The cafeteria of Arcadia Academy bustled like a miniature city at noon. The scent of freshly baked bread, grilled meats, and sweet desserts hung in the air. Students from every class gathered here—some to eat, others to gossip, and many to mingle in hopes of forming valuable connections.
Yang sat at a table near one of the sunlit windows, a small chocolate pudding cup in front of her. She had bought it using the credits distributed to all S-Class students by Professor Argois.
Credits acted like an internal currency—points earned through grades, rankings, and overall performance. A reflection of a student's merit and standing in the academy. Nobles and commoners alike had to learn to budget wisely, as credits could be spent not only on food, but also equipment, information, training sessions, and resources.
Yang had earned over 100 credits during the entrance exam on her first day. She'd spent 10 on the pudding, leaving her with 90.
She dipped her spoon into the smooth chocolate, lifted it to her lips, and took a bite. Her eyes softened.
"Mmm… worth every credit," she admitted aloud to herself.
Her quiet moment didn't last long.
"Yang!"
She turned to see her group of friends approaching with trays in hand. She waved them over, and soon the table was filled with chatter. She couldn't help but notice their trays: some piled with elaborate dishes and drinks, others bare with just vegetables and water.
Theyre going through their credits too fast… she thought inwardly, watching as one of them carelessly spent another 20 credits on dessert.
Before she could comment, her friends began congratulating her.
"Yang, we heard! You actually formed a contract with a high-class weapon?"
"I'm so jealous, but wow—well done!"
Yang blinked, a little overwhelmed by the chorus of envy and praise. She accepted their compliments modestly, admitting she hadn't been confident at first. "Honestly, I thought Ebony was just a middle-class weapon when I grabbed it," she confessed.
That earned her a wave of puzzled looks.
"Why'd you think that?" one friend asked.
Yang faltered. The image of Dean Mayfest flashed through her mind. She could easily blame the misinformation on him… but before she could answer—
"Yang."
The familiar voice came from behind her. She turned and saw him: short, tousled navy-blue hair, sharp amber eyes, a warm smile.
"Edwin Lockbane," Yang muttered under her breath, surprised.
He greeted her politely, congratulating her on obtaining a high-class weapon. She stumbled out a thank you, inwardly wondering if that was all he wanted.
Then he asked, "Are you planning on attending the supplementary class this evening?"
Yang paused. She knew about the class—it was optional, meant for students who needed extra help to shore up their weaker subjects. She didn't need to go.
She opened her mouth to say no… then hesitated.
In the novel, some events happen during the supplementary sessions. Detaile that only appeared later. Information can be power, and power is what I definitely need right now.
And, well… she glanced at her friends' trays again. If her credit balance was going to survive, she might as well earn a few extra.
"Yes," she finally said. "I'll be there."
Edwin's smile brightened. "Good. I'll see you then."
He gave a courteous nod before joining a group of male students across the room. Yang watched his retreating figure, curiosity flickering. Was he just being friendly… or is there more to this?
Her stomach growled loudly.
Her friends burst out laughing.
Yang flushed slightly, quickly shoveling another spoonful of pudding into her mouth.
....
That evening, Yang walked through the quieter halls of Arcadia, her steps echoing against the polished stone floor. She stopped in front of a door with a brass plate reading "Supplementary Class."
The class was open to students of all ranks—E through S. In the novel, she recalled only two other S-Class students ever attending at this point: Rumia Von Yuraveil and Edwin Lockbane. Her appearance would make her the third.
She opened the door.
The room was modest—rows of desks, a wooden podium at the front. Standing behind it was Bruce, a Class A teacher's aide. He looked visibly nervous, adjusting his collar like he was facing a pack of wolves.
Yang quickly realized why.
Rumia sat in the second row, composed and elegant as ever. Edwin was in the front row, flashing her a polite wave. Kamel Ar Veilwroth sat in the third row—a shock, considering how much she avoided social interaction with other nobles.
And in the fourth row, at the very back, sat Hayden Break.
Yang almost dropped her books.
Hayden? Here?
She composed herself quickly, greeted Bruce, and took a seat in the front row, one seat away from Edwin. Her mind raced. Five S-Class students in one supplementary class… no wonder Bruce looks like he wants to evaporate.
Curiosity got the better of her. She followed Hayden's line of sight across the room—
And froze.
Light ash-brown hair. Carolina blue eyes.
Dean Mayfest.
He sat near the back, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
And Hayden kept glancing at him, occasionally smiling in this weirdly friendly way.
Six S-Class Stduents.
Yang's mind spun. This isn't how the story went. Each deviation layered on top of the last, forming ripples she couldn't predict. She let out a soft, confused sigh.
Will this…actually chnage the story in any negative way? She thought to herself.
...
I stared straight ahead, beads of sweat gathering at my temple.
On the bright side, Yang showed up—just like in the game. One less butterfly to worry about.
On the not-so-bright side…
Why was Hayden Break looking at me like that?
Every time our eyes met, he flashed this beaming smile and waved like we were best friends. I didn't even know the guy! He's supposed to be into Yang, not… whatever this is.
I sank lower into my seat. Nope. Not dealing with this. Just let this class end. I'll get my credits and run.
My credit balance still hovered at a measly 30—barely enough for food, let alone luxuries. Answering only three questions during the exam really came back to bite me.
I exhaled slowly and rested my head on the desk. If luck was on my side, nothing strange would happen tonight.
…But who was I kidding?