Races: Online (VR Smartphone App)

"I was just saying." Calum shrugged.

Russel shook his head in exasperation, whereas Teresa only giggled. Diov cracked a small grin at their reactions. "Yeah, he just is, Russel. No need to get offended."

"Not all of us are looking for a death-wish." Russel wagged his finger at them. "Being a teacher is also shaping a future generation... that's actually pretty cool."

"Is that what Professor Jeanne is telling you?" Teresa pursed her lips.

"That's a legitimate career, but only if Russel can pull his grades up." Diov pointed out.

"We don't have to talk about that now!"

"Hey, we were just teasing. If all things fail, you can work as a Mage who sends [ Messages ] around cities," Teresa said. "If I had any affinity with magic, that would be a cushy job... but what about you, Ellynn? Are you thinking about being an Adventurer? You always do great during classes under Professor Owen."

Ellynn suddenly looked up and blinked. "Well, I think... I've had enough adventures to last me a lifetime sometimes."

"Right, we were always curious about a Half Elf's age—" Russel received an elbow in the side.

"You don't ask women their age, geez." Teresa rolled her eyes. "And here I thought you'd gain more tact after last night."

"Ow, easy on the side." Russel winced.

And so they had their own agendas.

Different goals and dreams, only united by the same roof over their heads right now.

Han for once was only listening in to them and observing how their interaction played out.

He was often lost in his own thoughts, troubles, and concerns. Somehow such a thing made it almost impossible to care much about other people's own decisions.

Maybe on a superficial level he'd go on and greet them with 'hi and hello' but it was only now that he looked at them and realized he was missing so much.

This had been supposedly a game to him at first. It was Han Jing's chance to let loose. Be the hero to his own story, enjoy a chance to be someone new—wasn't that why he was here? A sense of self-fulfillment that called to him adventure and to something more.

He often neglected the fact that the people in front of him also probably shared similar thoughts. Maybe to them, he didn't mean much more to them besides an acquaintance.

And yet in moments like this one, he pondered and started looking much closer.

"It's strange. Lu Rei isn't here yet. We need to check up on her." Teresa frowned. "I hope she makes it to class."

Calum spoke up. "She assisted Sir Leon last night."

"Wait what?" Russel blinked. "When did that happen?"

Diov raised a brow. "When we were gone I suppose."

"He also asked me to help out in the student council."

"And did you?"

"Nah."

They were so much more than just a culmination of their Classes and Levels. His initial impressions could only capture so much of their side and the mould he tried to fit them in his mind was inaccurate at best and prejudicial at worst.

It was far too easy to get caught up in his own narrative.

Decide on the roles that each of these people played in his story, completely unaware of where he fit in theirs. Or maybe just not caring enough.

Calum was not just his stony exterior and one-word answers, the Archer also had his own sense of humor that got Russel a little upset at times.

Teresa's interest wasn't only in gossip but her consideration of others was admirable. And yeah, even people he thought were always just happy and chill could also have words that strike him in the guts.

"Are you okay Han? Is your head finally getting tired after studying too much?" Diov smirked slightly.

He didn't even remember this guy's name before!

Han placed his hands on the table and stood up. "I'm good. Just realized that classes are about to start and well..." These sentimental thoughts of him were a little embarrassing.

"Ugh, another lecture with High Mage Pierce, man... what if you punch me Diov and knock me to sleep?" Russel groaned and pushed his plate away. "I know it's nearly the Finals but I can't take it anymore."

"If you let me wear my spiked gauntlets, I don't see why not."

"Hey, not that—"

"Time to split up again then, we'll see you guys at lunch." Teresa interrupted the two guys and waved.

"Ah, I'm not sure if I can join..." Han started. "I might end up meeting the Blacksmith."

"Well, if Ellynn's not going with you, then come with us for lunch, alright?" Teresa shifted her gaze to Ellynn.

"If that's alright?" Ellynn answered.

Teresa nodded. "Yeah, of course. Russel here could learn a thing or two from you. He sucked so much last night. If you really had been with us, dealing with those men wouldn't have been a problem."

"Oh... I'd be happy to help."

Han frowned slightly. Maybe it just came out the wrong way. Honestly, it felt like they wanted to take advantage of Ellynn's skills and were being too opportunistic?

Which maybe should have been phrased better, that's all.

"You don't have to lie about that though." Teresa scratched the back of her neck. Her gaze shifted to the Primrose siblings already leaving the dining hall. "I mean, I heard that most of those studying in the Mage curriculum aren't fond of you... and well, er, you know?"

"She's trying to say that maybe we started at the wrong foot." Russel explained. "I mean, if we can handle Calum—you're way cooler."

"Then you should have been nicer from the start, Rus." Teresa rolled her eyes. "You're in her class."

"Yeah..." Russel coughed. "But Han's right, we're going to be late. Let's go now, all three of us. Magic supremacy group—let's go."

"Say that again when I have a sword in your butt, Russel." Teresa called out.

Ellynn blinked at the words. Han coughed and pretended he heard nothing. He was a little more surprised than anything, and didn't just imagine anything strange. But soon, all of them parted ways after a quick goodbye.