Earthling in Uncharted Dimensions

Unbeknownst to Lee, the principal was also the head of the Physique Augmentation department. His well versed ability to channel Mana over his body to strengthen any body part when necessary, was a nightmare in melee fights. Despite aged over 75, his shortness was supported with well trained muscles, slightly faded with age. The masculinity of the old timer was well concealed by the grandpa robe.

Lee felt a strong grip, which was unusual for the principal's physique. He silently activated View, and the truth was disclosed to his eyes.

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Name: Erikko Tesla

Age: 77

Race: Dwarf

Mastery: Elite Mana Mastery

State: Healthy, Mana augmented.

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Health: 490

Strength: 516

Vitality: 589

Agility: 497

Defense: 673

Endurance: 501

Sense: 288

=====

'Oh, Mana augmented. Trying to scare me? Not today.'

Lee tightened his grip and the principal felt his palm being squeezed by a much powerful force. He was internally amazed to see a man barely in his mid 20s rivalling his strength. The attempt to overcome the force ended up in vain, as the principal almost gave up in the showdown and retracted his arm.

Lee saw his change of attitude and understood the conceding expressions. He was not fond of humiliating people for no reason, and thus let the hand go. Erikko immediately retracted his arm and hid it behind his back, away from the view of the students and professor Drake. But Ganga was able to catch a glance of the principal repeatedly stretching and twitching the arm, which was evidently in pain.

As a woman with great sensitivity to Mana, the spectacle of principal, the head of Physique Augmentation department, getting forced back in a silent brawl, gave her a hint that she has come across a person so strong that he might be able to withstand her spells. A plan to test own limits, while measuring the depths of the opponent, was immediately formulated in her mind.

Unfortunately, she had no control over her expressions, which would easily give away her plans to the public. The sinistry in the faint smile was picked up by Lee, and he slowly turned his head away from her. Drake too witnessed this, and immediately decided to notify Lee of the menacing plans she usually cooks up, as soon as possible.

"As fitting for the champion of the tournament, you are a gifted individual. Would you like to be a part of this academy?"

As the winner of the tournament, Erikko had personally evaluated his strength and found his presence in the campus beneficial. He picturised the upliftment of the Alaqvier academy to its former glory. 

"Mr. Principal, he is too talented to be a student of the academy."

Drake stepped forth and gave his opinion, to which Erikko casually glanced, and turned back to Lee. After evaluating the professor's words, the principal felt the need of rephrasing his words.

"Let me make clear. Would you like to be an instructor of this academy?"

*gasp*

Who would have thought of the principal saying those words? He is the strictest person when it comes to selecting people for a position. As a physical augmenter, he gives more emphasis to physical fitness which would greatly support the magical proficiency of the individual. Drake could only frown at his words, and his face literally said, 'I beg your pardon?'.

The gasping came from the crowd of students. The nerds saw a chance to be under the tutelage of this unheard and unseen prodigy, while the girls were about to be brokenhearted with the information that he already has a wife. The boys who were envious of Lee's physique, hoped to attain a chiseled body. They were even ready to start the training at the moment itself.

"I do not know-"

Lee was trying to construct a sentence so as to express himself, when Ganga cut him off.

"I request to approve a duel between me and him!"

With a frown, Lee stared at her, and his face stated the words, 'what is wrong with you, woman?'. He couldn't help, because she first glared at him for no reason, and is now requesting a duel. As Lee was wondering the reason behind her persistent poking, D popped up a message panel and conveyed crucial info.

=+=+=+=

SYSTEM PROCEEDING TO HIBERNATE FOR A KEY UPGRADATION. ESTIMATED TIME OF COMPLETION: 36 HOURS. NO SYSTEM FEATURES WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THIS PERIOD OF TIME. LEE, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!

=+=+=+=

Like a meteor, this panel crashed Lee's train of thoughts and threw him off in a daze. The astonishment was reflected on his face, but Erikko assumed that it was from the unexpected duel invite.

"Miss Ganga can be stubborn at times, but she did not mean any hostility. What she intended was to test your skills and to evaluate whether you are worthy to be an instructor of the academy."

Erikko explained why Ganga behaved in a weird manner, but did not mention anything about the unnecessity of the duel. Erikko was internally eager to see how Lee fights with Ganga, who is the most sensitive to Mana in the academy. Traps and runes were useless against her.

Taking a final glance at the fading panel, Lee realised that the affinities are also locked, as he could not manifest lightning. The inaccessibility of both Inventory and EsGen, along with the Shop, overshadowed him. Though Mana and Qi were unavailable, he was lucky enough to have his stats. But Lee soon realised that the stats are almost halved in the value, like putting a restriction.

All he had as a useful equipment was his spatial ring. Hopefully, Lee had 10 good coins in it from the transaction of the Kiramium. A half drunk bottle of milk accompanied the gold coins and shared the entirety of the space inside the ring among themselves.

"Can the duel wait? I came here because Drake invited me to the academy. I do not have my weapons, or am in a mood to fight."

Lee stated his situation in a few words, and Ganga was delighted, which she hid it behind her blank expression. Erikka nodded at his opinion, and asked Lee to suggest an extension of days.

"On the fourth day, I shall come to duel."