Alfred, now stepping forward with authority, barked loudly. "Enough!
Both of you-Master Nat, extinguish the flames. And you"-he gestured at the spiky-haired kid-"stand down immediately!"
Athreya's Calm Directive
Athreya's commanding voice echoes in the cafeteria. "Stop ,Ed."
Ed freezes, his fist still clenched. His spiky yellow hair seems to bristle with anger, but he takes a step back.
"We're done here," Athreya declares, his icy blue eyes scanning the room one final time.
"But—" Ed begins, only to be cut off by a sharp glance from Athreya.
"What?" Athreya's voice lowers, cold and menacing. "You know what happens if you don't listen."
Ed grits his teeth, reluctantly dropping his stance. "Fine."
Athreya smirks faintly, turning on his heel and walking out. Ed follows, though his frustration is palpable.
Outside the Cafeteria
Once out of earshot, Ed finally lets loose. "Why'd you stop me? I had them right where I wanted!"
Athreya stops walking, turning slightly to glance back at him. "Because, Ed, if you'd laid a finger on him, it wouldn't be them leaving this academy—it would be You."
Ed blinks in confusion. "What are you talking about? They're nobodies!"
Athreya steps closer, his voice calm yet razor-sharp. "That 'nobody' happens to be Kaiho Koshiro. Do you even realize what that name means?"
Ed stares blankly for a moment, then his eyes widen. "Wait… that guy? The son of the Omni-King?"
Athreya's smirk returns, his tone almost mocking. "Took you long enough to figure it out. You nearly started a fight with the most dangerous connection in this academy."
Ed stammers, "But he didn't even seem—"
Athreya cuts him off, his voice cold. "He's playing weak, Ed. Don't let that fool you. I don't care if it's an act or not, the Koshiro name alone is enough to turn the other houses against us if we're seen crossing him openly."
Ed Frowns, Still Frustrated
"Fine, so we leave them alone. Is that it?"
Athreya chuckles, his tone dripping with calculated malice. "Oh, no. We're not leaving them alone. We're just going to be smarter about it."
Ed's confusion returns. "What are you planning?"
Athreya's eyes glint with cunning. "I have a far better way to deal with them—one that won't break any rules, but will leave them with no choice but to leave the academy."
Ed grins, his interest piqued. "Alright. I'm listening."
Back in the Cafeteria
Kaiho sits back down, visibly uneasy. Lucky and Nat exchange glances, still on edge after the confrontation.
Kaiho mutters, "That guy… Athreya. He's planning something."
Lucky slams a fist on the table. "Let them try! We'll show them they can't mess with us."
Nat shakes his head. "You're missing the point, Lucky. Athreya's not the type to pick a direct fight. He's smarter than that. He'll come at us in ways we won't expect."
Saito, still pale from the encounter, chimes in nervously. "We might already be in trouble."
Kaiho leans forward, his voice steady but firm. "Then we don't just wait around. We figure out what they're planning—and stop it before it starts."
The group nods in agreement, the tension thick in the air.
Athreya's Room
The dimly lit room is adorned with luxurious decor, befitting the heir of a powerful house. Athreya sits at his ornate desk, his cold blue eyes gleaming with ambition. A communication crystal glows faintly in his hand, pulsating as the deep voice of his father resonates through it.
Father's Voice"It's all going according to plan, is it?"
Athreya"Yes, Father. As you commanded, I've approached Kaiho. He seems… weak. Unfit for the reputation he carries."
Father's Voice"Don't be deceived by appearances, Athreya. Even a sleeping lion is dangerous. However, if he truly is weak, then all the better for us."
Athreya leans back in his chair, smirking confidently.
Athreya "I'm already working to isolate him and his little group. They'll be outcast by the time I'm done. The scales of power will tip in our favor, just as you planned."
Father's Voice "Good. But remember, isolating him is only the first step. Your goal is to force his hand. Push them into a corner where they have no choice but to fight."
Athreya "Understood, Father. A formal battle would seal their fate. The academy won't object once they see him as a threat."
Father's Voice (with a sinister chuckle):
"And when that battle comes, it will be your moment to crush him and his allies publicly. A single victory against the son of the Omni-King will cement your reputation and break the fragile alliances of the other houses."
Athreya's smirk widens, his mind racing with the possibilities.
Athreya"Consider it done. Soon, the 13 Houses will bow to our family, and the academy will be nothing but a stepping stone."
