As Mia exited the classroom, the door clicked shut. The moment it closed, Ashok rose from his seat, his movements smooth, unhurried.
The watchful eyes of the other students trailed his actions, their curiosity evident—but he paid them no mind.
Sliding his hands into his pockets, he strode toward the second gate of the classroom.
There was nothing more to do here.
The lessons would begin tomorrow, and today's matters had run their course.
Ashok's priorities were clear—breakfast first, then training.
His mind wandered briefly.
'I wonder what's on the menu today.'
With the credits he had now, he no longer had to settle for the free meal the Academy provided.
This time, he had options.
And with alcohol, breakfast was shaping up to be something worth savoring.
The quiet hum of shifting seats and hushed whispers faded behind him as he neared the exit. His footsteps remained steady, unfaltering, as he passed the last row of benches, turning toward the gate—
And then, suddenly—
