After the lessons were over, the sky was already turning a deep shade of blue.
The day had flown by, and now it was time for dinner before students would go their separate ways to study for the upcoming exams.
Of course, the players had no such chance. They would need to log out soon, so instead of studying, they planned to head straight back to their rooms after eating.
For some reason, however, their group had grown on the way to the cafeteria.
Aside from the nine players and Alia, who was naturally guiding them, Mei, Leafa, and Sia had also joined their group.
Whether they had simply wanted company or were still curious about the guest students, none of the players could say for sure.
The cafeteria was packed with students from all grades, which was to be expected. Most classes ended around the same time, so having all the years eating together was common.
Since the cafeteria was massive, there were no issues accommodating them all. And even if there had been a shortage of space, magic could easily fix such problems.
But there was one problem that couldn't be solved with magic—the overwhelming fame of Arlon.
It had started with the rumors of his fight against Professor Orlen. Even though he lost, students whispered about how he had almost won, which was far from the truth.
And now, their group's record-breaking time had become the talk of the entire academy.
The moment they stepped into the cafeteria, the usual loud chatter died down as heads turned in their direction.
Students whispered amongst themselves, nudging their friends and shooting glances their way.
It wasn't only Arlon who was famous, of course. Strength meant everything in Trion, and the strongest students were always well-known.
Everyone in their current group, coincidentally or not, was considered strong.
Mei, in particular, was a name known even outside their grade. Not only was she in the top three of nearly every exam, but her beauty also made her a common topic of discussion.
She had rejected every male student who had ever approached her.
Her response had always been the same: "I will only consider someone stronger than me."
Since the third years were the oldest in the academy, there was no one above her in the younger grades.
And among the third years, no man had ever surpassed her.
She was always the second or third on the exams.
Alia was always first in every kind of exam, Mei and Leafa following her as the second and third. The second and third places changed hands between them in different exams.
Sia generally was in fourth place, but there were one or two lessons where she only was in fifth place.
That was the only time a male student entered the first four in the exams.
And unfortunately for Mei, that one man was now striding toward them with absolute confidence. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire
The players, unfamiliar with the academy's rankings, had no idea who he was. But Mei immediately tensed when she saw him.
Her chewing slowed.
Leafa groaned, muttering, "Not this guy again..."
Sia raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, this just got interesting."
Alia exhaled quietly, already preparing herself for what was about to happen.
A tall young man wearing a beige robe—the official attire of priests in Trion—stopped before their table.
He had a striking, almost regal presence, and despite his calm smile, there was something intense in his eyes.
The players exchanged curious glances.
"Greetings!" the man announced with a polished smile. "We haven't had the chance to greet each other before. I am Mirek. I am a priest."
His voice carried just enough volume to ensure nearby students overheard.
Then, with an air of absolute confidence, he continued, "May I sit with you? Ah, don't worry, I am not a stranger. I am Mei's fiancée!"
The entire table went silent.
Mei, mid-bite, choked.
"What are you talking about?!" she coughed, slamming her hand on the table. "I am not your fiancée! I rejected you!"
"Ah, sorry. I misspoke," Mirek said smoothly, tilting his head. "Future fiancée, then."
Several of the players stifled laughter.
Mei, on the other hand, looked deeply offended.
Mirek, ignoring her glare, casually lowered himself onto the bench—without waiting for approval. He positioned himself directly beside Arlon, who was sitting next to Mei.
The priest gave Arlon a subtle glance. His expression was unreadable.
Arlon, however, didn't acknowledge him.
Not even a side glance.
The complete lack of response made something twitch in Mirek's expression.
The players, sensing the tension, exchanged amused glances.
Mirek turned back to Mei, resting his elbow on the table as he continued his speech. "One year," he reminded her. "That's how long it will take. You said you would consider someone stronger than you. By the end of this year, I will be ranked above you."
Mirek was really a priest. In the past, he was a mediocre priest with no fighting skills.
But in his first year in the academy, he was rejected by Mei. After learning that Mei would accept if he was stronger than her, he started studying.
That was why, he was in fifth place in the exams, though only sometimes.
Mei exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "First of all, Mirek, I never agreed to anything."
"You implied it," Mirek said, flashing a confident smile.
"No, I didn't," Mei shot back. "I said I might think about it. Might."
"Which means there's a chance."
Mei's hands curled into fists. "Also, I didn't say I will accept anyone that is stronger than me. I will only think about it.
If I were to accept anyone stronger, I would have already accepted the other second or third years when I was in my first year."
Maria, thoroughly entertained, whispered to June, "This is way better than the arena fights."
Meanwhile, Mirek took another glance at Arlon, who was still completely ignoring him.
But the priest wasn't stupid. He could tell.
This man is a problem.
And so, with a deliberate smirk, Mirek leaned slightly toward Mei. "Well, if I'm not your strongest option yet, I suppose he is."
Mei's eye twitched.
The players, intrigued by the drama, all subtly leaned in.
Arlon, still silent, finally looked up—not at Mirek, but at Mei.
For a brief second, their gazes met.
Then, without a word, Arlon went back to eating.
Mei, despite herself, smirked.
Mirek's expression faltered.
The cafeteria buzzed with murmurs.
And just like that, dinner became far more interesting than anyone had anticipated.
"Our group wasn't the first one to finish today, nor did we break any records. But we were still the third.
So, I believe I have a chance to say this. Let's have a duel, Arlon!"