CH 14: Thermodynamics

J High School is a sprawling complex with wide hallways and high ceilings. The walls are painted in neutral beige color, adorned with large, framed photographs of the school's alumni and trophies from academic and athletic competitions. Large windows let in natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The reception desk is situated to the left of the entrance, where a stern-looking receptionist checks in visitors and directs students to their classes.

As the tall, black-haired teen walks down the hallway, his sharp features catch the attention of the other students passing by. He had black hair that was styled into a neat undercut, and his face was chiseled with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. At 190cm, he towers over most of them, but his broad shoulders and athletic build suggest he's used to standing out. His face is handsome, but there's a hardness to his expression that suggests he's not to be trifled with.

He's dressed in the standard J High School uniform - a white shirt and black pants - though he covers it with a simple black hoodie, trying to blend in, but failing to. The other students whisper as he passes, some out of admiration, others out of fear. He ignores them, lost in thought.

The hallways are wide and bright, casting long shadows on the tiled floors and the metal lockers that were covered with flyers and posters displaying announcements and student work. The floors are polished and clean, with occasional scuff marks from the hurried footsteps of students rushing to class or a brawling between students.

As he walked, faceless students bustled around him, their chatter blending together into a low hum. They were discussing the latest incident of street violence near a convenience store which had left one student hospitalized.

"Hey do you see that guy?"

"Sung Jinwoo?"

"New kid?"

"Yeah him. Heard he was the one who hospitalized one of J High students."

"No way!"

"For real?!" a female exclaimed.

"Yeah."

Jinwoo stopped to look at them. They froze. He looked away and walked on. The group of teens sighed a breath of relief.

Jinwoo was used to talk and gossip related to him, he just didn't like noise. Especially when he's in a particularly bad mood. Jinwoo feels a sense of anxiety gnawing at his gut as he thinks about the system he's been forced to gain again. This new version of a system that he never wanted to see ever again caused memories of his past life to flood his mind.

'The fall. This world. The God damn system. The power structure.'

He was content with his life. He knew that with just enough time, he'd be able to get back in the game. He didn't need the system. Not anymore. The world isn't thrashed and swarmed with monsters. What use does the system have?

He knew for one that Ashborn couldn't have developed it. Jinwoo already succeeded him. The Star System might have something to do with it, but no doekobbi showed up to ruin his day or this world. The apocalypse should've happened the moment his ass hit the floor.

Then, he remembered his defeat against some guy in a white suit wearing glasses. 'That guy...He's pretty strong...' Jinwoo wonders about the person who had managed to defeat him, and feels a sense of excitement at the prospect of facing him again. He knows he's got a lot of work to do but hopes that when they come face to face, he won't disappoint him. Only to be struck by guilt. 'It feels like I'm cheating on Kimchi...'

His thoughts were interrupted as he rounded a corner and nearly collided with a group of rowdy students. They were loud and boisterous, with oversized backpacks and unkempt hair. They didn't seem to notice him, too wrapped up in their own conversation about the 4 major gangs.

His ears perked. '4 major gangs? Perhaps they have some information?' He listened in, but was disappointed to hear that they weren't even sure what they were talking about either. So, he walked on and ignored everyone around him.

From his intel, the one who attacked him was someone who is in the 4 major gangs. Except the information was tightly secured so he doesn't know who it is.

Sung Jinwoo entered the classroom with a calm and confident demeanor, his footsteps barely audible against the polished floor. He had a calm and composed demeanor, as if he didn't have a care in the world. But the students' reactions to his presence told a different story.

As soon as they saw him, the students either whispered amongst themselves, their voices hushed and fearful; afraid he might hear them or froze in fear, trembling, and others gawked in awe. Sung Jinwoo was now a famous up and coming delinquent, known for his brutal fights and fearless attitude. His reputation preceded him, and everyone knew not to mess with him. As he walked down the aisle towards his seat, the students parted like the Red Sea, making way for him to pass.

Sung Jinwoo himself paid no attention to the students' reactions. He walked to his seat with a casual stride, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any sign of trouble. His black hair was slicked back, his sharp features exuding a sense of quiet danger.

As he sat down, he felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He didn't want to be known as a delinquent, but he couldn't deny the rush of excitement that came over him when he pulled that punch. He also had no choice but to fight back or else he'll be pummeled and he didn't want to be looked down on.

He wanted to keep a low profile in school, because he wanted to study and make casual friends, whilst still gaining the strength of his past, humanly. However, it wouldn't be possible due to his attractive height. 180 cm.

He's grown a lot since then, it's almost impossible to recognize him. He's taller and lean with muscular, defined arms and a chiseled chest. His face has became angular and stronger-jaws, and his gaze fits his persona. Confident and piercing. He liked his appearance and the strength he's garnered but he was still defeated. Not that he didn't like being defeated. It was refreshing but it proved that he was weak. Very weak. Far too weak to compete and survive in this world, especially with the damn system interfering with his life.

The last time he ignored its request to walk up to XXXX street and beat a bunch of kids wearing black jackets with a GOD DOG symbol stich at the back. He was sent to the desert, filled with monsters.

It didn't end well for Jinwoo because he had to run like crazy. Trying not to die because he didn't have an ounce of mana.

'IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!' he screamed in his thoughts, glaring at the table.

Even if it didn't make any sense, he knew that having the system back was quite the bonus. He hated admitting it, but the system did help him evolve quicker and faster than the others. It helped him rise to the top and become king. If he were to take the traditional path, the journey to getting stronger would be very long and arduous. Jinwoo knows he's a very disciplined person and he would get stronger no matter how long it took. However, in the world he lived now, without mana or without any special talents, he'd be a target. He'd fall prey to the strong. He wouldn't survive.

He admits he's become quite reliant on mana and it's not like he can't survive without it. He can fight well without it but in the world before this one, his physical stats were also boosted by mana. It wasn't just endless and torturous training. Mana was also involved.

Regardless, he would do whatever it takes to survive and take advantage of the damn system. As he glanced around the classroom, his resolve hardened. Once his purpose is completed , he'll find the administrator and beat them to death. He is Sung Jinwoo, and he would rise above his circumstances, no matter what it takes.

The stern looking teacher walked in and the class fell silent. Chang Min Yeong, began to lecture on thermodynamics, and the students listened attentively, except for Jinwoo, who was already familiar with the concepts being discussed. The teacher handed out the problem sets, and Jinwoo quickly got to work, answering each question with ease.

Once the papers were handed out, Sung Jinwoo found himself being surrounded by whispers and judgmental gazes from the majority of the class. Most were busy solving it, like Daniel and Jay, Zack and Mia, Zoe and Crystal, etc. Although, they couldn't help but take occasional glances they were mostly engrossed in the topic at hand.

Nevertheless, Jinwoo's thoughts raced as he worked through the issues, coming up with the clearest and most succinct solutions. He was aware that physics could be challenging, but he was comforted by the equations' structure and predictability. It was the only thing that felt closest to mana and it too was a welcome diversion from the chaos of his personal life.

As he focused on the problems, he ran his fingers through his black hair, that was falling over his forehead. His razor-sharp eyes scanned the page, his mind racing as he went through the theories and equations, each step coming to him with a practiced ease.

'Entropy...measure of unpredictability....diminishes...liquid state...sucrose solution crystallization...'

Unconcerned of the repeated whispers from his peers. Nothing could divert his attention since he was in his element. He felt a sense of accomplishment as he completed each problem with ease, since he had the skills and knowledge necessary to answer even the trickiest physics equations.

A faint smirk of satisfaction flashed at the corners of his lips as he finished solving the problem. He wrote down the solution quickly, 'Δ 350' before leaning back in his chair and looking around the space.

The other students were still whispering about him. It didn't bother Jinwoo though. He was aware that he was different from them and that, in contrast to the typical student, his life was filled with peril and excitement. He was an ex-hunter and an outer God's successor after all.

Sung Jinwoo's eyes flicked up from his physics paper as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching his lone desk. He raised an eyebrow as he saw Daniel Park standing before him, his expression earnest and slightly nervous.

"What do you want?" Jinwoo asked, his tone guarded.

Daniel hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I was wondering if you could teach me thermodynamics. I'm struggling with it and I've heard from our classmates that you're really good at it. Oh and I've seen you do it and get a compliment from our very infamous, new strict teacher."

