Outsider : Classroom Of The Elite

Chapter 3.10 - Gaze

Day 3, 01:58 PM.

There was nothing extraordinary about our race, or at least that was my personal opinion. The venue was an active river, so we had the advantage of swimming in the currents direction. A good news for me, because I didn't have to waste more energy on fighting against the flow.

As we didn't carry a measuring tape with us all the time, we couldn't measure the distance of our course. We ended up picking a random oak tree for our finish line, which was approximately forty meters ahead of us. Our wristwatch also had a stopwatch function, so we decided to use that to capture our time.

There were multiple factors we needed to be mindful of. For instance, the topography was nothing like a swimming pool. Some parts of the river were deep, some parts were shallow. It was much desirable that we didn't randomly sprain our legs by hitting a boulder or pebble.

Also, a waterfall was less than a mile ahead of us. So, if we got too excited, or careless during the race, there was a good chance we could end up getting pulled by the current.

I think I've had just about enough free fall experience for the day, so I'll pass.

"On your marks." One of the girls began chanting.

I swiftly inhaled and exhaled a few times, trying to ventilate as fast as I could. During times like this, anyone would normally do the opposite and take deep inhales in an attempt to store more oxygen. Of course, that definitely works.

But by doing so, they end up putting more pressure on their lungs. Obviously, the air would try to get out of the body, causing extra pressure. So they can't help but forcefully keep it inside from busting out. And on top of holding the air, they also need to constantly push their body against the water; which rapidly eats away their stamina.

"Get set!"

Using a breathing technique however, makes things much easier. Our body automatically adjusts itself for receiving less oxygen. The body feels lighter when you don't have to deal with the extra lung pressure. Blood rushes to all parts of our body, preparing them for what's about to come. You can also think more clearly because of this. These are the main differences between the former and the latter.

*Inhale *Exhale *Inhale *Exhale *Inhale *Exhale *Inhale *Exhale *Inhale *Exhale *Inhale *Exhale

This feels very wrong for some reason...

"Go!"

I kicked the ground with all my might, and threw myself forward. The other's did the same, causing a massive discord in the river. My body slashed through the heavy layers of cold water. The cheers probably got even louder; but I could barely hear any of it. The very last bit of connection I had with my surrounding vanished. My vision blurred as I began to focus on only what was in front of me.

After what happened during our first swimming class, I came to a grave realization. The body I was currently in possession of was undoubtedly different than it used to be. My curiosity got the better of me; so I attempted to do some track and field activities one day, only to return with eye opening results.

"Go! Levent-kun!"

My build itself was the same as usual; if anything, I had gotten even slender. However, my abilities improved drastically. The sprints were much faster; and I felt less exhausted after each interval. My stamina increased, so did my flexibility. If a thing called 'body enhancement magic' existed, then this would be a prime example. No wonder why I aced the swimming competition? I was more confused than excited...

My question remains... How did this happen?

*spazzle *spazzle

The noise of our body clashing against the water. The rush of adrenaline. The nervousness of the competition. Regardless the results being predetermined or not, I felt an inexplicable sense of thrill and excitement at that moment.