Lucas woke up at 6:00am in morning and did some stretching after stretching he wore his workout clothes,got out of the house and start running to complete his daily workout routine.
After completing his workout routine he got back at home, he bathe, ate his breakfast wore his dress and went for school after reaching school he saw.. that the school gate stood exactly where Lucas remembered it.
Same rusted bars.
Same cracked pavement.
Same noise.
Students gathered in small groups, laughing loudly, showing off new bags, new shoes new versions of themselves after summer.
Lucas walked in alone.
Not because he had no one.
Because he didn't need to cling.
His steps were steady. His back straight. His eyes calm.
No nervous scanning.
No instinctive shrinking.
A few heads turned.
Not many but enough.
Familiar Faces, Different Weight
As Lucas passed the notice board,
A boy from his class glanced at him, frowned slightly, then looked away.
Two girls whispered, eyes flicking toward him and then down again.
Lucas noticed but didn't react.
The hallway felt smaller than he remembered.
Or maybe
He had grown.
Than he saw her Sophia Blake
She stood near the classroom door.
Neat uniform. Tied hair. Expression sharp and slightly irritated, like the world owed her something.
She saw him.
Her eyes flicked over his clothes new, clean, well-fitted.
Confusion flashed across her face.
Then annoyance.
She turned away.
Lucas didn't slow down.
Didn't look back.
Didn't feel anything.
No anger.
No bitterness.
Just distance.
You don't matter to my future.
And that's what Matters.
As Lucas took his seat by the window, the system interface appeared quietly.
[New Ability Available]
Name: Intent Perception (Basic)
Effect:
→ Detects goodwill or hostility directed toward host
→ Passive awareness within close range
Cost: 10 System Points
Duration: Permanent (Low-Level)
Lucas read it once.
Twice.
Then asked, "Does it influence also my judgment?"
No.
Ability provides information only.
Decision-making remains with host.
Lucas nodded.
"Than I'll take it."
Confirm purchase?
"Yes."
[Transaction Complete]
System Points: 0
Intent Perception: Activated
The world didn't change.
But Lucas did.
Seeing Without Judging
As the teacher entered the classroom all students settled down, Lucas felt it soft impressions at the edge of his awareness.
Not voices.
Not words.
Just intent.
Mild curiosity from the boy behind him
Indifference from most
A thin strand of irritation from her
And something else.
Near the window two rows ahead
Warmth.
Faint. Unassuming.
Goodwill.
Lucas didn't look.
He didn't need to.
So this is how it feels… to know without guessing.
No More Being Pushed
The teacher began roll calling.
When Lucas's name was called, he answered clearly.
"Here."
A few students glanced again.
But Lucas didn't care.
He wasn't here to dominate.
But his presence now was something that you cannot ignore.
As the lesson started, Lucas rested his chin lightly on his hand and looked out the window.
The school grounds stretched wide and ordinary.
But to him
They looked like a starting line.
I won't let anyone push me around again.
And I won't chase approval also.
And I definitely won't return to people who looked down on me.
The system stayed silent.
And for Lucas
That silence meant one thing.
He was walking the right path.