The next day
Alex informed his friends of meeting Ethan and Abigail today as he was impressed with their skills. Of course, they asked to join him, and he had no reason to refuse. He had reached out to them via the academy network, and they agreed to meet in the Academic City. But there was only one concern though…
Julia.
'I'm afraid she might chew her out…' He thought silently as he watched Julia beam a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. She seemed excited as if she was the one going to meet them, but that was far from the truth.
He looked over to Ross who only shrugged, not saying anything. Lately, he had become mute whenever it came to Julia, and he didn't know why.
The Ross he remembered always spoke his thoughts. 'Has he met his match or something?' He wondered with a curious expression.
"What?"
"Huh?"
Alex came back to his senses when Julia said something. "The look on your face. What is that about?"
"Oh, nothing. Let's get going." He said and then turned around to make his way out.
Julia watched him go with narrowed brows. She felt that Alex was thinking something rude about her. She turned to Ross expecting him to explain.
"Don't look at me, Julia. I know nothing." He replied with his hands raised in the universal sign of surrender. He quickly turned around and followed Alex.
"Fine!" She accepted defeat and went after them. No matter what, she was going to roast someone today, maybe even freeze them.
...
The trio of friends arrived in Academic City and found a spot in a large cafeteria where they could have their talks as well as snacks. You can't have a good talk without some food, right?
Sometime later, Ethan arrived followed by Abigail shortly after. Alex sent them the exact spot where he and his friends were seated.
Ross and Julia scrutinized the two guests. Ross focused on Ethan as his expression was that of a serious person who meant business every day and always.
And just like Alex, he was impressed with his skills. 'Unfortunately, he ended up in a lower class.' His physical stats prior to awakening did not help him at all. His thoughts were interrupted when he felt the cold vibe in the air and instantly knew who that was.
'Haa… Here we go…' He and Alex shared similar thoughts. They had not even introduced themselves yet and yet, one of them was on the stand for judgement.
Julia kept her eyes on Abigail the entire time she walked with Alex and Ethan to their table. Even after she seated and waited for Alex to introduce them, Julia kept her gaze on her. Eventually, she subconsciously emitted a cold air around herself.
Abigail was a little taken aback by the intensity of her star as she was not entirely sure what and why she did to receive such a gaze.
'Who is she and what is her problem?' She thought with narrowed eyes. She was not willing to back down and although she was ignorant of who Julia was, it didn't mean she would allow herself to be stepped on.
"Ethan and Julia, this is Ross Bongu and Julia Knight. My friends." Alex began the introductions before Julia did something unexpected.
"Ross, Julia. These are Ethan Hall and Abihail Reed." He finished as he watched the expression of Ethan and Abigail morph into that of surprise.
"Hello," Ross said once Alex finished.
He understood their expressions as everyone they met who didn't know Julia's identity showed something similar. 'Can't say I blame them.'
"Knight… As in the Hero Hunter Knight?" Ethan asked, his gaze moving from Julia to Alex who nodded in reply.
"Yep. Julia is her niece." Alex added further making both guests open their eyes wide with shock.
They had heard of a person like that in the academy, but since the different class groups were in different areas of the academy, they did not have the opportunity to see exactly who that person was.
And there was no information on her on the network. It was as if it was purposely done that way, and it was the truth.
Abigail on the other hand instantly lost her challenging demeanour and looked away. She did not want trouble and while her actions were not needed, it was common sense to not find trouble with powerful families.
"I guess I'm invisible," Ross commented jovially, watching the duo look back at him.
"Sorry about that. I was just surprised is all." Ethan explained and Abigail nodded in agreement.
"No worries. It happens all the time." He said and looked over to Julia who still hadn't relaxed her expression.
'This is too much, isn't it?' He thought and looked at Alex who caught his gaze. Understanding what it meant, Alex moved his hand under the table and slightly pinched Julia in the thighs bringing her out of her killer gaze.
"Julia, aren't you going to say anything?"
Feeling the pinch and his words, Julia momentarily closed her eyes and sighed, "Hello, and nice to meet you." She replied, her gaze moving between Ethan and Abigail. The cold air that settled among the group also dissipated shortly after.
"Likewise."
"Okay… With that out of the way…" Alex began was stopped by Julia; her left hand raised to indicate she had something to say.
Alex could only smile wryly as he cast an apologetic gaze towards Abigail. The person in question was still confused as to why she felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere.
Ross simply shook his head, but his blank expression gave no indication whether he cared or not.
"Abigail…" Julia began, prompting Abigail to shift her focus to her. She had a feeling what she was about to her wasn't going to be pleasant.
'Let's hear her out first. Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here.' She thought hopefully and waited for Julia to continue.
"I don't like you…" Julia spat with a frown, her starting words taking Ethan and Abigail by surprise.
"Huh?"