Weekend before Academy festival 3

Their eyes widened in anticipation. As they carefully unwrapped their present, expressions of shock and wonder replaced their earlier curiosity.

His father, looking at the new watch, clearly taken aback, stammered, "Zero... How did you manage to buy this?"

Zero's mother eyed her gift warily for a moment before slowly lifting the lid. Inside was a brand-new crocodile leather handbag from the coveted Viviera collection, its glossy surface adorned with the unmistakable VV logo. Almost in disbelief, she whispered to Zero's father, "Did you send Zero any money?"

Father, equally astonished, shook his head. "I thought you might have..."

Zero's grin widened at their baffled expressions. "Father, Mother, let me explain," he began, trying to ease their bewilderment.

"Have you heard about the new games making waves lately, 'Terrorist Attack' and 'DOFN'?" Zero inquired. "I've been deeply involved in playing them and... let's say things went really well for me. I started coaching players online because I excelled at the gameplay. People were willing to pay as much as a thousand dollars an hour for my guidance."

He continued, "The game companies began to introduce accessories and rare skins. Luck was on my side, and I managed to snag a few extremely rare items. Selling them made quite the profit."

Both parents took a moment, processing the whirlwind of information they had just received.

Mother's eyes were wide, still trying to fathom the amounts. "But with all this gaming, what about your studies?"

Zero confidently handed over his recent report card and the invitation to represent his grade at the academy festival. "I've got it under control, Mother."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "You really are something, aren't you? A genius!"

His father patted him on the back, pride evident in his eyes. "We're incredibly proud, son. Just remember to prioritize your time and think about saving. These gifts are wonderful, but your future is paramount."

Zero nodded earnestly, "I understand, Father."

The evening continued as Zero assisted his expectant mother in the kitchen, culminating in a hearty dinner filled with laughter and shared stories.

The family dinner table was set in its usual warm and inviting manner, a cozy sanctuary of love and understanding. The soft glow from the overhead chandelier created intimate shadows, enveloping the family in its comforting embrace.

Zero's father initiated the topic of the upcoming academy festival. "Do you think we should come to watch you in person?"

Zero responded, his voice filled with gratitude, "It would mean a lot to me if both of you could be there. But given Mother's condition, if it's too strenuous, you can always watch the event online. I'll show you how later."

There was a slight pause, as all eyes momentarily shifted towards Zero's mother, her baby belly is evidant. At four to five months into her pregnancy, she had that radiant glow about her.

Zero's parents had shared the exciting news with him that he was going to have a baby sister. The three of them spent considerable time pondering the right name. After some thoughtful discussions and debates, they had settled on 'Thaleia Elsher', drawing inspiration from the Greek mythology where Thaleia, often spelled Thalia, represented the goddess of flourishing.

Zero internally mused about the chosen name. 'At least it's not Cero or Ling,' he thought amusingly, referencing the translations of his own name in Spanish and Chinese.

The soft voice of Zero's father interrupted his thoughts, "Son, if it becomes challenging for your mother, we'll find a way. All you need to do is give it your best shot." He continued, "One of my colleagues mentioned his son is also participating from another academy. He's quite the towering figure, I hear. The academy's called Solstice. His name... I think it was Ares."

Zero's heartbeat momentarily quickened at the mention of the name 'Ares from Solstice Academy'. Fragments of memories from his past life started flooding back, like a dam that had suddenly given way.

In Zero's past life, the Solstice Academy had dominated the ranks, always standing tall at the number one spot. Towering over the competition was Ares, a young boy of merely 12 or 13 years, yet possessing a physique that belied his age. Standing at a staggering 171 cm and weighing in at 67 kg, his physique was chiseled and perfectly fit, making him a true embodiment of his namesake - the Greek god of war, Ares.

One of the pinnacle events of the festival was a combat event reminiscent of sumo wrestling. The rules were straightforward: force your opponent out of the circle, incapacitate them, or make them yield. The event might have been simple in its design, but it was brutally demanding in its execution.

In Zero's previous life, Ares was a force of nature in this event. Neither the physically imposing Orion Hale nor the resilient Mike could match his might. Mike, with his never-yield attitude, ended up seriously injuring his hand against Ares, a mishap that had significant repercussions. With no substitution option available, the NSE Academy found itself finishing a disappointing fourth place.

But what was even more terrifying than Ares' brute strength was the fact that he was merely a pawn in the larger game. From his vantage point on the sidelines, Zero had deduced that every move Ares made was at the command of Solstice's true mastermind - Kolson. Kolson might not have been as physically present in the events as the others, but his strategic prowess was unmatched. With uncanny precision, he directed every play, and the arrogant Ares, along with the other members, obeyed his commands unquestioningly.

Zero's eyes sparkled with determination as memories of the past flowed back. He mentally reaffirmed his resolution, 'This life will be different.'

Noting the concern in his father's eyes, Zero comfortingly remarked, "Don't worry, Father. I will give it my all."