The seven students hurried towards the door, as if the opportunity to leave was a great blessing. However, before stepping outside, they exchanged glances and small smiles, proud of having completed their task.
"Thank you, Senior!" the seven first-year students said in unison before they rushed out of the room.
Haruto watched them until they were no longer visible. He let out a long sigh, feeling a bit relieved but also tired. After ensuring the training room was locked, Haruto decided to head straight to the cafeteria. His stomach was already growling for food, and he knew that if he chose to clean up first, laziness might lead him straight to bed without eating.
On his way to the cafeteria, Haruto's mind began to fill with training plans. He realized that in just a few days, the Academy would resume normal operations after a week-long Semester Exam break. Haruto needed to make the most of the remaining time to create an efficient training schedule.
Haruto recalled the daily schedule of the first-year students: classes started at seven in the morning and ended at three in the afternoon. The dormitory had strict rules, with curfew starting at ten. This meant the ideal training time was between three in the afternoon and around nine in the evening.
"Afternoon to evening training... Quite tight, but they need it," Haruto thought as he stepped into the now quiet cafeteria.
Quickly, Haruto grabbed a tray and chose simple yet filling food. A plate of rice with grilled meat and warm soup was enough to restore his energy. Haruto sat at an empty table, lifted his spoon, and began to eat heartily.
However, before Haruto could finish his third bite, the sound of approaching footsteps stopped him. He looked up and saw a familiar figure standing in front of him. Patrick.
Haruto stared at the young man with a flat expression, but a small smile began to appear at the corner of his lips. "Here we go again," Haruto thought to himself, recalling a similar incident a few days earlier. He slowly set down his spoon and looked at Patrick with a weary expression.
"So, what do you want?" Haruto asked, his voice sounding flat but not entirely cold.
Patrick hesitated for a moment, but eventually gathered the courage to speak. "Have you been busy lately?" Patrick asked, his voice quieter than usual. "We all gathered and had a meal together. Because of that, we hope you can join us too."
Hearing this, Haruto paused for a moment. A wide smile, almost resembling a sly grin, slowly appeared on Haruto's face. Patrick, seeing that smile, felt a bit confused—and perhaps even worried.
"Why do I feel like this is a trap?" Patrick thought while observing Haruto's unreadable expression.
"I'm busy. Well... There are a few people who asked me to train them, so I'm a bit occupied right now," Haruto replied with a slightly uncertain tone, while looking at Patrick.
Patrick nodded slowly, but from the look in his eyes, he seemed a bit disappointed. "Is that so? Well, I just hoped you could come. If you really can't, then it's okay..." Patrick said, shaking his head gently.
However, Haruto suddenly smiled faintly, a smile that made Patrick feel a bit wary. "Oh! By the way, I might not be able to eat with you all. But how about you come and help me train those people?" Haruto continued in a casual tone but with a hidden undertone. "Besides, I also want you to have a practice match. It would be a good experience for each other, right? After all, opportunities like this are rare."
Patrick frowned, clearly still not entirely convinced. "Really?" Patrick asked with a hesitant tone.
"Yes! If you want to," Haruto replied while keeping his faint smile on his face. However, in his heart, Haruto hid another intention—looking for free labor.
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