The match had barely begun, but the crowd was already on the edge of their seats, eager to see what would unfold. Althea, however, was acutely aware of the potential destruction their powers could unleash on the training area. "Oh, no," she thought, growing worried. "Another intense battle is about to begin, and it's going to be a battle between the three of them. They're all insanely powerful compared to me."
As the soldiers received their orders, Kaliyah's tone was serious and commanding. "Finish them," she instructed her soldiers. "Don't hesitate to do that." Aster observed the scene calmly, noting the aggressive stance of Kaliyah's soldiers.
"Their intent is to eliminate us, demonstrating her unwavering resolve and willingness to employ extreme measures to augment her power," Aster thought. The three dark soldiers facing Xarath charged forward, while the other three approached Aster.
Instantly, even faster than time could comprehend, the three dark shadow soldiers had surrounded Aster already, as one was positioned to his left, the other to his right, and the other directly in front of Aster, standing poised with their large weapons suddenly ready to kill Aster.
However, Aster was already above them, landing slowly and normally after dodging their attacks. As he landed, Aster kicked one of the soldiers with incredible speed, but the shadow soldier blocked the attack with its hand.
The force of the kick pushed the soldier back, and Aster's calm, expressionless face remained unchanged as he realized the strength of Kaliyah's soldiers. "My speed is classified as instantaneous, yet they all successfully blocked them," Aster thought. "This indicates that they possess the capability to block attacks of instantaneous speed and are also able to move with comparable rapidity."
The shadow soldiers continued to attack Aster with swift and precise movements, but Aster dodged each strike with ease. Their blows even killing the air around them and that was part of Kaliyah's power.
Kaliyah observed the fight, her expression thoughtful. "It appears I misjudged both Xarath and Aster," she said to herself. "They are handling themselves remarkably well."
Xarath, on the other hand, was effortlessly dodging the soldiers' attacks while landing precise punches. The soldiers would momentarily lose their guard, only to recover and continue fighting. Xarath's excitement grew with each exchange. "Hahaha, this is fun!" he exclaimed. "My prowess is unmatched! Let us escalate this battle further!"
As the battles continued, Kaliyah watched with interest, her mind racing with strategy. "I will have to adjust my approach," she thought. "These two are more capable than I anticipated." Xarath and Aster continued to toy with the shadow soldiers, their movements a blur to the onlookers.
Kaliyah, however, could see their movements clearly. "Both of them are putting up quite a fight without letting their defenses down," she observed. "Given Xarath's nature, I suspect he wants me to make the first move towards him, but I'll take a different approach. I'll target Aster first, as that might make my task more manageable."
With a swift kick, Kaliyah struck the ground, unleashing a shockwave that caused the entire training area's ground to crack rapidly, a testament to her immense strength. Yet, both Aster and Xarath remained steadfast, their balance unwavering as if they were defying the laws of gravity.
Without hesitation, Kaliyah jumped forward, her speed surpassing that of her soldiers. Time seemed to slow down for Aster as Kaliyah's punch approached him. In Aster's perspective, Kaliyah's movements were slow, and her soldiers' attacks were equally sluggish.
"I will refrain from securing a win in this match," Aster thought. "Given that both Xarath and Kaliyah are also among the top competitors in Class C, a victory would likely lead to perceptions of me being the strongest. I prefer to maintain a reputation of being strong but not necessarily the best, operating at a middle level of recognition."
Aster quickly brought his hand up to block Kaliyah's punch. The impact was immense, causing a huge crack in the training area's ground. The ground shook, and Aster's foot made a hole in the ground due to the force of Kaliyah's punch.
But Aster didn't flinch, instead he pushed himself back, messing with gravity itself. Aster was moving back, his foot sliding on the ground, which created a hole in ground. Then the ground fixed itself since it was built that way.
The crowd gasped in surprise, and Asare thought, "Unbelievable! If that was me, I would've absorbed it without breaking a sweat. No question."
Xarath's smile remained, but he felt a hint of disappointment. "This means there's no chance for Aster to win because Kaliyah was clearly holding back. That wasn't even a full punch from Kaliyah."
Kaliyah's expression was unreadable as she said, "Really? I wasn't exerting any significant force; I thought you were designed to handle that."
Aster replied, acting as if the punch had been a significant challenge, "I did not expect you to be this strong."
Kaliyah's expression turned skeptical as she pondered Aster's abilities. "I'm wondering whether he's genuinely struggling or just feigning it," she thought. "Logically, it seems improbable that he could have propelled himself backward with such force. If he truly possessed the capability, he would likely have been able to withstand or even dodge the attack with ease."
As Kaliyah turned to face Xarath, she was met with an empty space where he had once stood. Instead, she saw the lifeless bodies of the three shadow soldiers in defeat, each with a precise hole in their chest. The shadowy figures dissolved into dark shadows, their essence reabsorbed into Kaliyah. Meanwhile, Xarath had seamlessly repositioned himself behind her, his presence revealed by a proud smile and a confident giggle that sent a subtle shiver down Kaliyah's spine. The sound caught Kaliyah's attention, and she quickly turned to face him, ready to fight.
Kaliyah launched a powerful back kick, but Xarath blocked it effortlessly. It landed on Xarath's palm, and the impact made even the air around them shatter.
"I'm not having fun, so I'm calling it quits," he said, his tone casual. Turning to Aster, Xarath offered some advice. "Listen up. I saw how you handled that punch, and let's just say it's clear you've got some work to do. You're not weak, but you're definitely not living up to your potential. I'm willing to put in the effort to train you into something worth my time."
Aster's response was simple: "Sure." Xarath nodded and walked out of the training area, leaving Kaliyah and Aster behind.
Kaliyah watched Xarath leave, her expression a mix of disappointment and skepticism. "I agree with Xarath's observation," she thought. "Given Aster's lack of skill, it's no surprise he lost interest and chose to withdraw. I think I'll follow suit and take my leave as well."
As Kaliyah walked beside Aster, Aster could sense her disappointment. "I'll just let things stand as they are," Aster thought, and he turned to walk out of the training area, leaving the crowd curious.
Meanwhile, Professor Abigail carried Eryndor, who was weak from the intense battle with Aster. "Professor, I think I'm good, you can let me down now," Eryndor said, his voice weak.
"Are you sure?" Professor Abigail asked politely.
"Yah, I'm great," Eryndor nodded. "I guess you're right since Xarath had already healed you completely," Professor Abigail said and gently let Eryndor down.
Eryndor stretched his arms and legs, cracking his fingers and neck. "I'm back to normal," he sighed, feeling relieved. "Man, it feels good to be alive."
Professor Abigail looked up at the afternoon sun and smiled. "Alright guys, let's wrap up training for now. It's getting pretty hot out here in the afternoon, and I think it's time we fuel up with some lunch."
With that, the group headed to the eatery, eager to refuel and recharge for the rest of the day. As they walked, the anticipation of a delicious meal grew, and the group's energy began to pick up.
The eatery was located far beside every compound at the back, which made it long and tiring for people who always came here, especially for those who didn't have plenty of stamina.
The eatery was a very large building which fitted inside the Hunter's Association colors. The eatery's vast interior accommodates 500 people with ease. Rows of long tables and benches stretch across the high-ceilinged space, adorned with modern centerpieces and vibrant tablecloths. Natural light pours in through expansive skylights and large windows. The lively atmosphere is filled with the hum of conversation and clinking dishes, while a long buffet offers a diverse array of dishes. Behind it, a bustling kitchen team prepares and serves a wide range of cuisine, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
As the door swung open, the group walked in, looking fatigued from the long walk to the eatery. Eryndor stretched his legs and complained, "Ugh, my legs are killin' me." He shook his legs, adding, "This must be why I don't come here often."
Eryndor wasn't the only one feeling tired; Althea, Beldon, and others shared similar sentiments. Meanwhile, Aster, Kaliyah, Asare, Xarath, and Professor Abigail seemed unaffected, as if the walk had been a breeze.
