72: Popularity

Popularity

"Vale, I think that this subject will be more dangerous than Professor Harrison's class..." Chad commented as Professor Seddon left the classroom.2

It's already 10 in the morning and they have 30 minutes break before the two hours class will start. Most of them are already preparing to go out of the classroom.

"I think so too… Based on his words, any mistake in music, dance, or any arts might attract a different existence. We have to pay attention especially if we're contacting a strange existence." Vale commented.

"Well, just make sure not to call for one if you're unsure. In any case, there should be plenty of alternatives that we aren't aware of as of yet." Aubrey commented.

"Let's go to the cafeteria… We only have 30 minutes break." Lisa said as she noticed that most of their classmates have already left. Although she's also quite interested in the topic, she was unable to follow them.

Everyone agree and the group of friends then went to the cafeteria at her suggestion. 

The food is free unless they want to get the special meal and drinks that the Academy has prepared. The tray of food they got contained fried fish, an egg, a biscuit, and a large cup of tea. 

Furthermore, Vale also noticed that there is a post about the scheduled food for later.

It was written that dinner would be fried fillets of sole, green peas, and grapes. Nevertheless, what caught his interest is that they can have tea time around three in the afternoon. The cafeteria will serve a cup of tea, a slice of an apple, and a pudding. 

'I wonder how the academy is earning money.' Vale mused.

After all, the academy's tuition is only a one-time payment of a thousand zen. There was no way that this academy can continue to run if they have no other sources of income. 

'Ahh… There's also a factory outside run by the Academy… I guess that's another source of income.' Vale thought as he ate his meal together with his group.

As he thought they would have a pleasant or uninterrupted meal, the students from other classes had also arrived.

It seems that their break time only has about 10 minutes of difference. Then, Vale's group including the others in Class 2 heard something interesting from the other first-year students.

"Can you see him? I heard he doesn't look impressive." 

"Well, he's probably not handsome but with his Spirit Strand, I think even Maya would take an interest in him."

"Ugh… I just can't accept it. How could someone exceed the Spirit Strand of the Featherstar and Moontomb at the same age?"

"Sshh… He might be hearing you."

The students of Class 2 who were eating leisurely and chatting about their last subject looked at the students who had just arrived.

Most of them are in Class 1…

Since there are four cafeterias in the whole academy, some students may not come to this area so it was quite normal. 

As for the other students in different Academic Years, they seem to have different break times so the place isn't crowded yet.

"I think we should go… I'm planning to return to our classroom now. I've finished eating anyway." Vale said as he felt that something might happen if he stays there.

It's not like he's afraid of something but he just felt uncomfortable if he was treated like an animal in a zoo.

Chad and the others agreed as they promptly finished eating their meals and stood up. 

However, at this moment, another group of people arrived. It was Maya's group together with other students who seemed older than her.

Then, after looking at the emblem of their coat, they realized that three of them are third-year students! As expected of the beautiful student representative, she even found escorts from higher years.

At this point, there is also another group of students who had approached Neil's group. These students were from Class 3 and they seem to be friends with Neil.

"My friend, Neil… I heard that your class has someone who was better and stronger than Maya, is that true?" The young man asked. Although he probably doesn't have the intention to put Vale into trouble, his choice of words immediately attracted everyone's attention including Maya and her escorts.

Neil was stunned for a moment as he felt that there was something wrong. However, he noticed that Maya was there and Vale was also not too far from him.

After some hesitations, he decided to answer while raising his voice a little bit.

"Ahem… Is that how the rumors were said? It wasn't like that at all. He simply has a higher Spirit Strand than Maya according to our Professor. It's not a big deal, right? After all, everyone has a different starting point. I'm sure that Maya will surpass him someday."

Neil calmly spoke as he wanted to please Maya by saying these words. 

However, it actually backfired as he felt Maya's stinging gaze. It seems that she didn't like how he tried to comfort her.

"Cough… Cough… Let's not talk about that. Have you decided what Club you'll be joining?" Neil changed the topic immediately but his friends didn't take the hint and continued asking.

"Where's this guy? Is he the one beside you?... No? Did he not leave your classroom?" 

"Just tell us his name then…"

They asked incessantly so Neil had no choice but to point at Vale's group. 

Of course, Maya and her escorts noticed his action as they locked their eyes on Vale.

Their only choice was either him or Chad Bulmung but since Chad doesn't appear impressive, they immediately concluded that it was Vale who has already stood up and was about to leave.

Then, the others also noticed how Maya was looking at Vale so everyone in the cafeteria immediately recognized him. 

"Is he the one with 25 Spirit Strands?"

"It seems so."

"Maya only has 18 Spirit Strands while this unknown guy has 7 more… I wonder which family is he from?" 

They were all curious about Vale's identity so it wasn't that surprising…

Then, to everyone's surprise, Maya started walking in Vale's direction! It seems that she was about to confront him!

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