Becoming The Strongest Using My Would-You-Rather System!

That night, Theo sat on his bed in his old room.

His eyes were closed and his breathing was calm.

Inside his body, deep blue and bright yellow mana threads flowed to his core’s walls.

Each time a thread touched the wall, a speck of bronze was replaced with silver.

The majority of his core had already turned silver throughout the weeks, leaving just a few bronze gaps here and there.

’Just a few more days,’ he thought.

With that, he let out a quiet sigh and opened his eyes.

’’What a shame,’’ he muttered, stretching. ’’If the competition had been a little later, I would’ve actually had my next affinity.’’

For a moment, he fell silent.

His gaze slowly drifted out the window, falling on the familiar city below.

The faint uneasy feeling slowly crept back in.

He reached for his chest, feeling his heart pound.

’What... exactly is going on?’

For a few seconds, he didn’t move.

His eyes remained fixed on the city, scanning the distant streets.

Everything looked the same.

But the feeling didn’t fade.

If anything, it grew slightly stronger.

His fingers tightened against his chest.

’...This isn’t normal.’

He paused, narrowing his eyes.

’I need to get everything done as soon as possible,’ he thought. ’Then get the hell out of here.’

...

The next morning, Theo woke up later than usual.

For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling.

Then he let out a quiet breath and pushed himself up.

’’Today is the day,’’ he muttered. ’’No matter what... I have to play my cards right.’’

Without wasting any time, he got out of bed and got dressed.

After a few minutes, he was completely ready.

’Before I leave,’ he thought, glancing at a transparent screen. ’I should do my daily descent.’

[Daily Descent Cooldown: 14:03:22]

[Punishment days: 5]

He let out a soft sigh and pressed down on the screen.

The ground below him vanished in an instant.

A violent gust of wind slammed into him as he fell straight down to the ground.

Only this time, Theo remained completely silent.

His heart pounded slightly faster, but there was no longer any fear in his eyes.

He simply stared at the ground below.

Within a minute, he reappeared back inside his room. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

’’That’s done,’’ he muttered, dragging a hand through his messy hair. ’’Now I can get on with everything else.’’

Theo stepped out of his room and headed downstairs.

His parents were nowhere to be seen, as they’d mentioned the day before.

’They’ll only be free like an hour before the tournament.’

He glanced at the time on his phone.

’Which is in three hours.’

Letting out a soft sigh, he made himself some food before heading out.

With the tournament right around the corner, there was someone else he needed to meet.

Theo wandered down the streets for several minutes.

Only when a fancy brasserie came into sight did he come to a stop.

Without another thought, he pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

Ring!

A bell rang out softly behind him.

Yet, his attention was completely locked on a familiar figure.

She sat at the same table as the last time he’d seen her, wearing a dress that made her look even more stunning.

As he noticed her, she also noticed him.

Her face lit up immediately.

’’Theo!’’ she said, pushing herself up.

A wide smile appeared on his face.

’’Iris,’’ he said, walking over.

Theo came to a stop in front of her table.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Iris stepped forward and pulled him into a quick hug.

’’I missed you,’’ she said softly.

Theo let out a faint chuckle, returning the hug just as naturally.

’’Me too,’’ he replied.

After a second, she stepped back, her eyes scanning him from head to toe.

’’You changed,’’ she said.

Theo raised an eyebrow slightly.

’’You’ve gotten even stronger,’’ she continued softly. ’’Seems like you went through something again...’’

Theo blinked.

Then let out a soft chuckle.

’’Was it that obvious?’’

Iris nodded without hesitation.

A simple, but warm smile grew on Theo’s face as he shook his head lightly.

The unease he’d felt just earlier faded as he sat down in front of her.

’’A lot has happened,’’ he said.

Iris sat down as well, still studying him for a moment before smiling again.

’’I figured,’’ she said. ’’You wouldn’t just sit around.’’

A waiter approached, placing a glass in front of Theo before stepping away.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then Theo leaned back slightly.

’’You’re participating today?’’ he asked.

Iris nodded.

’’Of course,’’ she said. ’’Wouldn’t miss it.’’

The two continued talking for a long time.

Their conversation drifted from light topics to more serious ones without either of them noticing.

They talked about their universities, training, and the people they had met along the way.

Eventually, Theo’s phone buzzed.

He glanced down, finding Owen’s name flashing across the screen.

He let out a quiet breath before picking up.

’’Yeah?’’

’’Where the hell are you?’’

Owen’s voice blasted through immediately.

’’The competition starts in an hour and a half and you’re still not here!’’

Theo pulled the phone slightly away from his ear, his expression changing slightly.

’...Already?’

He shook his head lightly, remaining calm.

’’Relax. I’m on my way now.’’

’’On your way?’’ Owen repeated loudly. ’’You promised to meet up with me half an hour ago!’’

’’I swear, if I find out it’s beca—’’

Theo ended the call mid-sentence, lowering his phone slowly.

For a brief moment, he didn’t speak.

Then he looked back at Iris, a faint smile returning to his face.

’’Seems like we’ll have to continue this later,’’ he said.

Iris nodded with a warm smile.

She rose from her seat, smoothing out her dress.

’’Would be a shame to be too late,’’ she said lightly.

Theo stood up as well, smiling the entire time.

Yet, his heartbeat was slightly faster than before.

’Right,’ he thought, his fingers tightening slightly. ’There’s still something I need to do.’

It was finally time.

After two entire months...

The chance to free his parents and deal with David had finally arrived.