"I think I understand how he feels... I'm actually pretty tired from the walk here too," Althea thought, sympathizing with Eryndor's plight.
Professor Abigail's voice rang out, "Alright everyone, now that we're all here, let's get started! Please go ahead and join the queue to grab your delicious food. Let's keep it orderly, shall we." Her tone was polite yet firm, guiding the students into a sense of discipline.
The eatery was bustling with activity, with five rows of people waiting in line for different dishes. The first row was for yellow spaghetti, served with long-handled spoons. The second row featured orange rice, scooped out with large serving scoops. The third row offered plain white rice, portioned out with metal cups. The fourth row had crispy fried yam, served in paper cones with tongs. The fifth row served Banku, shaped into balls in transparent rubber gloves, accompanied by plastic scoops.
The people in line were excited, eagerly anticipating the taste of the food. Those who had already received their meals sat down, chatting and laughing with each other.
Eryndor's eyes lit up as he caught a whiff of the food. "Honestly, I think I might actually like this place. The food smells amazing, and it's really calming me down." Asare nodded in agreement. "You're definitely right, my brother. I'm gonna pick somethin' that really suits my taste." Xarath grinned, "And honestly, the food here is makin' me super hungry!"
With Professor Abigail's announcement, "Alright, everyone! Time to dig in!" the crowd surged forward, joining the various queues.
Aster observed his surroundings before walking silently towards the queue. "As for me, eating doesn't matter. So I'll choose any food I want," he thought.
Kaliyah walked ahead of Aster, her pace gentle. "I could opt to get my food quickly, but I'd prefer to wait in the queue with everyone else. I'm even hungrier than the others," she thought, blending in with the crowd.
As the students received their food, other classes began to arrive, extending the lines. The professors inside ensured that the hunters were managed efficiently.
Aster collected his food – a generous serving of orange rice, also known as Jollof, with two large pieces of meat on the side. He scanned the area for a place to sit and spotted an empty seat beside Kaliyah, who was eating her yellow spaghetti with finesse. Her elegant eating style caught the attention of some boys in the distance.
Aster sat down beside her, keeping a distance between them. As he placed his food down and began eating, Kaliyah spoke up, her tone somewhat rude. "May I ask, is there a particular reason you're sitting here beside me? I get the sense that you're interested in me, but I must admit it makes me a bit uneasy."
Aster replied calmly, "It's not like that. Besides, I know that no one with their right mind would be interested in you if they knew you were difficult to understand, considering you misunderstood everything that just happened."
Kaliyah's expression turned stern, her eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Whatever. But I'm warning you not to get closer to me." Aster responded with a simple "Alright," his face expressionless.
As Kaliyah continued eating, Aster observed her, thinking, "She appears to be anti-social, and if it were others with more emotional responsiveness, they might leave. Perhaps she's doing this intentionally, or maybe not."
Aster ate calmly and steadily, his demeanor worth noting. Aster navigated the complex dynamics of social interactions with Kaliyah.
Then Eryndor walked over with his food – a generous serving of fried yam smothered in ketchup and accompanied by two sausages – he spotted a few classmates at a nearby table. He approached them with a friendly smile, hoping to join their group. "Guys, I hope you don't mind if I sit beside you," he said, his tone lighthearted as he set his plate down.
However, his classmates weren't as welcoming. "Don't provoke us, you scrawny little outcast," one of them sneered, placing their legs on the seats to block Eryndor from sitting. "Go hang out with the folks you trained with," another added, their expressions cold and dismissive.
Eryndor's smile faltered, and he felt a pang of sadness and unease. "Come on, guys," he attempted to reason, but it was clear they weren't interested in his company.
Aster, who was eating nearby, observed the scene unfold without comment, his expression neutral. Eryndor, feeling unwelcome, picked up his food and moved on.
Eventually, Eryndor spotted Aster and Kaliyah sitting together and decided to approach them. "Do you mind if I come sit here?" he asked, his smile somewhat subdued. Aster replied calmly, "Sure, there's a lot of space here for you to sit. Feel free."
