Chapter 97: Chapter 97 Encounter.
Soma and Hina, who heard the teacher's words, turned and raised their feet, which brought them to leave the building. For some unknown reason, Xiao Lian accompanied them beside Soma, and the two others followed behind.
A couple of hours have passed since the test started. The other Eiji and Eri also had been tested, and the teacher seemed quite pleased with the result, especially within the middle Arena. Soma hurried his footsteps and took his phone from his storage to see what time it was.
"It's way past sixteen".
The exam started in the early morning at seven o'clock, and they spent nearly nine hours following the procedure the Academy had implemented. What made the exam go too long was the practical exam, where the four other seniors who should have been testing the other candidates watched the test in the middle arena where the commotion happened.
They are too excited to see many talented individuals who apply to the academy this year. Eventually, they were reprimanded by the two teachers beside them and hastened the test.
Arriving before the huge door, it slid open, and a gust of cool and fresh breeze entered the building. It grazed every candidate's skin who had been caged inside the huge building for hours. The wind brought a sense of freedom and blew away their tiredness, giving them a new vigor.
"Soma, My parents are already waiting outside".
"Is that so?".
"Yes, it seems they have been waiting for us since fifteen past".
"That long. I feel sorry for them".
"No need...".
"Are you two live together?".
Xiao Lian, who overheard Hina and Soma's conversation, opened her mouth, feeling curious about the relationship between the two. She hops forward as she closes the distance between her and Soma.
"Well, there are many circumstances that brought us together, but yeah, currently, I was in the Akabane family care".
"I see".
After hearing Soma's answer, Xiao Lian nodded, then turned her glance forward, already losing interest in his world affair. Hina, who didn't understand her motives for probing Soma, knitted her brows. But she sighs and also loses interest in Xiao Lian.
Stepping his foot outside, Soma was enveloped by the feeling of freedom. He inhaled a deep breath to take so much oxygen in his lungs, enjoying the fresh air. The test demanded both his physical and mental power, making him feel burned out from the exam. Plus, the fact that he still didn't have his lunch bothered him.
They were walking leisurely on the vast land of the academy. Soma basked in the afterglow of the test as he kept moving his feet, which dragged him to the main gate after walking for about a couple of minutes. His sight caught the view of a huge, towering reinforced wall and the opened twin gate. Behind it is the scene where many adult people eagerly wait for their children to return.
"Soma, Hina, over here"
Soma caught the two familiar figures that stood on the far side to the right. One of them, Hiroshi, stood straight, welcoming them with a smile, and Hisako vigorously raised her hand, shaking it to the side to show their presence. He turned to Xiao Lian, who also stopped in her tracks.
"...I hope we can meet again later, Xiao Lian. You too, Eiji and Eri".
"Mm".
"Yes, Soma. Me too. Both of you take care".
"...Take care".
Xiao Lian replied with a single nod before walking away, followed by Eiji and Eri, who waved their hands until they regrouped with their parents.
"...".
"Soma, let's go".
"Mm? Ah, yeah".
Hina grabs Soma's right hand, which seems dumbfounded at the sight before him. She noticed Soma had a forlorn expression on his face, watching the sight. His expression seemed so empty, and she didn't want to see him like that. So, Hina dragged him from the place and approached where her parents were waiting.
As they arrived, Hisako, energetically waving her hands up, dashed forward before giving the two youths a warm hug. Hiroshi, who saw that with a smile, followed behind her and opened his mouth.
"Good job, you too".
Hisako released her embrace upon the two of them and opened her mouth.
"Good job, you two, how was the exam?".
"That was tiring, right, Soma".
"Yeah, it was pretty tiring. ...But I am sure I will pass the exam".
"Hoho... Someone seems confident about it. Then how about my daughter here?".
"I am, too. I will pass the exam".
"Fufu, I see".
As the two mother and daughter share a warm talk, Hina's empty stomach lets out a protest. The grumble echoed in the surroundings, and it pulled everyone's gaze to the girl who was close to her mother, holding her stomach while fuming in red.
"It seems you haven't had your meal. Let's find something to eat".
"That's a good idea. It was a bit early for dinner, but let's go to a market to buy some snacks and enjoy a family trip".
"You're right, Mom. It's been a while since we had an outing. Soma, would you come along?".
Witnessing three pairs of eyes that stare at him, waiting for his response. Soma could only sigh and helplessly nodded his head.
"Yes, I will be in your care".
"This is so tiring".
Exhaling a sigh, a lone woman in her mid-twenties who is in disguise, wearing casual clothes and a hat, wandering around in one of the bustling places in the market from the white tiger district.
Despite the afternoon time, the market was still full of life, with a bustling crowd pacing back and forth doing their business. The loud commerce from the street stalls that served many delicacies tried to outdo the others to attract customers to visit. There are also stalls that sell items and accessories that seem quieter and sit patiently waiting for the customer to visit their stall.
Devi was currently on a mission Lord Gula had bestowed upon her. She was commissioned to find some information regarding the auction that will be held the day after tomorrow.
She was at a loss as to what she should do first. At that time, everything seems possible with her retainer on her side. Tyr will always provide her with some information she wants, which immensely helps her plan. However, after her death, this time, she was the one who was commissioned to do the gathering.
She didn't know where to start, so she tried to ask people around and managed to gather some information, but.
".I wonder if the information I have will be enough, ukh".
Suddenly, her heart began to clench in pain, and Devi grabbed her clothes, trying to alleviate the pain. She regulated her breathing and ensured she didn't invite other people's curiosity.
As the pain subsided, she felt a rather peculiar gaze directed at her. She raised her head and met eyes with a single black-haired boy who happened to turn his glance at her. They stood firmly on the ground watching each other while gradually, the memories from that time resurfaced, and both of them knitted their brows.
""You!!"".