Johnny had faced many battles in his life, against godbeasts and demons. But none of those battles caused his heart to beat and fear to rise in his body as much as this one.

Johnny got into his battle stance and takes a deep breath. Then, he did the only thing he knew how to do; he bows deeply and yells, “Mary Rose, please go out with me!”

The surrounding students in the hall all stop and look at the brave soul who dared utter these words. Murmuring and suppressed laughter made waves among the crowd, but Johnny ignored it all, with his body still in a 90-degree angle, his face aligned with the floor.

The young lady with glasses and brown hair watched this, anxiety bursting up from within, causing her face to turn completely into a shade of red. She watches and listens to the crowd and couldn’t take it anymore. She hurriedly lifts Johnny up from his bow and begins to scold him. “You’re so embarrassing! Can you not say that in front of everyone!? And you’re so loud too!” She says hurriedly, her heartbeat fluttering.

Johnny stares at her blankly, his face crimson. “You didn’t answer my question.” He says, still looking on eagerly.

Mary Rose hands turned into fists and she stomps on the ground in frustration. “Of course I’ll date you, you idiot!” She yells, no longer caring about the crowd.

It was as if a taught string had been released and a few people in the crowd let out a breath of relief, then someone started clapping. Eventually the hall was filled with applause.

“Go get’em Johnny!”

“Picked out a fiery one!”

“Good luck Mary Rose!”

“Double-down and propose!”

Mary Rose covers her red face in shame.

But Johnny couldn’t stop himself from looking at her. A warm feeling bubbled up in his heart. He didn’t care if it was embarrassing, he was on top of the world!

…

…

With his face flushed and his heartbeat still fluttering, Johnny went to class.

He sits down and wipes the sweat from his face. Damn, even a demon lord isn’t as frightening. But, like always, I’m still victorious! Johnny thinks with a smug grin.

“Alright class, everyone get seated. Today we’ll be reviewing for the final exam. By now you all should know what you’re supposed to know. Take this exam seriously as it will be a big part of your grade. Even though math sucks, you’ll need to be good at it if you plan to go to university. The sciences, business, and even trade school. After this, you can forget all about it for all I care, but for now, this is the checkpoint, and if you don’t have your credentials, you’ll have to use another road.” The teacher says before getting on with his lesson.

Johnny looks out the window, deep in thought.

University, work, retirement. Were these the things that were in store for him? And that’s if things went right? Is that the height of this world? He thinks, unsure what his next step should be.

He would be graduating soon and at that point he would be left with another choice. He’d have to pick a direction and begin walking.

Johnny let out a sigh and examines his body.

When he had arrived back on this world, his ancient cultivation base didn’t follow him, but his essence was still whole; he was still a man who had faced countless tribulations over millions of years. As such, the spiritual energy in the world recognized him, and slowly but surely, energy was continuing to gather in his body, as if the world was trying to give him what he was owed.

Johnny looks to the window once more. Maybe I’ll be a superhero? He thinks, mildly amused. Nah, I’ll just follow Mary Rose. If she wants to go to university, then I’ll go to university, if she wants to travel, then I’ll travel. That’s enough for me. He thinks, content with his decision.

Before he began his cultivation journey, when he was just a high school boy from earth, he had the biggest crush on this childhood friend of his. From elementary school to middle school to high school, the feelings continued to build and build, but he never had the courage to break through that paper seal.

After coming back from having reached the peak of cultivation, it would be embarrassing if he still didn’t have the courage to express his feelings, so he had no choice but to make his feelings known. But unfortunately it didn’t make the ordeal any easier. Throughout it all, his heartbeat was like the drum roll to a cheesy pop rock classic, but now that the song had started, Johnny wanted it to last forever.

Johnny lets out a smile. Back at earth… Feels good… He thinks, satisfied.