[: Daniel's POV :]

Eventually, the conversation with Fendrick died down or rather, he grumbled one last insult and turned his back to me.

I didn't really mind.

After everything today, fighting, chaos, revelations, a rude roommate barely counted as a problem.

I changed into comfortable clothes, laid on my bed, and stared at the ceiling for a moment.

This… peace felt strange.

No monsters hunting me across the continent.

And no need to hunt down facilities.

Just a soft bed and the distant sounds of students chatting outside.

It was a bit Weird.

I unpacked a bit, organized my things, then just let sleep take me like gravity.

And I slept like a pig.

*BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!*

"…Ugh."

My eyes cracked open to the worst sound ever invented.

Why did peace come with alarms?

My body could wake instantly to danger but tell it to wake for breakfast?

Absolute betrayal.

Maybe peace was scarier than war.

Still, I wasn't about to be late on my first day.

I trudged into the bathroom, took a warm shower, and by the time I was buttoning the final bit of the uniform jacket, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

With Blue jacket, a clean white shirt and a black tie.

Symbol of the Apex Academy, a mighty armored warrior with his sword pointed downward.

I looked… like I belonged here.

Eventually, it was 6:30 AM.

And right on cue, he woke up.

Fendrick popped his head out of his blanket cocoon, his hair looking like it fought a pillow and lost.

His eyes squinted at me in disbelief.

"The heck?"

He sounded personally offended that I was awake.

I raised an eyebrow.

"What? Never seen a noble wake up early before?"

"Yup," he grumbled instantly.

"Nobles usually wake up late after dreaming of gold and stepping on poor people. You being awake this early is messing with my worldview."

I shrugged.

"Maybe I'm just full of surprises."

He stared a bit longer… then threw himself back onto the bed dramatically.

"Yeah, well, don't think being 'different' earns you points. I'm still going to hate you."

"That's okay. I'm not collecting points," I replied dryly.

He stuck a hand up from the blanket like a lazy zombie.

"Good for you. Meanwhile, I'll be collecting sleep. The only valuable currency here."

He rolled back over and already started snoring.

I stared at his unconscious form.

"That was… fast."

I sighed, amused despite myself.

Rude brat… but entertaining.

In the end, I left him behind and headed toward the cafeteria.

The Academy at sunrise was stunning, golden light reflecting off towering spires and marble pathways.

Well, it isn't that shocking, but there were students in uniforms strolled around, some energized, others half-dead like Fendrick.

Inside, the cafeteria was busier than expected.

The smell of freshly baked bread and grilled meats filled the air.

Chefs worked behind the counters, serving all types of food.

There were even several menu boards.

- Breakfast

- Large Breakfast

- Extra Large Breakfast

- Deluxe Breakfast

For the Apex Academy, all of the expenses and resources were paid by them for the commoners.

However, things like Large, Extra and Deluxe would have to pay with an additional amount of money.

At the same time, the Academy offers packages to all.

For example, if they choose to pay for Package A or B, it would last till they graduate.

But those are only additional or something akin to enjoyment or food pleasure.

It wasn't a necessity that commoners would need to pay for.

Moreover, it wasn't labeled 'privilege', it was just money.

It was a smart choice.

People couldn't complain about nobles being favored if the advantage was simply wealth, and commoners could earn money through missions and merit.

A fair but unspoken hierarchy.

But of course, mother had already paid for the 'highest-tier package' for my entire years in the academy.

It wasn't anything unexpected.

So naturally, I selected the Deluxe Breakfast.

Within moments, a tray stacked with heaven was handed to me.

It was a perfectly grilled monster meat,high in vitality

A luxurious golden fruit slices that shimmered faintly with mana.

A fluffy croissant infused with Mana essence

Eggs layered with spices I couldn't name.

A cup of glowing blue nutrient tea, probably something magical.

I took an empty seat near a window and dug in.

…And wow.

"Okay, Mika wasn't kidding. This academy really doesn't hold back."

The food was warm, flavorful, packed with more mana than I had expected.

I could feel my body responding immediately strength circulating, vitality reinforced though it was miniscule.

This was the kind of meal that made someone want to fight a dragon afterward.

Midway through my meal, I heard a familiar groan behind me.