Eryndor's smile returned, and he thanked Aster. However, Kaliyah wasn't as welcoming. "You are not welcome here," she said bluntly, her tone firm.
Eryndor's face fell, but he didn't give up. "Oh, please. I beg you," he said, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "I know you're not the type to sit around people, but this will be my first and last chance sitting here."
As he placed his food on the table, Eryndor got down on his knees, pleading with Kaliyah. She looked annoyed but eventually relented. "Whatever! But just this once, okay."
Eryndor smiled, relieved, and sat down beside Aster, quickly digging into his food. Aster and Kaliyah continued eating in silence, while Eryndor ate with enthusiasm.
Just as they were settling into their meal, Xarath and Asare approached, both looking confident and proud. Asare was carrying two round Banku and a bowl of soup with three meats, while Xarath had a plate of Jollof rice with two large pieces of meat.
"Mind if I sit here?" Xarath asked, his grin still in place. Asare chimed in, "Same here, man."
Kaliyah's annoyance resurfaced. "Why have you chosen to sit here? Don't you typically occupy a different space? I'm accustomed to dining alone, after all."
Asare downplayed her concerns. "C'mon, now. Stop bein' stingy and share the love." Xarath added, "You should show some consideration, 'cause I'm sittin' here instead of somewhere else, know what I'm sayin'?"
Eryndor intervened, trying to diffuse the tension. "Don't mind Kaliyah, guys. Come sit anywhere you want, and let's vibe."
Kaliyah's anger flared up. "Who gave you the authority to decide?" she snapped. Eryndor turned his head in fear, apologizing profusely.
However, Asare and Xarath remained unfazed, sitting down and placing their food on the table. Asare said politely but firmly, "If you don't vibe wit' us sittin' here, you free to dip."
"I suppose it's futile to withdraw now; I'm confident in myself to manage the situation." Kaliyah thought
Kaliyah felt it would be pointless to leave, as she believed she can handle it like that.
Asare unwrapped his Banku and began eating, while Xarath dug into his Jollof rice. "This food deserves a perfect score. It's one of the local specialty, by the way," Xarath said, savoring his food.
Asare joined in, tearing off another piece of Banku and dipping it in the soup. "Man, this Banku is on point here too! Glad I got me two servings, 'cause I'm in love wit' it." Eryndor chimed in, "Yeah man. All the foods here taste great. For me, it's the best I've eaten."
Aster and Kaliyah continued eating in silence, observing the lively conversation between Asare, Xarath, and Eryndor. The aroma of the food filled the eatery, making everyone's mouth water.
Just as the atmosphere in the eatery had returned to normal, with conversations flowing and laughter filling the air, the door swung open once again. This time, a stunning girl with striking features and long, black and sky-blue hair stood at the center, commanding attention. Her deep, black-purple eyes sparkled, and her warm, porcelain-like skin glowed. She wore the female Hunter's uniform with elegance, and her resemblance to Kaliyah was unmistakable. Beside her stood a handsome gentleman with blue hair and piercing green eyes, looking dashing in his Hunter's uniform.
As they entered, a group of fresh, handsome, and beautiful Hunters followed, joining the queue and effortlessly crossing paths with the other patrons. Despite their arrival, they remained quiet, their presence alone sparking whispers and admiration from the crowd.
"A dream come true. I get to see the A-rank Hunters up close," someone thought, their eyes wide with wonder.
The girl who had captured everyone's attention was Valtira Nexarion, and she seemed to relish the spotlight. Eryndor's eyes widened in awe as he watched her, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dang, is that...? Oh my goodness."
Aster, sitting beside Eryndor, remained puzzled, unsure of what was happening. He leaned in and asked, "Who exactly are they?"
Eryndor turned to him, a friendly tone in his voice. "Yo, you're new around here, right? These folks are Hunters getting trained up, and they're straight-up A-rank. They're ridiculously strong, fam. Don't get it twisted, they're the real deal."
As Eryndor pointed at Valtira, Aster's eyes followed. "That girl who's taking the spotlight is Valtira Nexarion. She's the strongest female among the A-ranks."
