Kieran stepped through the door and looked into the distance. The university—Metro University—was within tolerable walking distance since it was the most reputable university in New Metro City.
nStill, Kieran sauntered down the street, walking at his own pace. This slow stroll turned a typical 15-minute walk into a 30-minute one. Soon enough, Kieran passed through the university gates at 10:30.
nBy the time he reached the lecture hall, it was nearly at capacity. Kieran could only see a few seats empty. Fortunately, his favorite one, the one towards the extreme back of the room, was free. So, he took a seat.
nA minute later, the rhythmic clacking of heels echoed within the spacious hall as a beautiful woman with tied-up blonde hair and calm hazel eyes hidden behind slender frame glasses walked up to the lecture podium.
nMany of the student’s eyes brightened when they analyzed her frilly blouse and form-fitting skirt that clung to her supple legs. Whispers surfaced in the hall, but it was calmed down by a clear but velvety voice.
n“Ahem, good morning. Have you all enjoyed your break from classes?”
n“Oh, you bet. This new game came out, and ugh, it’s like crack, Ms. Arman,” one of the students replied. Because of this statement, a conversation regarding Zenith Online was immediately sparked in the classroom.
nSurprisingly, the professor didn’t interrupt the classroom as she silently glanced around with her eyes soon falling on Kieran. ‘That boy is always so quiet and to himself. Does he not have any interests? His marks are surprising well. It’d just be a shame to squander precious college years by isolating himself.’
nHowever, contrary to what Kieran’s expression showed, he was slightly shocked by the conversation taking place. He couldn’t recall anything menial like an everyday conversation, but he was aware of something. Younger people tended to be better at Zenith Online strictly because of their youthful energy.
nSadly, the odds of any worthwhile people being in class were highly unlikely. In fact, Kieran couldn’t recall anyone who made a name for themselves in that space coming from this university. Many of them attended the esteemed university and countless Ivy League schools.
nBe that as it may, Kieran heard a few people mention their level in-game, and they seemed to be decently above average. The highest number he heard from these students was Lv.13. However, given that it was over 24 hours later in-game, it wasn’t all that impressive.
nEventually, Ms. Arman guided the talk to today’s lesson. This class centered around math, so Kieran immediately felt bored, staring out the window with a vacant look. A couple of things passed his mind, especially the quest received from Scar.
n‘That quest forces me into the Wildes, but surely I won’t have to fight, right? I mean, I doubt I could even inflict a single damage on monsters like that. Even the weakest beast was Lv.150 in the past,’ Kieran thought to himself.
nThe experience with Scar earlier was still fresh on his mind. His defenses were so outrageous that he was immune to Kieran’s attack. The same thing would happen if the monsters he was pinned against were far too strong. The more he considered his circumstances, the more Kieran understood how frightening the legacies of the Seven Mythical Heroes truly were.
n‘I wonder what the Thief’s counterpart would have to go through? If I remember properly, then Mythical Hero should have originated from the Assassin Path.’
nWhile he couldn’t collect all of those legacies since they were spread out across Zenith Online’s continents and empires, their continent possessed two of the physically strongest legacies. The only issue with obtaining the other legacy was the inconsistency in the individual’s location.
nEven Kieran wasn’t aware of their name or appearance. He simply knew they operated within this Northern Continent, Nelorias.
nSuddenly, Kieran’s eyes widened as he jerked his head to the side and snatched the air before his face. When he opened his hand, a piece of chalk sat motionlessly in his palm. He slowly averted his gaze from the chalk and looked towards the front of the class.
nMs. Arman held a charming and almost mischievous smile as she looked at Kieran, “Is there something interesting out the window? You didn’t even hear me call your name three times, Mr. Silver.”
n“Ah,” Kieran responded. His lip rose slightly as he felt annoyed by having his train of thought broken. ‘What a nuisance.’ Out of instinct, Kieran flicked the chalk back towards Ms.Arman but it seemed like he unintentionally added some unusual angle to the return.
nWhile flying back towards the professor, the chalk spun rapidly, almost appearing like a flying disk. Upon realizing what he did, Kieran’s expression plummeted. ‘Crap…’
nHowever, to Kieran’s surprise, Ms.Arman smiled before raising her hand. Almost as if the chalk was attracted to her palm, the chalk veered to the side slightly and she caught it without any issue.
nKieran’s eyebrows jumped. ‘This teacher… That was undoubtedly something only a person who possessed an irregular mind could accomplish.’
nSimilarly, Ms. Arman was astonished as well. ‘What the… I know it was only for an instant, but I’m sure I felt pressure from that chalk. This boy is really not as simple as he seems. That quiet appearance must hide some secrets. Are his parents like mine?’
nSadly, it appeared Ms. Arman wouldn’t get her answer at all. Kieran suddenly stood up from his seat and left the lecture hall. ‘Yeah, this is absolutely pointless. It’ll only hinder my progress. I don’t have time to act like a normal student.’
n“U-uh… teacher?” Someone muttered at the front row.
n“Just a moment please,” Ms. Arman answered. She left the hall as well, just catching Kieran and tapping his shoulder.
n“Did my actions frustrate you? If so, I’m sorry. I’m sure you cherish your silence,” Ms. Arman sincerely apologized. But, she was taken aback when Kieran placed his hand on hers and moved it from his shoulder.
n“Nah, it’s just pointless for me to be here. I can’t afford to waste time in school. Don’t take my behavior personally. I’m just in a rush,” Kieran answered.
n“Waste of time? Wait, are you saying that you’re thinking of unenrolling yourself? But you only have one more year until your degree is completed!” Ms. Arman exclaimed. She was shocked because she felt his decision was truthfully the “waste of time”. How could he up and leave when there was less than a year’s time left before he got his degree?
n“It’s just a sheet of paper. In the meantime, I’ll do what I do best. Ah, don’t forget, miss, you still have a class to teach,” Kieran said with a soft chuckle.
nHe didn’t wait for her response and simply walked away, heading towards the administration office.
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