«You're three minutes early. Congrats, kid. Punctuality is everything for a Monster Reaper.»
Shin Tendo praises Chris while puffing on a cigarette.
Not exactly the kind of behavior you'd expect from an instructor.
Especially not in front of such a young student.
«T-Thank you, Professor Tendo,» Chris replies with a small bow.
Jasmine and Alexia sit in the front row of the bleachers.
«Why did you call me here, Professor Tendo?» Chris asks, his voice curious but cautious.
Shin grins.
«We're at the training field. What did you think I called you for? A cocktail party?»
Alexia narrows her eyes.
She stares at the professor with a sharp glare, as if scolding him silently for treating her little brother like an idiot.
Shin notices and just sighs.
Then he looks back at Chris, this time with a tone more fitting for someone in his role.
«To earn early access to the HESPARC Academy, you won the Under-16 U.S. tournament. Am I right?»
Chris nods silently.
