Aster and Kaliyah walked towards the eatery, their footsteps synchronized as they approached the building. As they stood outside, Kaliyah turned to Aster and said, "Let's just play it cool and tell everyone we met by chance on the way here. We didn't plan to meet up. Don't mess it up."
Aster replied, his voice calm and even, "That's what I was probably thinking, too." He opened the door, and they entered the eatery.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being followed by a dark-skinned bodyguard, who was hiding behind a building. The bodyguard watched them enter the eatery and thought to himself, "Finally found you both." He turned to leave but couldn't help but smile slightly, knowing he had gathered crucial information.
Inside the eatery, Aster and Kaliyah walked towards the front, where Valtira was already seated. As they approached, Valtira turned to them, a cunning smile spreading across her face. "Well, well. Look who's back. You two were missing for a while, and now you're suddenly together. Convenient."
The crowd began to whisper, their voices rising in surprise and curiosity. "How's this possible?" someone whispered. "I didn't know people like them were over here too." Another person chimed in, "They're totally a couple."
Kaliyah's expression remained firm as she responded, her voice clear and confident, "Cut the act. You think I'd date someone like him? You're crazy."
Aster listened to the exchange, his expression calm and unreadable. He thought to himself, "Now she's being too harsh."
Valtira's smile grew wider as she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "You really think we'd buy that? My sister doesn't make friends easily, and now she's just casually walking in with some guy?" The crowd's whispers grew louder, and Valtira's words seemed to gain traction.
Kaliyah's eyes narrowed slightly as she thought, "She's trying to get me to spill the beans about what happened today, so she can use it against me. I'll just stay calm and downplay this." Outwardly, she said, "Go ahead and spread lies about me. I'm not bothered."
Valtira's smile seemed to grow even wider, and she was about to respond when Professor Abigail intervened, her voice firm and authoritative. "Enough!"
The sudden interruption caught everyone off guard, and the crowd's whispers died down. Professor Abigail continued, her voice strict, "Just because they're important doesn't mean they can bicker all the time. Someone needs to put a stop to this."
Valtira's expression turned cold as she said, "You've got a problem here. Are you taking their side because they're your students?" The crowd watched with bated breath, sensing a confrontation brewing.
Professor Abigail stood her ground, her expression unyielding. "Where's your proof? Without evidence, this is just baseless gossip. You're the one who should be in trouble for slander."
Valtira's smile returned, and she said, "Just wait and see. I will get the proof and make all your lives miserable." With that, she walked past Kaliyah and Aster, her eyes flashing with determination.
As Valtira exited the eatery, the tension dissipated, and the crowd began to murmur again. Aster's expression remained calm, while Kaliyah's eyes followed Valtira, her mind racing with thoughts.
Just as Valtira had left, Aster thought to himself, "Valtira's probably using this as an excuse to see Kennox." He kept his expression calm, revealing nothing about his thoughts.
Professor Abigail tried to cool down the gossip between the rest of the students. "It was just sisterly chatter. Eat up, lunch is almost over," she said gently. The crowd continued to eat, chatting among themselves.
Professor Abigail then turned to Aster and Kaliyah and said, "Where are you two really coming from? Tell the truth." Her voice was gentle, but Aster could sense a hint of anger beneath the surface.
"Calm down. I went to see the Chairman because I was called. I ran into Aster on the way here," Kaliyah said, reassuring Professor Abigail, even though she was lying.
Professor Abigail's eyes narrowed slightly as she sensed Kaliyah's deception. "Is that true, Aster?" she asked, her voice firm.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you," Aster replied, his voice calm and even.
Professor Abigail sighed, "Fine, you can go. But don't go out without permission, especially you, Kaliyah."
"Yes, please," Aster and Kaliyah said together, their voices polite but lacking enthusiasm.
As Professor Abigail turned to leave, Eryndor, Xarath, Dzidula and Asare stood up from their seats, coming towards Aster and Kaliyah with their bowls.
Kaliyah thought to herself, "They're just here to discuss the false accusations. It's obvious they're not serious, just look at their smiles. I'll just go and sit somewhere else." With that, she walked away, leaving Aster alone.
Eryndor, Xarath, Dzidula and Asare approached Aster, their bowls clean.
"Yo, I was lookin' all over for you, bruh," Eryndor said, his tone a mix of worry and excitement. "You could've hit me up and let me know you were rollin' out. I would've rode with you."
Then Eryndor excitement grew as he added, "And for real, I didn't know you had that kind of game. You just got here a hot minute ago, and you're already lockin' in with Kaliyah? She's a tough nut to crack, too."
