It hurt him the first few months, and gradually, Khal had grown accustomed to it. His parents’ words rang true in his mind: move forward and survive.

That was the most important thing.

He dedicated most of his time to learning in the Institute, both academically and esper related. Khal focused mostly on mana perception. He found out that he was perceptive in this area, although he had yet to officially awaken.

Days and months passed until Khal had spent 5 years in the institution. Khal reached 13 years old.

The time he entered the academy, a direct affiliation of the Esper Institute. He was an orphan, and most of his expenses were covered under a welfare program.

Fortunately, Khal did not have any hobbies and saved almost all of his money allowance except for his food. He also worked under an institute researcher, using his enhanced mana perception to help from time to time.

Through that, he saved some money on his own.

Once it was confirmed he was to enter the academy, he had to leave the institute branch and live in the academy dorms instead. He was preparing his admission when he heard some whispers behind him.

Actually, they did not really tone down their voices.

"He’s entering the academy, too?"

"Apparently, yes, someone vouched for him and offered a scholarship."

"I told you, such a parasite. I can’t believe I’ll see him again."

"Right? Does he even deserve to be there? Red zone freak."

Khal paused and stood by the wall. His dimmed blue eyes lowered and somehow gave him such a cold and dangerous appearance.

The thirteen-year-old Khal had expected it.

While the academy was supposed to be a prestigious school directly affiliated with the Institute, a government organization, most of the students were Green Zone citizens.

And not just ordinary ones; the majority of them were clan members. Khal was no stranger to the superiority complex of clan members during his time in this place.

Even the staff here were wary of them. The institute instructors also tolerated them. And so, they could be unruly without anyone reprimanding them.

One could only fawn on them or, if they could not, avoid them as much as possible.

Khal had not clashed with them, but they were at the forefront of ostracizing him. The other students might not be as bad, but fearing retaliation, they chose not to interact with him.

He was not ignorant of the ways of the world. Khal recognized that clan elitism was a trend. Clan members, especially those from elite clans, enjoyed certain privileges and trampled everyone without a background.

Just like Khal.

Khal had observed before, questioning why the instructors let them do whatever they want. He was aware that the Institute was a government organization.

He realized quickly why.

The government did nothing; one reason was that they could not do anything, and the other was that they did not care.

This kind of laid-back approach only emboldened their ego.

The clan was the trend that even the government could not afford to stop.

Khal clenched his hands and left without turning back. A powerless person, he could not be able to change anything. It was best to stay silent.

Move forward and survive. His parents’ words rang true. And he added one line. Adapt. He had to adapt to the trend.

His time in the academy was nothing special. It was as though he had only entered another territory of the clans, and one iron fortress at that.

Everywhere, the traces and influence of the clan could not be overlooked. It was as if they made the rules for that place; students and instructors alike were tasked to serve them.

Khal knew his next few years in the academy would not be smooth. His background was not a secret, especially from those who also came from the same institute branch.

Adapt. Move forward and survive.

Khal did not worship the clans, but he was not one to clash with them either.

He was still fortunate, as, unlike others, no bullying involving violence had come his way. It was probably because they were already scared of his towering build by then.

Khal was undoubtedly taller than his age.

Since none of them were awakened Espers yet, they had no combat power to speak of.

They chose to ostracize him as always. Khal appreciated it. At least, his life would still be a bit peaceful.

However, Khal encountered a roadblock.

"I’m not qualified?" Khal questioned in confusion.

The one in charge in one of the research hubs gave an apologetic smile.

"I’m really sorry but... We can’t hire you."

Khal wanted to ask then what the reason was; his qualifications were more than enough. He had worked in similar research back in the institute.

However, when he saw the difficult expression of the staff, Khal realized. He gave a small smile that did not reach his eyes and bid farewell.

Once he was out of the hub, he heard snickering as he looked in that direction. There were a few faces in the crowd, laughing at each other.

Ah. Khal nodded slightly inwardly.

It must be them.

He did not make a fuss.

Adapt. Move forward. And survive.

Slowly, he had not realized the paper in his hand was already crumpled by him; pupils coldly darkened.

He repeated these words over and over again, and as he passed by a trash can, he threw the paper inside.

Being an assistant researcher was not applicable to him now.

Khal needed to work. Although his scholarship covered the tuition and even some monthly allowance, they were nowhere near enough to cover all his expenses.

In the end, Khal still managed to grab a manual labor camp job not too far from the academy. It was not hard for him to forge his age. He runs errands during the night. and study during the day.

This went on, and his life stabilized. If one ignored the constant harassment from the clan members’ classmates, then it would be smooth.

Two years at the academy, nothing truly changed. Khal was only more subjected to harassment as days passed. Khal’s blue pupils dimmed significantly, and dark circles in his eyes became darker.

None harassed him physically, but the torment emotionally was messing with him.

Still, Khal, though he only needed to endure for a few more years. Soon, once he awakened and became an esper, he could choose to be dispatched far away from here.

The mantra was also repeated in his mind.