The surname "Nexarion" sounded familiar to Aster, and he made the connection. "So, she's Kaliyah's sister."
Eryndor nodded enthusiastically. "They ain't just similar, dey're practically twinsies, for real!"
As Valtira and her companions waited in line, Kaliyah suddenly interrupted their conversation. "My personal affairs aren't up for discussion. Keep your conversation focused elsewhere."
Valtira and Kennox collected their food, with Kennox holding Valtira's yellow spaghetti with two sausages on the side and his own white rice with two meats and soup. Valtira's smile lit up the room as she greeted the crowd, her beauty captivating everyone.
Xarath, however, stood up, his tone calm yet prideful. "Yo, how you doin', friend? Don't just tell me that you came here to not visit me. I'm waitin' here for you badly."
Valtira's face lit up as she approached Xarath, Kennox following closely behind her. "Hey, no worries at all! I'd love to give you a handshake. Come on over, we'd be happy to have you join us for a meal. Let's catch up and grab some food together!"
As Valtira walked toward Xarath, her eyes landed on Kaliyah, who was eating and ignoring the commotion. Valtira's smile widened, and she approached Kaliyah.
"Well, this is certainly... enlightening. Seeing such a disgrace like you," Valtira said, her tone laced with disdain. She touched Kaliyah's chin, her voice dripping with condescension. "How does it feel to be in the shadow, while your twin sister is in the spotlight?"
The eatery fell silent, with all eyes on the tense scene unfolding before them. Kaliyah calmly hit Valtira's hand away from her chin. "I'm not particularly invested in this matter. Let's refrain from celebrating prematurely. Instead, focus on preparing yourself adequately, lest you find yourself in a position where you need to ask me for assistance."
Valtira's smile remained, but her tone turned icy. "Pathetic." She cleaned her hand on Kennox's clothes, her laughter mocking. "Were you makin' a joke or were you complimentin' yourself?"
The professors watching the scene unfold were intimidated, hesitant to intervene, but Professor Abigail's patience had worn thin. "All these professors are too afraid to step in just because those two are high-ranking members of the Hunter's Association," she thought to herself. "But I'm not going to stand idly by while my students are potentially harmed. I need to put a stop to this."
With determination in her eyes, Professor Abigail prepared to intervene, but a male professor beside her swiftly grasped her arm, holding her back. "Don't even think about it if you want to keep your job," he warned. "They're just posturing, not actually fighting. If you interfere, you're out of here."
Professor Abigail's face twisted in frustration as she clenched her fist, feeling helpless. "Take it as a warning, then," the male professor added, his tone firm but veiled.
The threat was clear, and Professor Abigail reluctantly backed down. "Fine, but if things escalate into a real fight, you're going down," she muttered under her breath.
As she stood there, impotent and angry, Professor Abigail's thoughts betrayed her usual cheerful demeanor. "Just standing here feels ridiculous. I love my students, but I'm powerless to help them right now," she thought, her usual warmth and happiness replaced by frustration and concern.
With a quiet exit strategy in mind, Professor Abigail slipped out of the eatery, carefully opening the door just a crack to avoid drawing attention to herself. Her usual confidence was tempered by the knowledge that, for now, she had to prioritize her job over her students' immediate safety.
The room was in shock, with some watching in discomfort. Althea, sitting with her female classmates from Class C2, felt a bad feeling wash over her. "Oh no, I've got a really bad feelin' about this—it's not gonna end well, I just know it."
Kaliyah, however, remained unfazed, her expression neutral. Asare watched the scene unfold, chewing his meat calmly, while Eryndor looked on with worry, hesitant to interfere.
Aster, still analyzing the situation, remained expressionless, his food finished, with the two meats still on his table. Xarath, however, had had enough and stepped in. "Valtira, I expect better from you. This isn't a playground for childish arguments. Let's focus on the matter at hand."
Xarath's words seemed to snap Valtira back to reality, and she turned to him with an apologetic smile. "I apologize. My bad."
