The moment Ethan agreed, Rin’s grin widened so much that it almost reached his ears. Without wasting another second, he grabbed Ethan by the wrist and pulled him out of the tiny dorm room, already walking with the confidence of someone who had carried out this exact plan more than once.
"You seem awfully familiar with sneaking around," Ethan remarked as he locked the door behind them before hurrying to catch up.
Rin shamelessly puffed out his chest. "Experience."
"...Experience in breaking academy rules?"
"I prefer calling it creative survival."
Ethan couldn’t help rolling his eyes. "You’re already an A-class sentinel I’d be concerned if there’s any need for you to be a repentant offender apart from today."
Rin only laughed without responding, completely unashamed.
Night had already settled over the academy, cloaking the stone pathways beneath a soft silver glow cast by rows of enchanted crystal lamps. Compared to the lively atmosphere during the day, the campus was noticeably quieter now, with only the occasional student passing by on their way back to their dormitories. The cool evening breeze rustled through the neatly trimmed trees lining the walkways, carrying with it the distant sounds of laughter from students who were fortunate enough to have already finished their dinners.
Unfortunately... Ethan wasn’t one of those fortunate people. The two of them continued bickering quietly as they made their way across the academy grounds before eventually arriving at the dorm section reserved exclusively for S-Class students.
Even from the outside, the difference was impossible to ignore. The towering dormitory buildings looked less like student accommodations and more like luxurious estates, their elegant architecture illuminated by beautifully crafted lamps that gave the entire area a warm golden glow. The pathways were spotless, decorative fountains quietly flowed near carefully maintained gardens, and even the surrounding air somehow felt calmer than the rest of the academy.
Ethan clicked his tongue. "The favoritism here is actually unbelievable."
Rin nodded in complete agreement. "I know, right? Every time I come here, I question whether we’re even attending the same academy."
The closer they drew to the dorms cafeteria, the more cautious they became.
Although the area was much quieter than during the daytime, students could still occasionally be seen entering and leaving the building. Rin patiently waited behind a large marble pillar until a small group disappeared around the corner before quickly motioning for Ethan to follow.
They slipped across the courtyard unnoticed and ducked behind another row of decorative hedges. After another careful look around, Rin finally relaxed before pointing ahead.
"There."
Following his finger, Ethan’s eyes landed on an elegant building with large glass windows glowing warmly from within. It was the cafeteria.
A relieved smile immediately spread across Rin’s face. "See? I told you. It’s still open."
Ethan couldn’t deny the wave of relief that washed over him. His stomach practically celebrated before he had even stepped inside. The two of them casually entered the cafeteria, trying their best to look like they belonged there. Fortunately, most of the remaining students were either busy eating or chatting amongst themselves, leaving no one particularly interested in paying attention to two unfamiliar faces.
The rich aroma of freshly prepared food immediately greeted them causing Ethan to nearly tear up. He hadn’t realized just how hungry he truly was until now.
Rin straightened before whispering to Ethan "Look just act like you belong here, most of these faces here I can barely remember so they might not know me or you. Remember confidence is key okay?"
Ethan nodded and without wasting any more time, the two grabbed trays and joined the short queue before the serving counter.
Even the food looked far better than anything served in the lower-ranked dormitories.
Perfectly roasted meat. Fresh vegetables. Warm soup. Rice cooked to perfection. Desserts arranged neatly toward the end of the counter.
Ethan stared for a long moment.
"...This academy is definitely classist."
Rin nodded solemnly. "I’ve been saying that since I came here."
Behind the counter, several cafeteria workers continued serving meals to the remaining students, moving efficiently as they filled trays with generous portions.
Ethan accepted a plate of steaming rice, grilled meat, vegetables, and a bowl of hot soup before adding a chilled drink and a small dessert to the side. Rin’s tray looked no less impressive, piled high enough that Ethan couldn’t help raising an eyebrow.
Both of their trays had been piled so generously, earning amused smiles from the cafeteria staff, who simply assumed they were starving students returning late from training.
Neither Ethan nor Rin intended to correct that assumption. With food finally secured, the two exchanged victorious smiles before quietly making their way toward the exit.
Everything had gone surprisingly smoothly.
Too smoothly.
Ethan had just taken another step toward the doors when his gaze drifted towards the entrance. At that moment a familiar blonde-haired figure stepped inside.
Leon.
He was casually talking with another S-class student as he walked into the cafeteria.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat instantly.
"...Oh no."
At that exact moment, Leon slowly lifted his head and his gaze landed directly on Ethan.