Chapter 460: Future Goals (1/2)
*Ding,* sounded a low-pitched bell. Smothered in the sweat of people with the addition of the opened-roof – the arena thrived in activity.
'It's over,' some breathed sighs of relief others bragged about not being defeated. Combat classes came to an end. The instructor for today was a passing member of Pegasus, he came to the academy per orders of the director.
It had been a few months since enrolling. Date, Wednesday 4th April of X100. The new year happened without much celebration. As the academy was in process of recruitment with the new batch, the classes and training had made the celebration a thing of the past.
The same couldn't be said about the rest of the world. Films were announced, many idols made come-backs, some retired, and the news of a breakthrough in Magiology shook the core of the research society.
”Damn,” breathed Lampard heavily, ”-I smell like ass,” said he sniffing his socks.
”That's nasty, said Leonard pinching his nose. ”-I still can't believe the time has gone by so quick.” Both peered to the battle-arena where Igna was called to do additional drills. ”A bit unfair isn't it?”
”I don't know,” shrugged Rena returning from the changing room, ”-he's skipped combat class ever-since the first battle. I knew the academy would track him down.”
”Well, it can only mean the best,” said an opportunistic Jen.
Later on, they joined at a local café inside the academy village. The owner became well acquainted with Rena. Her innate ability to befriend people of any age and races was scary. Their table rested outback surrounded by a quaint small white-fence presiding over a garden. Emphasis was on nature, and so, parasol covered seating had the boon of fresh air from the trees.
”Damn, Igna, I didn't think you'd be gone so long,” voiced Lampard, ”-what were you up to?”
”Nothing much,” said he calmly taking a sip, ”-tell me about you, I want to know what happened ever since.”
”Oh, so and so,” Lampard gave way to Leonard who summarized the events. Most of them revolved around Military-Arts having failed more than half of the students. The time spent in rustication didn't help in studies, and thus, when the exam came those who weren't present were kicked without a shred of doubt nor mercy.
”What about you, though?” asked Jen with her fork deep inside a slice of cake.
”Waiting on the answer.”
”Answer?” wondered they with Lampard helping the maid in bringing the tea.
*Message from Lady Haru.*
'Hello Igna, I've heard from Leko about the opportunity to train under another chef. Considering our manpower is lacking when it comes to the world of food, I've figured this is the best plan moving forward. What do you say?'
'As long as you give me your blessing, I shall do as is needed.'
'Very obedient,' replied she with a dancing cat sticker.
'Learnt it from you.'
'Alright then, I shall have transport be readied. Pack your bags and wait for Leko's call. Expect to leave by later 22:00 tonight. Say goodbyes and all that stuff. Don't leave them hanging, they deserve to know where you're headed.'
”Will do, ma'am.'
”Hey, Igna, everything ok?” wondered Leonard puzzled by his expression.
”Yeah, I got my response,” stood with pride, ”-I'll tell you more later tonight. Lampard, here,” he gave the address to the gymnasium, ”-I want you to meet me up there at around 17:00.”
”Sure…” and so, the boy left leaving all baffled. Their meal resumed without Igna, something they grew to accept.
The day continued with Chef Leko in the kitchen. Igna and the master worked tirelessly in trying new dishes. Most of which came out repugnant. The two could but laugh at the reaction of the taste-tester. Some had bad stomachs for days – borderline food poisoning.
A semblance of peace swept over the white-floor, lunch-time was over. ”-Chef Leko, I need a favor.”
”What is it?”
”Can I bring over a few friends tonight? I want them to know what I have planned for the future.”
”Friends?” he paused, ”-bring 'em in, I'll have a table reserved. Don't worry about paying.”
”Are you sure, sir?”
”Yeah,” he pushed back his glasses, ”-a gift from your mentor.”
”Thanks,” and thus, the afternoon turned evening.
”Guys,” mumbled Lampard, ”-Is this appropriate?”
”I don't know,” shrugged Leonard, ”-that's the dress-code he sent.” Outside came the orangish glow of the passing time. Room 60 of Block D made noise.
”You sure they'll be alright?”
”It's fine,” laughed Leonard, ”-girls take longer to get ready. Let's wait outside till they are done,” from room 59, which was casually lent by the other friends, the duo left in very formal suits. A dashing look for both, especially Leonard, he cleaned up the same as a noble or a prince. Lampard didn't fail to impress either, tall and dark – the staple of 'hot'.
”What's the point of this?” wondered Rena finishing her makeup, ”-aren't we going to look like fools?”
”I don't think so,” smiled Jen, ”-I do enjoy wearing a nice dress from time to time. Besides, Igna said to wear formal attire, I'm surprised the school had the funds to provide.”
”You're wrong, it's not the school that got the clothes. Comes from the Trading Guild,” her head shook, ”-well, what's done is done.” They stepped outside and walked to the center.
”Stunningly beautiful,” commented Lampard, ”-Rena, would you please let me escort you tonight?” the glow of the setting sun couldn't have complimented his approach farther. On one knee with a handheld out, her face blushed instantly.
”My lady,” bowed Leonard in turn, ”-may I please have this evening in thy company.”
”With pleasure,” curtsied Jen happy of the experience. The grim of the classroom, battlefield, and field studies, a very opportune moment for change. Arms locked, the two couples chatted casually as the walk to the gymnasium came to an end.
”This is new.”
”I know, we never visited the restaurant in the gym, did we?”
”No, don't think so, the cafeteria pretty much had us bound.” A robust shiny door stood open with red-carpet along the stairs. Two butlers stood with smiles; ”-might I ask for reservations?” came the elder.
”We were invited by Igna,” said Leonard confidently.
”Master Igna,” they nodded, ”-please, come on this way.”
”You're not scared of them, are you?” whispered Jen, ”-I froze at their aura.”
”Oh, not used to the noble-style of living?”
”Are you?” whispered Rena from the back.