As we all got in line to get some food, we started talking about a few things, including what classes we were taking.
As we got to the end of the line I saw the menus.
They had several basic foods and drinks paid for by the school and better-tasting, higher-quality foods that you could pay for.
I was surprised to see several food items I remembered from my past life that I had never seen here before. These included burgers, soups, chilli, wings, pastries, and many more similar foods from my old world.
Of course, there were some differences, like different names and ingredients, but the descriptions were the same.
The others had never seen any of these items before and were curious as to what they tasted like.
Sadly those items you have to pay for and the free items are simply foods you can buy at stalls in town like bread, skewers and stew.
The cheapest item I could see was a tomato soup worth 50 copper. A loaf of bread is 2 copper at most so this was a bit much.
I noticed the noble students each handing over coins to the cafeteria staff and just buying food casually as the commoner students had to get the basic foods.
One student was extremely happy as they saved up and ordered some better food.
It was good to see they didn't skimp on nutrition for these meals, just have better meals you have to buy.
When we each got to the front everyone was interested in trying the new foods but all their gazes fell when they realized you had to pay and none of them had money to spare as we each had to pay for tuition on our own.
"Those noble brats must love living in luxury, not having to pay for food and tuition like us." I heard Aaron mumble to himself.
Seeing everyone's downcast faces I decided to pay.
I walked up pulled out some silver coins and gave them to the cafeteria staff "I will pay for the six of us." I said.
Everyone turned to me curious.
"What? I have been an adventurer for a few years now I have saved up a lot. Just know I am not making a habit of this." I said and let them all order.
Everyone was happy and one by one we all ordered.
Rirki, Orin and I decided to get some cheeseburgers, Ark ordered some chilli, Aaron got some chicken wings and Zek got a steak, which was comically the same size as his torso.
I didn't question it as I knew Kobolds could eat a lot.
When we got our food and I got my change I noticed the staff pocket some coins.
Annoyed by them stealing from me I said "You are missing some coins." I said as I showed them they were short.
They denied it at first but when I quickly listed the cost of every item and subtracted it from what I gave them they handed me the coins they took and I went to join the others.
"What was that about?" Ark asked as I walked over
"They took some of my coins. Probably figured since I was a commoner I couldn't do the math so they tried to take some of my money. But what they are too stupid to realize is that most commoners can do basic math as we deal with merchants and buy supplies a lot," I explained as we sat down.
They all agreed and asked Ark why he didn't know that as we sat down and started eating.
Ark sunk down a bit and said "I have never really dealt with coins before. I'm not from this kingdom so I didn't realize he took some, we don't use them where I live."
We all gave him a quizzical look.
"Coins are used in most kingdoms though. What kingdom are you from?" Zek asked
"I'm from Bestia," Ark says shyly while glancing at Aaron who is also from there.
We all stare at him, wide-eyed and mouths open, even Aaron.
"You're from Bestia? The Beast Kingdom, Bestia?" Orin asks in shock
Ark slunked down a bit and nodded.
We all took a moment to process what we just heard when Aaron asked "Where do you live in Bestia?"
Ark stammered for a bit and answered shyly "I'm from the Northern Wolf Forests."
Aaron stared at him and asked worried, "The Northern wolf forests are home to wolf Beastfolk. Are you related to them?"
Ark flinched and lowered his head, gave a slight nod and said nothing.
Aaron leaned back and Orin asked "What is it? What is so important about that and why aren't you saying anything, Ark?"
Aaron sighed and said, "I've never met them before but from what I have heard, The Northern Wolf pack is a tribe of hunters who primarily focus on strength and power, but rumours about the current alpha say he is obsessed with the purity of blood and has killed any Wolf Beastmen he finds."
We all sat in silence when Ark spoke up shaking and almost crying "The rumours of him are partially true. He does value Wolven blood but doesn't kill Beastmen as he is a Beastman as well. Instead, he believes his bloodline is the strongest and any weaklings are those with no wolf blood are unworthy of his pack."