Asare joined in, agreeing with Eryndor, "Yeah, in just a few days, you're runnin' through the game like a pro. Kaliyah don't get along with nobody, and you're over here vibin' with her like you're old friends. You're a straight baller, G."
Xarath added, his prideful smile showing, "Kaliyah and I don't get along, but you've managed to befriend her. I like that. What's your game? Trying to collect girls?"
Aster's expression remained calm as he replied, "Think what you want. I don't care."
Just then, Dzidula rushed over, a thumb up in the air. "Damn, that's impressive, guy. You got the top-tier twin sister, and they ain't nobody to play with. You're on a whole 'nother level."
Aster's response was dry, "You're not getting it either? Unbelievable."
Xarath chimed in, "Typical manipulator, hiding his true intentions."
Asare, Dzidula, and Eryndor laughed, but Aster just stared at them, his expression unreadable.
As the laughter died down, a male Professor said, "Lunch is over. Let's head back to class." The students began to file out, placing their bowls in the baskets on the ground near, where the professors were standing.
As the crowd dispersed, Aster's expression remained calm, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance.
Professor Abigail gathered all her students and made them form a queue. As they walked to their class, the excitement was palpable. Once they settled into their seats, Professor Abigail began, "Alright, class. What do you want to do next? Y'all decide who's gonna lead today's lesson."
The class erupted into a flurry of activity as Xarath stood up, confident in his abilities. "I will do it. I'm the best fit, after all."
Asare quickly countered, "Nah, you think you got what it takes? I'm the one who's gonna lead this class today. I'm the strongest, most masculine dude here. What you think, class? Me or Xarath? Who's gonna be the prof?"
The class began to whisper among themselves, weighing their options. Kaliyah thought to herself, "I could've led the class if I wanted, but I don't feel like teaching people who don't know anything."
Professor Abigail noticed Althea sitting quietly and decided to call on her. "Althea, you decide. Who would you like to lead the class?"
Althea's face turned bright red as she hesitated, "Ummm..."
The class watched her expectantly, and Althea's eyes darted around the room. She thought to herself, "Why me? I'm terrible at making decisions. I don't want to choose someone who's not interested. Let's just choose between Xarath and Asare. I don't want to deal with hurt feelings."
In a moment of panic, Althea blurted out, "I-I choose... Aster."
The whole class turned to look at Aster, but he remained calm, his expression unreadable. Professor Abigail smiled and said, "Alright, it's settled. Aster, you'll teach and guide us on what you know."
Aster stood up, his movements fluid and calculated. "I will just go and give a short summary," he thought to himself.
Althea's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she realized her mistake. "No, no, no. I didn't mean to pick him... Sorry, Aster."
Just as Aster was about to begin, the class door opened, and the dark-skinned bodyguard from before walked in. He stood in front of the class and said, "Sorry to drop by suddenly, but the Chairman sent me to fetch Kaliyah and Aster."
The class was taken aback, and Professor Abigail's expression turned concerned. "The Chairman himself summoned them? What kind of trouble did they get into?" she thought.
The bodyguard's voice was firm, "Let's go, Kaliyah and Aster. The Chairman is waiting."
Aster's expression remained emotionless as he walked towards the bodyguard. Kaliyah sighed and stood up, following Aster out of the class.
As they left, the bodyguard led them through the corridors, his pace swift and purposeful. "What's the Chairman's business with us?" Kaliyah wondered.
Aster's thoughts were equally occupied, "I know where all this is heading to. I'll need to be cautious."
...
In the Vice-Chairman's office, Aster and Kaliyah sat across from him, their expressions guarded. The Vice-Chairman, who had previously asked questions about Aster, leaned back in his chair, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "It's a surprise seeing Kaliyah here."
He turned to Aster, his eyes narrowing slightly. "...You're Aster. We met when you first arrived. I'm surprised you're here too."
Aster's response was calm and measured. "I'm surprised the Chairman wants to see me too."
Kaliyah cut in, her frustration evident. "Get to the point. No long talk."
The Vice-Chairman's expression remained polite, but his tone took on a slightly sarcastic tone. "Why be rude? You're usually excited to see your dad, the Chairman."
Kaliyah's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "No need to say that right now. Seriously, come on."
Aster listened silently, his eyes fixed on the Vice-Chairman. "I suspected she was connected to the Hunter's Association. Her being Chairman doesn't surprise me."
The Vice-Chairman smiled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "No need for rudeness. We all know your dad is the Chairman."
