Benedict guided Tahir and Ramad through the lively living room, students engaged in various magical activities, the air buzzed with energy. Some students showcased their powers, creating dazzling displays, while others were engrossed in reading or engaging in lively conversations. Laughter and excitement filled the atmosphere, creating a vibrant ambiance.
Moving upstairs through the enchanting lobby, adorned with mystical symbols and magical artifacts, Benedict halted before a door. The anticipation of what lay beyond the door lingered in the air, as Tahir and Ramad awaited the next chapter of their magical journey.
Then Benedict declared,
"Here will be your room," he knocked on the door, prompting a voice from within to inquire,
"Who's there?"
In response, Benedict asserted, "Open up, boy."
The door swung open, revealing an average-height individual with dark blonde hair, dressed in a short-sleeved top and shorts,
"Mr. Benedict," the person acknowledged.
Benedict then introduced, "This is Xender; he is your roommate."
Xender greeted them, "Hi, my name is Xender Smithns, nice to meet you."
Ramad, inquisitive, exclaimed, "Wait, Smithns? Like the Smithns, Smithns?"
Benedict affirmed, "Yes."
Perplexed and curious, Tahir asked, "What's special about the Smithns?" Xender glanced at him.
Ramad explained, "The Smithns are one of the biggest families in the world."
"Well, we are not that big," Xender said.
Ramad disagreed, "No, you are big. Your family holds five Phoenix Games stars. Of course, you are big."
Curious, Tahir asked, "What's the Phoenix Games Stars? Are they special?"
Xender responded, "You don't know about the Smithns? You don't know about the Phoenix Games? What cave did you crawl out of?"
Benedict intervened, "Well, Mr. Smithns, this person here happens to be from Earth."
"What?!" Xender exclaimed, "Really?" He added.
"Yes, his name is Tahir," Ramad said.
"Nice to meet you," Tahir added.
"Do you mind getting out of the way? They are trying to get in," Benedict said.
Xender moved aside, and Tahir and Ramad went into the room.
Xender pointed, "This bed over here is mine. You guys can pick any one here," indicating the rest of the beds.
Ramad asked Tahir, "Which one are you taking?"
"You pick first," Tahir replied.
"Alright, I'm taking this one," Ramad chose the one by the right. Across the room, two more beds were by the two windows.
"Alright then, I'll take that one, I guess," Tahir picked the one by the window after Ramad's choice.
As they were settling down, a knock echoed through the door.
"Hey Xender, open up," a female voice from behind the door said.
"Oh," Xender said as he walked to the door and opened it. It was a young, dark-skinned lady with curly hair. She was dressed in casual clothing and stood by the door.
"You got that book I asked you to get for me?" she inquired.
"Of course," Xender replied. He went to his drawer and handed her the book, saying, "Here you go."
"Thanks," she said. As she was about to leave, she made eye contact with Tahir, "You got friends over?" she asked.
"No, these are my roommates," Xender clarified.
"Oh," she said.
"Hi, I'm Ramad," Ramad introduced himself.
"Nice," she responded. She then glanced at Tahir again, "And you are?" she asked him.
"Oh, sorry, I'm Tahir," he said with a slight smile.
"I'm Alicia, Alicia Lockets," she introduced herself. "See you around," she said before leaving.
Moments later, during the afternoon, the cafeteria buzzed with activity. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the chatter of students enjoying their meals. Tahir, Xender, and Ramad sat at their table when Alicia approached.
"Got room for one more?" she asked.
"Sure," Xender said, shifting to the side, and Alicia took a seat opposite Tahir.
"So, where are you from?" she asked.
"I'm from Surra Realm," Ramad answered.
"Really? We're not that far from each other then," Alicia said.
"Are you from Thruthiel Realm?" Ramad inquired.
"No," she responded.
"Riezie?" he asked again.
"No, Xivsien," she said.
"What?! That's right, I know that your family name sounds familiar. The Lockets are a very well-known family," Ramad said.
She chuckled, "Yeah," she said.
Tahir, still curious, asked, "Are they also one of those big families you talked about earlier?"
"Of course, they are," Ramad answered.
Alicia glanced at him, looking confused, probably from the way he asked, as if he doesn't know about them.
"Alicia, Tahir over here is from Earth," Xender said.
"What?" Alicia exclaimed. "Really?" she said.
"For sure," Ramad responded.
Alicia seemed interested after hearing that Tahir is from Earth.
"Come on, tell me, how does Earth look like?" she asked, excitement written all over her face.
"What?" Tahir said.
"Come on, just answer it. Is it true that there is only one moon above the sky?" she continued.
"Well, yes. Wait, how many moons are here?" he asked.
"Three," Ramad said casually.
"Three?" Tahir asked.
"Of course," Alicia responded.
"Wow," Tahir said.
"You guys are already catching around," Benedict popped out of nowhere. "Do you mind if I sit down?" he said, pushing Tahir to the side and taking a seat. "So, what are we talking about?" he asked.
"Nothing that concerns you," Alicia said.
"Whoa, harsh," Benedict said. "You were wondering how Earth is, right?" he added.
"So?" Alicia said.
"I'm also curious to know, just like all of you," Benedict said.
"Save it, Mister Harbors," Alicia said.
"What's up with you two?" Tahir asked.
"Well, Benedict here happened to be a good friend of mine, but isn't willing to help me out," Alicia said.
"It's not like that, Miss Lockets. You too know how hard it is," Benedict said.
"Alright, whatever it is that you two are going through, can you not bring it to the lunch table? We are trying to eat," Xender said.
Alicia sighed, picked up her lunch, and walked away from the table. After she left, Benedict said, "Sensitive ladies could be," and added with a chuckle, "Am I right?" The moment he finished, a stick came flying and hit him over his head.
"Ouch," he said, turning to see who threw it. It was Alicia from across the cafeteria, looking angry, and then she walked away.