What a Pity  

"You don't know him? Duke's already a celebrity in the school." Danny teased, causing the others present to show a realization on their faces. After all, the news about Duke assisting the Enforcement Squad in eliminating the infected had spread quite widely.

"I didn't expect this kid to be really capable. Weren't people saying his test scores were just average?"

Although everyone present was surprised, they weren't completely taken aback. After all, a score of 90 in original force placed one at the bottom of the special training class. Besides, with the Awakening Day approaching so soon, the chances of awakening were slim.

"Indeed, that's why I said it's a pity." Danny sighed and shared his earlier plan to trade with Duke in the morning with everyone. Among the twenty or so people present, most were from wealthy families and had plenty of raw stone. Many of them were his clients.

After hearing Danny's story, they all understood. The Premium raw stone given by the Enforcement Squad were even more powerful than they had anticipated. Some people regretted missing out. If Danny had truly traded for the Premium raw stone, considering Duke's current rate of progress, they would have willingly repurchased them at a high price.

"Congratulations, Duke."

As the people chatted, Louisa gave them a disdainful snort and then walked over to Duke. Hearing this address, Duke's lips twitched. Louisa had always treated him as her younger brother. Looking up, he noticed that everyone had suddenly quieted down and their gazes were on him. Naturally, he understood that these people had likely been discussing him.

Currently, most people were gathered around Danny, who was popular among them, and nobody seemed inclined to come over and greet him. Duke wasn't bothered; he was never one to seek group approval.

At this moment, he saw Charles walking over as well. Charles had a poker face, and it was hard to discern his expression. He said, "Congratulations," in a slightly aloof manner and then returned to his original spot.

"A bit aloof," Louisa commented, and Duke clearly saw Charles pause for a moment.

Most of the people present were familiar with each other. They continued to greet each other, with Viola acting as a go-between to introduce people who didn't know each other. The atmosphere was quite lively.

However, Duke, Louisa, and a few others standing aside seemed a bit isolated.

In the distance, the principal of J City High, Angus, stood with another burly man with a scar on his face, observing the group of students.

"William, how are these students?"

Although they also took academic courses and their numbers for admission to prestigious schools were considered, the true measure of their achievements lay in being Awakened or having high original force levels. Angus's chubby face carried a tinge of concern.

"It's about the same as last year. There are 26 students with original force levels exceeding 90." The scar-faced man stood there with his arms crossed, and although he was standing next to the principal, he didn't appear to feel constrained at all.

"Twenty-six students. If it were in previous years, it wouldn't be bad, but in comparison to this year, I'm afraid I'll face criticism," Angus sighed:"This year, J City Second High is really strong. I've heard they have nineteen students with scores above 90, plus one early Awakened individual. Our reputation as the top high school in J City might be at risk," 

William responded, nodding in agreement. Early Awakening was indeed impressive. As an Awakened individual himself, he knew that those who could Awaken before the Awakening Ceremony were without exception prodigies.

"Among our group, do you think there's anyone with a chance of Awakening?" Angus asked with hopeful eyes.

William shifted his gaze back to the students. After observing Viola, Danny, and others socializing with ease, he shook his head slightly with a touch of disapproval. 

"These people are too narrow-minded. They believe that standing out in J City First High makes them the cream of the crop, acting like they're top-notch even before Awakening. They're just wasting their time building connections and friendships. However, there are a few promising individuals, like Clark!"

Clark, the top scorer in many assessments, now had an original force level of 109. He had the highest chance of successfully Awakening on the upcoming Awakening Day.

"I heard there was an unexpected surprise today?" 

William nodded, "A student named Duke in Jim's class, with a score of 90."

Duke? Angus was naturally familiar with the name. Upon hearing it now, he was first taken aback, and then his gaze became complicated. 

"So, you're saying he made such progress shortly after using raw stone?"

William nodded, and Angus fell silent for a moment. He then sighed, "What a shame, such a waste!"

William knew what Angus was lamenting. duke's name ,The school is also helping with promotion, but more for the purpose of building reputation. Because they have also investigated Duke's situation, and his original abilities are quite ordinary.However, his sudden progress to this level indicated his tremendous potential. Previously, it was purely due to poverty and lack of resources for practice.

"It is a pity. He's already eighteen, and he started training late. Even with sufficient resources, his progress will always lag behind others. Even if he Awakens, it will be a long time from now," William shared his assessment.

Such rapid improvement as Duke's was often hindered by compressed potential. While he was growing quickly now, it didn't mean he would continue at this pace forever; he was merely compensating for past shortfalls.

"This is where the school's efforts have fallen short. I should reflect on this," Angus sighed. William didn't interject. He had been temporarily employed to teach talented students and wasn't a regular teacher at the school. He didn't feel inclined to offer commentary.

Angus turned his thoughtful gaze towards Jim on the playground. He had raised the issue of increasing aid raw stone for underprivileged students several times before, but Jim had made some enemies in the education bureau due to a previous incident, so Angus hadn't taken it too seriously. However, he had heard that Jim, who had a tendency to offend others, had privately sponsored several students. After this batch of graduates was seen off, he would suggest Jim be evaluated for commendation again.

Facing the aggressive approach of Second High school, Angus felt a sense of crisis. At a time like this, losing talent due to cooling relations would be the greatest loss.

The testing was complete, and it was time for the students to go home as the sun set. Duke was inexplicably in a good mood. Awakened individuals received a reward of one million dollars from the school, and he was only ten points away from the threshold. He felt he should share this good news with Monica. Numerous times, he and his sister had passed by their old home in the city and stood at the door, reminiscing. The dilapidated house, covered in peeling paint, held all their cherished childhood memories. In the past, he had never imagined the possibility of buying it back. But now, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope.

At this moment, in the slums, two individuals dressed in dark gray police uniforms stepped heavily in their sturdy boots, leaving clear footprints in the mud. The people of the slums, upon seeing these enforcers, were first filled with fear. Many couldn't meet their gaze. However, the two individuals seemed completely unaffected by the people around them as they walked step by step to the front of a low, decrepit shack.

"We're here. This is the boy's home," one of them said as they pushed the door open and entered. Inside the house, a musty and damp smell greeted them. Dilapidated furniture and cracked walls gave the whole space a desolate and gloomy appearance.