Sung Jinwoo studied Daniel's face for a moment, trying to gauge his true motives. He was skeptical of the sudden interest, but then he noticed a blue screen pop up in his peripheral vision.

[Make Daniel Park an ally]

[Trust level 30%]

[Make it exceed 100%]

He ordered the system to scan him.

'He's quite strong...that is if he actually trained. His potential is S+. He's an A- for now...Hmm?' something caught his eye as he scanned his data.

[Daniel Park—Second Body]

'Second body?'

He almost couldn't hold back his grin. 'Well, well...if he has a second body then...where's his original body?' He had a sudden flashback about the convenience store and had a sudden realization. 'The chubby kid...is it his first body? His original body? Then...it would explain the similar name and the 30% trust bar.' He smirked and Daniel felt a cold chill run down his spine.

Daniel is the closest thing to a Hunter in this world and he's a strong ally to have. However, why is he a part of the systems mission? What kind of pawn is Daniel Park? He wonders.

After a few moments of tense silence, Sung Jinwoo finally spoke up. "Fine, I'll teach you."

Daniel breathed a sigh of relief and nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Jinwoo-san. I won't let you down."

As Jinwoo began to explain the intricacies of thermodynamics to Daniel, his mind continued to work in the background, analyzing the situation and weighing his options. He was interested in Daniel's anonymity, but he couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion. For now, he would teach Daniel what he needed to know, and then see where things went from there.

Time went on and Jinwoo began to like Daniel. A boy named Jay tagged along some time ago. He's a quite boy that never talks but he's a fast learner and is very active in his own way. Hard worker and is definitely one to protect his loved ones. He likes him too.

Two girls walk up to them , asking if he could help them too. One is a chubby, curvy young teen, who pulled the strands of her shoulder length black hair behind her ears, framing her round face and chubby cheeks. She wears a pair of black squared glasses, which add a hint of seriousness and studiousness to her appearance. The other has long, sleek black hair that falls in a bob around her face, giving her an elegant and modern look. She has a slim, toned body that highlights her voluptuous and alluring figure. Jinwoo didn't think much of it and just nods.

A couple of minutes later, he could hear distant fighting between a girl and a boy. The girl sounds like she's dragging him over to the table. Jinwoo takes his eyes off from his 'students' and looked over at the two teens that came by to visit.

One, a male, with gelled jet-black hair and the other, a girl who buns her hair. The teen boy wasn't very excited to be there but reluctantly sat down after Jinwoo allowed them to, because the girl wanted to join in and learn from him.

From Jinwoo's brief observation, the boy, Zack was very much into the girl, Mina. It was way too obvious, he wondered how they haven't dated yet. Unless, she's into someone else. 'His loss I guess.'

The clock ticks again and Jinwoo finds himself at the center of a group of people who were eager to learn from him. Jinwoo wasn't the least bit nervous and taught them with practiced ease.

He begins to teach the complexities of physics to the group gathered around him with a comfortable stance and attentive eyes.

Most of them nod in understanding as he speaks, scribbling feverishly in their notebooks as he illustrates his points with diagrams on a piece of paper. Although Jinwoo's voice is measured and quiet, it has an underlying energy that grabs their attention. Making Zack invested in the 'lesson' and tries to learn about the topic.

Jinwoo occasionally took a moment to think about how to answer a question when asked before thoughtfully explaining it to them. He is patient with their lack of understanding, yet firm in his insistence that they strive for clarity and accuracy in their thinking.

Despite the complexity of the material, Jinwoo's teaching style is understandable and engaging, and his classmates appear to be easily acquiring the knowledge. He clearly has a talent for reducing complex ideas down into manageable chunks.

The 'class' breaks up as the teacher, Chang Min-Yeong dismisses the lesson.

...

The cafeteria, a spacious place, painted in dull white, contrasting the energetic flyers on the walls promoting healthy eating habits and various school events. The linoleum floor is kept clean and bright so that it reflects the fluorescent lighting above. Even then, this large room can't contain the bustle of students as they rush to get their lunch at the long counter situated at the one end of the cafeteria.

The sound of chatting voices blended with the banging of trays and the occasional squeak of a cart being carried about by cafeteria employees. The air was thick with the thick aroma of freshly prepared food, and the brilliant overhead lights beamed down on the wave of kids.

The queues for food were extensive, with students pushing for a spot. Staff and students were crammed into the serving area, all vying for a plate of their favorite dishes. Some kids were in a rush, grabbing food as they went, while others took their time, meticulously selecting each item they desired.

The tables were packed, with kids sitting close together, laughing and chattering loudly. The volume was loud, but the excitement in the room was contagious. Some students were bent over their phones, looking around social media or messaging friends, while others were concentrating on their food and excitedly eating in.

Daniel walks into the bustling cafeteria leading his group of friends. His dark, messy hair and V-shaped chin, gives him a sophisticated look. His tall and lean figure is accentuated by the form-fitting shirt tucked into black dress pants and thin black belt, perfectly hugs his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His posture is impeccable, adding to the commanding presence he has.

Jay saunters in next to him. His dyed blonde hair falling in a perfect curtain over his eyes. The only features visible were his nose, mouth, and ears, but they were enough to convey his soft smile and compassionate nature. His long, lean frame seemed almost too languid to be contained within his clothes, which hung from his shoulders like they were draped over a coat hanger. As he moved, his hair would shift slightly, revealing a glimpse of one of his bright, lively eyes, hinting at the playful energy that lay just beneath his cool exterior.

Crystal, the chubby and no-nonsense teen, keeps a neutral expression on her face, giving off an air of aloofness and detachment. Her eyes dart around the room, taking in her surroundings and perhaps assessing the people around her. Despite the lively conversation happening around her, she remains silent, lost in her own thoughts.

Zoe walks beside Crystal and as she walks, her warm smile and kind, caring personality shines through, drawing people in. Although, it's sometimes for the wrong reasons.

Mira, walks behind her as she drags along her ferocious puppy. The petite girl with long brown hair, wore a pleated black skirt that reaches just above the knee and black knee-high socks. She has a delicate, almost porcelain-like face, and her eyes were a bright chocolate color. Her demeanor was poised and confident, as she carried herself with an air of elegance.

Zack who followed closely behind her, catches the attention of some students due to his infamous reputation as a hot-tempered delinquent and his physical appearance that could make some of the females swoon. He has tall and muscular frame, dark black hair styled with spikes, sharp, intense black eyes, high-strung brows, and a defined jawline. He's wearing a white shirt over a plain white T-shirt and black jeans, reflecting his fiery attitude.

All of them found a seat and they talk about Sung Jinwoo.

"So what do you guys think about Jinwoo?" Daniel asked. He wants to befriend him because of what he did for his other body. He didn't really like him at first but that small act of heroics cleared it up. Jinwoo is just misunderstood. He's not all that bad. He wanted his friends to recognize that and hopes they did after he helped them understand thermodynamics.

"I think he's cool." Mira said. "He doesn't seem that bad. He may have fought against someone on his first day but it' out of self defense you know. I mean what was he supposed to do when someone fly's a fist at you and attacks you for no reason?"

"Mira~ don't tell me you like him~" Zack whined. "Oh c'mon don't be an idiot Zack! It's just an opinion and why does it matter if I like him or not!"

"You like him?!"

"NO!" Zack sighed a breath of relief at her response but immediately yelped when she smacked him. Daniel sweats drop.

"Honestly, I would have to agree. I thought he was just an asshole but what Mira said is correct. He was trying to defend himself but we can't ignore the fact that he managed to subdue a delinquent who knocked out Vasco in one punch. No. They knew each other since before." Crystal added.

"They also had this staring contest or whatever and there were tons of rumors about them being together." Zoe said excitedly.

"I highly doubt their dating. The relationship between them is like a lackey and a boss. They barely have an ounce of fruitiness." Zack said.

"Whoops." Daniel was taken a back by this.

"Fruitiness? Odd~ coming from you. Unlike Jay over there who's clearly gay."

"Shut up Zoe." Zack clipped but Zoe didn't really care. She just giggled.

"So do you think Jinwoo is a part of a dangerous group?" Daniel asked, wearily.

"Maybe. He might not even be part of one but making one. I don't know. Why do you care?"

"Well...I think he isn't that bad. Besides, maybe he's like Vasco?"

