Chapter 24: chapter 24 - Athreya
Merlin: "What brings you here…"
Alanna: Her piercing blue eyes narrowed. "You know why."
A Few Hours Ago
Alanna entered the classroom with her usual air of authority, her gaze scanning the students. But when her eyes landed on Kaiho's face, she froze. Her confident demeanor cracked, and her expression shifted to one of utter disbelief and shock.
Her thoughts raced. No… it can't be…
Merlin, noticing her reaction, immediately stepped in using telepathy.
Merlin: "Calm down, Alanna."
Alanna: "Calm down? You expect me to calm down?! You have to explain this to me, right now!"
Merlin: "I will, when the time comes. But for now, you need to play your role as the teacher. Don't let the students see you like this."
Alanna clenched her fists but took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. "Fine. But you owe me an explanation."
Present
Alanna stood before Merlin, her composed exterior barely masking her frustration. "Spit it out."
Merlin sighed, rubbing his temples. "I figured you'd react like this."
He began explaining everything—the strange circumstances that brought Kaiho to God's Academy, the resemblance he bore to someone else, and the events leading up to his presence here.
Alanna listened intently, her expression hardening as the story unraveled. When Merlin finished, she shook her head, disbelief still lingering in her tone. "To think things would become such a mess while I was gone."
Merlin shrugged. "You know how it is. Chaos tends to find us."
Alanna's eyes softened slightly as her gaze drifted toward the training grounds where the students were recovering from their exercises. "That kid… He really does look just like him. But if what you're saying is true, then he's not…" She trailed off, her voice heavy with thought.
Merlin nodded. "Exactly. For now, treat him as you would any other student. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment."
Alanna crossed her arms, her lips tightening. "Easier said than done, Merlin."
Merlin gave her a small, knowing smile. "It always is."
Lucky: "How much more? I can't walk…"
Nat: "I feel like we've been walking forever."
Kaiho: Sighs. "It's only been five minutes since we started walking."
Saito: "I think it's right around here."
As the group trudged forward, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air.
Lucky: Sniffing wildly. "This smell!"
Nat and Lucky: Shouting together. "FOOD!"
Kaiho: "Calm down, guys!"
The two bolted toward the cafeteria counter, practically drooling over the food on display. But before they could dig in, a burly guy grabbed Lucky and Nat by the collars.
Burly Guy: "You know you'll have to pay for that, right?"
Kaiho: Rushing over with Saito. "What's happening here?"
The guy turned to Kaiho, smirking. "So, you kids are from Class B?"
Kaiho: Digging into his pocket. "I'll pay for it."
The burly guy chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Kid, I don't think you can afford this much."
But his demeanor shifted when he caught a glimpse of the card Kaiho pulled out. He read the name aloud, his tone faltering.
Burly Guy: "Mikoto Ken Koshiro… Wait a second. That name sounds familiar…"
He froze for a moment, his expression turning pale as realization struck.
Burly Guy: Stammering. "Isn't she the wife of the Omni-King?"
Saito: Matter-of-factly. "And Kaiho here is their son."
The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The once-arrogant man let go of Lucky and Nat, standing up straight and bowing slightly.
Burly Guy: Politely. "My apologies, young master. I didn't realize who you were."
Kaiho: Sighing, rubbing his temple. "It's fine. Just let them go, please."
Lucky: Munching shamelessly. "Thanks, Kaiho!"
Nat: Also eating. "Yeah, you're the best!"
Kaiho: Muttering to himself. "I swear these guys are going to be the death of me…"
The cafeteria buzzed with quiet chatter as a group of students entered, their presence immediately commanding attention. The air seemed to grow heavier as the students in the room turned to glance at them, whispering in hushed tones.
Kaiho, Lucky, Nat, and Saito were oblivious as they sat at the table, tearing into their food.
"Sorry for the late introduction," said Alfred, approaching with a warm smile. "My name is Alfred, head of the cafeteria. If you need anything, please let me know."
Kaiho looked up mid-bite. "Thanks!" he said cheerfully.
Wow, I don't dislike this, Kaiho thought as he swallowed. It's kind of amazing to get special treatment.
Meanwhile, Lucky scanned the cafeteria. "Where do we sit, huh?"
Nat's face lit up as he pointed. "Oh, I found a place—look over there!"
The group followed Nat toward an empty table and dropped their trays, happy to finally relax. The sound of scraping chairs echoed louder than it should have. Heads turned. Conversations came to a halt.
Whispers began to ripple through the cafeteria. "No way… they sat there."
"Don't they know whose table that is?"
"They're doomed…"
Kaiho, busy with his meal, raised an eyebrow. "Why's it getting so quiet?"
Lucky, mouth full, shrugged. "Who knows?"
