Ethan, Max, and Ming left the dormitory building. Max and Ming were still buzzing from the fight, recounting the knockout punches, while Ethan simply enjoyed the sudden and universal respect they encountered. Students parted to let them pass, heads bowed, and conversations ceased as they approached.
[Enjoying the celebrity status, Champion? Yesterday, you were just a rich kid. Today, you are the 'One-Punch-Man' of the MIT dorms. Nothing earns respect like a good, old-fashioned, traumatic beating.] The System commented gleefully.
Ethan smiled inwardly: "I admit it. It's great to be respected, even if it's done through punches. It saves a lot of time on introductions."
The three arrived at the bustling campus cafeteria. They walked through the long lines, eyeing the overpriced, mediocre food offerings.
"Man, look at these prices," Max sighed, adjusting his glasses. "I wish I could get the steak, but I've already blown my weekly budget on energy drinks."
