Nova was wondering what to do today, then he got a call from Albert, his best friend. Albert said, "Hey Nova, are you free today?" Nova thought, what a coincidence that he has nothing to do. Nova said, "Yes, I am." Albert then excitedly said, "In that case, let’s have some fun today." Nova said, "Ok, then let’s do that."

  A few hours later he took a bus to the city center where the Warrior Association is. Once Nova got off from the bus he saw a slightly handsome guy with brown hair and brown eyes with a slightly athletic build. That guy is none other than Albert, his best friend. Albert said, "You look a little bit different than usual, like your aura is different." Nova thought, to other people Albert looks like a delinquent who doesn't put effort into cultivation, but Nova knows that’s just an act to deceive others so people will let their guard down. In truth, he is very sharp and doesn't get deceived easily.

  Nova laughed and said, "You noticed? The thing is, I’m actually at the Rank 3 Awakening Realm."

  Albert exclaimed, "Fuck, bro! You’ve been hiding that deep? None of us even knew you could cultivate. You must have kept it hidden just so you could get into the special class, like a few of the seniors did."

  While they talked, they reached the park where they planned to relax. "After all, relaxing is important," Albert said, then added, "I have good news, too."

  "Oh? What is it?" Nova asked.

  "My cultivation broke through! I’m at the Rank 4 Awakening Realm now. Tell me, am I awesome?"

  Nova felt a slight jolt of surprise. If he remembered correctly, before school was suspended, Albert had only been at Rank 3. If his guess was right, Albert had taken a cultivation-boosting pill—likely the 25k credit version. After all, his father was a wealthy man who owned a medium-sized shop dealing in spirit materials. With assets around 5 million, that kind of purchase was no problem for them.

  "Now, prepare for a shock," Albert said. "My father personally went to Jade Mountain City to buy the pill for me."

  Nova had already suspected as much. Albert’s father would have had to move quickly; pills like that weren't available in large quantities. Most were snatched up by large organizations that could afford the bulk orders, leaving only a few for open sale. Albert was clearly just trying to show off, and Nova easily guessed the reason behind the breakthrough: it was the same reason Nova was aiming for the special class.

  The special class was a program run and funded by the world government. It provided two months of high-quality training, including access to meditation rooms, combat simulators, experienced instructors, aura-rich meals, spiritual weapons, and advanced techniques. It was a massive opportunity—for children from wealthy families, it was a head start; for those from ordinary backgrounds, it was the only chance to catch up. The resources provided were dependent on one's rank: Rank 1–3 received the lowest quality, 3–6 received medium quality, and 7–9 received the highest. That was why Albert had spent so much money to reach the medium tier.

  While Nova was deep in thought, his attention was drawn to a dashing, hovering car flying toward them at high speed. It pulled up a short distance away, and a tall guy with a wretched face and an evil smile stepped out.

  Albert cursed, "That bastard, Jack Brooks."

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  Jack looked at them and sneered, "What a coincidence, meeting you here." He turned his gaze toward Nova with pure disdain. "If it isn't the liberal arts genius, Nova. Still trying to break through, or did you finally give up?"

  Nova frowned, his expression turning cold. Jack had been the arch-enemy of the body's original owner, fueled by jealousy over Nova’s grades and popularity with the class, including the class beauty. He had always mocked the original owner for being unable to cultivate.

  Nova didn't hesitate. Taking advantage of the fact that Jack was unaware of his true strength, Nova reached out with a friendly smile, as if to offer a handshake. Jack looked confused but extended his hand; Albert looked even more baffled by Nova’s sudden change in demeanor.

  As soon as their hands met, Nova squeezed with ruthless, crushing force.

  Jack’s face turned pale in an instant. Nova quickly withdrew his hand, leaving Jack to collapse, clutching his crushed hand and howling in pain. The sharp scream drew the attention of the passing crowd.

  Nova stepped forward, putting on an innocent expression. "What happened? Why are you screaming like that all of a sudden?"

  Jack glared at him with a vicious, venomous gaze. Without a word, he scrambled into his car and ordered the onboard AI to drive him to his family’s private medical facility.

  Behind him, Albert was laughing like a maniac.

  "Bro, you’re quite ruthless," Albert whispered, "but he definitely deserved it."

  Nova nodded, his mind already racing. Of course, it won't end here, he thought. Jack might have trash talent, but he was still the son of the city’s wealthiest businessman. A narrow-minded person like him wouldn't just let this go; he was bound to pull some dirty tricks. In the worst-case scenario, he might even send people after Nova's life. In this world, everything ultimately came down to one's cultivation level.

  The rest of the day passed normally. They spent their time eating, chatting, and walking, enjoying the brief peace.

  The next morning, Nova woke up at 6:00 AM as usual. After a quick breakfast, he began the thirty-minute walk to school. As he entered the classroom and spotted Albert, a cold, malicious gaze pierced through him. He turned his head to see Jack glaring at him with pure hatred.

  Nova didn't flinch. Instead, he flashed a mocking smile and mimicked the motion of a handshake. It was a discreet movement that no one else noticed—except for Jack, who had been staring intensely from across the room. Jack’s face turned venomous, his teeth grinding as if he wanted to tear Nova apart. Nova simply looked away, walking to his seat as if Jack didn't exist.

  Albert, who had been watching Nova since he walked through the door, struggled to suppress a laugh. He gave Nova a high-five as he sat down. "Bro, you’re so different now," Albert whispered. "That act of being weak and timid... you even fooled me."

  Internal alarm bells rang in Nova’s head. Damn, this guy is sharp. He realized he had been a bit too high-profile lately. After a few seconds of panic, he forced himself to calm down. In his past life, he was thirty years old with plenty of worldly experience; he could handle this. He just had to act natural until the college entrance exams.

  The previous owner of this body had a very plain personality, which was easy to imitate. Once they entered different colleges, they likely wouldn't see each other again anyway. Despite how hardworking Albert was, he wouldn't be able to enter the top-tier Star Rise Academy like Nova planned to. With a System on his side, Nova was playing a different game.

  Suddenly, the classroom door swung open. A middle-aged man with a normal build and a strict look stepped in. The room fell into a sudden, solemn silence.

  This was Mr. Parker, the class teacher. Nova remembered him well because the previous Nova was always 1st in the theoretical exams, and Mr. Parker frequently praised him. After all, having a genius in his class meant a bigger bonus for the teacher.

  Mr. Parker scanned the room. "As you all know," he began, his voice stern, "the special class is forming to give you a final push before the exams. The resources we receive depend on your performance—especially those taking the martial arts path. Anyone with a cultivation base, please come to my office after school to apply."

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