Ark was very remorseful and was shedding a few tears now "he believes his children are above all and trains his children mercilessly. Most are strong and gain his approval but if they don't meet his expectations he tortures them both physically and mentally."
"... I... I was only able to escape thanks to his father, my grandfather who took me in." He trailed off, staring at the table as if the memories were too heavy to meet anyone's gaze.
We all sat there in silence and contemplated his story and only I realized Ark was the son of the Alpha.
"Ark... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories" Aaron said remorsefully.
"I get it, Ark," Aaron said, his voice unusually soft. "Back in Bestia, I wasn't strong enough for them either. It's like... people only see what they expect to see from us. But you're not alone in this anymore."
"I walked away from home to better myself, but you are a different story. Even if your grandfather sent you here, you went out and walked away from your old life and are building a new one. whatever your path is, know I will walk with you." Aaron said with clear emotion in his voice.
Ark wiped a few tears away and said "Thanks"
we all sat there in silence for a bit as things were a bit awkward.
We all started eating a bit after as our food was getting cold and no one wanted to miss out on this new food.
Even Zek who was somehow eating the massive steak despite his small size
everyone loved it and I was happy, it had been so long since I ate food like this that I was just planning on making my own when I got the ingredients.
As we ate we all decided to properly introduce ourselves to Aaron and he did the same saying he was attending the Academy to learn more about his magic and how to sneak up on opponents.
When everyone was finished Araki said "Wow this food is amazing! How did they come up with it?"
"No idea but I do agree it is good," Orin said
*Burp* Zek burped as I saw his stomach bulging from all the food.
"I haven't eaten like this in years... wow Deja vu," Zek said,
What do you mean?" Ark asked.
"kobolds don't need much food to live and when I was serving the dragon I only got food around once a week, if any. when I first met my master he gave me more food than I had ever seen, but that wasn't much compared to this." Zek said gesturing to the table.
I laughed as I watched everyone react.
Aaron spoke up next "It's kind of sad we can't eat like this every day. It all so expensive that only nobles could eat like this on the regular."
"Not true. Adventurers can afford this every day if they do quests and save properly. I can buy meals every day and buy equipment with some coins to spare." I said planting the idea.
Everyone froze for a second and thought about what I just said.
"Are you asking us to become Adventurers?" Orin asked
I smirked and shrugged "I only gave an option, but I won't be against showing you all the ropes."
everyone looked at me
Orin said. "can you please?"
Zek and Araki gave similar answers.s
I laughed and joked "So you three are becoming Adventurers to afford good food?"
they didn't deny this but we all understood the hidden joke between us all.
Aaron rolled his eyes and said "You are a sneaky one but sure. it might be fun."
we all turned to Ark who was staring at his empty bowl and thinking.
"You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to Ark," I said
he looked up at me with some slight fear in his eyes "I'm not a fighter. I don't think I am cut out to being an Adventurer."
Zek stood on his chair (keep in mind Zek is like 2 or 3 ft tall) and said "Nonsense. Your magic in the arena was a clear sign you could fight. Besides growing stronger can make it easier to face your past if it ever comes for you."
Ark's eyes widened, and for a moment, he froze. "D-did you say magic? What do you mean Magic?"
Zek also stared in confusion so I interjected "This is a matter that can wait for tomorrow. We can explain it later, for tonight Let's all get our things prepared for tomorrow."
I turned to Ark and said "Ark we won't force you to come but why don't you join us and watch on the sidelines? That way you can see what Adventuring is like and if you are ok with it."
Ark took a moment to think and nodded "ok I will come."
everyone smiled hearing that and we all talked about when we would go.
"Thanks to the hellhound investigation, Nothing will happen for a few days, so we have plenty of time. Let's meet at the city's front gate tomorrow morning at 10."
"Bring any potions, weapons, armour, tools, and rations you want or think you might need. I can store them in my storage ring for later use, but only bring the essentials."