After answering some questions about the incident with the instructor, I separated from Stella as she went back to her dorms.
Apparently, most of the cadets here followed a set of rules and a routine, while most stay awake even at late night, some get back to sleep early.
Meditation and a perfect amount of sleep were needed to get a sane mind capable of utilizing aura.
The story would progress slowly, but be fast-paced at the same time, some events that occur in real life, just pass by so quickly even when they are consecutive.
As the main character was now taken to the infirmary after a not-so-cool introduction, I moved towards the restaurants in the area.
The academy didn't just have a café but a group of restaurants in one place, from most luxurious, to the spiciest street stalls.
The aroma of food wafted through the air, tempting me to indulge in a late-night snack. As I approached the area with the restaurants, I was amazed by the variety. From fancy restaurants with elegant seating to spicy street stalls, the options were endless.
Despite the plethora of choices, my eyes were drawn to a small burger stall named 'Anytime Burger'. Perhaps it was my inexplicable love for burgers that led me there. Over the course of my many lives, I had tried burgers from every world and every place I had explored.
As I approached the stall, I noticed that it was relatively empty. Most cadets seemed to prefer full meals at restaurants rather than fast food.
It was no surprise, given that the Academy's inner economy worked on a points-based system.
Students had the option to convert their money into coins if they possessed immense wealth, while others opted to work at places like cafés, the library, or as teacher assistants to earn points.
The naming sense of the stall owners was often peculiar, but 'Anytime Burger' seemed to fit the bill. I walked up to the counter and perused the menu on the empty counter, contemplating which burger to order.
It didn't take me much time to decide but there was no one whom I could convey my order to.
"It's surprising that even the seller's not here", I said contemplating my words to reach inside the kitchen.
Just then, a sweet and melodious voice resonated from inside the kitchen.
"Huh...? Wait! I'll be there in a second please..."
"Take your time…I'm waiting", I replied.
As my eyes were drawn towards the kitchen door. A girl of striking beauty stepped out with a grace that seemed to bewitch me. Her ruby red hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her pale skin and accentuating her red eyes. She looked up at me with a curious gaze, adjusting her hair with a slender hand before tying the apron around her waist.
"Sorry for the wait," she said, flashing a radiant smile.
"What can I get for you?"
"Two chicken burgers would do…", I said squinting my eyes at her.
"Two chicken burgers coming right up," she replied, pointing two fingers in the direction of the kitchen and made her way inside.
As she turned to leave, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something different about her. She didn't seem entirely human, yet she didn't give off the same aura as the devils.
As far as I know, devils and humans could not breed. Seeing a hybrid in front of me didn't make sense.
After fifteen minutes, she came out of the kitchen with a white tray in her hands containing two burgers wrapped in disposable paper and sauces.
"Here you go…" she said, her smile still bright and infectious.
"Thank you," I replied, taking the tray from her. "You're a first-year cadet, right?"
"Yes, that's right. I just started three weeks ago," she said, her tone proud but tinged with exhaustion.
"And this is your stall?" I gestured to the burger stand.
"Yeah, it is. It's been tough getting enough points to cover my expenses, but it's been worth it," she said, looking down at her apron with a hint of pride.
"Sounds like you've been working hard," I said.
"So, how much have you earned so far?"
"Around a thousand points," she said with a small shrug.
"It's not much, but it's been enough to keep me going. Although, things might change once classes start up again."
"I hear you. It would be tough to balance work and academy," I said, taking a bite of my burger.
As I finished my burger, I pulled out a white metal card from my pocket and handed it to her for payment.
"That's an odd card… I have a grey one," she said, scanning my card in the machine kept in her drawer.
"Just some colour difference…nothing much", I said.
"10 points have been taken in the name of Kael Hashirae, Rank 1," she said, her eyes widening as she read the computer screen.
"Wait…Rank 1?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise.
"What's so surprising about it? Rankings are evident", I said.
"You didn't behave like one tho", she said.
"Is there a specific way for me to behave if I'm a ranker?", I asked.
"It's just that...most rankers don't really interact with lower ranking cadets. They usually keep to themselves and have strict routines," she explained.
"I see," I said, nodding my head. It made sense considering the novel resolved around high ranking cadets who were never depicted of having any conversation with lower ranking cadets except the main character.
"And the academy doesn't really encourage us to make connections with rankers . Most of the instructors are just paid off by wealthy families, so it's all about money rather than talent," she added, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"That sounds pretty corrupt," I said.
"It is. But what can we do about it?" she sighed.
"May I know your name?", I asked.
"Ruby Leplay, Why?", she asked.
"How about we start by being friends…?" I suggested, extending my hand for a handshake.
"W-W-What? Just like that?" she asked incredulously, her surprise evident.
"Why not? You strike me as a fascinating individual, and frankly, I don't have many acquaintances in this environment," I replied, grinning.
"B-but…",
"If not as friends, then perhaps you'd consider accompanying me on a date?" I suggested.
"What? Where did that come from?" she exclaimed, her face flushing with a visible blush.
"It simply occurred to me," I explained.
"No, it's unexpected," she stammered.
"Well, I'm impulsive like that! So, will you give it some thought?" I asked.
"I-I need s-some time to think!", she replied, her voice trembling.
"I see. So, does that mean I'm not rejected?" I inquired playfully.
"You can decide on the time and place and get in touch with me whenever you're ready. My contact information is already on your screen," I added, reaching over to retrieve my card from the counter. With a final smile, I turned and made my way out of the establishment.