Endymion Lin exhaled a deep breath, glancing at the time. It was already five in the afternoon—mealtime at the cafeteria.
Half a month had passed since he began his daily routine. Every morning from 8 AM to 5 PM, he practiced his Starry Combat Qi, followed by a quick meal at the cafeteria. Then, he would walk to the Purple Bamboo Grove, where he practiced magic until the early morning hours, returning to the cafeteria for breakfast before heading back to his dormitory to continue his training. The cycle repeated itself, day in and day out.
Originally, he had planned to focus entirely on cultivating his combat qi, but he soon realized that it was more effective during the day, while his magical practice thrived at night.
The Purple Bamboo Grove, where Endymion had once been injured and fallen unconscious, was the perfect place for magic training. The magic elements in this area were more abundant than in his dormitory, making it ideal for his practice.
Though his life had become monotonous, Endymion felt a sense of fulfillment. The Starry Combat Qi was divided into ten levels, and although he had yet to reach the first level, he already felt significantly stronger. His injuries had healed, and he believed he was getting closer to piloting a mecha.
His magic training, on the other hand, was progressing even faster. Despite the relatively low concentration of magic elements on this planet, his exceptional sensitivity to magic, honed from his time as a genius magician on the Oro continent, allowed him to quickly master a few low-level spells. Within half a month, he had reached the level of a novice magician by Oro continent standards.
As he entered the cafeteria, a harsh voice rang out.
"Hey, isn't that our mecha department's so-called genius?"
Endymion furrowed his brow. Though he usually kept to himself and hadn't attended class in a while, he recognized the voice.
It was Guo Te, a former classmate who had since advanced to the third year.
"Indeed! The genius who took four years to finish his first year at Nodding Academy. Truly a legend!" Another voice chimed in—Duke, another former classmate of Endymion's, now in his third year as well.
"Wow, is that the so-called disgrace of the mecha department, Endymion Lin?" A girl's surprised voice rang out. Endymion didn't recognize her.
"Indeed! Hard to believe he's been here for four years. If it were me, I would've dropped out long ago!" Guo Te shook his head, speaking loudly enough for everyone in the cafeteria to hear.
The words caught the attention of every diner in the cafeteria, and nearly all eyes turned to Endymion, eager to watch the spectacle.
To their disappointment, Endymion didn't engage. He simply grabbed a modest meal from the counter, took a seat in a corner, and began eating ravenously.
Perhaps due to his combat qi training and the fact that he only ate twice a day, Endymion's appetite had grown significantly. Where he once struggled to finish a single meal, now he devoured his food in just a few bites. In no time, he had polished off four full meals.
"Not bad for a genius—eating like a pig!" Guo Te's sarcastic voice continued.
"Ha ha..." Laughter erupted from Guo Te and his companions.
"I know you're jealous of me," a lazy voice suddenly interrupted, silencing their laughter. "Because you're not even as good as a pig."
The cafeteria fell into stunned silence.
Countless astonished gazes fixed on Endymion, as if they had seen a monster. It wasn't surprising—over the past four years, Endymion had endured endless ridicule and mockery, but he'd never once responded. Yet now, he not only spoke up but insulted Guo Te and his friends, calling them less intelligent than pigs. This sudden change stunned everyone into silence.
"What did you say?" Guo Te snapped, finally reacting. He slammed his hands on the table and stormed toward Endymion.
Endymion looked at him with mocking eyes. This wasn't the first time Guo Te had caused trouble, but unlike before, he had no intention of tolerating it.
"You really can't understand such simple words? You're even dumber than a pig." Endymion shook his head in disbelief.
"You worthless bastard..." Guo Te was fuming as he approached Endymion, but before he could finish, a fist suddenly appeared before him, landing squarely on his left eye. He let out a pained scream before crashing to the ground.
Endymion's sudden strike caught everyone off guard. Neither Guo Te nor the onlookers had expected him to fight back, let alone strike with such force. Guo Te was knocked to the floor in an instant.
The cafeteria fell eerily quiet. Everyone now noticed that the frail Endymion they once knew seemed to have grown much stronger. His once delicate face now carried a hint of fierce determination.
Shock and awe filled the room. It was becoming clear to everyone—Endymion Lin, once the academy's punching bag, was no longer the same.
"Guo Te," Endymion's cold voice echoed across the silent cafeteria, "a year ago, your girlfriend left you for Meng He. You couldn't stand it, so you came here looking for your pitiful pride. What right do you have to call me a waste?"
"Here's a warning: Don't mess with me again."
With that, Endymion turned and walked away. His steps were light, but each one seemed to resound loudly in the hearts of those who witnessed it, like a firm stamp in their minds.
It wasn't until he had completely left the cafeteria that the murmur of voices began to rise again.
Later that evening, as Endymion made his way to the Purple Bamboo Grove, he felt the stares of others. It was clear that he had become a notable figure at Nodding Academy—whether it was the upperclassmen, freshmen, teachers, or even the staff, all recognized him.
Of course, most people preferred to avoid interaction with Endymion, but only a few actively sought to make his life difficult. Guo Te's animosity stemmed from jealousy. After all, his girlfriend had left him for Meng He, and since Guo Te was neither wealthy nor influential, he had sought out Endymion, a fellow family heir who seemed to have been abandoned by his prestigious family, to satisfy his bitterness.
Guo Te, though a formidable sixth-level mecha warrior, was no match for Endymion in hand-to-hand combat, especially since Endymion's strength and speed had greatly increased after training with the Starry Combat Qi. He had caught Guo Te off guard, knocking him down in one blow.
Just as Endymion was reflecting on this, the beep of his wrist computer brought him back to the present. He tapped the device, and a holographic screen appeared.
On the screen was a beautiful face—a face that was almost otherworldly. With delicate features and radiant golden hair cascading down her shoulders, her mature and alluring body only added to her irresistible charm.
...