A father's rage

Asahi stopped in his tracks, shocked that his professor would ask him such a personal question.

'Is he truly interested in Rumi?' He thought as he grabbed a handful of the hem of his shirt.

Pushing that thought aside, he forced a smile, "is there a reason you are concerned about what I feel?"

When he saw Tenji smile, it only boosted his anxiety but he refused to respond.

Giving his feelings away was like drawing a line with Tenji–the very one he wasn't sure if he also shared the same feelings as he did for Rumi.

'Keep it to yourself and see how things go on from there.' Asahi comforted himself in his thoughts.

They were just a few meters away from the door, seeing his family's Portuids stationed outside the gates, his emotions were instantly deflated.

"I assume that's your ride?" Tenji had guessed as he observed the Portuids.

A Portuids was known as the only luxurious vehicle owned by the rich or noble families, using mana to keep it hovering 1½ feet off the ground.

This was the quickest mode of transportation in all of Meiji as it works as a form of local or interdimensional mode of transportation.

The richer and higher grade score one gets for an upgrade on the designated areas given by the sorcerer supreme, the wider range of transportation access granted.

Nodding his head and confirming his professor's claim, he gave a final bow in hopes that he could get the sense of his need to leave.

"It is okay, I'm just glad that you're fine."

Asahi nodded his head, anxious with the chauffeur giving a cold glare his way.

'Shoot!' Asahi nodded his head and hoped that the discussion had ended.

Turning to leave in a hurry, he was stopped by Tenji's hand on his shoulder.

'I'm dead! Yeah, that's it, father would have my head on a platter.' Asahi dreaded any more delays.

Switching his gaze from his chauffeur, Kan, and Tenji. Asahi was torn about listening to what his professor had to say.

"I understand you might be having strains in your family, but I would want to continue with the training we had, alongside Rumi."

At the mention of Rumi as a bargaining chip, he frowned and shrugged off the hold on his shoulder.

He still had not forgiven Rumi for her previous action, even after he had gotten treated in the infirmary, a part of him wished she would visit him.

"I would appreciate it if you don't bring up Rumi to catfish me into sealing a deal with you." Asahi hissed in irritation.

Tenji was stunned for a while, realizing he had made a mistake by mentioning her name.

"I don't know what went wrong with you two, but I hope you can put the differences aside and consider accepting the offer." Tenji offered his hand for a shake.

Asahi stared at Tenji's hand, 'as if I would leave out an opportunity to be stronger and rapidly increase my grade score.'

There was still the weekly presentation they had to participate in, with Dai still suspended, he needed to prove himself on how strong he would have gotten before D-Day.

Hurriedly taking the gesture, Asahi retracted his hand and walked backward– a step away from the gate.

Giving a salute to Tenji, he flashed a smile to his chauffeur who opened the door for him to get in the vehicle.

Kasai is a tall and slender man with pale skin, red eyes, and bright red hair, worn in a low ponytail that extends to his mid-back.

He wears a black dress shirt, a white vest, and a black ascot with a gold gem. Over this, he dons a black coat with black pants which are embellished with chains on his right thigh.

Asahi held his grin, "nice boots, are they new?"

Kasai narrowed his eyes as he looked at his cuffed, dark brown boots.

'I guess that's a yes.' Asahi shrugged, unconcerned.

He was already accustomed to Kasai's stern expression.

Waving at Tenji as he walked past them. He hoped to liven his mood before getting into his ride.

"Enjoy the weekend, if you feel the need to start up quickly, you know the magic word." Returning the favor, Tenji had a smug look and walked by.

Watching the back of Tenji, Asahi's mood instantly fell and he let out a sigh of exasperation. 'The offer just got a hell of a lot more tempting.'

"What was he talking about?" Kasai's cold voice broke through Asahi's inner thoughts.

Rolling his eyes to the question, he chose not to respond and got in the backseat. "Could we just go?"

The Portuids' black, matte finish and elegant, white trim blended in with the intricacy of the interior.

"Hmm..." Kasia could sense something off with his nascent master but refrained from speaking more on it.

Closing the door, Kasai got to the front seat. He then placed his hand on the steering wheel.

The Portuids' interior lights and the exterior lights were automatically turned on when he channeled his mana into it.

"Where would you like to go first, nascent master?"

Resting the side of his face on his palm as he stared out the window, Asahi knew he had no option to choose the designated area of his choice, not while his father had placed Kasai in charge of the wheels.

"Just take me home, as always."

Nodding his head to the order, he clicked on the destination on the little translucent screen in front of him.

Swhp!

*****

In Asahi's father's study,

Smack!

Asahi's face was forced to the side by his father's slap.

He gritted his teeth as he cursed in his thoughts. With hands clenched to keep his sanity in check.

Slowly straightening his posture, he reluctantly looked at his father–Handa Mikan.

Stern brown eyes glared at him in rage as he barked out, "how dare you skip class?!"

Asahi bit on his bottom lip, confused as to how the information had gotten to the knowledge of his father.

Thinking of a plausible explanation that wouldn't cause a scene for Tenji.

'Since he couldn't have gotten the information from the infirmary, I still have a chance at this.' Asahi made a mental note as he had gotten the perfect explanation he could give.

Exhaling, he composed his thoughts, 'I have nothing to lose!'

*****

A/N

Thank you [Murphy_] for your help in giving me the brilliant name for the hover vehicle (in the discord channel) in this chapter.

Thank you [Donutsaurio] for your wonderful contribution in taking out your time to help me out in this. You've been a loyal reader/friend I've made while on this writing journey.

I would really appreciate your comments and support of this novel with your power stones on Webnovel. Your active comments would motivate me to write more chapters.

Discord server link which has the character reference of all main descriptions of my characters ┐

https://discord.gg/NhMzNqgzwn

¶ How would you explain your situation if you were in Asahi's shoes?

¶ Do you think his father would accept his explanation?