"This... this is cheating."
When I heard Elliot’s mutter, I looked at him and raised an eyebrow."Seriously? You, of all people, are saying that?"
He looked at me like an innocent child."It’s not like I can heal my wounds like you."
I clicked my tongue as I got to my feet... wow, he’s actually complaining now.
I headed toward the door, gesturing for him to follow."Come on, let’s go. I don’t think you want to be late for classes."
We left the training room together, and the moment I stepped outside, I felt several gazes on us.
When I turned toward the source, I saw three girls walking in our direction—perhaps they were leaving this place.
Princess Ellen was with Leona Starlin and Izel Ashvil, with only a few meters separating us.
Their clothes were slightly torn, and sweat was visible on their well-toned bodies.
They looked at me with curiosity, as if they didn’t know how to react to me. Normally, I would’ve ignored them and left.
But Elliot raised his hand and waved."Good morning, everyone."
The four of them had known each other even before coming to the Nexus, so the atmosphere between them was relaxed.
The three girls nodded and returned the greeting."Good morning, Elliot."Especially Leona, who smiled at him quite clearly.
As for me, I felt like someone was drilling holes into my body with their stare... naturally, it was Izel.
I smiled at the three girls, especially the princess, who wore a calm expression wrapped in an air of sternness.
"Greetings, noble ladies... should this poor peasant kneel before you, or will you overlook him this time?"
Izel raised her hand, and a sphere of flame formed in front of her."Maybe I should do the world a favor and burn this guy."
I genuinely thought she was about to throw it at me, but the princess raised her hand and stopped her."Izel... you know he’s trying to provoke you, so just ignore him."
Then she looked at me and continued,"And you, Caius, don’t you think you should try getting along with your classmates instead of lighting fires here?"
I smiled apologetically."My apologies, Your Highness, but I’m not lighting any fires here... it’s just that this girl tends to ignite on her own."
I saw Izel’s face redden, as if she were restraining herself from unleashing a torrent of insults at me... she really is quick to anger—too quick.
"Pfft... hahaha."
A soft laugh echoed through the corridor. When I turned toward it, I saw Leona covering her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter.
She let out a breath and looked at me."You’re really an interesting person... maybe I had the wrong idea about you, especially since you almost crushed my arm during the test."
"Thank you... and sorry about that. I had to win."
She waved her hand, stopping me from apologizing further."No... I would’ve done the same if I were in your place, so there’s no need to apologize. I really hope we can get along in the future."
I nodded at her words. Leona was a kind and gentle person in the game... well, not during battles, of course.
So I didn’t mind getting along with her—especially since I might need them in the future.
The princess raised her wrist and glanced at her watch."No more time for chatting. We need to go prepare for classes."
She started walking, and the other two followed. As they passed us, Leona waved with a smile, while Izel burned me with her eyes.
A few minutes later...
I stood inside the elevator as it moved upward, surrounded by four other people.
In the end, we all lived on the same floor, so we ended up heading back together. Thankfully, the dorm was close... or maybe someone would’ve jumped at me and bitten me.
Especially the girl standing near the elevator door—her shoe tapped repeatedly against the floor as she muttered audibly,"Come on... come on... I don’t want to stay near this guy forever."
As if responding to her prayers, the elevator doors opened, and she shot out like an arrow.
The rest of us stepped out and split up, each heading to their own room.
After showering and changing my clothes, I headed to class.
We only had theoretical lectures today, so it was incredibly boring... I’m sure you don’t want me to share my boredom with you.
Anyway...
I now stood in front of a large white building. Without hesitation, I went inside and found a reception desk near the entrance.
Behind it sat a woman with her hair tied into a ponytail, wearing a formal black suit. She seemed distracted, scrolling through her phone.
I walked up and stopped in front of her while she remained focused on her screen."Excuse me, may I ask you something?"
Finally noticing my presence, she lazily lifted her head.
She scanned me with her eyes before asking,"What do you want, student?"The irritation in her voice was unmistakable.
I rolled my eyes, not bothering to comment on her attitude."Where can I find the vice principal’s office?"
She told me to come to her office, but she didn’t mention the room number.
"And why are you looking for her office?"
"Because she came to my house yesterday without permission, interrogated me, exposed my secrets, and somehow made me her assistant in the end."I said that... only in my head.
"I have something to discuss with her."
The receptionist sighed and extended her open palm toward me, as if asking for money.
I raised an eyebrow at her behavior."Sorry, but I don’t pay bribes... especially for something as trivial as knowing a room number."
She looked at me with dead eyes."Do I look like I’m asking for a bribe, kid? Give me your card before I kick you out of here."
So she wanted the card.
I reached into my pocket and handed it to her."You could’ve just said that instead of holding your hand out like that."
She didn’t respond. Instead, she swiped the card on some device while muttering a few curses under her breath.
After a moment, she handed the card back."Go to office number thirty-one on the third floor."
I took it and headed for the elevator. Behind me, I heard her voice,"No need to thank me."
I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor."What a world full of strange women... I think it’ll be hard to find a normal girlfriend."I muttered.
After a short while, I stood in front of Office 31.
I raised my hand, and before I could knock, a beautiful voice came from inside,"You may come in."
I let out a breath and turned the doorknob.
When I entered, the first thing I saw was two luxurious sofas separated by a table in the middle.
In front of me was a desk piled high with papers and documents, with a large window behind it providing natural light to the room.
And behind the desk, amidst the stacks of documents, sat a stunning woman.
It felt as if her mere presence illuminated the room.
Of course, it was...
Alicia Astra Nova
And perhaps... my new boss.