Chapter 8 (Two-in-One)
“I want to run slowly at first, conserve energy. You know, this is only the first lap,” Su Bei said grandly, as if his real goal wasn’t to slack off.
The explanation made some sense, but Feng Lan was still puzzled: “Even if you’re conserving energy, do you need to run this slowly?”
The current front-runners weren’t going all out either; their pace was normal for the early stage of a ten-lap run.
At this, Feng Lan deliberately slowed down, waiting to run alongside Su Bei before closely examining his exposed, sturdy forearms. After a moment, he asked uncertainly: “Could it be your muscles are from protein powder?”
With his keen eye, he could tell Su Bei’s muscles were among the strongest in the class. If they weren’t from protein powder, how could he be so slow?
Su Bei was indignant: “You can insult me, but you can’t insult the muscles I worked so hard for!”
Realizing he might be breaking character, he coughed: “Run ahead, don’t mind me. I’ll finish anyway.”
Feng Lan hesitated but didn’t speed up to join the front group, continuing to run beside Su Bei.
This surprised Su Bei, though he said nothing more. Ten laps were tough even for him, so it was best to save his breath.
Halfway through the first lap, the homeroom teacher Meng Huai came down. His imposing figure standing there made several hesitating students hurriedly join the track.
But after watching them complete one lap, the teacher left, and the running group reverted to its earlier disorganized state.
Several students switched from running to walking, and the fifty-four Class F students naturally split into five groups, scattered across the track.
By the ninth lap, they’d consolidated into three groups. The first group, including the protagonist trio, had four people, half a lap ahead of the rest. The second group had eleven, with Su Bei and Feng Lan blending in inconspicuously. The third group of twenty-one had no energy left to run but kept walking.
The remaining eighteen had left the track. Some skipped the task to eat, while others stood on the sidelines, planning to join the final lap to muddle through.
Su Bei was breathing heavily, sweat sliding from his cheeks to the ground. The weather wasn’t hot, but the exercise was intense.
An experienced runner observing him would notice that, despite his heavy breathing, it was steady and even. His pace had remained consistent from the start, clearly with energy to spare.
Feng Lan beside him looked even more relaxed, not even panting. Su Bei glanced at him, thinking this pretty boy was not to be underestimated.
He looked up at the front group running in a line. The worst off was Jiang Tianming, trailing at the back.
No joke, even from this distance, Su Bei could faintly hear his gasping. Drenched in sweat, stumbling, he looked frail, as if he’d collapse any moment.
Yet, miraculously, he stayed at the tail of the first group.
Was it his Ability? Su Bei wondered uncertainly. Willpower alone couldn’t sustain such a run.
But from the first manga, Jiang Tianming was clearly a summon-type.
Then again, the manga had foreshadowed something about the male lead’s Ability. Maybe it did have physical enhancement.
In the hallway, the Class A homeroom teacher, having just settled his students, strolled out. Passing Class F, he spotted Meng Huai by the window and slipped inside: “What’re you looking at?”
He spoke with a hint of schadenfreude, slinging an arm over Meng Huai’s shoulder: “You slacked off teaching Class F this year. The principal’s got quite the grudge.”
Meng Huai replied nonchalantly: “After teaching several Class S batches, can’t I take a break? But this Class F has some interesting folks.”
“Oh?” The Class A teacher raised a brow, joining him at the window. After a few seconds, he spotted something: “You mean that Feng family kid? He’s that far back?”
“Not just him,” Meng Huai shook his head. “The blue-haired girl up front, her Ability is [Word Spirit], good enough for Class A. If not for her social anxiety, she wouldn’t be in Class F.”
The Class A teacher knew of her and chuckled: “You got a steal there. Anyone else?”
Meng Huai pointed back: “That black-haired kid behind her. Looks like he’ll drop any second, but he’s been like that for four laps and is still in the first group. Interesting, right?”
That was intriguing. Without Meng Huai’s comment, even the Class A teacher’s sharp eye would’ve assumed Jiang Tianming was just recently exhausted and would soon fall back.
