The academy, once a place of quiet study, now thrived with energy.
Stalls lined up on each side of the cobblestone road, vigorously shouting their sales.
Not only students but rchants in the town splurged their money to participate in moving the economy.
Tiny banners that show the symbol of the academy fluttered gently across a rope that tied one stall to another.
Alone within the crowds, Jin weaved through the bustling road. He couldn’t help his senses wander by the many temptations scattered around.
The scent of roasted at, sweet pastry and sharp fruit drinks that ca in many colours loosened his lips in joy.
Jin unconsciously reached out to his pocket.
"I should buy sothing for others...".
However, the boy shook his head, clenching his desire tight as he arrived at the entrance gate waiting for soone.
"Well, maybe later".
Laughter drew his attention to the source, where he watched smiling parents and children holding hands as they enjoyed the festival.
The festival was open to many, including not only students’ parents but also civilians from the town and other countries.
They ca here to celebrate the birth of a new history.
The martial arts festival had begun.
Jin glanced sideways, hoping to see the people he had waited for appear, but alas, there was still no trace of them.
He exhaled and stood still, drawing the attention of the other students.
’Well, I will wait here for them to co’.
Murmurs spread like wildfire, watching the hot topic in the academy, crossing his arms while hanging in the entrance gate like their guardians.
A month after the match in that stadium, no one dared to dismiss Jin’s capabilities.
His ability to coach others and monstrous strength struck fear and awe in other students. But, so still resented him, for he hogged all the Madonna to himself.
Also, the case of Sirius, the senior male who harbours grudges against him. Rumour had it that he secretly gathered allies who were dissatisfied with the results and attempted to strike Jin for his actions.
However, they still didn’t show much movent, so Jin would also lay low for a while.
"Jin, fancy eting you here".
A lodious voice pulled his attention to the source. Blue wavy hair that fluttered gently approached his side.
The flowery scent that tickled his nose snapped Jin from his daze.
"Senior Selene?". Jin glanced at the armband on her left hand, proof of the council who was patrolling through the vast academy. "Doing your job?".
"Yes, as you can see".
The girl’s lips loosened in pleasant joy. She held several paper bags that emitted a sweet flavour and caught his nose, his brows twitching. Jin had the urge to grumble, but he swallowed it back.
"I see, I’m glad you enjoy the festival".
Jin stared at the entrance gate, ignoring the other senior who could offer him a wry smile.
"Yes, I will. At first, I was pissed off for not participating in the tournant, but thinking back ’Why did I insist so much, knowing I can enjoy the festival like this’".
"...".
Jin kept his silence; the words that Selene said stabbed his ears like an arrow.
It was true as he looked back over the past few weeks of training. The students in Alpha Class were shrouded in heavy tension.
The only ones not affected were Jin, Silvia, Iris, and Lucya, who had significantly more battle experience compared to the others.
He was surprised to see even Tania and Kael, who usually covered their weaknesses by acting tough, being affected.
Martial arts tournants sure cast their magic on them.
"Leader, it is ti".
One of Selene’s subordinates, a female, broke the conversation between them.
"Ah, that’s right, here Jin take it!".
Selene offered one of the bags in hand, making Jin blink in surprise.
"What is it?".
"Just take it, alright? Make us proud as the choosedn representative".
Jin hesitated for a mont before taking the bags and widened his eyes, feeling the weight that settled in his hands.
"This is pretty heavy, what was inside?".
"Takoyaki". Selene waved her hand and said her farewell. "Bye, Jin, let’s go, Tina".
Tina slightly bowed her head to Jin and walked off, following Selene’s back, stopping at a nearby stall, prompting the girl to exhale in exasperation.
The boy couldn’t help but chuckle, seeing the carefree attitude of the Student Council, who had been long absent from the academy.
He stored the takoyaki that still radiated heat, noting to himself that he would buy so food later to encourage his classmates.
At the sa ti, a calm male voice echoed.
"Jin, my little brother, how have you been?".
"Big bro, Jack".
A man in his early twenties approached Jin. His fiery red hair cascaded to his shoulders, and his striking green eyes, calm and brimming with wisdom, greeted Jin with an affectionate smile.
He wore proper attire, not too formal, yet exuded the gracefulness of a noble.
His na Was Jack Midnight, the eldest son of the Midnight family
The man suddenly wrapped his hands around Jin’s back, hugging him tightly. Jack’s usual skinship and his personality, which resemble Marina’s, often bugged Jin.
"It’s so glad to see you, Jin".
Jin felt lifted from the ground, weightless. The world spun around him, turning his brain dizzy with a blur of information.
’He is still a doting and compassionate guy as ever’. Jin chuckled under his breath.
"That’s enough, Jack".
A sharp remark, snapping the older brother’s joy as he let Jin stand on the ground.
"I’m sorry, Jin". Jack fidgeted, sweat trickling down his temple, realising his mistake.
"It’s okay, Big bro, Jack". Jin glanced at the side, witnessing his second brother. "It’s good to see you, Big bro, Victor".
"Yeah".
Victor gave a curt nod. He crossed his arms on his chest; his sharp blue eyes swept over Jin’s body.
The man’s cold deanour turned the atmosphere heavy between their reunion.
Victor wore a casual outfit that was easy to move. His short red hair slicked back, revealing his handso face enough to make several female students stop by to watch Jin’s group.
"You’ve changed, Jin".
Jin scratched his cheek, unsure of the tension that suddenly grew with his appearance.
"Well, it’s been years since we parted".
He paused, racking his brain in searching for another topic of conversation.
A loud noise of gong echoed through the place, attracting many eyes to the hearts of the festival.
"Shall we go, guys?". Jin turned his back and said his line. "I will lead the way".
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