Kaliyah's response was immediate. "Not sure about that. Aster doesn't even know yet."
The Vice-Chairman's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "You're being foolish for keeping your dad's identity a secret. It's like you don't care."
Kaliyah's frustration grew, but she kept her cool. "Whatever. Just get to the main point."
The Vice-Chairman sighed and continued, his voice calm and collected. "Here's the deal... We found out you and Aster went missing during lunch and showed up just before it ended. Your dad wants to talk to you about it tomorrow at home."
Kaliyah's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why do I have to go home? Can't we talk about this now?"
The Vice-Chairman's expression remained calm. "I already told your dad, but he insists on seeing you both at home tomorrow. You're off from classes, but you've got a meeting with him."
Kaliyah's face fell, but she refused to give in. "But..."
The Vice-Chairman interrupted her, his voice firm. "No, it's not up for discussion. You can leave now."
Kaliyah's eyes flashed with defiance, but she kept her cool. The Vice-Chairman then added, a hint of amusement in his voice, "One more thing, Kaliyah. I know you well enough to know you'll try to run. So, you and Aster will head to your dorms for the day and stay there until tomorrow."
Kaliyah's frustration was evident, but she kept her cool and said, "I don't care either way."
The Vice-Chairman turned to Aster, his expression serious. "Sorry, Aster, but this applies to you too. We can't have you both running off before tomorrow. Just head to your dorm and relax."
Aster's response was calm and measured. "I don't mind."
With that, the Vice-Chairman snapped his fingers, and the door opened. The dark-skinned and white-skinned bodyguards entered, their faces expressionless.
"Let's go," the dark-skinned bodyguard said, his voice firm.
Aster and Kaliyah stood up, their movements calm and deliberate, as they went out of the office.
....
At the dorm building, Aster stood outside his room, room 170, with the white-skinned bodyguard watching his every move. Aster opened the door with his key and entered, his movements calm and deliberate.
"I'll stay right here with you and keep watch. Don't worry, I'm not leaving," the white-skinned bodyguard said politely but with a hint of sternness.
Aster closed the door without a response, his expression unreadable. He removed his red jacket,which is the Hunter's uniform main suit, revealing his black singlet, which showcased his athletic physique. He hung his red jacket inside the wardrobe and lay down on the bed.
"I'm curious why Kaliyah's dad wants us to go to his place. It might have something to do with what happened today. I have a hunch about what's going on, but I'll take my time to figure it out," Aster thought, his mind working overtime.
The white-skinned bodyguard stood outside, watching the door.
....
Time passed, and morning arrived. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the dorm building. Hunters emerged from their rooms, preparing for the day ahead.
In room 170, Aster sat on his bed, his expression calm and collected. He thought to himself, "I don't need the Hunter's uniform since I'm not attending lessons. It's probably what they'd prefer, but I see no point in wearing it."
Aster stood up and went to his wardrobe. He took out his brown coat and put it on, adjusting it nicely. "There are other clothes I can wear, but this will do since I saw it first," he thought.
Then suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Aster opened it to find the white-skinned bodyguard standing outside. The bodyguard was taken aback by Aster's preparedness. "Oh... You're already dressed. No need to inform that there's no need to wear the Hunter's uniform, I suppose."
"Is it time to leave?" Aster asked calmly.
"Yeah, let's go," the white-skinned bodyguard replied.
With that, Aster walked with the bodyguard to the main entrance of the Hunter's Association. A sleek, black car was waiting for them, its magic-powered engine humming quietly. The blue crystals on top the car glowed softly.
As they approached the car, Aster heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Kaliyah walking towards him, her hair tied up in a ponytail. She was wearing a beautiful, floor-length purple gown that accentuated her figure. The gown was made of luxurious silk, with delicate beading or embroidery around the neckline and hem. The soft, romantic shade of purple fit Kaliyah's style perfectly. She also wore an expensive-looking wristwatch for ladies, adding a touch of elegance to her overall appearance.
"Come on, let's go! We're already running behind schedule. Hurry up and get in, we can't afford to be late!" Kaliyah said, her voice calm but with a hint of frustration.
Aster's expression remained calm as he thought to himself, "She might still be upset that I'm joining her for the meeting with her dad."
Without a word, Aster walked to the other side of the car and got in beside Kaliyah. Kaliyah didn't look at him, her eyes fixed ahead.
The driver, an agent from the Hunter's Association, watched them in the mirror. "Shall we get moving?" he asked.
The car started moving, leaving the brown-skinned and white-skinned bodyguards behind. As the two bodyguards watched them go.