Statue Martial Technique

After an unknown amount of time, Lucius slowly opened his eyes. The bright lights that once illuminated the room were gone and the moonlight invaded the room, giving it a more serene presence.

"How long?" Lucius was startled. 

To him, he had only spent a few seconds meditating, but judging from the looks of things, it was clear he had spent at least five hours here.

"Impressive. To think, it would only take you nearly seven hours to awaken the power of Qi." Master Zhang's voice rang like a bell in the night, making Lucius look in his direction.

The silver-haired master was smoking from an old yet beautifully designed pipe, gently leaning on the pillars while observing the Qi surrounding Lucius.

"Master…" Lucius slowly got up, and his legs felt numb, causing him to stagger a bit.

"It's late, so whatever you have to say will have to wait. For now, take this manual containing all you need to know about the Statue martial technique. Study it on your own, and if you have any problems, feel free to come back here anytime for my help." Master Zhang tossed the scroll at him, before walking out of the room.

Lucius caught the scroll, his eyes gleaming with subtle excitement. As soon as Master Zhang had left the room, he unwrapped the scroll a bit and read the first few lines concerning the martial technique.

"Statue Martial Technique"

"The Statue Martial Technique is a revered and ancient martial arts discipline that enables practitioners to harden their skin, significantly boosting their defense, while also granting them mental clarity and heightened perception during battle. This technique progresses through three stages: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each representing a deeper mastery and enhancement of both physical and mental attributes."

"Complementary Fighting Style: The Stone Lotus"

"The Stone Lotus is a fighting style designed to complement the Statue Martial Technique, focusing on solid stances, powerful strikes, and defensive maneuvers that maximize the hardened skin's effectiveness."

"So, what do you think?" Lucius asked.

[I must confess, you really hit a goldmine this time. This martial technique is truly worth the effort.] Lyxor was impressed

"Mmh…" Lucius nodded. "Let's head back so that I can start practicing. There is no time to waste." 

…

By the time Lucius returned to the dormitory, it was already 10 pm. The Dormitory was like a glass building with over five floors, one for boys and the other for girls, linked with a corridor that gave the entire structure an 'H' design.

Upon arrival, Lucius decided to peep at the cafeteria only to see it was empty, this made a bright smile bloom on his face.

Since there is no one here, he can eat tonight!

[You can't keep hiding every time you eat. Like I said earlier, you need to find a way around this.] Lyxor complained.

"I am trying to look as normal as possible so as not to arouse unnecessary attention. I need to create a persona far different from the one I will use for my villainous activities." Lucius explained.

He left the cafeteria and began walking upstairs, he needed to bathe and change his clothes before eating.

Bang!

Bang!

"You fat bastard of a Baron. You really don't know your place, do you?" A furious voice could be heard on the second floor, and as he walked up, he saw students surrounding someone.

These students were stomping on someone who curled up like a ball, only letting out wimps of pain occasionally. With his enhanced eyesight, he saw a familiar face, and strangely a feeling of rage surged through him.

Seeing someone completely helpless made him remember Lia's condition when she was killed by the beast. She couldn't protect herself and because of that she was an easy prey it could toy with.

"Ralph." Lucius's voice was cold and detached, but frightening enough to make the students freeze. 

All four students were blocking the path up the stairs with their backs turned, so Lucius's voice made them move aside to see who dared interrupt their activities.

"Aah…" Ralph groaned in pain as he slowly opened his eyes, shocked to hear Lucius's voice.

"L-Lucius…" He stuttered weakly as he watched Lucius walk up the stairs.

Lucius walked up the stairs and crouched next to Ralph, inspecting his wounds with a strangely blank face, but his presence gave away his emotions.

The students at the other end were frozen to their spot, unable to move. Their faces were as pale as a sheet of paper, as they watched every movement Lucius made. Their instincts kept warning them that the moment they moved, they would be killed.

"We… We were just playing… R-right Ralph" One of them stuttered.

He was a bald kid, with a rough face and skin, but had an athletic build for someone of his age. His words made a cruel smile bloom on Lucius' lips, causing him to stand and look in their direction.

"Since we are all here now, why don't I join in on the game?" Lucius grinned crazily.

"Wa-wait!"

Thud!

Lucius blew past Ralph, charging at the bald kid and reaching him in just two breaths.

Pa!

He grabbed him by the head, pulling him off the ground and driving him into the wall.

Bang!

Cracks spread across the wall, but the grip of the student was still firm, though his eyes were fearful. Lucius's eyes narrowed as he noticed the skin of the youth had gotten rougher and tougher.

[Hardening ability. C-B ratings at best.] Lyxor wasn't impressed.

'Haaa!" Lucius roared as he threw a fierce right hook into the chest of his target.

BOOM!

The wall shook as the boy spat out a mouthful of blood as his body slid down the walls. His pupils rolled back into his head as his hardened ability vanished, leaving him defenseless but unconscious.

"I didn't even need my ability to deal with you." Lucius snarled at the unconscious boy. "So who is the useless one?" 

"Shit!" 

The rest took the opportunity to run away, leaving Lucius alone with the injured Ralph and the unconscious bully in the lonely corridor.