Zephyr stood outside the infirmary, fists clenched and teeth grinding as the sting of the nurse's words lingered. His body ached from Lunethra's attack, the burns on his arms pulsing with each heartbeat despite the aid of those bandage. He took a deep breath, forcing the frustration back down. Right now, there were more pressing matters—like finding food.
His stomach growled audibly, a sharp reminder that he hadn't eaten since...well, he couldn't even remember. Ignoring the judgmental glances from passing students, he whipped out his phone and navigated to the map. His fingers traced the screen until the cafeteria icon blinked to life.
"Finally," he muttered, and began his long tiring trek.
---
The cafeteria was a sprawling marvel of glass and steel, towering windows stretching from floor to ceiling and flooding the space with natural light. Long metallic tables filled the main hall, neatly arranged to allow for both space and movement. The ceiling arched high above, dotted with suspended lights that mimicked the warm glow of sunlight, casting an inviting ambiance over the large area, despite the vastness and the sweet aroma that was drifting around, they was no one here.
At the far end, multiple food stations served a variety of cuisines, each marked by floating holographic menus that flickered with real-time updates as dishes were prepared. Zephyr squinted up at the menus, his eyes scanning the options.
His steps froze when he could sight of the holographic menus displaying the prize of the food he intended to get.
"Pastry sounds good, yeah that will do". Without bothering to stick around he went outside of the cafeteria cursing at the school and entered the little cafe beside it.
To the left of the cafeteria, separated by an archway draped with ivy and soft lantern lights, stood a café—The Solstice Brew. Unlike the cafeteria's bustling atmosphere, the café exuded a quiet serenity. Wooden beams gave it a rustic charm, while low-hanging lights bathed each table in warm, amber hues. Shelves lined with rare tomes and potted plants gave it an almost arcane feel, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air.
Zephyr sighed, pushing through the café doors with a soft chime. A few scattered students sat hunched over newspapers or quietly chatting, non taking a single glance at who just walked in. He settled in on an empty seat, wincing as his sore muscles protested. His body was still a mess—sweaty, bruised, and aching from Lunethra's attack that barely even touched him. Even though the café was slightly cool, his skin still burned with lingering pain.
He picked up the menu lying on the table—a sleek tablet displaying options for pastries and drinks, with tiny checkboxes to select items. Using the digital pen attached to it, he tapped on two muffins and a coffee. The muffins were five credits each, and the coffee was ten. Not much, but with no clue how to earn more credits, he knew he had to be frugal.
A few minutes later, a young girl with brown hair delivered his order with a polite nod. The muffins were the size of a mug, but despite the size the muffins disappeared in seconds, barely a breath between bites, and soon enough, he was left sipping the coffee, glaring at its warmth as if it were the cause of his lingering hunger.
"How can I get more food?" he muttered under his breath.
"Recent observations show that students tend to form groups with their classmates to hunt. I recommend you join them or hunt alone," a genderless voice chimed from his phone.
Zephyr almost choked on his coffee. "Since when can you talk?"
"Since I was installed on your device. I am your assistant, designed to aid you during your time at the academy. You can call me Elden."
He raised an eyebrow, deciding to let the AI assistant's sudden presence slide. "What was that about hunting?"
"You can hunt in the Academy Forest," Elden replied smoothly. "It's designed to help students who struggle financially. Hunting beasts there can earn you food and credits. However, it is recommended to hunt in groups due to the dangers present."
Zephyr scoffed. "And whose fault is that". The academy gave them credits that wasn't enough for a single meal and still have the guts to provide that kind of financial solutions to the financial problems of the students. "And it's not like anyone in my dorm would team up with me."
"Then I suggest you hunt alone," Elden replied, voice unchanging.
"Hunt alone I don't even have access to wooden weapons, not to talk of real blade". Remembering the incident back in that booth Zephyr nearly bit the mug in half.
'Expensive bastards'.
After raging in his mind he processed Elden's words. Hunt in the Academy Forest? Alone? His body was already aching from Lunethra's attack, and the idea of fighting beasts for food seemed less like an opportunity and more like a death sentence.
"I recommend you take a loan".
"A loan". Zephyr asked with uncertainty in his voice. He has his own fair of loans back on earth and it wasn't a good experience.
"Affirmative". Elden replied smoothly.
"Hmm give me the full picture".
A holographic screen materialized from his phone, displaying rows of neatly organized numbers and terms. Elden continued, "You may borrow up to 50,000 credits. However, the interest rate is fixed at 20% per month, compounded weekly. Missed payments will result in a penalty of 5% of the borrowed amount added to your debt."
Zephyr's eyes widened. "Twenty percent? Weekly compounding? That's a damn rip-off!". Zephyr raged at his assistant. "If this isn't fraud I don't know what is".
Elden's voice remained emotionless. "The terms are non-negotiable, and standard for all students who opt for financial aid. Would you like me to proceed with the loan application?"
Zephyr stared at the screen, weighing his options. His body still ached, and the thought of facing Lunethra again, starving and broken, made his stomach turn. He clenched his fists, eyes narrowing with determination. "Screw it. I'll take it. Give me all 50,000 credits."
'At least if I can't pay they won't arrest me and put me in prison...right?".
"Understood," Elden responded immediately. "50,000 credits have been transferred to your account. Repayment will begin in seven days. Enjoy your time at the academy."
Zephyr stared at his phone as his balance updated instantly. 50,080 credits glowed brightly on the screen, mocking him with its fleeting promise of comfort. His fists clenched, determination and frustration warring within him.
But first thing first.
"I am aching for a good meal".