After talking with Elara for an hour, Veer returned to the dormitory and found it completely silent, as everyone had already gone to sleep.
He went to his room and slept peacefully, knowing he had completed the task he promised everyone. There were some minor tweaks he still needed to make, but they were small matters.
---
Morning rays poured through the window, making Veer's eyes twitch as he hurriedly pulled the blanket over his head. However, the morning breeze was cold, forcing him to wake up.
Rubbing his eyes, he glared at the window in irritation and sighed. "Not even proper windows. Great!"
After refreshing himself, he donned a simple white shirt and trousers, looking like a model.
"I really am handsome, ain't I?" Veer smiled, admiring his reflection in the mirror. His pale face, almost vampiric, suited his sharp, angular features perfectly.
"Ah! I need to slow down, or I'll ruin too many relationships with this face," Veer sighed in mock regret before turning away.
Picking up a small pouch from his bag, he left the top floor and headed toward the dining hall on the ground floor.
It was almost time for breakfast, which would once again be the sour Synth Soup. As he entered the dining hall, he instantly became the center of attention.
Several pairs of hungry eyes fell on him, making him flinch as he felt like prey about to be devoured. He coughed lightly, trying to bring the atmosphere back to normal.
But he underestimated his fellow students.
"Hey, Boss! Did you think of something?"
"Yeah! I'm really hungry, and this is the first time I've felt hungry in a while. Did you think of something?"
"I've washed up plates, Boss. Just tell us what we'll eat today!"
Veer listened to everyone and smiled wryly as he recognized the desperation, hope, and anticipation in their voices.
Food.
It was such a small basic thing, yet so many people made extra, only to throw away the leftovers—never knowing how much others would do for that same leftover.
Just one look at their hopeful eyes was enough to make Veer's chest feel heavy as he thought, 'Can I really handle this burden?'
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the image of Elara and Liliana overshadowed everything else. Their bright smiles filled his mind.
'Yeah! It doesn't matter if I can do it or not. I will do it, no matter what,' Veer closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his heart.
He then raised his hand, silencing the entire dining hall. However, the anticipation in the air remained palpable.
"You saw my strength yesterday and chose to put your trust in me," Veer said, his voice heavier than usual. "And I hope you mean that. Please trust me till the end, okay?"
"Don't worry, Boss! You're our last stand anyway."
"Yeah, even if you're lying, what can we even do?"
"We'll beat you, though!"
'Oi! Last one! Aren't you too honest?' Veer shook his head and turned toward the strongest man in the dorm.
"Hey, Rock, Jarek, can you two come with me?" he called out.
The two looked at each other and stood up, following him out of the dining hall. As they walked through the empty corridors, Rock couldn't help but ask, "Have you seriously thought of something?"
"I have, and that's why I brought you here," Veer smiled, his hands in his pockets. "I'll need your help later, so I thought it would be better if you taste it first!"
Though a little confused, the two remained silent and followed him outside the dormitories, where they had to wait for a few more minutes.
Just as Veer was about to run out of patience, they saw an academy staff member bringing a huge container on a mini cart.
The staff member stopped right before them, clad in the standard red-and-blue uniform given to academy workers. Stepping out of the cart, he asked in confusion, "Why are you all here?"
"Sir, can you give us that container?" Veer put on his best smile. "We'll distribute the food ourselves and return the container later."
Although a little suspicious, the staff member didn't think much of the situation. After all, it meant less work for him. He simply shrugged and handed it over.
Even if something happened to the Synth Soup, it would be the students who'd be punished—not him—which worked in Veer's favor.
With permission granted, Veer asked Rock to carry the container. Rock easily picked up the human-sized container and placed it on his shoulder, bringing it inside the building.
Veer led them to a small room, where he asked Rock to put the container down, much to their confusion.
"You're not going to make us eat this again, right?" Jarek asked, sounding a little disappointed.
"I told you to trust me," Veer replied, shaking his head as he opened the container's lid. A strong smell of Synth Soup assaulted his nostrils.
He rubbed his nose and looked inside the container, which was filled to the brim with a thick green liquid. Its appearance alone would make anyone question its authenticity.
Veer took out the pouch he had brought with him and asked, "Jarek, can you go bring a plate?"
Jarek nodded and left the room.
Meanwhile, Veer took out an apple, a table spoon, a small packet of salt, and a water bottle. He placed them on a table alongside the pouch and waited.
"Here!" Jarek soon returned with the plate and handed it to Veer.
"Thanks!"
Veer placed the plate on the table, then grabbed a spoon and poked a hole in the salt packet. He added three spoonfuls of salt to the plate.
Next, he opened the pouch and measured out five spoonfuls of a dark blue powder with a strong, pungent smell. He mixed the powder with the salt.
Taking the apple, he squeezed out seven drops of its juice into the mixture.
"This should be good!" Veer nodded before putting on his goggles. "Time to add water!"
He opened the bottle and poured half of its contents into the mixture. Studying the result, he took a deep breath and muttered, "Last step!"