40 The Breaking News!

Zed's cheeks twitched. He couldn't even refute her because he actually planned to do some of the stuff Claudia mentioned. Otherwise, why would he agree to Lager Kestone's request for judging the pageant?

"Claudia, I am getting late so ready a hovercar," Zed changed the topic. He regretted his decision of giving her a free thought process.

[[Understood.]]

Zed arrived at the garage containing dozens of vehicles. There were bikes, normal cars, racing cars, and hovering cars.

Zed made himself comfortable in a red hovercar and quickly left the community area. 

--------

The campus of Royal Heart Academy was established over some 9,000 acres of land in the inner circle of Delta City. It went without saying that the academy has the best infrastructure the money could offer since it was where the children of rich and powerful studied.

There were various buildings on the campus suiting the different needs of students such as genetic lab, business management, training center, tournament hall, etc.

In the present age, the education of the mutants wasn't limited to just teaching them how to control their abilities or use them in combat. Just being strong wouldn't result in success as the society was run by a government.

There were wars but of small scales mainly between various mysterious factions, mafia, corporates, and World Government. Obviously, there were criminals abusing their abilities but they were usually hunted down.

There were two large exceptions in situations where the rules of the government were totally ignored. One was 'Nation of Terrorist' and the other was mysterious lands like Amazon Rainforest, Paradox Dimension, and other such places that the government wasn't able to infiltrate.

At least, that's how the public knowledge went.

The Royal Heart Academy promised to make the allover progression of their students, no matter whether it was their abilities or intelligence.

After verifying his identity, Zed drove to the parking area.

-----

It has been three years since Zed has joined the academy. While he gained the Cosmic Spark four years ago and his first appearance as Kiba was three and half years ago, he joined academy later so as to make sure there was enough interval between each event just in the worst-case scenario.

This was also why he has propagated various rumors regarding how 'Zed' gained his fortune.

Zed entered the canteen area for breakfast. Most people's attention was on the holographic TV projector displaying news. News regarding the missile test in the wasteland, slaughter in the slum, chemical bombing in Sakura City, etc.

He moved towards a table where a stunning female in her early twenties was sitting. The female was absolutely gorgeous with fair complexion and black hair, but there was no lust inside Zed's eyes.

Who could be such a female if not Felicity?

"You look weak," Felicity placed her right hand on his forehead before continuing, "Your body is fine and yet you appear to be exhausted. That's why I always tell you to engage in thrill games where your body can get perfect exercise!"

Zed made himself comfortable in a chair opposite to her and replied, "I didn't get enough sleep otherwise I am fine."

Felicity gave a cold snort and said, "I can never understand why you don't get enough sleep even though you are always at your home."

Felicity then ordered food for two keeping in mind Zed's 'poor' health.

Zed was worried she will lecture him again so he decided to divert the topic, "What were you doing yesterday?"

"I have to hang out in a boring party at White Angel Corporation," With a deep sigh, she continued," God, my father thinks I will find a boyfriend if I go to such events."

Zed smiled at her predicament. No one knew it better than him for what she wanted in her life. She only cared for the thrill in her life...the thrill of beating death. It was a different matter that she liked to force her thrill adventures on him as well, much to his displeasure.

"I did meet that Kiba guy," Felicity said after thinking of yesterday's events.

"Oh? What was your impression of him?" Zed asked.

"Well, he was a fine guy," Felicity thought for a moment before continuing, "The thing I liked about him was his thrill-seeking habit. He always has affairs with the wives and daughters of rich and powerful people! That's how a true man should be!"

"I am sure he doesn't think like that," Zed reasoned.

"You are wrong! Always courting death is the perfect way to spend a life!"

Zed's expression turned awkward as he said, "I guess your impression of him is good."

"I don't really care about him but since he agreed to a request of mine, I have no choice but to think he is a good guy," Felicity replied in a nonchalant manner.

Zed didn't want to think about the request. Just the thought of the request made him have a headache.

How was he supposed to do an impossible task like 'Kiba having a man-to-man conversation with Zed' in front of her?

"What request?" Zed asked to avoid suspicions.

"It was a personal request so I can't share details. Let me just say that I will be able to die without any worries if Kiba fulfills my request," Felicity answered while not bothering to explain further.

Zed turned silent. He knew how much Felicity cared for him. This was why he agreed to her impossible request in the Kiba form.

The relationship between him and Felicity wasn't of romantic love or lust but of friendship. A friendship that has turned into a familial love...

He was the type of person who wouldn't risk his life for anyone, but he knew if Felicity was in danger, he would help her even if it cost him his life.

Felicity has given him something that no one ever could: a sense of belonging. For her, Zed was an annoying younger brother she has to protect till her last breath. This attitude made her the most precious part of his life.

"I hope Kiba fulfills your request!" Zed exclaimed. He knew he has to find a way to fulfill her request while also making sure she doesn't visit the Paradox Dimension and risk her life.

"He should for his own good otherwise I will cut his balls," Felicity said seriously.

"I should worry about my protection instead of hers!" Zed bitterly thought.

-----

The waiter placed the breakfast dishes on the table.

Zed and Felicity ate the food when they suddenly felt pin drop silence. They noticed everyone was staring at the TV.

"You heard it right! And we are not kidding since this news is regarding one of the strongest mutants in Delta City!" The female anchor on the TV excitedly said, "Kiba is about to become a father!"

Zed choked up with the food he was eating.

"Why are you choking with emotions instead of Kiba?" Felicity asked after handing him a glass of water.

"I-I..." Zed didn't know how to reply. He once again focused his attention on the TV.

"Soon we will have a special guest who would share the exciting details regarding the love affair between Kiba and the mother of his unborn child! Everything after a short commercial break!"

Zed: "........................."