Speak of the devil.

Fendrick, hair still an explosion, trudged into the cafeteria like a zombie with debt.

He spotted me instantly and grimaced.

"Oh great. You again."

"You say that like you didn't follow the smell of good food."

"I followed my stomach, not you."

He plopped his tray down across from mine, standard breakfast: toast, an egg, and a small fruit.

Then he stared at my deluxe feast.

Stared at his sad tray and back to mine.

"…I officially hate nobles more now."

I took a bite of croissant.

"Understandable."

"And you're not denying it?! At least pretend to feel bad!"

"Well, I can give you one of my fruits?" I offered.

He gasped like I insulted him.

"I will not take pity fruit from a noble!"

"Suit yourself."

One minute later…

"…Hey, uh… if you're not eating that last piece...?"

"You want my pity fruit?"

"…Shut up and hand it over."

I slid it across the table.

He snatched it, muttering something about nobles being smug jerks, and then proceeded to devour the fruit with suspicious delight.

The moment he finished, he looked at me, scowl recharged.

"This doesn't change anything between us."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I said, amused.

He pointed accusingly.

"I still hate you."

"Thank you for your continued hate support."

Fendrick clicked his tongue and looked away, ears slightly red.

Despite the rough personality and constant jabs, there was something refreshing about him.

Someone who didn't bow to status.

Even if he was a headache…

Maybe this roommate situation wouldn't be so bad.

Just as I was calmly savoring my breakfast, a sharp, surprised voice suddenly cut through the cafeteria's hum.

"FENDRICK!"

The shout was so loud that not only did every student turn, but Fendrick literally choked on his bread.

"Kh—! Cough—!! What the hell—!?" he hacked, pounding his own chest.

I blinked toward the approaching source.

There was a girl with snowy white hair that shimmered under the hall's lighting like fresh winter frost.

Her skin was pale and smooth, and her eyes?

It was cold and sharp.

Like they could freeze someone's spine if she stared long enough.

She marched straight toward our table, expression a mix of concern and irritation.

"Fendrick! Why have you been ignoring me these past few days?!" she demanded.

Ignored?

Past few days?

Oho?

Drama?

Already?

"I—I wasn't ignoring you!" Fendrick denied instinctively, flailing slightly.

"I was just… very busy!"

She narrowed her eyes.

"Busy enough to avoid me entirely?"

"Busy enough to disappear after enrollment and skip our promised lunch?"

"Busy enough to pretend I don't exist?"

Her tone got colder with each accusation.

Fendrick looked like he wanted to sink into the floor.

I… was enjoying this far too much.

"H—Hey, calm down, Silvia," he muttered, trying to shrink.

"You're misunderstanding—"

Silvia?

So that's her name.

She finally noticed me sitting beside him.

Her icy gaze scanned me up and down, not hostile, but clearly assessing.

"And who are you?" she asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

I placed my fork down with a polite smile.

"Daniel. Fendrick's roommate," I introduced myself casually.

"And apparently, his relationship advisor."

"W-What!? Relationship advisor?! Shut up!" Fendrick snapped instantly.

I grinned.

The reactions were too good to waste.

Silvia looked back to Fendrick, a bright smile suddenly replacing her chilly demeanor.

"Oh! You already made a friend, Fendrick! That's wonderful!" she said excitedly.

"I was so worried you'd isolate yourself again since our childhood!"

Ah.

Childhood friend dynamic.

"Yeah, yeah," Fendrick grumbled, staring at his plate like it owed him an apology.

I couldn't resist.

"So how long have you two been dating?" I casually asked while sipping my juice.

The look on Fendrick's face was priceless.

He froze and then, he burned bright red.

"WE'RE NOT—!!" he roared.

Silvia blinked.

"Dating? Us?"

Before she could process further, I added.

"No need to be shy, Fendrick. I support your love life. You have my full blessing."

"DANIEL!" he slapped the table.

"Stop giving weird misunderstandings!!"

Silvia tilted her head in confusion.

"But Fendrick, didn't you once say that you'd only ever want to marry someone from the North? I'm from the North side noble family, so naturally—"

"Don't say stuff like that out loud!"

Fendrick cried in despair, covering his ears like she was speaking forbidden spells.