Valtira's gaze then shifted to Aster, and for a moment, their eyes met. Aster's calm demeanor seemed to intrigue her, and she was taken aback by his handsomeness. However, she quickly composed herself and turned back to Xarath. "Let's go sit somewhere and eat. I wanna talk to you about somethin' for a while," Xarath said.
Valtira nodded, her smile returning. "Oh, that's alright then! No worries at all."
As Valtira, Xarath, and Kennox walked away, going out of the eatery, the tension in the room began to dissipate. The crowd's whispers and murmurs slowly picked up again, with some people still glancing over at Kaliyah and Valtira.
Aster's gaze followed Valtira, his mind analyzing the situation. "They're twin sisters, but they don't seem to have a good relationship. Valtira appears to be implying that Kaliyah hasn't met her expectations, given the difference in their progress," he thought to himself.
Eryndor, still sitting beside Aster, let out a low whistle. "Damn, that was intense. I've never seen Valtira like that before. She's usually so calm and collected."
Aster's expression remained neutral, his eyes still fixed on the direction Valtira and Xarath had gone. "It's clear there's a lot of tension between Kaliyah and Valtira," he said, his voice low and even.
Valtira, Xarath, and Kennox stepped out, while the rest of Class A dispersed to find empty spaces to enjoy their meals. Meanwhile, whispers began to spread like wildfire throughout the eatery.
"They're twin sisters, but they don't get along," someone said with a raised eyebrow.
"I'd feel terrible if I were Kaliyah," another added, shaking their head.
The gossip continued, but Kaliyah remained unfazed. With poise, she gently cleaned her mouth with a tissue after finishing her meal.
Just then, the door swung open, and an awkward silence fell over the room. Everyone expected Valtira, but instead, a handsome, brown-skinned man with stylish box braids walked in. His neat, braided hair fell to his neck, and his brown eyes scanned the room with curiosity. Standing at 6'0" with a lean yet masculine build, he wore the Hunter's uniform with confidence. As he entered, he wondered why everyone was staring.
The girls in the room quickly snapped out of their trance, cheering for him enthusiastically. With a charming smile, he raised his thumb in appreciation. "That's the way I like it," he thought to himself. "Ayy, don't mind me, oo. I'm just doing my thing," he said, his tone energetic and vibrant.
As he looked around, his eyes landed on someone he knew – Asare. "Yo, my guy. Adey here, oo," Asare called out, raising his thumb to get Dzidula's attention. Dzidula's face lit up as he rushed over to Asare, and they exchanged a hearty handshake.
"Yo, Dzidula, my guy. How far?" Asare asked, speaking in their shared language.
"Adey, oo. How you dey sef?" Dzidula replied, his tone equally vibrant.
"I also dey," Asare responded confidently.
With a curious grin, Dzidula asked, "Yo, what's the tea? Everyone's ghosting me like I'm the principal or something! Did I just walk into a silent disco or what? Spill the beans, fam – what's going on here?"
Asare chuckled and replied, "Just issue dey with Kaliyah and her sister Valtira."
Asare turned to Kaliyah and added, "Ain't nothin' I coulda done, Kaliyah. I'm sorry, but I was in the middle of grubbin' on my banku, and I wasn't 'bout to leave it unfinished. But yeah, the commotion died down, so it all worked out."
Kaliyah's response was laced with confidence and a hint of indifference. "No problem, but I've managed just fine on my own. I never required anyone's assistance."
Asare laughed at her tone, unfazed by her bluntness. "You're always independent, Kaliyah. I respect that."
As Asare turned to Aster, a calm and analytical figure who had been observing the scene, he introduced Dzidula with enthusiasm. "Yo, Aster, let me introduce you to Dzidula! This dude's an A-rank, and not just that, he's one of the strongest men in the whole A-rank crew! You feel me? He's on another level!"
Aster's expression remained neutral, his eyes assessing the situation. "I see," he said, his tone flat.
Dzidula winked at Aster and Eryndor, his charisma palpable. "You guys seem to vibe well together. Hopefully, things keep going well," Aster said, his words neither overly polite nor rude.
