Chapter 99 - Good Insulation (1/2)

A single unknown element can break a system and cripple the mainframe. A small complication could easily become an issue that can take years to fix. This is true, especially in the world of novel writing. A single diversion from the main plot can lead to the complete derailment of the entire story, leaving everyone and everything in the dust.

Simon had learnt very well from his mistakes and decided that his book would not feature a 'main storyline', instead showing a world and how everyone interacted to create the ending. Such a task could not be written by just anyone. Simon spent countless days and nights going through complex loops in thought and analysing complex social interactions for the sake of his project.

Essentially, Simon wanted to play god. He wanted to create a world in a book which there was no unknown and all to be known. He would call it his own world of his imagination and be satisfied as a writer. Complex world building, something he never thought he would be able to do.

”Some things take effort to create, other things create talent. Some things are things while other things aren't things or things. Things are things.” Simon said to himself as he read out a line from his novel.

”This will not do! How can anyone understand this? Let alone enjoy it?”

Simon furiously scribbled some new words and dissipated the ink that came before it, printing out a much more suitable and understandable line of text.

”Creation is an art.” Simon smiled as he read out his new line.

”Very very good! Thank goodness I decided to edit it one last time. It may have taken 100 full cycle reads but I finally found the elusive error. I guess I should start packing up for now. I did promise to teach the kids how to cast [Shock].”

Simon closed the huge book and waved his hand over it, watching as the book phased out of being. Afterwards, Simon left and headed towards the disciple dormitory.

”Just a small lesson, these kids should learn it in no time.”

Two weeks later:

”Jack! Would you please go easy on me? I'm really not strong enough to spar with you… I'm not trying to be lazy, I promise.”

”You have not trained in the week! Master would be disappointed if he saw you doing this. Do you know how much he has invested in all of us? LET ME SHOW YOU!”

Jack blankly stared at a boy in front of him as he thrusted his arm to his side and pointed his index towards a wall.

ZAAPPPP

A bolt of energy blasted from his fingertip, zooming to the side before leaving a huge charred mark on the wall. While it may not seem like anything special, the kids knew that these walls were not made out of anything weak. If they were, the kids would have tried using the walls for punching practice.

”I have already progressed to the 5th rank of Visionary. You have only progressed as far as the 3rd rank. You are more talented than me but you don't respect master!” Jack yelled out of rage, letting out an aura that bordered killing intent.

”That is not fair! Not everyone can spend day and night practicing like a freak!” The boy responded angrily.

Jack looked at the boy straight in the eyes and scowled. ”Then why are you even here?”

Jack left without saying another word, turning his back on the boy. As to what caused all of this anger? It was rather simple. Jack caught the boy idling for the fifth time of the same week. This enraged the hardworking kid and made him want to teach that boy a lesson.

Sure that boy can laze around in his own time, but not during training exercises.

”Hey Tyrone. What's your progress this week?” Jack asked as he made his way back to Tyrone.

”Hmmm… I managed to breakthrough yesterday, now I am at the peak of the fourth rank. Although I am working myself to the bone, I just can't seem to match your pressure and intensity.” Tyrone complained childishly.

”You're the one that wants to take two hour bathes. I just so happen to be training while you are bathing. My motto is 'train till you drop!', it has never failed me!” Jack laughed as he patted Tyrone's shoulder.

”Sure sure. Master does not care if you are talented, he just cares about your efforts and success. I am glad to be here.”

BOOM

”JACK! It seems like someone just broke through to the fifth rank!”

Jack turned around and saw a pulse of energy surge past him with a thunderous speed, pushing him a metre backwards. A small cloud of dust covered the epicentre of the pulse, but Jack could still make out a figure, albeit barely.

”It's Simon!”

He suddenly saw Simon walk out of the dust with a newfound sense of power. Like a titan dominating humanity, a dark horse was born.

”Simon Grey, another hidden monster.” A random kid commented after catching his breath.

”I really did not expect Simon to be this strong! I thought Michelle was damaging his practice time.” Jack commented to himself.

”Thank goodness. Now I don't have to complain to master about Michelle.” He silently felt like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

BOOOM