Chapter-13 Academy Hierarchy

The next day at 9:00 AM, When Lennox barely woke up still rubbing his eyes, he was greeted with a surprise of Theo sitting on his chair at the side of the room looking straight at him.

"Theo!" Lennox's voice rang out in surprise, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What's wrong with you? Why are you here?"

Theo couldn't contain his laughter, his amusement evident as he replied, "Ha! You should've seen your face."

Lennox's frustration was palpable as he demanded, "Theo, answer me. Why are you here, and how did you get in?"

With a nonchalant grin, Theo retorted, "What, you can enter my dorm, but I can't enter yours?"

Lennox shook his head, exasperated. "It's not about that," he said sharply. "It's about you entering my room while I was asleep."

Theo shrugged, his tone casual. "Oh, well, you don't have to worry about that because I didn't," he admitted, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Lennox let out a sigh of relief, though annoyance still lingered in his voice. "You're so annoying," he muttered 'but still if he didn't how did he get in?'

Suddenly, Theo's stomach rumbled loudly, a stark reminder of the situation. "Can you hurry up? I'm starting to get hungry, and you're already late for class," he said, his expression a mix of impatience and hunger.

Lennox's eyes flickered toward his alarm, only to realize that it had failed to rouse him from his slumber. Swiftly, he sprang out of bed, his senses instantly alert. Rushing to the bathroom, he indulged in a quick, refreshing shower before donning a fresh set of clothes. He then met Theo, and together, they made their way to the bustling heart of the cafeteria.

The cafeteria, with an impressive structure, with a fusion of tradition and technology. Lennox marveled at the seamless integration of nexus and technoglt. As they strolled through the halls, he couldn't help but notice the intriguing dichotomy in the architecture. The lower levels were plain, but as they ascended, the surroundings became progressively more advanced, embracing the sleek, modern, and sci-fi aesthetic that characterized the era.

Upon reaching the cafeteria, a grand space adorned with cutting-edge features, Lennox and Theo found themselves amidst an array of large tables, each capable of accommodating six individuals. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students chatted and laughed, forming a lively backdrop to their morning routine. 

However, as Lennox entered the room, an unexpected shift occurred. The crowd seemed to part as if making way for royalty, leaving a noticeable gap in their midst. Theo, always quick-witted, found humor in the situation and made light of the peculiar event. Undeterred, Lennox chose to ignore the whispers and stares of the other nexarc students.

After grabbing their breakfast, Theo looked around the cafeteria and suggested, "Why don't we go over there?" He pointed at an empty spot.

"No, let's go there," Lennox insisted, pointing to his corner.

"Are you sure?" Theo asked, his tone questioning. "There are more people there, but we don't have to go if you don't want to."

"Quit talking nonsense, just let's go," Lennox said, his impatience evident.

The two of them walked over and sat down, surprising everyone around. Grade 2 students weren't supposed to be in the cafeteria, let alone sitting with Lennox, as each grade had their designated areas for everything.

"I noticed that Kevin was missing, and when I went looking for him, I heard he was hospitalized because he got attacked brutally," Theo said, his eyes narrowing at Lennox suspiciously. "Do you have anything to do with that?"

Lennox looked genuinely surprised. "No, why would I? Didn't I say I was simply going to talk with him?"

"Yes, but after I told you what he did to me and about him, you just dashed out without saying anything," Theo pointed out.

Lennox hesitated before answering, "I had my reasons." In his thoughts, he added, 'Someone like that doesn't need to have power, especially after what he's done.'

"Okay," Theo replied skeptically, not entirely convinced by Lennox's explanation.

'If he talked to Kevin,' Theo wondered, his thoughts racing, 'I wonder what they discuss. But if he didn't, I just hope he didn't do anything that will get him in trouble.' Anxious thoughts swirled in his mind, as he knew that Lennox is serious and he would do whatever when he's determined to.

"Look, it's the student council president, Sarah," someone exclaimed excitedly, their voice carrying across the cafeteria. "The vice president and others are with her!"

Hearing the other Nexus students shouting in awe, A round of applause echoed through the hall Lennox and Theo looked up simultaneously. Their eyes met the captivating sight of Sarah, the newly elected Student Council president. Every year, a new student president are selected for Grade 1, and Sarah had been chosen for her unparalleled leadership qualities. The admiration in the room was palpable as she walked in with confidence, flanked by her team, her presence commanding attention and respect.