But four laps in that state meant he likely wouldn’t drop.
If he stayed at the back with that condition, it could be sheer willpower. But staying in the first group like that made one suspect his Ability.
The Class A teacher couldn’t help asking: “What’s his Ability?”
A physical enhancement Ability shouldn’t land in Class F.
Meng Huai, unsurprised by the question, answered cryptically: “Don’t know.”
“Don’t know?”
“When the academy tested him, no Ability was triggered. But the detector confirmed he has one,” Meng Huai said, clearly having looked into this case.
The Class A teacher’s mouth twitched: “That kid’s got bad luck. Found out why?”
“Not yet. I’ll ask tomorrow. He can’t hide it forever.”
Meng Huai continued: “The Feng kid insisted on Class F for some reason. Given his family’s situation, it’s hard not to think…”
“Prophecy Ability, huh,” the Class A teacher, well-versed in the Feng family, said. All academy teachers knew of this uniquely gifted Ability clan.
His gaze swept the students, murmuring: “Sending the next family head here. Wonder who it’s for.”
“I suspect the kid next to him,” Meng Huai said faintly, watching the track.
The Class A teacher’s eyes landed on Su Bei: “The Yellow-Haired kid?”
As Class A’s teacher, his eye was sharp. He hadn’t noticed before, but now he saw it: “This kid’s not going all out. Slacking under your nose?”
Catching the mocking tone, Meng Huai snorted: “Not just that. He’s dragging the Feng kid to slack with him.”
Before the other could laugh, he added: “Su Bei, both parents deceased, no close relatives or friends, yet on the first day, he’s buddies with the Feng family’s young master.”
The Feng family was notoriously aloof, likely due to their Ability. Even newly awakened members had a commanding presence, making most too intimidated to approach.
Befriending Feng Lan instantly meant Su Bei had something special, or Feng Lan had a purpose.
“But that alone doesn’t support your theory. Maybe they just clicked?” The Class A teacher knew Meng Huai’s rough exterior hid a meticulous mind.
Indeed, Meng Huai pulled out his phone, playing a surveillance clip: “I checked the footage from before I arrived while they were running. Look what I found.”
The clip showed Su Bei’s words to Jiang Tianming upon entering the class.
“…This batch’s unluckiest guy? What’s that? A prophecy? Is his Ability prophecy-related?” After watching, the Class A teacher fired off questions, thoughtful: “No wonder the Feng family’s here.”
The Feng family, known for prophecy Abilities, often attracted those with similar gifts seeking growth.
But prophecy Abilities were so rare that even the Feng family, with recruited members, had fewer than twenty.
If they foresaw a new prophecy Ability user, sending someone to connect was standard.
“No, his Ability is [Gear], only good for making gears,” Meng Huai said, ready to enjoy the reaction.
As expected, the Class A teacher’s eyes widened: “How’s that possible? Then how’d he say that?”
A glint flashed in Meng Huai’s eyes: “That’s why it’s interesting, isn’t it?”
Knowing Meng Huai wouldn’t lie, the Class A teacher adjusted his glasses: “Was he bluffing? No, that’s pointless. You mean… his registered Ability is fake?”
It aligned with Meng Huai’s guess: “Very likely.”
“But if so, that’s a half-hearted fake Ability,” the Class A teacher griped. [Gear] was so shoddy, fit only for a manga’s first-page cannon fodder.
“He’s not acting too seriously either,” Meng Huai pointed at the slacking figure. “And saying that on the first day, he’s not even trying to hide.”
“You’re right,” the Class A teacher nodded. “So, what’s your plan?”
Meng Huai crossed his arms, relaxed: “Let it play out.”
The grueling ten laps ended. Crossing the finish line, Jiang Tianming fainted. Lan Subing wanted to help but was too exhausted. Despite her strong Ability, she hadn’t trained much, and running ten laps at speed was her limit.
