Game's Extra

Aiden Cross stood in his room, his duffle bag lying open on the neatly made bed. The past year had flown by in a whirlwind of training, learning, and preparing for this very moment. Today marked his 18th birthday and, perhaps, the most important day of his life in this new world. His hands moved methodically, packing clothes, toiletries, and the few personal items he had collected over the past year. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he glanced around the room, now stripped of any trace of his presence.

"Guess this is it," he muttered under his breath, zipping the bag shut with finality.

He swung the bag over his shoulder, took one last look at the room that had become his sanctuary, and walked out. As he descended the stairs, the sound of muffled voices reached his ears. His parents were waiting for him in the living room, their expressions a mix of pride and sorrow. His mother wiped at her teary eyes while his father stood with his arms crossed, his usual stern demeanor slightly softened.

On the table sat an envelope, thick with cash. Aiden frowned as his father picked it up and extended it toward him.

"Take this," his father said gruffly. "10,000 aurens. It should cover your initial expenses in the capital."

Aiden's hands instinctively went up in protest. "Dad, I can't accept this. You've already done so much for me. I'll manage somehow—"

"Nonsense!" his father barked, his sharp tone silencing Aiden immediately. "You're going to Zenith Academy, and you'll need this. Don't argue with me, son. Take it."

Reluctantly, Aiden accepted the envelope, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. His gaze shifted to his mother, whose tears now freely flowed. Despite her sadness, she wore a small smile, and her hands trembled as she stepped forward to embrace him tightly.

"You've grown so much," she whispered, her voice breaking. "We're so proud of you, Aiden."

"Thank you... for everything," Aiden replied, his arms tightening around her. When they finally pulled away, he glanced at his father, who gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.

"Make us proud," his father said simply.

"I will," Aiden promised. With one last look at their tearful faces, he turned and walked out the door, the duffle bag bouncing lightly against his back.

The train station was bustling with activity as Aiden arrived, ticket in hand. He boarded the sleek, silver train that would take him to the capital city of Astara, home to Zenith Academy. Finding an empty seat by the window, he settled in and watched as the train began to move, the countryside rushing past in a blur of green and gold.

As the rhythmic hum of the train filled the cabin, Aiden found himself reflecting on the past year.

"A wild year," he muttered, leaning back in his seat.

He recalled the day he first realized how weak his body was in this world. It had been a rude awakening, but instead of despairing, he had thrown himself into physical training. Jogging, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups—day after day, he pushed his limits. The results were slow at first, but gradually, his body began to change. His once scrawny frame had transformed into a lean, well-toned physique. While he wasn't bulky by any means, the strength he had gained was undeniable.

His power, Overhaul, had also been a challenge to master. The first time he had used it, he had touched a simple stick and felt the matter within it as if it were an extension of his own body. The experience had been unnerving yet fascinating. With practice, he learned to reshape objects, turning the stick into a cube, then a sphere. Over time, he pushed his limits further, manipulating the ground itself to create pillars and other structures. The strain was immense, often leaving him with splitting headaches and exhaustion, but the progress was worth it.

He also recalled the day he received the admission letter to Zenith Academy. The golden seal on the envelope had shimmered in the sunlight, and the words within had filled him with a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was his chance to carve out a future for himself in this world, but it also marked the beginning of a path fraught with challenges.

A soft chime interrupted his thoughts as the train began to slow. The skyline of Astara came into view, a breathtaking panorama of towering skyscrapers, expansive highways, and floating vehicles zipping through the air.

"Welcome to Astara," the automated announcement declared as the train pulled into the station.

Aiden stepped off the train, his senses immediately overwhelmed by the bustling energy of the capital. The air buzzed with the hum of technology, and the streets were alive with activity. Floating cars and motorcycles weaved through the sky above, while pedestrians moved along expansive walkways below.

He flagged down a taxi, a sleek vehicle that hovered a few inches off the ground. The driver, a cheerful older man, greeted him warmly.

"Zenith Academy, eh?" the driver asked as Aiden climbed in. "You must be one talented young man. Best of luck to you!"

"Thanks," Aiden replied, his nerves simmering beneath his calm demeanor.

The drive to the academy was a feast for the eyes. Aiden marveled at the sprawling campus as the taxi entered through massive, ornate gates. The academy was larger than he had imagined, with futuristic buildings and lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see. The taxi finally stopped near a colossal coliseum.

"Here we are," the driver announced. "Good luck, kid."

Aiden thanked the driver and stepped out, his eyes drawn to the colossal structure before him. The coliseum was packed with students from all walks of life. Some carried swords, others wielded staffs, and a few showcased their powers in small displays of skill. The diversity was astounding.

After joining the long line of students, Aiden waited patiently to enter the coliseum. When he finally stepped inside, he was awestruck. The seating area stretched high into the air, circling a vast open field in the center. Aiden found a seat and settled in, taking in the grandeur of the arena.

Forty minutes later, the seats were filled, and the orientation began. An elderly man in his seventies, dressed in a sharp black suit with a blue tie, took to the center of the field. His long white hair and beard gave him an air of wisdom and authority.

"I am Principal Alden Vyras," the man announced, his voice booming across the coliseum. "Welcome to Zenith Academy, where the brightest minds and strongest warriors are forged. Today, you will undergo a series of tests to determine your potential. Good luck to you all."

The orientation lasted an hour, after which the instructors began organizing the tests. Six stages were set up in the open field, each equipped with a puppet dummy for testing combat skills and powers.

When Aiden's turn finally came, he stepped onto the stage, his heart pounding. The instructor called his name, and he nodded in acknowledgment, stepping forward to face the puppet dummy.

Drawing on his training, Aiden touched the ground, feeling the familiar sensation of matter extending from his fingertips. With a thought, he shaped the stone beneath him into five sharp spikes that shot upward, impaling the dummy in a brutal display. The arms, head, and torso of the puppet were severed in an instant.

A stunned silence fell over the field before the instructor began scribbling furiously on his tablet. "Impressive," he muttered, nodding in approval. "Proceed to the written test building."

Aiden nodded and left the stage, hearing the instructor call for the next student. As he walked toward the next building, he couldn't help but smirk to himself.

"Looks like this year of hard work is paying off."