The lecture ended with the ringing of a soft bell echoing through the academy halls.
Students began to shuffle out, chatter filling the air again.
"Alright," Zane stretched with a yawn. "Next up—Weapon and Elemental Class. But first… food."
"Cafeteria?" Miranda asked, already gathering her things.
"Obviously," Zane said. "We've earned it."
Kirito nodded silently, standing as well.
As they all made to leave the class, Alex hesitated. That gnawing in his stomach had worsened. His energy was still tanking fast. The class had barely distracted him.
"You guys go ahead," Alex said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I'll catch up."
Zane raised a brow. "What, you skipping food now? You trying to stay mysterious or what?"
Alex forced a tired smile. "Just need to check something real quick."
Zane smirked. "Don't collapse on your way, Mr. Mysterious."
Miranda looked at him, concern knitting her brow. "You okay? You look pale."
"I'm fine," Alex lied. "I'll be there soon."
Kirito didn't say anything, but his eyes lingered on Alex for a second longer than necessary.
Suspicion.
They left eventually, and Alex turned on his heel, heading toward the academy's small convenience store tucked at the far end of the hall.
The moment he entered, his eyes scanned the cold shelf unit… until they landed on it.
Raw steak.
Thick. Red. Fresh.
His nostrils flared unconsciously. What should've made him gag instead made his mouth water.
He reached out slowly, hand trembling slightly as he picked up the vacuum-sealed pack.
"I can't believe this… I'm about to eat a raw steak. And it smells… good?"
He stared at the meat, a strange mix of disgust and hunger battling in his head.
"Guess I really am turning into a monster." He exhaled sharply. "No point overthinking it."
He glanced around—empty.
Then with a sharp grunt, he tore the seal open.
The moment the raw meat was exposed to air, something in him shifted.
His teeth sharpened. Razor-like. Jagged.
And before he could talk himself out of it, he sank his teeth in.
Warm blood. Cold meat. Savage hunger.
He devoured it like a beast.
And then—
DING!
> [System Notification]
Hunger: 9%(hunger level has been reduced)
Energy: 60% (+35%)
Ghoul instincts temporarily satisfied. You may now function at moderate capacity.
Note: Hunger will return faster without proper mana intake.
Alex dropped the empty wrapper, breathing heavily, crimson smudging the corner of his mouth.
"...That worked," he muttered.
But the satisfaction wasn't just physical. It was instinctual—dangerous.
"Guess that worked. Raw steak… who would've thought." He clenched his fists a little, testing the strength returning to him. It wasn't full recovery, but it was enough to move around normally.
Moments later, Alex made his way toward the cafeteria, where the others were already halfway through their meals. As he walked in, Zane's head turned first, followed by the rest.
"Well, well," Zane said with a mischievous grin, "look who's decided to join the living."
Miranda's eyes lit up with concern as she quickly stood. "Alex! You look better… how are you feeling now?"
Alex gave her a small, reassuring nod as he slid into the empty seat beside her. "Much better. Just needed some fresh air."
Kirito, seated across from him, narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly not convinced. "Fresh air? You were practically dying back there."
Alex just gave a half-shrug and quickly changed the subject. "So… what's next on our timetable?"
"Elemental and Weapon Class," Miranda answered, glancing at her digital schedule on her wristband.
"Obviously," Zane cut in, leaning back with his usual smug expression, "I'm going to the elemental class. Gotta keep up with the lightning legacy."
He raised his hand slightly, a faint spark of electricity crackling between his fingers before disappearing with a light snap.
Miranda nodded. "I'm joining that class too. I want to see how they handle water and ice abilities." She sounded genuinely excited.
Kirito finally spoke up, setting down his fork. "Weapon class for me. My family trained me with a sword since I could walk. I want to refine my skills."
All eyes turned to Alex, curiosity written across their faces.
"Well?" Zane smirked. "What about you, sleeping beauty?"
Alex rubbed the back of his neck and gave a small smile. "Weapon class. I'm a physical enhancement user, remember?"
Zane let out a small chuckle. "Oi oi, someone's feeling better already. Look at you, talking all confident like that."
Alex rolled his eyes playfully. "Just trying to keep up with a certain lightning show-off."
Everyone laughed, and for a moment, the tension from earlier seemed to dissolve. The group finished up their meals, the conversation drifting to which instructors they hoped to get and rumors they'd heard about training challenges.
After lunch, the group stood and began walking toward the main hall, where the paths to both classes split.
"Try not to sleep in the next class, Alex," Zane teased again, elbowing him lightly.
Alex grinned. "Only if you promise not to fry yourself during practice."
Miranda shook her head, amused. "You two are impossible."
Kirito remained mostly quiet, but he glanced at Alex one more time, a hint of suspicion still lingering in his gaze.
As they reached the junction, the four split into their respective directions