Father's Voice "Good. Don't fail me, Athreya."
The crystal dims as the connection ends.
Athreya's Thoughts:He stands, walking to the large window overlooking the academy grounds. His gaze sharpens as he spots Kaiho and his group in the distance, laughing together near the dorms.
Athreya "You'll regret ever stepping into this academy, Kaiho. Weak or not, I'll make sure you're out of the way… permanently."
Back Home
The warm, inviting aroma of Mikoto's cooking fills the air as Kaiho steps into the house. Mikoto greets him with her usual bright smile.
Mikoto"Welcome home, Kaiho!"
Kaiho"I have something I need to talk about."
Mikoto (curious)"What do you want to talk about?"
Kaiho"Well… it's a long story."
Mikoto (smiling)"Then why don't we talk about it while eating? Dinner's ready."
The door opens, and Koshiro walks in.
Koshiro"I'm home."
Mikoto"Welcome home!"
Kaiho (coming downstairs)"Welcome back."
The three sit around the dinner table. The clinking of utensils and the soft glow of the dining room lamp create a cozy atmosphere.
Mikoto (serving Kaiho)"Alright, what's on your mind?"
Kaiho hesitates, then begins to explain everything that happened in the canteen—the confrontation with Leo, the tension with Athreya, and the odd atmosphere surrounding their table.
Kaiho "And then, Athreya called Leo off, but the way he looked at us… it felt like it wasn't over."
Koshiro"Kaiho, listen closely. Oasis may seem peaceful on the surface, but beneath it lies a constant power struggle. The people here—the leaders, the students, even some of the teachers—are divided by one core belief."
Kaiho looks at his father intently, sensing the gravity in his tone.
Kaiho"What belief?"
Koshiro (seriously)"That the light and dark cannot coexist. They see the world as a scale—one side must always dominate the other. And right now, those in power fear what might happen if that balance tips."
Kaiho (confused)"But… why does that matter to me? I'm not involved in their politics!"
Koshiro"You're more involved than you realize. You're the son of the Omni-King, Kaiho. You represent something they fear—a bridge between the light and dark. Whether you want it or not, people will see you as a threat, or worse, as a tool to be used."
Mikoto (calmly)"That's why they're targeting you. Athreya and others like him want to test your strength. To provoke you. To see if you'll choose a side."
Kaiho (frustrated)"But I don't want to pick sides! I just want to live my life, make friends, and figure out who I am in all of this."
Mikoto (gently)"Kaiho, you're stronger than you think. Not just physically, but in your heart. Remember what we've taught you and what you've learned on your own. No matter what happens, you're not alone."
Kaiho (thinking)"They're right, but it still doesn't make it easier. I just hope I'm ready for whatever's coming next."
Koshiro"That's where I step in. I'm the Omni-King, ruler of seven universes—a god tasked with maintaining peace. Keeping the balance, preventing conflicts, it's kinda my gig. And don't worry about Athreya and the others—I'll handle it."
Kaiho (thinking)"This isn't how it's supposed to go. I don't want them protecting me. I want to protect them."
Kaiho clenches his fists, frustration bubbling under his calm expression.
Koshiro (noticing Kaiho's reaction)"Kaiho, I know what you're thinking, but remember—you're still a kid. There's no shame in leaning on the people who care about you. This is a job for adults, for those with the experience and strength to handle it. Someday, you'll grow up to be strong enough to protect what you care about. But until then, you can rely on us."
Mikoto (smiling softly)"That's what family is for, Kaiho. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Kaiho (thinking)"But… I don't want them to fight for me. I don't want to sit back while they take the risks. I want to stand by their side, to prove that I can be strong too. Is that wrong of me?"
He looks at his parents, who are radiating warmth and assurance.
Kaiho (out loud)"Alright… I understand. But… just promise me, if it ever gets too much, you'll let me help. I don't want to feel like I'm just standing in the background."
Koshiro (grinning)"Deal. But trust me, Kaiho, by the time that happens, you'll already be stronger than you think."
The room grows quiet as Kaiho reflects on his father's words.
Kaiho (thinking)"I want to believe that. I want to believe I'll be ready when the time comes. But for now… I'll do what I can."
Would you like this scene to transition to Kaiho's thoughts at night as he reflects on his role in the family, or move into the next day's events at the academy?