Asare brushed it off with a laugh. "Yo, this dude's been in my life since we were kids. He's family, too – we're like cousins or somethin'. We speak the same language, vibes, you feel me? Our families know each other like the back of their hand, been around for years."
Asare's explanation gave Aster a glimpse into their close relationship. "That's interesting," Aster replied, his tone still neutral.
Dzidula's eyes sparkled with excitement as Asare offered him banku. "Come chop this banku, Dzidula! E dey sweet well well, but e no sweet pass our mama cook am for house. Our homemade banku na the best, you try am!"
"If you talk say e sweet pass, then make i try am! Abeg, watch me go!" Dzidula said, his smile widening as he eagerly accepted the challenge.
Aster watched the scene unfold, observing the dynamics between Asare and Dzidula. As he learned more about their bond, he analyzed the situation with calculated interest.
.....
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the surroundings, the time ticked closer to 6:30 pm. In a small, utilitarian building designated as the boys' bathroom, a flurry of activity unfolded. Many boys were heading in to freshen up, each with their own reasons - some felt drained and lazy, others were eager to start their evening routine, and a few were visibly excited.
Aster walked alongside Eryndor and Asare, his face a mask of neutrality, his emotions unreadable. "So, this is the boy's bathroom," Aster stated, his voice calm.
Eryndor's eyes sparkled with excitement as he took in the surroundings. "Yeah," he said, his enthusiasm evident in his tone.
Asare, however, seemed somewhat annoyed, his patience wearing thin. "Quit acting like this place is new to you. We've come here a few times already. The only person who's supposed to be surprised is Aster," Asare said to Eryndor boldly.
Eryndor's grin never wavered. "My bad. I'm just excited that Aster gets to explore this," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Asare raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Let's get real for a second, that doesn't even make sense," he said, his tone dripping with doubt.
As they conversed, two boys walked by, their voices carrying over as they gossiped. "Wish I could go and see what the girls are doing in their bathroom," one said. "Same here, bro. But you know that we're not allowed to go there," the other replied, their conversation fading into the distance.
The girls' bathroom was just beside the boys', separated only by a large pillar. The boys' and girls' bathrooms were housed in separate buildings, yet they shared an identical design. Each structure was spacious enough to accommodate 450 individuals, its size and layout mirroring the other.
Asare's confidence shone through in his words. "Ahh, these boys are living life like I used to, ain't they? I was running game, too, back in the day. But I leveled up, buckled down, and made my dreams a reality. I'm making moves now, and I'm feeling good about where I'm headed."
Aster's response was mechanical, his tone flat yet calm. "You're saying that with a lot of confidence."
Eryndor nodded in agreement with Aster. "You know, right."
Asare's confidence only grew. "Facts, I don't care what folks think or say about me. I'm still gonna be me, and I ain't apologizing for it."
The trio continued walking, their conversation flowing naturally as they entered the bathroom to freshen up.
In the bathroom, rows of individual rooms stood, each equipped with a magical red screen that activated upon entry, ensuring privacy. Aster stood in the middle room, bathing with calculated efficiency. Asare, in another room, bathed with meticulous care, while Eryndor indulged in a playful splashing session.
The soap and bubbles covered their bodies, obscuring Aster's physique, Asare's abs, and Eryndor's frame. Aster's thoughts were detached, his mind processing observations without emotional attachment. "Why do they also want to bathe with me? Perhaps they're doing so because they think we're friends," he thought, his mental tone neutral.
After bathing, the trio, along with other male hunters, made their way to their respective dorms, donning their uniforms. Aster approached his dorm room, 170, and inserted his key into the lock. As he entered, he thought, "Today, I've learned a few things and gained some insight into my classmates. The day was uneventful, but it did spark some curiosity," his mental voice devoid of inflection.
Then, Aster closed the door behind him, his expression unreadable. The other hunters, each in their own rooms, went about their routines, their doors opening and closing in a synchronized manner. Aster's movements were precise, his emotions locked away, as he settled into his room.