CHAPTER 39: CAFÉ MOMENT

Chapter 39: Café Moment

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The hallway outside the auditorium buzzed with a mix of relief and anxiety. Students huddled in small groups as nervous chatter filled the air. Some were ecstatic, laughing and high-fiving, confident they had aced the exams. "That math section was a piece of cake!" one student exclaimed, while another chimed in, "The magical arts questions were so easy!"

But the mood wasn’t universal. A different group stood off to the side, their faces etched with worry. "I couldn’t answer half the questions on the magical arts test," one whispered, her voice trembling. "And the history questions? I’m sure I’m going to fail. We’re all going to be expelled!" The fear was contagious, and the murmurs quickly turned into a wave of quiet dread that spread through the hall.

The students’ conversations were cut short by the arrival of Instructor Bale. He walked to the center of the hallway, his imposing figure commanding attention. "Quiet!" he said, his voice echoing off the walls. "The professor wishes to speak to you all in the auditorium. Everyone, return to your seats."

A collective groan rippled through the crowd, but no one dared disobey. The students were once again ushered into the massive auditorium, a fresh wave of apprehension settling over them. Professor Vaelian stood at the podium, his presence radiating a calm authority. He requested the class representative to join him on stage. With a slight bow, Elisa Ravencroft quickly took the stage, standing beside him with her usual rigid posture.

"Congratulations to you all," the professor began, his voice clear and resonant. "You have successfully completed the academic portion of the mid-semester test. I am pleased to inform you that your efforts will be rewarded. In 24 hours, in the first-year training hall, you will take the combat portion of the test, which accounts for 40% of your overall grade."

The professor held up a hand, silencing the murmurs. "I was also surprised," he continued, "by the low amount of cheating after your materials were confiscated. Your commitment to honest work is commendable."

He then addressed a different concern. "The results of this test will not have any effect on your individual points or class points, which will be distributed next month based on your behavior on academy grounds and out. However, your conduct during this test will be taken into account." He looked to his fellow teachers. "Do any of my colleagues have anything to add?"

Mrs. Sarah took the stage, her expression warm and encouraging. "I just wanted to say that you should be proud of yourselves. You handled a difficult test with grace, and I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion tomorrow. This is not the end of the fight, so do not relent. Give it your all."

Instructor Bale then stepped forward, his stern expression softening slightly. "Do not worry about the combat portion," he said. "The test will simply be a pair fight, one person against another. You do not have to win the fight to get a high score. Your technique, your perseverance, and your ability to adapt will be what matters most."

With that, the professor finally dismissed them. As the students began to file out of the auditorium, Greg approached Arios. "Hey, Arios," he said, a hopeful look on his face. "I was wondering if you could come to my dorm for some last-minute training. Just to practice a few moves before tomorrow’s fight."

Arios smiled, nodding. "Sure, I’d be happy to. I could use the practice myself."

As he agreed, a familiar chime sounded in his mind.

[Ding! Progress for Mid-semester test reached 60%]

Arios felt a surge of satisfaction. He was moving, step by step, in achieving his goal. The academic portion was over, and the combat test was next. He knew what he needed to do.

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As the evening sun set, the café’s warm glow spilled onto the academy’s ground, its windows misted from the evening chill. Inside, Arios and Lucy sat across from one another, steaming cups of coffee between them.

Lucy leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "I think I did well today. Better than I expected, honestly."

Arios gave her a confident smile. "I knew you would. You’ve been putting in the work. And me?" He tapped his chest lightly. "I surely aced it. No doubt."

Lucy pouted slightly, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "Always so sure of yourself. What if you jinx it?"

Arios chuckled. "I’m sure I won’t."

Lucy rolled her eyes but laughed, taking a sip of her coffee. Then her expression softened. "Still... thanks for encouraging me. If you hadn’t... I might’ve panicked during the science section."

"It was difficult, I would admit that," Arios said, shaking his head. "But you kept calm. I’m proud of you, Lucy."

Her cheeks flushed at his words. She looked away quickly, fiddling with her cup. "D-Don’t say it like that. You’ll make me blush."

A silence settled between them, but not an uncomfortable one. Then Lucy cleared her throat. "Um... about what you said before."

Arios raised an eyebrow. "Before?"

"You know... about Liza." Her voice dipped, her fingers tightening around the handle of her cup. "You said I could meet her."

Arios nodded calmly. "Actually, she’s on her way here. Should be arriving any minute."

Lucy nearly choked on her coffee. "W-What? Now?!"

"Now," Arios confirmed with an amused grin.

Lucy’s mind raced. Oh no, what do I even say? What if she hates me? What if she’s prettier than me? She pressed her hands to her cheeks, flustered.

And then—the café door opened with a soft chime. Liza Garnet stepped in, her orange hair catching the light, her confident walk drawing a few admiring glances from other students. She spotted Arios instantly and walked toward their table.

"Sorry I’m late," Liza said warmly, sliding into the empty seat beside him. "Was slightly busy in the library."

"You made it just in time," Arios said with a smile. He glanced between the two girls, then gestured casually. "Liza, this is Lucy. My girlfriend."

Lucy froze, sweat forming on her face. He really just introduced me like that... in front of her...

Liza blinked in surprise, then turned her gaze on Lucy, studying her for a moment and, then a slow smile formed. "So you’re Lucy. Arios has mentioned you."

"He... he did?" Lucy stammered, her voice high-pitched with nervousness.

"He said you’re nice," Liza continued, her tone sincere. "I can see that."

Lucy’s heart fluttered, her anxiety tangling with relief. "I-I don’t even know what to say..."

Arios, as if sensing the tension, leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. His gaze shifted between the two of them, steady and serious. "I won’t lie to either of you. I love both of you. And I’ll treat both of you the same—with respect, with care, with everything I have."

Lucy’s blush deepened, her hands trembling slightly. He just says it so easily...

Silence lingered, thick with emotion. Then Liza reached out, gently taking Arios’s hand. "Fine. If this is what you want, I’ll give it a chance."

Lucy’s eyes widened. "You... you don’t mind?"

Liza glanced at her, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Mind? Maybe a little. But... if you care for him like I do, then I’d rather stand with you than against you."

Lucy’s heart leapt, relief washing over her. "I-I do care for him... more than I realized."

Arios squeezed both their hands gently, his voice low but steady. "Then it’s decided. From now on, we are all on this together."

Both girls flushed, their eyes darting away from his confident gaze. For Lucy, it felt surreal. For Liza, it felt daring. For Arios, it was the beginning of something he had always intended.

The café’s quiet hum surrounded them, but at their table, the warmth of a new bond began to settle.