After the... bizarre conversation with Rinne—which, in its own strange way, had been helpful—Hades decided to finally grab so breakfast.
At least now, he wouldn’t feel guilty every ti he looked at the Saintess. Though, what she said back there was reckless.
She was a young maiden—soone who should’ve been more cautious around soone like him. Yet, she offered herself without hesitation, even though he wasn’t ready for another relationship just yet.
Haah... she’s hard to figure out.
As he turned a corner and continued walking, two familiar faces appeared from the other end of the hall.
They stopped, just like he did, when they saw him.
Hades’s eyes shifted quickly from the blond teen to the girl standing beside him.
Kayla. His ex-fiancée.
His heart grew heavy as he t those bright eyes that once brought him peace.
Back when they were together, there were countless monts when he’d just sit and look at her face, never getting tired of it.
Everything about her had felt right—like she was made for him.
But now... she was with soone else.
Cedric gave a small smile and suddenly reached out, lacing his fingers with Kayla’s.
"Shall we go, babe?" he asked softly, his lips brushing her ear.
Kayla looked away from Hades and gave a slow nod.
Without another word, the two of them stepped into the common hall—leaving Hades behind, frozen in place.
[I hate that nasty brat.]
Hades didn’t say anything, but he silently agreed.
Without a word, he entered the common hall and found a seat in a quiet corner.
He had no one left he could really talk to.
Taylor still gave him a nod or a brief "hi" whenever they crossed paths, but that was it. Maybe he still blad Hades for what had happened.
’But I’m happy for him, though. He beca the leader of the Alpha team.’
After Cedric was removed from the team, Taylor was chosen as the temporary leader—at least until next sester, when a proper contest would be held for the position.
Taylor ca from a rchant family. He was the illegitimate son of the family head and was never treated with love or respect.
Because of that, he always seed guarded, like he didn’t trust anyone. At first, Hades thought soone like him would never make any friends.
But sohow, Taylor got along with him.
’I hope he can hold on to that spot,’ Hades thought with a sigh as he picked up a piece of at and began eating.
He caught sight of Rinne—she was sitting with her friends, enjoying her al. Her bright smile made him feel a little better inside.
Just as he was about to look away, her eyes suddenly t his.
For a mont, the world seed to pause.
She raised an eyebrow, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Hades smiled back.
Rinne glanced around briefly, then pointed at herself and then at him—clearly asking, "Should I join you?"
Hades shook his head gently. "It’s okay."
Rinne pouted in response, her left cheek puffing out in protest.
Hades couldn’t help but find it cute. But still, he couldn’t ask her to co over.
Sure, they were close now—but they usually only ate together when the whole team was around.
Even if the distance between them had faded, for now, they had to pretend like nothing had changed.
Just as Hades decided to focus on his food, soone burst into the common hall and called out in a loud, urgent voice:
"mbers of Team Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta. Gather in the Quest Hall, now!"
The room instantly stirred with murmurs and shifting chairs. Students glanced at each other, surprised. So got up because they were called. Others followed out of curiosity.
Hades paused for a mont, then stood as well. He wasn’t part of those teams anymore, but sothing in the voice... it didn’t sound routine.
When he reached the Quest Hall, the place was already packed. The four elite teams were beginning to form lines, standing together in a rough order. The air felt heavy, filled with low whispers and restless footsteps.
On the podium stood the vice-headmaster, his usually stern face now lined with concern.
As soon as all twenty selected students stood before him, he delivered the news.
"This morning, Father Christopher’s convoy was attacked."
A shocked silence fell over the room. No one spoke, but you could feel the tension rise.
He continued, his voice more serious now.
"A group of assailants ambushed the convoy. And because of all the noise, several sand drakes have surrounded them."
Gasps and worried looks followed.
"The capital has been inford, but reinforcents won’t arrive for at least a day. That’s why I’m assigning this mission to the four teams."
No one objected. These weren’t ordinary students—they were being trained to face dragons. Missions like these were part of the path they had chosen. And this ti, they were sending only the best.
Suddenly, soone stepped forward.
"Excuse , Sir." It was Cedric, his voice steady. "I know I’m suspended... but I was once part of Team Alpha. Let go with them. I’ve trained for this, and I won’t just sit back while people are in danger."
His words struck a chord.
Students turned to him, so nodding silently, others whispering how brave he was. Cedric had a known health condition, yet here he was, ready to risk his life.
And while they whispered his praise... their attention shifted.
To Hades.
Whispers turned sharp.
"Used to be the strongest hunter, now just a coward."
"He’s probably waiting to hear how much money this mission pays. Greedy bastard."
"I’m surprised the academy still lets him stay."
Hades just shook his head in weariness. Seriously, all those ungrouped ones who barely finish any task are always among those who whisper things about others.
"I respect your intentions, Cedric. You may accompany the teams for this mission." The vice headmaster gave permission and soon, the twenty-one students left the school ground.
°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading.
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