Azztheo got up at six in the morning, muscles still sore from the previous day's brutal training. After a refreshing shower and changing into his academy uniform, he checked the time—7:30 a.m.
"Jake's definitely still asleep," he muttered with a grin, stepping into the hallway.
He walked over to the door next to his and knocked lightly.
Knock knock.
A groggy voice came from within. "Ugh… who is it? I need some sleep…"
"It's me, Azztheo. Wake up, buddy! It's already 7:30. Let's hit the cafeteria before class—maybe eat something and get some energy before physical training."
There was a long pause. Then the door creaked open.
Jake stood there, his hair a mess, eyes barely open. "You're one of those morning people, huh?"
"Just trying to survive another day of Instructor Jonathan's torture," Azztheo replied with a smirk.
Jake sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Give me five minutes."
True to his word, Jake reappeared dressed and ready. The two of them headed toward the campus cafeteria, chatting lightly about their muscle aches and how awful yesterday's lunges were.
When they finally reached the cafeteria doors, a man in overalls was sweeping the entrance. He looked up at them and blinked in surprise.
"Hey, why so early?" the man grumbled. "Cafeteria's not ready yet. We open at noon—only lunch and dinner, not breakfast."
Azztheo's stomach growled in protest. "Wait, what? So… where do we eat in the morning?"
Jake rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "Ah… yeah, sorry. I forgot to mention—breakfast isn't served here. Students usually eat outside the campus. There are a few restaurants nearby that open early."
Azztheo groaned. "You mean we gotta hunt for food before training?"
Jake laughed. "Think of it as part of the training—Survival 101: Find Your Own Breakfast. Come on, I know a place that makes great egg buns and beef porridge."
"Lead the way, then, oh wise one," Azztheo muttered as they turned and exited the academy gates.
Outside the campus walls, the early morning streets of Velmora bustled softly—vendors setting up stalls, a few early-rising students yawning their way to nearby shops. The sun had just started to peek through the clouds, casting warm light over the academy walls.
Azztheo breathed in deeply. "New day. Let's make it count."
Jake grinned. "That's the spirit. First, breakfast. Then we survive Jonathan's training again."
The two boys found a small eatery just a short walk from the academy gates. It was a modest place with wooden benches and steam rising from clay pots out front. The smell of frying eggs and simmering broth made Azztheo's mouth water.
They walked in and took a seat near the window.
A cheerful old man approached them. "Morning, boys. What'll it be?"
Jake didn't even look at the menu. "Two egg buns and two bowls of beef porridge, please."
"Coming right up," the man said with a smile, heading toward the kitchen.
Azztheo stretched and leaned back, looking around. "Nice place. Feels kind of homey."
"Yeah. Most students come here. Prices are fair, and it's close," Jake said, resting his chin on one hand. "Let's just hope we can actually enjoy the food before class today…"
But just as the server placed two cups of water on their table, the door banged open.
In walked a tall boy with a broad chest and sharp jawline, the two-star insignia of a second-year student proudly shining on his uniform collar. He looked around, his eyes narrowing when he saw the place nearly full. Only one table had spare seats—the one Jake and Azztheo were sitting at.
He strode over, arms folded, flanked by two other students.
"You two," he said loudly, his voice already brimming with arrogance. "Unawakened first-years, right?"
Jake looked up calmly, but Azztheo's jaw tightened.
The senior pointed at their bench. "Move. I want this seat."
Azztheo opened his mouth, anger flashing in his eyes. "What's your problem—"
Jake immediately put a hand on his arm. "Don't."
"But he's—"
"I said don't."
Jake looked up at the senior and gave a polite smile. "There are other spots opening up soon. Maybe—"
"I don't care," the senior interrupted. "I said move. You're not worth sitting with us anyway. Weaklings should know their place."
Azztheo's fingers curled into a fist under the table. He could feel his heart thudding, heat rising in his chest. The old Azztheo—the one who had grown up quietly with his father—never faced such situation at his old town . But now? He had experienced the feelings for being bullied for being weak without reason. Not awakened, but he could feel it inside him, waiting.
Even so… he paused.
Jake was calm, unfazed, almost casual in the face of the insult. Azztheo looked at him, saw the quiet warning in his friend's eyes.
This wasn't fear. It was understanding.
They were still unawakened. They weren't ready for fights. Especially not against seniors with formal combat training.
Azztheo took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He unclenched his fist.
Jake stood. "We were just finishing up anyway. Come on."
Azztheo hesitated a moment longer, then rose too. The senior smirked as he and his group took the seat, laughing among themselves.
As the two walked toward the counter, the old man called from the kitchen, "You boys leaving already? Food's almost ready!"
Jake turned and offered a tired smile. "We'll take it to go, Uncle."
Azztheo remained quiet until they stepped outside.
"Why'd we back down?" he asked finally. "You saw his face. He wanted to humiliate us."
Jake nodded. "Yeah. He did."
"Then why not fight back?"
Jake looked at him seriously. "Because that's what he wanted. He wanted us to react. To lash out. Then he'd have a reason to show off and beat us in front of everyone."
Azztheo frowned. "…But we just let him win."
"No," Jake laughed said quietly. "We walked away. That's different sometimes in a situation where brawn is useless just use brain momentary defeat doesnt mean anything."
They sat on a bench nearby and ate in silence for a few minutes. The egg buns were hot and crispy, the beef porridge rich with flavor. The simple meal soothed Azztheo's frustration.
Jake spoke again, this time softly. "Train harder. Get stronger. Then one day, when we meet guys like that again… we'll stand, not because we're angry—but because we can."
Azztheo stared at him for a long moment. Then he nodded.
"Yeah," he said, eyes hardening. "Next time, we won't have to back down, this kind of unnecessary humiliation is really tough pill to sawllow."