The sound of a bell rang out throughout the entire academy, symbolizing the end of the period.
"Alright, class, that's going to be it the end of today's lesson. Make sure to finish your work and have a good day!" Mrs. Akane spoke as she collected her books.
The students stood up and bowed at Mrs. Akane as a sign of appreciation for teaching them and respect. Akane walked out of the class, leaving the students all alone.
The class immediately broke and put into conversations. Some walked over to their friends while others waited for them to come.
Tokito Haruto put his 'Magic Casting' books into his own bag as a group of students came up to him.
"Hey Tokito, want to join us for evening tea?" A girl with short dark blue hair and red eyes asked Tokito.
"Sorry Merryl, I have plans with a couple of my other friends." Haruto replied, still looking at his bag.
"Okay, how about lunch?" A boy with dark red hair and red eyes spoke up.
"Yeah, that's alright." Haruto replied, his gaze not leaving his bag.
The sound of a footstep or two made their way to Tokito's ears as the unfamiliar voice of a boy spoke up.
"Sorry, but could I borrow Tokito Haruto for a moment?" The entire room fell silent.
Haruto looked up at where the voice came from to see a tall white-haired boy. His eyes resembled the night sky, and his gaze was petrifying.
"I'm Zephyr Von Valor. Nice to meet you." Zephyr held out his hand, offering a handshake.
Every single student, even the prince and the princess, did not dare to interrupt the two.
Tokito shook Zephyr's hand with a smile on his face.
"My name is Tokito Haruto. Nice to meet you, too." Haruto replied.
The two separated their hands before Zephyr began speaking.
"Ciuld you please join me for lunch? I have a question for you." Zephyr asked.
Tokito looked around. The students were nervous about this reply. They had tried engaging with him before, but he just ignored them. So what would Tokito give as his reply?
"Sure," Haruto responded. Zephyr smiled and walked back to his table, still receiving everyone's gazes on him.
Later...
Tokito stepped into the cafeteria, a small bag in his hand. He looked around and saw Zephyr in the corner eating all by himself.
Haruto walked over to the table, unsure of what the quiet kid wanted to speak with him.
"I didn't think you'd actually come," Zephyr said as Tokito got closer.
Zephyr picked up some rice from his plate with his spoon and put it into his mouth. Haruto smiled. He sat down opposite Zephyr, putting his hand into the bag and pulling out a wrapper. He unwrapped it and pulled out a burger.
"So what did you need to speak with me about?" Tokito asked as he took a small bite of his burger.
Zephyr did not respond. He waited until after Tokito had eaten.
"Well?" Tokito asked again, this time not taking a bite.
"I want to challenge you, great hero, Tokito Haruto." A chill ran down Haruto's spine as he caught the meaning of Zephyr's whisper.
He looked at Zephyr in the eyes, still in shock.
"How'd you know?" He asked, still in shock.
A smirk tugged in Zephyr's face.
"I have my ways." He replied, taking a bite of a chicken. "So what will it be?"
Tokito swallowed. He recalled his friends and guardian, still in shock.
"I'm sorry. But no," Haruto replied. Zephyr's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean 'no'?" Zephyr asked. This time, his voice was in a state of rage.
"Just no. I don't want anything to do with that title. But maybe someone else would want a go?" Haruto suggested as he finished his burger.
He stood up from the table and headed to the dustbin to dispose of his bag, still thinking about Zephyr. At the same time, a smirk appeared on Zephyr's face while Tokito was in dismay.
"Step 1, completed." Zephyr told himself in triumph.