Saito was about to speak when the cafeteria doors slammed open.
The sharp bang startled Kaiho and the others. A group of imposing figures entered the room. The energy shifted instantly. Students sat up straighter or dropped their gazes, trying not to make eye contact.
At the head of the group was a tall, regal-looking student with piercing blue eyes and blond hair, his presence radiating authority. Behind him followed a handful of students who seemed equally intimidating, each oozing confidence.
Alfred, standing behind the counter, froze as he noticed where Kaiho and his friends had chosen to sit. His heart sank. No… it's too late.
The tall student stopped in his tracks, his gaze locking onto the table where Kaiho, Lucky, Nat, and Saito sat.
The cafeteria grew deathly silent.
Kaiho paused mid-bite, a piece of meat hanging off his fork. He looked up slowly and whispered to his friends, "Uh… guys… is it just me, or does it feel like we're in trouble?"
Nat blinked, confused. "Huh? Why?"
Saito's eyes darted between the approaching group and his friends. "I think… we sat at their table."
The air grew colder. The murmurs in the cafeteria intensified as the blond figure approached.
Lucky paused mid-bite, finally sensing the tension. "Uh… what's up with him?"
Kaiho whispered nervously, "I'm guessing we sat in his spot…"
Saito's face turned pale. "You think?! We need to move. Now."
The blond student stopped directly in front of their table. His voice, calm but laced with authority, cut through the silence.
"You're in my seat."
Nat blinked. "Your seat? There's no name on it."
The blond's blue eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
Lucky grinned, oblivious to the danger. "Nope. But nice hair. Do you use conditioner?"
Kaiho groaned internally. This is how we die.
A boy with spiky yellow hair, sharp eyes burning with irritation, stormed over to their table. Without hesitation, he put his foot on a chair, leaned forward, and grabbed Lucky by the collar.
"You better shut your mouth," he growled, his voice dripping with menace, "or I'll do that for you."
Lucky blinked, a chunk of food still half-chewed in his mouth. "Mmmph?"
Nat jumped up immediately, fists clenched. "Hey! Hands off!"
Kaiho sighed, gripping his temples. Why does this keep happening?
Saito whispered, scooting slightly back in his seat, "Oh great. Another one with anger issues…"
The spiky-haired boy turned his glare toward Nat. "And what are you gonna do, lizard boy?!"
Nat growled back, flames flickering faintly in his eyes. "What did you call me?"
Kaiho quickly stood up, trying to diffuse the tension before it exploded. "Guys, chill! We didn't know this was your table. Let's not—"
The boy cut him off, his intense blue eyes locking onto Kaiho. "Who are you supposed to be, huh? The peacemaker? Sit down and shut up."
Kaiho thought to himself, I swear, if one more guy with attitude problems shows up, I'm walking out…what! You guys expect me you fight no way looking at them you are strong no way am I gonna win against them
Lucky, still dangling by his collar, managed to smirk. "Man, you've got real anger issues. Ever try yoga?"
The boy's face twitched with fury. "You're dead."
Alfred quickly stepped forward, his voice booming through the tense cafeteria. "Stop! Master Athreya, you know fighting is against the rules of the academy."
The room went silent as Athreya-a calm, cold figure with an intimidating aura-slowly entered. His piercing blue eyes scanned the room, exuding authority. With an almost chilling tone, he replied, "Don't you think I know that, Alfred?"
Meanwhile
the other kid-a boy with spiky yellow hair and a short temper
-ignored the exchange, clearly not as composed as Athreya. Leaning forward with his foot on a chair, he grabbed Lucky by the collar, yanking him up.
"You better shut your mouth, or I'l do that for you!" the spiky-haired kid barked, his face just inches from Lucky's.
Before Lucky could respond, Nat grabbed the spiky-haired kid's wrist mid-air as he prepared to strike.
The kid snarled, tugging against Nat's grip. "Looks like you've got guts after all."
Nat's expression darkened, flames suddenly flaring up around his hand."Mess with me, and I'll let you go.Mess with my friends, and I'll show you what comes next."
The yellow-haired kid flinched slightly at the sudden burst of heat but refused to back down, glaring at Nat as if daring him to follow through. The flames crackled, casting a glow across the shocked faces in the crowd.
Athreya, who had been observing silently, finally spoke, his cold, condescending tone cutting through the tension. "Fire? How predictable." He didn't even look impressed, as though such displays were beneath him.
Lucky, still dangling awkwardly, muttered nervously, "Uh, guys? Maybe let's not set the cafeteria on fire, huh? I'm still hungry."
Saito, still glued to his seat, buried his face in his hands. "This is why I stay quiet. Why does everything turn into a death match around here?"