The robot used its two long, spring-like arms to reach the food on the tray fastened to its belly and serve it.
After taking a whiff of the nice aroma, Soren said, "This food looks quite delicious."
Soren licked his upper lip and nibbled on some chicken.
"Even the restaurants I've been to before cannot beat this taste."
Feeling a little embarrassed because he had already started without inviting Kaizer, Soren quickly added, "Join me, Kaizer."
Kaizer was just about to pick up his fork when suddenly a big hand slammed the table.
A tall guy, approximately six feet, with spiky red hair, leaned over.
"You're really enjoying yourself. Why don't I add a little fun?"
The red-haired guy picked the bowl of chicken soup from the table and poured it on kaizer head.
"This table belongs to us," the red-haired senior said coldly.
"Scram!"
Kaizer didn't move. His posture was unchanged.
His head bowed straight to the food and eating.
From where everyone stood, only his wet hair and cheeks were visible. His eyes were hidden completely.
The cafeteria went quiet. Students nearby instinctively slowed their movements. Some freshmen turned away entirely—they didn't want to be involved, not on the first day.
"You—!" Soren shot out his eye, anger flaring instantly. Then he saw the five silver badges. His breath stopped for a moment. He swallowed the word, which was halfway down his neck.
"What?" the red-haired senior sneered, eyes flicking toward him.
"I let you off because you're from the same house. Want to push your luck too?"
Soren broke eye contact. His hands trembled at his sides, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Kaizer calmly picked up a piece of chicken with his fork.
Soup dripped from his head onto the plate as he examined the meat with quiet focus. "This fork isn't sharp enough," he murmured under his breath.
"But with enough force… it could still pierce."
Soren heard the low voice and glanced at Kaizer, confused. He couldn't tell whether his neighbor was talking about the chicken or something else.
Just as the red-haired guy was about to make another move.
A voice echoes out, "What are you doing?"
Saira appeared with a group of Black House students. They noticed the commotion immediately.
"Oh, Saira, don't interfere with my personal matters," the red-haired guy said casually.
Saira's voice was sharp. "Nemon, I have the right to interfere. You are bullying our Black House junior. Leave now, or don't blame me for what happens next."
"Just you?" Nemon laughed loudly, clearly not taking the other party seriously.
He and Saira were at the same evolver phase, the Solar Imprint Phase, so neither party had an advantage over the other.
"How about me?" a deep, hoarse voice came from the entrance. The person bore some facial resemblance to Saira.
"Brother, you're here?" Saira said, looking toward the voice.
"Is that Filan? What is he doing here?"
Everyone was surprised; he shouldn't have been here.
Filan walked confidently toward the commotion. Everyone could see Nemon's hesitation. He was clearly afraid.
Many newcomers didn't know this senior, but other senior students began to step back, making space, showing Filan was no ordinary student. He had nine elite badges pinned, which many newcomers had never seen.
Most students with elite badges were fourth-years completing final missions outside the Earth sector. They were top graduate students and destined for high military positions.
"Senior Filan, I'm truly sorry. I couldn't keep my house members under control."
Arlo spoke as he walked toward the scene, wearing a calm smile, pretending as if he had only just noticed the commotion. Reaching Nemon, he lightly tapped the back of the boy's head
"Senior Filan, I got carried away," Nemon said with a sad expression as he remembered his wrongdoing.
"Nemon, you followed me. I will discipline you properly," Arlo said angrily as his group left the place.
Everyone could tell it was a staged play. Filan didn't say a word. He looked at Kaizer, then at his sister. "Little sister, come with me. I need to talk to you."
With the situation resolved, Soren handed Kaizer a tissue. "Are you alright?"
Kaizer gave a simple nod. Then he resumed eating calmly.
Soren felt slightly confused. He didn't see any anger or fury and thought, 'Is my neighbor really that tolerant?'
Kaizer said calmly, "Soren, why are you looking at me like that? Let's eat."
Meanwhile, Arlo and Nemon laughed loudly.
"I just have one regret: I didn't see that newcomer's reaction," Arlo said, laughingly.
"Maybe he was holding back tears when we left."
Nemon added, "If that bastard Filan hadn't interfered, I would have taught that newcomer an even harsher lesson."
"Let's not mess with Filan. Even though he comes from an ordinary family, he will be graduating in a few days. We'll deal with that brat later. My brother has confirmed that Filan will hold a high position in the military. If we offend him, it will be difficult for us when we join the military," Arlo replied.
Meanwhile, in another student's room, the room was well furnished with high-end equipment.
Filan was pinching a young girl's cheek with a teasing smile. "How many times do I have to tell you not to interfere in other people's business? I'll be graduating in a few days—who will take care of you?"
Saira, struggling to break free, placed her hand on her cheek. "Brother, I can take care of myself. Don't worry. I know who to confront and whom not to. But today, they crossed the line. How can they bully a good person without reason?"
Filan raised an eyebrow.
"And how exactly do you know this newcomer is a good person?"
Saira crossed her arms, a little defensive. "You wouldn't get it. We girls just know it. Call it a sixth sense. I can tell he's not a bad person. He doesn't even seem like someone used to fighting."
Filan burst out laughing. "Oh really? That reminds me… weren't you just talking with your friend about your 'ideal type'? Someone kind, innocent, peaceful…" He smirked. "Don't tell me you've taken a liking to this guy already."
"You…" Saira's face turned bright red, and she turned her head with embarrassment and murmured.
"It must be her who told my brother about it."
In the cafeteria, Kaizer and Soren finished their meal and went back to their rooms.
After what happened, neither of them felt like speaking. The majority of newcomers were already aware that no teacher would intervene in such trivial disputes. As everyone considered the days ahead, the mood only grew heavier.
Kaizer cleaned his hair and looked at his reflection in the mirror. His normally composed expression changed to one of rage, the same as when his hair got wet. After he inhaled deeply, his expression returned to normal. He made sure his uniform was spotless and stain-free.
Darkness had already descended outside.
Stars twinkled brightly; some appeared even larger than the sun or moon.
In the spiral building of Earth Sector 20, Street 10, Lucian was speaking on a video call.
"Commander Jax, I want to join the Astra Federation Academy as an instructor. Is the previous offer still valid?" Lucian asked. He had just learned from his sister-in-law, Isla, that Kaizer had joined the academy.
At that time, he was investigating all available information about his son through his connection. He found out that his son was raised in a refugee camp in Earth Sector 80, and also some part of his memories was lost.
"Mr. Lucian, you have rejected our offer many times in the past. I understand why you want to join the Astra Federation Academy now—it is to meet your son. As a father, I can understand. But you must promise to fulfill your duty as an instructor and not give privileges to your son. Also, every instructor signs a ten-year contract," Jax said expressionlessly, the spaceship-like interior visible behind him.
"Understood," Lucian replied.
Jax was not surprised that Jax knew about his son. In the past, Lucian had leveraged connections from his role as an operations officer.