I almost snorted into my juice.

So… she's a noble from the Northern Continent.

Strong lineage, judging by her aura.

Not overwhelming, but controlled, refined.

Like someone trained since birth.

Her attention returned to me with a graceful nod.

"My name is Silvia Arcturine. House Arcturine, One of the Noble Families in North's Winter. It's a pleasure to meet you, Daniel."

Her etiquette was near flawless, and clearly royal-grade.

But she didn't bow.

Or maybe she doesn't know me?

By now, my.popularity and face should have reach the end of the world.

Did I sound too cocky?

No, it was just facts.

It was weird that there were no reactions from the students upon seeing my face.

And I wonder why.

Maybe news from outside had been blocked since the students couldn't leave the academy till their holidays?

Well, that's something I don't need to dive deep into.

I smiled lightly.

"Pleasure's mine. Though I must warn you, Fendrick didn't tell me he had such a devoted girlfriend."

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Fendrick snarled, grabbing his fork like a weapon.

I ignored him.

Silvia, meanwhile, looked genuinely flustered.

"G-Girlfriend…? Fendrick, does he mean—"

"NO! He doesn't mean anything!" Fendrick rapidly interrupted.

"He's just messing with you, don't take him seriously!"

"I don't know," I said thoughtfully.

"Your reaction screams guilt."

Fendrick had visible regret for being alive.

Silvia's lips curved into a soft smile as she stared at Fendrick, amusement sparkling in her once cold eyes.

"I see that your new friend enjoys teasing you," she commented.

"He's a devil in disguise," Fendrick muttered darkly.

"Sends me straight to hell every time he opens his mouth."

"Awwww, I love you too, roomie," I replied sweetly.

"Love?!" Silvia repeated, stunned.

Fendrick slammed his head into the table.

"Please. End me."

Silvia giggled, genuinely, the cold persona melting away like ice in sunlight.

We continued eating or well, Silvia interrogated Fendrick while I enjoyed breakfast and the entertainment.

"So your mother hasn't sent you letters?" Silvia asked.

"No, because someone stole my mailbox key," Fendrick glared at her.

Silvia gasped.

"Who would do such a terrible— Oh, wait… I have that key."

"You WHAT?!"

"It must have slipped into my pocket accidentally," she said with the most innocent tone imaginable.

"That is not something someone accidentally takes!" he protested.

I whispered to him, "She keeps souvenirs of her boyfriend."

"Daniel. Shut. Up."

Silvia blinked. "Boyfriend?"

"I'LL THROW YOU OUT THE WINDOW!"

His reaction was so dramatic I couldn't help it and I laughed.

Silvia lightly tapped her chin, examining me with curiosity.

"Daniel… You speak so casually with Fendrick. Most nobles wouldn't treat him this way."

"I don't see the point in pretending to be superior," I shrugged.

"We share a room. Might as well get along."

Fendrick paused, subtle shock flashing across his face before he looked away.

Silvia smiled warmly.

"That is good. Fendrick needs someone who won't let him isolate himself."

Then she added, perfectly serious.

"Also, keep teasing him about us dating. I like seeing him flustered."

"HEY!! Don't team up with him!" Fendrick protested in horror.

Silvia ignored him and clasped her hands together.

"Daniel, since you're close to Fendrick now, I would like us to be friends as well!"

"Well, I don't mind," I replied.

"But just so you know… I won't assist in kidnapping him for arranged marriage."

Silvia's cheeks puffed slightly.

"It's not arranged marriage. Yet."

Fendrick slammed his fork down.

"Why is 'yet' the problem here?!"

I smirked.

Eventually, Silvia remembered she had morning training and reluctantly stood up.

"I will come find you again later," she promised, staring at Fendrick.

"Don't run away this time."

"No promises," he muttered.

She leaned close.

"Fendrick~"

"…Fine. I won't."

Satisfied, she waved at me.

"See you later, Daniel!"

And off she went like a beautiful winter breeze.

As silence returned, I casually sliced my steak.

"So. When's the wedding?"

Fendrick buried his face in his hands.

"…I hate you."

"Hate is just confused love."

"SHUT UP!"

I grinned.

The day had just begun, and Academy life was already shaping up to be… entertaining.

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