As soon as William announced that teams couldn’t be changed, everyone couldn’t help but hope their teammates were competent. Or at least wouldn’t hold them back.
Without waiting for any reactions, William began naming the teams.
"Team Gray: Caelir Vayne, Edwin Dove, Aria Jasmine, Kira Crimson."
Cael raised his hand when his na was called. He then looked at the teammates who would be stuck with him for the next three years.
They were similarly staring at him.
Cael simply nodded in return.
After announcing all the teams, Instructor William said,
"Well, that’s it for the morning class. As for the afternoon session, co to the A9 training hall on ti."
"Oh, right! I almost forgot. Select your team leader by yourselves."
With that, William stood up and left the classroom.
Cael was already hungry since he had skipped breakfast, and he desperately wanted to eat sothing.
He stood up and was about to leave when soone stopped him.
Cael turned and saw the red-haired boy, Edwin Dove.
Edwin extended his hand.
"I am Edwin Dove. Nice to et you."
"Likewise. I am Caelir Vayne."
After introducing himself, Cael added,
"I’m heading to the cafeteria. Want to tag along?"
Edwin nodded. "Sure."
Just as they were about to leave, they were stopped again, this ti by the girls.
"I am Kira Crimson. Nice to make your acquaintance."
Kira had brown hair and green eyes.
"Aria Jasmine."
Aria had blue hair and pink eyes.
Cael introduced himself once again.
’How many tis have I introduced myself today?’
Edwin also introduced himself,
"I am Edwin Dove. It’s my pleasure to know the nas of such lovely ladies."
Cael’s eyes widened as he noticed Edwin’s ears turning red.
’Is he shy after saying such a cheesy line?’
’Not to ntion, this guy just tried to flirt on the first eting?’
Kira smiled at Edwin’s introduction, while Aria simply hmphed and looked away.
Feeling increasingly hungry, Cael said,
"Let’s go to the cafeteria."
Edwin nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, co with us. It’s my treat."
Cael once again looked at the red-haired boy in awe.
’Is he a natural? How does he even think of that?’
The girls naturally agreed. Since they would be stuck together for the next three years, it was better to understand each other’s personalities and powers early.
The group of four, now Team Gray, walked toward the cafeteria, led by Edwin.
On the way, the group remained completely silent, as if they were strangers.
Well, technically, they were.
...
Inside the cafeteria.
Cael took a seat at a table with four chairs.
His teammates naturally occupied the remaining seats.
They ordered what they wanted to eat.
Edwin, who sat beside Cael, cleared his throat.
"Ahem... Ah... hmm. This is awkward, isn’t it?"
Cael and the girls nodded.
They were all strangers. None of them knew where to start.
Kira Crimson tucked a strand of her brown hair behind her ear and said,
"We need to select a team leader. So let the highest ranker from the entrance exam be the leader. We can also change the leader later if they’re not interested or if they’re incompetent."
Cael rested his elbow on the table and supported his head with his palm.
’She’s confident. Otherwise, why would she suggest that the highest ranker among us beco the leader?’
However, Cael had no interest in the position.
Being a team leader ant work.
Work ant hassle.
No, thank you.
Aria and Edwin nodded at Kira’s suggestion.
Aria spoke first.
"My rank is 139."
Edwin followed.
"210."
Kira smiled. Her gamble seed to be working.
Then she looked at Cael, who appeared completely uninterested. She silently hoped his rank was lower than hers.
"42."
Kira’s smile froze.
Cael wanted to smirk at her, but suppressed the urge. Instead, he looked at her calmly, as if waiting to hear her rank.
Aria and Edwin also turned their gazes toward Kira.
"It’s 65."
Kira sighed inwardly. She had wanted to beco the team leader. She had plans. Without the position, those plans would be harder to execute.
Now she couldn’t retract her suggestion, since she was the one who proposed it.
Before she could think further, Cael spoke.
"I’m not interested in being a team leader."
Kira’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected anyone to reject the position.
"Why?"
It was Aria who asked.
Cael smiled faintly.
"I’m lazy."
Kira imdiately spoke.
"Then I... I’ll be the one. Is that okay with you two?"
Aria replied calmly,
"I’m fine with it. But you need to spar with ."
Kira nodded, a smile flashing across her face, then turned to the red-haired boy.
Seeing Kira’s expectant gaze, Edwin smiled and said,
"If that’s what the lovely lady wants, I will gladly give it to you."
Cael once again looked at Edwin, whose cheeks were turning red.
’Oh, co on. Dude, why are you blushing when you’re the one who said that?’
’What are you? A flustered romantic?’
’I should learn a thing or two from this guy. I wonder what kind of face Elowyn would make if I said a cheesy line.’
’Whoa. Now I really want to see her reaction.’
Kira smiled at Edwin’s response. Just like that, she beca the team leader of Team Gray.
Then she said teasingly,
"You’re such a sweet talker. You must be very popular with girls, aren’t you, Edwin?"
Cael was thinking the sa thing.
Just then, three girls approached their table and stopped beside Edwin.
The girl in the middle asked, her voice trembling,
"E-excuse ... We were wondering if you could give us yo-your number?"
Edwin’s eyes widened.
This was it. Today was the day he would finally get a girlfriend.
For years, he had waited for this mont. How many tis had he practiced smiling in front of the mirror?
How many books had he read to learn how to talk to girls?
Finally, his hard work was paying off.
Edwin opened his mouth.
"I... am—"
But he was imdiately cut off.
"Not you."
The girl pointed at Cael.
Edwin froze in shock.
Cael was slightly taken aback but smiled softly.
"Sorry, girls. I’m taken."
Just then, a chill ran down Cael’s spine.
He slowly turned his head to the side.
At a table not too far away, Elowyn and Mira were seated together.
Her blue eyes were fixed on him, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.
She had heard his words. As a [Gold 1], she naturally possessed the ability to do so.
Seeing her, Cael had only one thought in mind.
’Thank God I chose my words carefully.’
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