David walked down the corridor toward Master Bin's room. Finally reaching the door, he knocked. The sound was steady, and from inside came a calm, quiet voice:
"Come in."
Entering, David saw Master Bin buried in paperwork. Without looking up, the teacher asked:
"Do you need something?"
"Yes, I came to see you," David replied.
Recognizing the familiar voice, Master Bin set the papers aside and looked at him. A smile appeared on his face. Standing up, he approached David, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said:
"Welcome back! Sit down and tell me what happened."
David nodded and sat across from him. He began recounting his adventures, and Master Bin listened attentively. As he spoke, the teacher's face shifted through a range of emotions. At last, when the story was finished, Master Bin said:
"You've been through an incredible trial. You and your companions went through what I can only call hell. But you did well. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Master Bin. Without your training, I wouldn't have survived."
"Hahaha, don't flatter me. It's almost lunchtime. Care to join me?"
"Of course," David said.
They talked for a while longer before heading out. Together, they left the office and went to the cafeteria. Stepping inside, David felt glad to return there once again.
Seating himself at the central table, Master Bin said:
"Sit down. I'll go get us something to eat."
"Alright," David answered.
While Master Bin was away, four second-year students approached. One of them spoke first:
"Stand up."
David fixed his gaze on him and asked calmly:
"And why should I?"
Leaning on the table, another added:
"This is our spot. Not a place for a blind idiot like you."
Hearing this, David didn't lose his temper. Instead, with a cold expression, he replied:
"Get the fuck out of here. Understood?"
It was as if the faces of the four were suddenly overshadowed by demons.
"What did you say, you little shit?!" one of them snarled.
At that moment, Master Bin returned. His stern voice cut through the tension:
"What's going on here?"
The students quickly pulled themselves together at the sight of him. With hateful looks, they muttered to David:
"We'll see you again."
Then they left. Master Bin watched them go, disappointment in his eyes. To him, such students were not the protectors of humanity but its downfall.
Turning back to David, he said:
"Pay them no mind. Let's eat."
They sat down, and as they began their meal, Master Bin spoke again:
"You know, during my first prologue, I encountered a low-ranked demon. I barely managed to defeat it. But sadly, I wasn't granted any remarkable abilities. And no god ever chose me as a successor.
That's why I turned to science—the kingdom of fate."
"I understand, teacher," David replied.
They talked for another thirty minutes before leaving the cafeteria and walking through the lively corridor.
Master Bin looked at David and said:
"I'll be off now. Still plenty of work waiting for me."
"Yes, I understand, teacher. Good luck."
"Mm."
After seeing him off, David turned and made his way to the lower training grounds. Entering the elevator, he descended to the basement floor. When the doors slid open, he stepped i
nside.
Vincent turned around, saw David, and with a smile said:
"Care to join me?"