Chapter 3: The Boomer 2
It's the usual day in the Trudeau University. In this 5,000 acres of land thousands of students attend engaging classes, really interesting ones, and of course overly boring ones. In these hallowed concrete walls, my mind is at peace. I look outside and see people riding their hover boards, breakdancing on the grass, and some are even playing volleyball. It's a nice day outside but right now, I have other more pressing matters to attend to: lunch time. For what it's worth, this University have banger food. Today, I think I'll get the pork tonkatsu. I'm craving some Japanese food in me today.
Just as I sat down and about to enjoy my perfectly cooked meal, a group of people came like a hurricane and quickly occupied the table I was sitting in. I feel annoyance start to bubble up but when I saw who was leading this group, I know full well that it's gonna be a good time.
"Yoooo Devon Miller my man!" a jovial young man comes and clasped my hand and pulls me into a "bro hug".
This is Thomas Ashur, the son of the CEO of the major construction corporation in Antoria Metropolis. I think the name's Neo? Simple but cool, I think. Now, what business does a son of a rich guy have with a dirt-poor plebeian like me? Well, at first, I actually have no idea. I thought that he was aiming to bait me and make fun of me but as months and eventually years passed, we've become the best of friends.
"Yo, Mr. Ashur. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I playfully bowed after he let go of the hug.
He chuckles. "Shut the fuck up. I'm too young to be called 'Mr. Ashur'."
I then trained my eyes on the others with him. A couple of guys who were laughing with him every chance they get and two young ladies who keeps shifting their eyes towards Tom. Man, what a lady killer. I smile to myself. Despite him being so popular, Tom is actually quite the romantic. He told me once that he's looking for his one true love and wouldn't even have one-night stands despite females continually fighting over him. In my opinion, his decision inadvertently protected himself and his family from women who aim for his wealth and status. This is one of the reasons why I respect him.
"Is this the 'great' genius we all hear about?" the man with overly stylized hair and obviously expensive button-up shirt and ripped pants pipes up.
Hmm, he keeps positioning himself to be closer with the blonde girl, then his eyes quickly shift to Tom, then at me. Ah, I see what's going on.
"Oh, hell yeah!" Tom pats my back with the force of a gorilla. I see that he's been working out those arms as I told him to.
Then, a snide chuckle emanates from the other guy with long flowing hair and thick mascara. He seems to be going for the goth look with that skull tank top and I must say, he's pulling it off.
"He doesn't seem to be all that to me. Are you sure that full scholarship was even well-deserved?"
Tom then flashes a smile. Oh, I know that smile.
"Then ask him a question then. I'll bet $10,000 dollars that he can answer it within 3 seconds," he stands so proudly as if he's talking about himself. He didn't even ask me because he knows me too well. Crazy bastard.
It seems that the group is shocked. Even the two who challenged my right to be in this prestigious university seem to be hesitant to take the bet.
"Fine," the overly styled man finally breaks the tension. "If this guy can answer within 3 seconds, I'll allow him to eat at any of our restaurants for free for the entire year."
Tom's smile widens. "What do you say, bud?"
"Wait!" now it's the goth's turn to interject. "This bet is useless if he got a Kaleidoscope."
Tom sighs. "Hey, Raph, do you live under a rock? How could you not know Trudeau University's 'boomer student'?"
"Wh-what?"
Suddenly, an unfamiliar female voice enters the conversation. "U-umm, aren't you the one who got in after getting 100% in all of the subjects in the admission exams?"
She seems to be the shy type. Conservative clothing: long skirt, vest over a long-sleeved blouse. Very opposite of her blonde friend who isn't bothered with showing skin. Wait, I just noticed, short skirt when it's about to be winter? I guess what Eli said about women enduring hardships for fashion was true.
"Yeah, that's me. Although I really don't like that title," I chuckle weakly. I don't know who got me that title, but whoever it is, I'll give them a smacking once I find out.
"He had to pass all of the exams because he doesn't have a Kaleidoscope. Heck, he even uses things like pen and paper at this day and age! Can you believe it?" at this point Tom is having a grand time teasing me. "If you're still unsure, just check his eyes with your Kaleidoscope. I'm sure you're just gonna get basic information like his eye structure."
Raph complies and scans both of my eyes. "Huh, you really don't have a Kaleidoscope. But I'll get your right eye checked. There's a vessel that's too tense for its own good."
I instinctively grab my right eye. "Shit. I have to go to the eye doctor now?"
Tom is now rolling on the floor. "At least it wasn't cancer."
I kick him. "Shut the fuck up. You're laughing 'cause it's not your problem."
Eventually, he composed himself and wipes away the tears that formed from his eyes. "Don't worry buddy. I know a good eye doctor. I'll tell him to give you a discount."
"Fine, I forgive you,"
The stylish man clears his throat. "I'm ready to ask the question for the bet. I'll form a contract with Tom's Kaleidoscope since you don't have one."
They pause. Their eyes dart to an unseen part of the air. I wish I can see what they're looking at.
"Done," Tom announces. "Martin, you can ask the question when you're ready."
For a brief moment, Martin looks at me and flashes a brief smile of triumph. Wow, Mr. Confident.
He finally opens his mouth and a string of numbers flows out. "435,877*817,473+174,933/25"
"356,317,685,818," I respond without breaking eye contact.
A moment of silence. Few shocked faces, whispers here and there. What's funny is the sight of Raph and Martin with their jaws agape.
"He-he's right," Raph says under his breath. "How could he be barely just a few milliseconds behind the Kaleidoscope calculations?"
Martin grits his teeth, a slight blush forming on his face.
Then all of a sudden, Tom's voice bellows in laughter. "You proud motherfuckers! How does it feel huh?" He then proceeds to point and laugh at them like he became an elementary schooler again who saw someone slip comically on the playground.
Martin stares at me for a few moments and suddenly refuses to make eye contact with me any longer. "I just scanned you and sent your image to all our restaurants. You can bring anyone with you too and you can order anything. Just..." He trails off but then he proceeds to walk away. Raph follows him which the girls took as their cue to leave as well.
Still feeling the adrenaline rush of my victory, I feel an arm wrap around my neck. "You my friend are the best. There's never a dull moment when you're around."
I smirk and push Tom away from me. "Hey, why so clingy man? People will think things." I then get up and start to walk away with my now cold pork tonkatsu. So much for a quiet lunch.
"Oh, don't say that honey. After all we've been through," he says with a flamboyant flare that I'm all too used to hearing. I can already see some of the female students blushing and scuttling away.
I sure hope none of those fanfics between Tom and I circulate around the school.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone