The New Era Project 17 The Path Of Getting Stronger

Kotori brings Feng Ye to the gym area after exiting the elevator. There are gym area is divided into two sections which are separated by a wall. On the left side is the area for all members of the complex while the right side is for student enforcer team members and student council members. The benefits that Kotori had obtained from being apart of the student enforcer team allows Feng Ye access to this student enforcer team area as well. The only other individuals that are permitted to use the right gym would be members of the complex that have obtained approval from the student council president.

Kotori and Feng Ye enter the section on the right. As it is currently the afternoon, many students who are apart of the student enforcer team are in their lectures. Thus, the section is basically unpopulated. Feng Ye notices dazzling equipment of all types which are usually found in a gym. The difference is that each piece of equipment is very high quality and automated. Nearby, Feng Ye notices a bench press station in which a user would input that amount of weight they would like to place on the bench press bar, and the machine would automatically add to the bar. It is much more convenient and efficient. Besides automated versions of the common machines typically found in a gym such as leg press, bicep curls, etc., there are stations that put a user into a closed s.p.a.ce for simulations. In these closed s.p.a.ces, there are automated combat dummies which can be used to a.s.sist in combat training.

Kotori turns to face Feng Ye. "We will be staying in this complex during your entire leave from the campus. Everyday, I expect you to come here at 9am for training until 6pm. There will be consequences if you do not show. After 6pm, you are free but need to stay within the complex. As for resting, I will rent two s.p.a.ces for us on the third floor which is known as the sleep floor. The path of getting stronger is a tiresome journey, but you will need to persist."

"We are staying here for the entire duration of the leave?" Feng Ye asks in a surprised manner.

"Yes. I don't feel relieved having you wander around the city and collapsing after you experience day one of the training…" Kotori replies.

"Wow. At least have some confidence in me.. Kotori-san."

"Anyways, do you have experience using the gym equipment? If so, start by warming up."

"Yes, I do have experience with it." Feng Ye nods.

"Okay. After doing some warming up, follow this training schedule." Kotori heads to a nearby wall which has a screen. She double taps the corner of the screen and it lights up with a work out plan. "All student enforcer team members usually follow this work out plan. You will as well." Kotori continues to explain.

The work out plan essentially is broken down into five components which are the upper body, the lower body, abdominal, cardio, and combat simulations. There is are detailed circuits which cover each component. Each day, there is a different circuit with exercises that are different from the previous day. Feng Ye will have to go through the circuits in the morning, which is followed by a short break in the afternoon. In the evening, he will need to undergo the combat simulations which will have adjustable levels.

"I will also be doing this alongside you. So, don't slack off or …. Hehe. Let's begin." Kotori comments.

Thus, Feng Ye's journey on the path of getting stronger begins.

His schedule can be broken down into the following.

9AM - 12PM: Circuits

12PM- 2PM: Lunch Break/Relax

3PM - 6PM: Combat Simulations

As it is Feng Ye's first day and they had arrived in the afternoon, Kotori had Feng Ye warm up and get familiarized with the circuits. He will not be completing combat simulations today.

After answering any questions that Feng Ye may have had, Kotori urges him to start the circuit. Alongside Kotori, Feng Ye begins.

As Feng Ye had worked out in his previous world, he is quite familiar with the workout environment. Unfortunately, the time he had spent in this world, wasn't spent exercising. Thus, he was out of shape and absolutely not in his peak. Feng Ye, since he wasn't at this peak, would occasionally pause to take a quick break in order to catch his breath. However, quickly, he had forced himself to continue to power through the sets and not stop midway after a few electric shocks from the nearby Kotori.

As the two continue to complete the reps within the circuit, a partially bald individual arrives. Kotori explains who this individual is to Feng Ye as they take a water break.

"That is Saito. He is a non-esper who through pure willpower and determination was able to obtain the student council president's approval. Although, he isn't apart of the student enforcer team, he can still come here" Kotori explains.

"Oh? How and why?" Feng Ye inquiries. It is quite rare for this to occur.

"He was able to prove that a normal human can break their own limits without being an esper. Additionally, he had helped resolve a few incidents for us. He is known as the strongest non-esper in the city."

The partially bald man called Saito notices Kotori. "h.e.l.lo Kotori-san, how are you and how might this be?"

Kotori smiles and replies, "h.e.l.lo Saito-san, I'm alright. Just leading Feng Ye here to train him up."

Saito nods. "Nice. Nice to meet you, Feng-kun. You can call me Saito. Also, make sure you don't slack."

Feng Ye smiles bitterly. "Nice to meet you as well. I was just wondering, how were you able to train up to become the strongest from an ordinary ability-less individual in the city?

Saito laughs. "I often get asked this. It is actually quite simple. I have an online close friend who had inspired me to try to get stronger and change myself. I used to be quite a frail lad, but after I was convinced by him to change. 'To get stronger is quite simple', he said."

Saito pauses for a quick moment and continues. "He, too, used to be an ordinary person. From an ordinary person to a rather terrifying existence. He told me to complete 100 sit ups, 100 pushups, 100 squats, and a 10km run every single day. Additionally, it was important to never use the air conditioner in the summer or use the heat in the winter in order to strengthen my mind. Eating 3 meals a day is a must, but just a banana in the morning is fine."

Saito shows an expression of admiring. "He persisted for years until his hair fell out… however, he was stronger. I have also tried to follow his footsteps. Unfortunately, I also have lost some hair and am now partially bald. I am not as strong as he is, but I did get healthier. After, I was able to lend a helping hand to resolve some issues and am able to utilize the training machines here for a few years. The equipment is very good. Make use of it!"

As Feng Ye listens to Saito's inspirational reason, he recalls that this seems quite similar to the Saitama in the anime One Punch Man of his old world. Actually, it is pretty much the exact same. (lol)

"Do you mind me asking what his name was?" Feng Ye inquires.

"As he was an online friend, he had a username called PathofGettingStronger. I usually just referred to him as Pogs. Anyways, you should probably go head back. It seems like Kotori-san is waiting. Don't make her mad and good luck." Saito replies and heads to the combat simulation area.

Feng Ye heads back to resume the work out with Kotori.

Time quickly pa.s.ses by when one is busy. Feng Ye and Kotori finally finish up and the time is 6:05PM.

"Alright, you are free now. Here is your key for one of the rooms which I have rented for the duration of our stay. Don't lose it. Tomorrow, I have a few scheduled meetings and cannot accompany you. However, after, I will be able to do so. Make sure to not cause any trouble. As this building is under the jurisdiction of the student council, you will be fine. Make sure to come tomorrow and start the next set of training. If I find out that you are slacking… let's say it won't be a very happy ending…" Kotori says as she hands over a card key. She then parts ways with Feng Ye.

Feng Ye accepts to card key and nods. He heads to the changing rooms which also have showering facilities. After being rejuvenated from showering, Feng Ye heads to the sleep floor on floor three. He is exhausted and heads into the a.s.signed room. The room has nothing except a bed-side stand, alarm clock and a bed. It is a single room with no windows and a single overhead light on the ceiling.

He sighs and lays down on the bed and requests the loli in his mind. "s.h.i.+ra, when you take over, please don't screw around. Could you at least not expose your appearance and just stay my appearance?"

Feng Ye shows a pitiful expression towards s.h.i.+ra.

s.h.i.+ra replies, "Sure, but I won't be going to the training tomorrow for you. That's boring!"

Feng Ye thinks in his mind, "Well @!#$, looks like one can't win in everything. You win some and you lose some. I guess I'll have to mentally prepare myself to take a beating…"

He inquires s.h.i.+ra again, "Could you please go...?"

s.h.i.+ra lays down in Feng Ye's mind and doesn't pay attention to him. Feng Ye sighs. At least, s.h.i.+ra won't be running around with her appearance…

There is around 30 mins before midnight. Feng Ye lays motionless on his back on the bed. He mutters, "Hopefully, the next 24 hours will be fine…"

As the time changes to 12:00AM, Feng Ye becomes unconscious and his thoughts become blank. At this time, "Feng Ye" opens his eyes and grins. "This complex has so many interesting things~ It's time to explore~!"