My Scumbag System Chapter 474: Enter the Crimson Comet

The training grounds of the Academy buzzed with energy even at this early hour. Raphael, already present, was leaving scorched patterns on the reinforced walls with his formidable power. Nearby, Celeste meticulously crafted ice structures with practiced skill. Noah remained motionless, akin to a statue, his gaze intently following every action within the room. Skylar, meanwhile, was seated on a weight bench, engrossed in her phone with her usual air of detached boredom. Even Emi arrived, a medical kit slung across her shoulder; though her blue hair was disheveled from sleep, her eyes shone with concern.

"A group effort?" I inquired, genuinely surprised by the turnout.

"Stop talking and get on the mat," Natalia commanded, already beginning her stretches.

The subsequent twelve hours were an ordeal.

Natalia unleashed everything she had – telekinetic assaults launched from unpredictable vectors, ice shards materializing from thin air requiring constant evasion or blocking, and slick frozen platforms designed to destabilize my footing. Celeste joined the fray after the first hour, adding to the specialized torture. She erected illusory walls that forced constant repositioning and barriers that absorbed impacts, compelling me to discern reality from mirage. Raphael’s relentless assault pushed my Kinetic Absorption to its limit, each blow possessing the destructive force to crush metal. He continued his barrage, seemingly for his own amusement, flooding my system with kinetic energy and stacking temporary strength buffs until I felt capable of shattering steel.

By midday, I could barely remain upright. My legs trembled with each movement, and my arms felt heavy as lead. My shirt, soaked through hours ago, bore dark stains across my chest and back. Emi’s healing intermittently revived me, her gentle blue aura knitting my worst injuries every twenty minutes. However, it wasn't enough to counteract the relentless breaking down inflicted by Natalia and the others.

"Enough," Braxton declared from the doorway, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Everyone ceased their actions. Even Raphael, mid-swing, lowered his fist. "He requires rest, not further injury."

"He needs to be prepared," Natalia countered, her breathing heavy from exertion, mirroring my own strain. "He is as prepared as he will ever be." Braxton gestured towards me with the glowing tip of his cigarette. "Shower. Eat. Sleep. In that order. Training is concluded."

I made my way to the showers, each step a stark reminder of the day’s brutal impact. The hot water intensified the sting on my bruised skin, diluting the blood from numerous minor cuts Emi had yet to address, turning the tile floor crimson.

Upon emerging, I found Maki lounging in her cat form on the bench, meticulously grooming one of her tails. She had been waiting. "Master is damaged."

"Master is fine."

"Master is lying again." She shifted, a swirl of black smoke revealing her human form, unclothed as usual. "Allow me to assist."

"How?" I asked. She placed her hands on my ribs, precisely where Raphael’s final, bone-cracking blow had landed. Blue lightning crackled between her fingers – not the chaotic energy of combat, but a controlled, gentler manifestation. It permeated my skin, radiating warmth through my chest. The persistent ache in my ribs subsided, the sharp pain that had accompanied every breath diminishing to a dull throb. It wasn't entirely gone, but it was significantly better.

"What was that?"

"Healing lightning. A special technique. Rare," she stated, withdrawing her hands with evident satisfaction. "Master should feel improved."

"I do."

"Good. Then Master can achieve victory tonight and take me to the mainland for some expensive fish." Her tails flicked behind her in anticipation.

"Is that the reward you desire?"

"Master promised tuna. I want the superior kind. The kind that costs more than a poor person’s rent." A rough but genuine laugh escaped me despite myself.

"Deal." She reverted to her cat form, rubbed against my leg with a deep, resonant purr, and then sauntered out of the locker room, her twin tails held high in feline contentment.

I concluded my shower, lingering under the hot water to soothe my aching muscles. I donned fresh attire, free from the stench of sweat and blood, and headed back upstairs towards the dormitory, my legs still protesting movement but functioning adequately. Natalia was waiting outside my door, a sandwich presented on a plate. "Eat."

I collected the meal. It was one of those enormous, stacked creations from the Academy cafeteria—turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, a mysterious sauce, all layered high on thick sourdough. The sort of hefty food meant to restore strength after intense training.

I proceeded to eat.

She observed my every mouthful, arms folded, leaning against the wall. Her striking violet eyes followed the sandwich from the plate to my mouth, as if she were personally verifying each calorie was consumed.

"You're being overly watchful."

"I am ensuring you do not collapse from insufficient blood sugar before the match."

"That would be quite mortifying."

"That would be entirely typical of you."

A fair point.

Once I had finished, she pulled me by the wrist towards my room, affording no opportunity for protest. "Rest. A minimum of two hours."

"Natalia—"

"This is not up for discussion." She guided me towards the bed with both hands. "I will return at five to assist you in preparing."

She departed before I could voice further objections, shutting the door with a faint click that nonetheless conveyed a sense of finality.

Maki was already settled on my pillow when I turned, having reverted to her human form. She was unclothed save for the blanket draped over her. Her tails extended from beneath it, twitching lazily.

"Master's companion is quite commanding."

"She is not my companion."

"Master is in a state of denial."

Again, a reasonable assessment.

I slumped down beside her, making no effort to get under the blanket. I simply fell face-first onto the mattress. Closing my eyes, I attempted to quell my thoughts, to silence the incessant barrage of tactical calculations and worst-case scenario projections.

A complete failure.

Nel's voice served as a reminder, her timing, as always, perfectly precise.

"Thank you. That was incredibly helpful."

Maki nestled against my side, her warmth seeping through the blanket. One of her tails rested gently across my back. "Master will prevail," she stated softly, her tone unusually subdued.

"What makes you so certain?"

"Because Master must. The ladies downstairs require Master's continued presence. And I have only just arrived. I am not yet prepared to seek a new Master."

"How very touching."

"I thought so." She stretched, revealing pointed fangs. "Now, sleep. Master requires sustenance for the trials ahead."