Chapter 2: Chapter 2: White Room (1)
Afterward, I dedicated seven years of my life to attending the White Room, fully immersing myself in the pursuit of knowledge and physical prowess. My unwavering commitment and exceptional progress caught the attention of the head researcher, Atsuomi Ayanokji, also known as Professor Ayanokji, who was the founder and overseer of the White Room organization. It dawned on me that he was the main antagonist in Kiyotaka Ayanokji's quest for freedom if my memory served me correctly.
Professor Ayanokji recognized me as an extraordinary test subject, often referring to me as such because my abilities surpassed those of his own son, whom he had been rigorously grooming since birth to prove that the sole difference in people's education lies in their learning environment.
Surprisingly, he wasn't disappointed or irritated by my outperforming his son; instead, he found joy in the fact that his son now had a worthy competitor with whom he could spar and grow.
The program operated flawlessly, showcasing the success of two individuals who were already surpassing those born with innate learning talents or privileged backgrounds.
As a result, my training regimens became increasingly demanding, pushing me to the limits of my capabilities. The academic assessments reached high school levels within a few short years, creating a tremendous strain on the other students.
Many of them faltered under the increased pressure and dropped out, falling from the sky like birds unable to withstand the intensified burden.
Ultimately, only Kiyotaka and I remained as the sole survivors from our generation, proving ourselves to be the best among our peers. I, in particular, consistently outperformed Kiyotaka Ayanokji in both physical and mental training.
Professor Ayanokji seemed satisfied with our achievements, firmly believing that his son and I would become unrivaled prodigies in the world. Our unparalleled talent and relentless hard work were seen as the ultimate formula for success.
To be honest, I was both amazed and intimidated by Kiyotaka Ayanokji's ability to keep pace with me. The training surpassed anything I had witnessed in anime, propelling us towards superhuman levels rather than merely reaching the pinnacle of human potential or being considered the epitome of perfection, had we been older.
Kiyotaka Ayanokji, known as the "Perfect Human," appeared to simply require a rival to stimulate his growth and propel him towards reaching superhuman levels in the future. However, I couldn't help but worry about the changes I observed in him.
Despite his physical and mental improvement, he experienced emotions like envy, determination, curiosity, excitement, anger, fury, worry, and encouragement that would not have been possible without my presence.
It seemed that he was gradually gaining control over his emotions, potentially addressing his weakness of not having experienced life fully. On the other hand, there was a chance that he might lose control, making him even more vulnerable.
He no longer exuded the same collected and composed demeanor as before. I attributed this to his relentless pushing of his limits and his inability to relax, resulting in his body accumulating tension from the rigorous environment.
While he was growing as an individual, it concerned me to witness a child his age unable to find relaxation. The weight of responsibility bore heavily on me as I realized that I was the cause of his situation. Moreover, the fact that I had the privilege of walking outside the confines of the White Room and experiencing life beyond added to my guilt.
I found it increasingly unfair that our competition, which initially seemed balanced, had now become one-sided, resembling more of a bullying scenario. The days passed, and my discomfort grew until I could no longer bear it.
It was at that moment that I decided to approach Professor Ayanokji armed with logic and facts, in an attempt to make him understand the unintended consequences of our competitive dynamic, as portrayed in the anime.
...
"Professor Ayanokj," I began, my voice steady but filled with determination, "may I have a moment of your time?"
The professor glanced up from his papers, his brow furrowing slightly. "Ah, if it isn't Mr. Gojo," he greeted, his tone a curious mixture of intrigue and caution. "What brings you here now, I thought you were going home for a break?"
Taking a deep breath, I launched into my carefully prepared argument. "I wanted to discuss something important regarding Kiyotaka. You see, I believe that if you want him to catch up to or even surpass me, he needs some respite from his rigorous routine in the White Room."
Professor Ayanokj's eyes narrowed, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. "Respite? What do you mean?"
