Home was a welcome sight to Adam. No more having to do boring training, nor did he have to eat generic processed foods. Instead, he was able to enjoy his sister's skillful cooking during dinner.
"How was the camp, Adam?" [Vivian]
"So-so. It was worse than I expected." [Adam]
Vivian's brows furrowed.
"Worse? Did… Did the other kids pick on your level or something?" [Vivian]
Adam took a sip from the soup Vivian prepared for him.
"They tried." [Adam]
"...Tried?" [Vivian]
"Yep. They tried to bully me or whatever, but I put them in their place." [Adam]
"Put them in their place?" [Vivian]
She was beginning to look concerned.
"Did you hit them?" [Vivian]
Adam froze. He forgot his sister wasn't a very big fan of violence.
"Er… No?" [Adam]
"Adam. Answer me." [Vivian]
Adam shrunk at her commanding tone.
"Just a little…" [Adam]
"Just a little?" [Vivian]
"C'mon! Do you expect me to just take the beating?! They were asking for it!" [Adam]
Vivian aimed a utensil at Adam.
"Do you think hitting them would solve anything?!" [Vivian]
"Well… It kind of did…" [Adam]
Vivian's mouth hung open as she searched for something to say.
"Do you think hitting people would solve every problem?!" [Vivian]
"Not EVERY problem. Just the ones where it'll work. Did you think I would punch my homework if I couldn't solve it?" [Adam]
"...You did it once when you were six. You said that Pulverizer can solve everything with his fists, and you would be just like him." [Vivian]
It was just like her to use a random memory against him.
"Pulverizer is a great hero! Of course I would want to be like him! Also, I was SIX!! You can't blame me for that!" [Adam]
Adam no longer wanted to be a part of this conversation any longer. His retaliation was to quickly consume his meal and return to his room.
"Be sure to brush your teeth before sleeping!" [Vivian]
She hollered over to Adam as he ascended the stairs.
"I know!" [Adam]
Is what he yelled back before slamming his door.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The next day Adam found Felix waiting for him outside his house.
"Yo!" [Felix]
"Sup. Heard I was back?" [Adam]
"Yeah. I put it on my calendar." [Felix]
Adam placed a hand over his heart.
"For me? I'm so touched." [Adam]
"Shut up. We gotta get to class early today." [Felix]
"What for?" [Adam]
Felix motioned to walk as they spoke.
"Heard the school got renovated." [Felix]
"Huh. Haven't been there in a while anyway. Can't wait." [Adam]
After spending most of his time at another school as a member of the disciplinary committee, Adam felt a bit nostalgic thinking of his school.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Upon arriving, Adam was surprised to see the new design of the school's walls.
"Is this a fortress or something?" [Adam]
Adam quite literally couldn't even see the school buildings. There was only this multi-layered massive laminated black wall serving as a border and a gate.
"Well… The recent incident of voidling invasions has put major concern on educational defenses. So… I think every school has been ordered to bolster defenses. Comfort be damned." [Felix]
"I… see." [Adam]
The "recent" incident of fighting the guardians was only a month ago, but it appeared society was already trying to make sure it never happens again.
"At least the walls look good." [Adam]
"I heard it was outfitted with turrets charged with mana shots. Voidlings up to level 4 should pose no threat." [Felix]
Adam raised a brow.
"Where have you been getting this information?" [Adam]
"My brother. Either that, or Roy." [Felix]
"...You speak to Roy?" [Adam]
"Once in a while. Mostly just to piss him off though." [Felix]
Adam could see that happening.
"In any case, we should head inside. We get familiar with the new campus layout before class starts." [Felix]
"Gotcha." [Adam]
Entering through the massive front gates, Adam was left in awe at the campus. The buildings, windows, even the flooring pulsated with mana. Everything seemed to be built out of the material the gates were forged from as well. Not only that, all the usual building placements were completely different from what Adam was used to.
"This… is a lot to take in." [Adam]
"Exciting isn't it." [Felix]
"Like going on an adventure, yeah." [Adam]
Adam felt something bubbling inside of him, causing him to grin.
"Let's go greet Mr. Frank." [Felix]
"...Wanna piss him off with a prank?" [Adam]
"What do you have in mind?" [Felix]
"Nothing yet. I was hoping you'd have something." [Adam]
The two chuckled.
"I think I might have something." [Felix]
"Bet." [Adam]