Soon, an orange-haired boy bounced over energetically. After asking about the situation, he hoisted Jiang Tianming over his shoulder like a sack and carried him off.
Su Bei watched, amused, knowing this was likely the protagonist trio’s final member—Wu Mingbai.
Despite his sunny demeanor, he wasn’t easy to deal with. The first arc’s main plot started with him.
But once he truly accepted Jiang Tianming and Lan Subing, he was fiercely loyal, or he wouldn’t be in the protagonist trio.
His character was intriguing. Despite deep bonds with the other two, he often used his cheerful facade to trick others.
A sesame-stuffed dumpling.
Speaking of, in the promo art, a red-haired boy also looked enthusiastic. Those in the art were key characters, but Su Bei didn’t know his deal yet.
He slowly walked a lap, which should’ve been enough, but no one spoke. Su Bei glanced thoughtfully at Feng Lan, then stepped to start a second lap.
As expected, Feng Lan stopped him: “…Let’s go eat?”
Su Bei nodded agreeably, standing still, waiting for Feng Lan to lead.
But the striking white-haired boy stood there just as blankly. After a moment, he seemed to realize something: “Can you go first? I don’t know where the cafeteria is.”
This “don’t know”—was it not seeing the school map at the building entrance, or knowing the cafeteria’s location but not how to get there, aka directionally challenged?
With an answer in mind, Su Bei didn’t press, leading the way.
Though it was the first day, the school had sent the Endless Ability Academy student handbook a week prior.
It highlighted the academy’s point system. Besides 1 point daily for attending classes, good grades or completing tasks earned extra points.
Points had many uses: private lessons, better library or lecture seats, Ability items, or a good meal at the cafeteria…
The cafeteria had two types. One was free for all, but the food was mediocre, all set meals. The other required points, offering delicacies.
At the cafeteria, Su Bei planned to take Feng Lan to the free section, as it was the first day with no points.
But at the fork between the two, Feng Lan stopped him: “Let’s eat at the point cafeteria.”
Su Bei raised a brow. He didn’t ask if Feng Lan had points, instead saying bluntly: “You’re treating?”
A free meal was great, and he could afford a few points, so why not? Grinning, Su Bei teased in a fawning tone: “Young master, your treat!”
Feng Lan: “…”
Feng Lan nodded, relieved Su Bei agreed. He’d worried Su Bei might feel insulted, which would’ve been troublesome.
The point cafeteria had white tiled floors, clean and elegant. Multiple windows offered dishes costing various points.
No other students were eating, as most had no points and didn’t consider coming here.
After discussing, they chose a 5-point basic Ability enhancement meal.
It included Ability rice, nightmare pheasant stewed with mushrooms, and specially cultivated vegetables. Each slightly boosted an Ability user’s physical condition and Ability, with better effects combined.
Ability rice and vegetables were grown by plant-type Ability users, while nightmare pheasants were relatively harmless nightmare beasts, often raised by humans.
Nightmare beasts, unique to this world, coexisted with Ability users. Besides native ones, stronger ones emerged from interdimensional wormholes.
Like Ability users, they had Abilities, often hostile to Ability users and merciless to regular humans. To Ability users, they were gourmet food; to regular humans, just food.
Normal weapons barely harmed nightmare beasts, especially stronger ones from wormholes. Only Abilities caused significant damage, making wormhole beast elimination a primary job for Ability users.
But few elite Ability users couldn’t match the hordes of nightmare beasts. Balance held only because top-tier experts propped it up. If they fell, the world would face catastrophic losses. This was likely why “Manga Consciousness” said the hero-villain power balance was off.
Shaking his head, Su Bei cleared his cluttered thoughts, focusing on Feng Lan ordering.
Five points could be earned in five days. With Feng Lan treating, Su Bei didn’t mind a small indulgence, as long as he could repay it. Five points was perfect. Feng Lan’s ease suggested 10 points were nothing to him.
Sure enough, swiping his student card showed 1,000 points.