Carefully choosing my words, I continued, "I propose that Kiyotaka joins me in attending the regular school I am enrolled in. The environment there would provide him with an opportunity to relax and allow his mind to refocus. I've analyzed the situation and gathered scientific data to support this viewpoint."
The professor leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "Join a regular school? But the White Room has been the foundation of his education and success. Why should he deviate from that path?"
I pressed forward, my conviction shining through. "I understand your concerns, Professor. However, consider this: by exposing Kiyotaka to a different educational setting, he can experience a more balanced approach to learning. The rigorous routine of the White Room may be stifling his creativity and social development. Though attending a regular school would provide him with the chance to interact with peers, broaden his horizons, and develop skills beyond the confines of his current environment."
A flicker of interest sparked in Professor Ayanokj's eyes. "I must admit, your proposal is intriguing, but I need concrete reasons to believe it will be beneficial. What scientific data have you gathered?"
Confidently, I delved into the research I had conducted, presenting the evidence that supported my argument. "I have looked into numerous studies on the impact of different educational environments on cognitive development and overall well-being. The data shows that a balanced approach, combining rigorous academic training with social interactions, can enhance creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills."
As I spoke, the professor's gaze grew more focused, his skepticism giving way to genuine curiosity. "I see. And how would this change help Kiyotaka specifically?"
With a hint of enthusiasm, I replied, "Kiyotaka's recent performance decline suggests that the White Room's intense routine might be overwhelming him. By allowing him to join a regular school, he can experience a change of pace and regain his motivation. I believe it will ignite a renewed passion within him and enable him to reach new heights."
The professor leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "I must admit, that I am not used to change, especially when it comes to Kiyotaka's education. But your logical reasoning and evidence, on the other hand, have opened my eyes to the possibility of a different approach. If Kiyotaka can benefit from a change in environment, perhaps it can provide him with the means to overcome his current limitations."
I couldn't help but let a smile grace my lips, encouraged by his receptive stance. "I understand that being resistant to change is normal, but I firmly believe that if we present him with the opportunity, he may overcome his current limitations. By emphasizing the chance to explore new horizons, make friends, and develop a well-rounded personality, we can tap into his innate curiosity and spark a desire for growth."
Professor Ayanokj nodded slowly, his gaze filled with a newfound appreciation. "Hmm, intriguing indeed. I must say, your dedication to Kiyotaka's well-being is commendable, especially considering he is your rival. I will take your proposal into serious consideration and discuss it with him. However, I must be honest and say that immediate acceptance cannot be guaranteed."
Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I nodded gratefully in response. "Thank you, Professor. I firmly believe that with Kiyotaka's determination and your guidance, he has the potential to make significant progress in his personal growth and development."
Meanwhile, another realization dawned on me, as I couldn't help but feel that there is a high probability that multiple anime worlds have been merged together, each carrying its own set of dangers that would be difficult to confront alone.
It became clear to me that I needed a partner, someone who could aid me in overcoming these formidable obstacles. Kiyotaka, with his exceptional intelligence, seemed like the ideal candidate for such a role.
However, I was well aware of the importance of providing him with emotional support. To achieve this, I knew I had to employ a subtle manipulation, one that he might not even notice given his current state of mind. After all, Kiyotaka possessed an indomitable nature, making it crucial to be absolutely certain of his loyalty before placing my trust in him.
Yet, if I'm being honest, the idea of forging a partnership with Kiyotaka appealed to me. He was practically the perfect companion for someone like me, and even if he were aware of my subtle manipulation, positioning myself as the one who freed him and offering unwavering support, I was confident he wouldn't hold as much deep resentment towards me as he did towards his father.
In any case, Kiyotaka stood out as the most viable option for a reliable companion. The prospect of facing these challenges alone appeared daunting, with an overwhelming amount of work and responsibilities to bear. Having a dependable ally who would provide assistance in times of need would undoubtedly be comforting.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone