Jaylen, Brandon, and Sarah having left the Libra complex behind, entered a space teeming with life and color. Inside, the air hummed with the energy of students moving about, their vibrant uniforms reflecting the hues of their zodiac classes.
The trio moved amidst the sea of students, their attention caught by the celestial-themed decorations adorning the walls. Constellations and galaxies seemed to dance in the soft light, casting an enchanting glow over the bustling scene.
Above them, a grand domed ceiling painted with swirling nebulae stretched overhead, creating the illusion of dining beneath the vast expanse of space itself.
Above them, a grand domed ceiling painted with swirling nebulae stretched overhead, creating the illusion of dining beneath the vast expanse of space itself.
Some students chatted animatedly as they walked towards the glass door leading outside, eager to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views beyond. Others opted to settle at tables on the base level, their laughter mingling with the aroma of freshly prepared meals.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of students ascended the nearby staircases, each leading to one of three balconies.
"Jaylen, Brandon, you guys go find a table. I'll go get us some food," Sarah suggested before adding, "What do you guys want?"
"Any meat with a high mana concentration will do the trick for me," Jaylen answered first.
"I'll have infernal soup," Brandon followed up, wanting something with a kick to it.
"Alright, I'll be right back," Sarah said as she disappeared into the crowd of students.
Navigating through the sea of students, Jaylen and Brandon made a strategic decision to settle on the ground floor, making it easier for Sarah to spot them amidst the bustling crowd.
Weaving through the colorful array of tables and chairs, they finally found a vacant spot near the glass door leading outside. With a sense of relief, they claimed their seats, the cool breeze from the doorway offering a refreshing respite from the warmth of the cafeteria.
As they settled in, Brandon took the opportunity to fill Jaylen in on the events he had missed during his unconscious state.
Leaning in close, he spoke in hushed tones, "Jaylen, they announced the normal class schedule starts on Monday, so we'll be here from 6:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M."
Jaylen, knowing that normal class would start sooner or later, wasn't all too surprised. His tone was more disappointed, as more class time meant less time to train. "Then I guess we'll be busy for a while."
Rolling his eyes, Brandon retorted, "It won't be that bad. Plus, the Solaris Festival is next month, so I don't think we'll be too busy until after it."
"Yeah you're right, It's only the 5th after all" Jaylen nodded in agreement.
But neither of them expected just how busy these first few months would be or what troubles would come their way.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention, but yesterday I was doing some research in the library with the idiot vampire, and came across a book that might interest you. It was about all the types of energy found on Yonus, such as Mana or Ki. It might have an answer for your situation. You should check it out. It's titled 'The World of Yonus and Its Magical Energies,''' Brandon suggested
"Really? Thanks, Brandon. I'll be sure to check it out," Jaylen replied gratefully.
Keeping his stoic expression, Brandon nods before changing the subject. "Hey, isn't it taking Sarah a bit too long to get here?"
"Yeah, you're right. It shouldn't take too long, especially for her," Jaylen agreed, a hint of concern in his voice.
As a sudden clamor erupted in the bustling cafeteria, Jaylen and Brandon's instincts immediately honed in on the source, their hearts skipping a beat in unison as they shared a silent exchange of concern. 'Sarah,' their thoughts echoed in perfect synchrony as they exchanged a knowing glance, a silent agreement passing between them.
Without hesitation, they rose from their seats in unison, a determined resolve etched into their expressions as they navigated through the throng of students.
Shoulders brushing against classmates, they pushed forward with single-minded determination, their focus unwavering amidst the chaos.
Finally reaching the epicenter of the commotion, they found Sarah surrounded by a flurry of activity.
Amidst the chaos Jaylen Jumped in without hesitation, his instinctive shout cut through the noise like a clarion call, his voice ringing out with urgency as he directed Sarah's actions. "DUCK!" he bellowed, his words a command tinged with concern.
Without hesitation, Sarah obeyed, her unwavering trust in Jaylen evident as she instinctively dropped to the ground.
With swift and fluid movements, Jaylen leaped into action, his body a blur of motion as he propelled himself forward. With a deft maneuver, he landed a powerful flying kick on the unsuspecting second-year student, his aim true as he intercepted the threat to Sarah's safety.
Meanwhile, Brandon, ever vigilant, remained alert to the dangers lurking in the chaos.
As another second-year student attempted to launch a surprise attack from behind, Brandon's keen senses detected the threat in an instant. With a decisive shove, he intercepted the assailant, his timely intervention preventing any harm from befalling his friend.
"Watch your backs," Brandon's warning reverberated through the tumult.
As the skirmish unfolded, tensions reached a boiling point among the second-year students. One particular student, his frustration palpable in his demeanor, seethed with indignation as he watched his comrades falter against the unexpected resistance of the first years.
"Grr, these damned first years don't know their place," he muttered under his breath, his frustration boiling over.
A nearby lackey, attempting to offer reassurance, inadvertently drew the ire of their leader. "Boss, don't worry, we have them outnumbered 3 to 7," he offered, his voice tinged with misplaced confidence.
With a swift reprimand, the boss silenced the lackey's misplaced optimism with a sharp blow to the back of his head.
"Hmp, why would I be worried about such pieces of trash?" he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain as he corrected the lackey's misunderstanding.
As the lackey rubbed the back of his head, chastened by his leader's rebuke, he offered a hasty apology. "Sorry, Boss," he muttered, his voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and regret.
Meanwhile, Sarah surged forward with fierce determination, her movements a blur of precision and power. With a resounding punch to a second-year's stomach, she left her mark, clearing the way for Jaylen to follow up with a devastating tornado kick that sent their opponent crashing to the ground, defeated.
As another second year fell, the boss of the group stepped forward, his expression darkening with resolve. With the cheers of the crowd fading into a tense silence, he prepared to take matters into his own hands.
"I'll give it to you, you're not bad for some first years," he declared, his voice dripping with contempt. "But enough of this. It's time to teach you how to respect your seniors."
Before he could make a move, however, a voice echoed out from the crowd, cutting through the tension like a blade. "What's going on here?"
The unexpected interruption cast a momentary pause over the chaotic scene, as all eyes turned towards the newcomers, their curiosity piqued by the sudden arrival.
As the crowd began to thin out, making way for the newcomer's voice, Jaylen, Brandon, and Sarah turned their attention toward the source of the interruption.
Pushing through the dispersing crowd, they caught sight of two female second years approaching, their presence commanding attention amidst the lingering tension of the confrontation.
One of the girls, her hair a striking shade of dark gray, exuded an air of quiet authority as she surveyed the scene before her with keen eyes. Beside her stood another second year, her fiery red hair a stark contrast to her companion's subdued demeanor.
As they drew closer, their expressions remained unreadable, their intentions shrouded in mystery.