Su Bei was in awe. Was this the power of a back-row big shot? Truly extraordinary.
After deducting 10 points, Feng Lan glanced at him, hesitating as if unsure whether to explain.
But Su Bei didn’t want to hear it, not now. He casually slung an arm over Feng Lan’s shoulder, tossing a playful wink and saying cheekily: “Sugar daddy, need a pretty boy?”
Feng Lan relaxed, expressionless. Though disapproving, he asked seriously: “I don’t need one. Want me to recommend some who do?”
While he disdained keeping pretty boys, it was common in high society, and Feng Lan knew a few with such tastes.
“…No thanks,” Su Bei said dryly, seeing his earnestness.
After the banter, they ate. These ingredients were new to Su Bei; non-Ability users risked exploding from eating them.
The taste was excellent. The Ability rice was soft, fragrant, delicious even plain. Nightmare pheasant was tender, more elastic and flavorful than regular chicken. The vegetables were unremarkable to Su Bei, a staunch carnivore.
After a few bites, warmth spread through him, especially in his lower abdomen, like swallowing a small heater.
Footsteps sounded at the entrance. They turned to see three people enter: two boys and a girl. Leading was a silver-haired boy with a ponytail, so beautiful he was androgynous.
Honestly, if not for his tall build, Su Bei might not have pegged him as male. He seemed more like a cold, silver-haired beauty with a ponytail.
The moment they appeared, Su Bei noticed Feng Lan’s movements slow, clearly recognizing them.
As expected, the silver-haired boy scanned the cafeteria, frowned displeasedly, and strode toward Feng Lan: “Which class are you in? Class S?”
An intriguing question. He clearly knew something about Feng Lan’s Ability, guessing Class S, suggesting he saw Class S potential in Feng Lan.
So why was Feng Lan in Class F?
“Class F,” Feng Lan replied, glancing subtly at Su Bei, unable to gauge his reaction, answering the silver-haired boy coolly.
The boy paused, tactfully dropping the topic. His gaze shifted to Su Bei, brow raised: “So this is your new friend in Class F?”
Feng Lan nodded: “This is Su Bei.”
Then to Su Bei: “This is Si Zhaohua.”
The name matched his face perfectly.
Si Zhaohua, used to Feng Lan’s curt style, nodded at Su Bei after the introduction and left.
Clearly, he had no interest in getting to know Su Bei.
The chubby boy trailing him went to get food, while the fully made-up girl with manicured nails and colored contacts whispered: “Young Master Si, why bother with two Class F guys?”
Her voice was soft, but in the nearly empty cafeteria, even a pin dropping would echo, let alone speech.
The already quiet cafeteria grew quieter. The girl’s face flushed red. She avoided looking at Su Bei and Feng Lan, standing rigidly silent.
Though her words weren’t exactly malicious, just curious, they were still gossip. Unheard, fine, but caught red-handed was embarrassing.
She felt utterly foolish.
Si Zhaohua broke the silence: “Sorry, Baozhu’s not the brightest, but she means no harm.”
He glanced at the girl.
Baozhu, swallowing her shame, stood and walked to Su Bei and Feng Lan, apologizing sincerely: “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have talked behind your backs.”
Their actions surprised Su Bei. This wasn’t very manga-like. He’d expected a rich kid mocking them, leading to a satisfying face-slap. Instead, it passed quietly.
Was it because he wasn’t the protagonist?
But avoiding trouble was good. Su Bei wasn’t suited to clashing with the powerful. If they dug into his identity, exposing him fully, he’d lose his ability to mislead readers with an unknown persona.
Notably, the chubby boy following Si Zhaohua and Baozhu was visibly displeased with Su Bei.
When Baozhu apologized, his small eyes burned with anger, as if they’d humiliated her.
Su Bei ate quickly, finishing before Feng Lan. After thinking, he waited for Feng Lan’s last bite and asked bluntly: “By the way, is your Ability really [Prophecy]? What can it predict?”