"His lackey sent him to the nurse." Daniel mulls over it for a while. Vasco is someone very important to him and he's only known Jinwoo for 30 minutes. However, he's not that bad. He didn't bully him or belittle him. If anything the fight was short-lived but personal.

"Indirectly."

"Are you serious?" Crystal replied. Daniel immediately panicked but he calms himself after Zoe said, "Well the fight was quite personal don't you think?" She looks at Crystal in the eye with pure confidence. Not a shred of hesitance. Then she turns to him with knowing eyes. His panic dies down.

"I know what I'm saying but the fight was indeed personal. It was like Zack when you tried to beat me on the first day of school." Zack's cheeks dyed pink. "Why you-"

"It wasn't as personal because your attempt was an impulse."

"This bitch." Daniels eyes began to look around frantically as he saw Zack's fists clenching and unclenching.

"Except! Except Dongsoo won." Zack's face contorted into a forced friendly smile. He tries to hide his frustration but everyone at the table knows he's pissed.

Daniel decides to ignore it.

"Besides, Vasco is the type who likes a challenge. He'd be the type to train harder to beat him. Aren't you the same?" Although Zack didn't really like his initial comment but he clamps his mouth shut. Refusing to admit that he's right. Crystal scowls but nods her head. 'I guess he's got some brains.'

"Hey! You know Jinwoo is pretty cool isn't he?" Zoe said. Trying to lighten up the mood. "God, the way he answered those questions..."

"I know right, it was like he was a completely different person," chimed in Mira. Everyone knew what they were doing and decided to play along. It's better than arguing.

"But why was he so bad at it before?" asked Crystal.

"Probably because he was too busy being an Edgelord," quipped Zack.

"Hey, don't judge a book by its cover," said Mira, shaking her head.

"Sorry Mira~"

"But seriously, he taught better than the actual teacher," Crystal said with thoughtful eyes.

The others nodded in agreement, their faces displaying a mix of awe and admiration.

"He even broke down the concepts in a way that was easy to understand," Daniel said.

The conversation continued on.

The clattering of cutlery and chattering of students around them became background noise as they delved deeper into their conversation.

Minutes before...

Jinwoo sits at a table in the crowded cafeteria, fidgeting with his utensils. His eyes were fixated on the boy sitting at the table across from him, his heart pounding with anxiety. As he continued to stare, he felt as though the world around him was watching, judging him for his indecision. His palms began to sweat and his breaths His eyes darting back and forth between his tray of untouched food and the boy sitting at the table across the room.

[Daniels trust = -10%]

He heightens his hearing.

[Dog ears = 5% increase]

"...dangerous group?"

"Maybe...why do you care?" their voices were muffled. He grimaces.

[Dog ears = +5%]

[Your health is decreasing by 2% every 15 seconds!]

Silence. All he hears is silence from the group. He has to confront him, to say something, but he was frozen in place, unsure of what to do.

[DANGER! DANGER! YOUR HEALTH IS DECREASING!]

Seconds pass. Nothing. He hears nothing. 'Why am I like this? Move! MOVE!' As he continued to stare, his palms began to sweat. His eyes darting back and forth between his tray of untouched food and the boy sitting at the table across the room.

'I have to go. I'll just do what I do best. Stand.'

[Daniels trust = +8%]

Jinwoo pauses. He was frozen in surprise, his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. His body tensed up, and his hands clenched into fists. It was as if the world had just turned upside down, and he was struggling to make sense of what he was seeing. His eyebrows shot up towards his hairline, and his pupils dilated as he tried to take in every detail. His body language betrayed his shock as he struggled to process what was happening, and his mind raced to find an explanation for the unexpected turn of events.

However, it all disappeared when he realized that luck has saved him.

'Deactivate skill.'

[Danger level subsided. Safe]

He got up and left. Walks into a bathroom. Gets into a stall and laughs. Laughs like there is no tomorrow.

He found the situation both hilarious and frustrating. He was the strongest Hunter on earth and was the successor of an outer God. Even if he's thrown into a different body he should be able to use his skills freely. Without barriers. However, it seems that Jinwoo has forgotten what the OG Jinwoo has been through.

'His soul might not be present but his body remembers...Fucking hell.'

Jinwoo calms himself down. Breathing in and out. Stays in the stall for a bit longer, ignoring the murky smell.