Lenox's eyes remained fixed on the newly appointed Student Council members. A sense of awe and admiration hung in the air from the other nexarcs students, Sarah, the President, exuded grace and determination, her eyes reflecting the weight of responsibility she now bore. Beside her stood Vice President Malik, whose keen mind and quick wit. He inclined his head, acknowledging the resounding applause with a warm smile.

And then there was Kairo, the Secretary, His ability to mediate and inspire others was evident, and he carried himself with an air of quiet confidence that resonated with the crowd. With a simple nod.

These exceptional individuals, carefully chosen to lead their peers, embodied the values of unity, wisdom, and strength. They had earned their positions either through ascending to a higher rank or by demonstrating outstanding merit in the academy, showcasing their skills and abilities to the fullest, inspiring other nexarcs to try become one of them one day because those positon have a lot of benefits.

'Could I ever be like them?' Lennox wondered, his thoughts drifting to the student council members. 'But also, why would I ever want to be like them?'

"Nox, isn't it cool to be the student president?" Theo said in awe, his eyes reflecting his admiration. However, he couldn't help but notice Lennox's plain expression.

"Why would it be?" Lennox countered. "Just staying in the same position, doing nothing."

"True, but there more adventures you could help others, guide them, be a friend to those struggling," Theo mused, his voice filled with a sense of idealism.

"Why would I help or be their friend when they can't help me or others?" Lennox replied, his skepticism evident. His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of his guarded nature and the challenges he faced in trusting others.

Suddenly the Vice President, turned his attention toward them. His eyebrow raised in curiosity, and he started walking purposefully in their direction. The crowd seemed torn between following Malik and staying to witness the unfolding scene with the other Student Council members.

Theo leaned over to Lennox, his voice barely audible above the murmurs of the surrounding students. "I think he's coming over here... Do you think he heard you?" he whispered.

"Even if he heard me, what can he do just because I stated an opinion," Lennox thought, trying to shake off his unease.

As Malik approached them, his gaze shifted between Theo and Lennox. "You are... Theon, right?" he asked, his eyes scanning Theo.

"Yes, Vice President. What can I do for you, if I might ask?" Theo responded, his tone respectful but tinged with curiosity. "What does the Vice President want with me?"

Malik raised his glass, the light reflecting into Lennox's eyes almost intentionally. "So... why is the class clown of Class 3 doing in the lower-grade cafeteria?" he said, his tone dripping with insinuation. Then, his gaze shifted to Lennox. "And no less with an Emberflare," he added in a hushed whisper.

Theo chuckled slightly. "Well, I'm glad you know me so well," he said, his voice laced with amusement.

Theo placed his hand on Lennox's shoulder, causing him to meet Theo's intense gaze. As Theo was about to remove his hand, he hesitated, deciding to keep it there, a silent message that he would stand by Lennox even when others disliked him. Malik raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unspoken exchange.

"Well, you see, I had to explore the new Grade 1, and I found my new friend here, Lennox," Theo said cheerfully.

Malik looked at Lennox. "Since he's your friend... I heard him talking bad about the Student Council," he said, his tone shifting into a threat. "Can you keep your friend in line, or will he be corrected?"

"What..." Theo began, but Lennox cut him off, his voice firm.

"Are you threatening me because I dislike the Student Council?" Lennox asked, his words sharp.

"No... it doesn't sound like you dislike it, but..." Malik's voice grew louder, capturing the attention of others around them. "But... you said we're just staying in the same position doing nothing. It seems to me like you think we do nothing for the academy or think we're useless." The challenge in Malik's words hung in the air, demanding a response.

"What did you just say? the Vice President said about the Student Council staying in the same position doing nothing?" someone repeated incredulously.

"Yeah, that damn Emberflare thinks that the Student Council does nothing for the Academy," another voice chimed in, expressing disbelief.

"Doesn't he know that the Student Council goes on missions and quests for the Academy, helping with our resources?" someone else added, their frustration evident.

The crowd around Sarah, the President, overheard what Malik said and became angry. Lennox, about to face an onslaught, felt tension building in the air. Just as he was about to respond, Sarah stepped forward.

"Everyone, calm down. I'm sure our friend here is just misinformed," Sarah announced, her voice firm but soothing.

Approaching Lennox, she smiled brightly, trying to diffuse the situation. "Sorry, my friend, but you are severely misinformed," she said, her tone gentle yet convincing.

"I'm not misinformed, and I don't need your so-called correction," Lennox retorted, his voice defiant.

"Well... I'm sure soon you will be informed and corrected," Sarah said i a hinting tone, maintaining her composure. With a signal to the others, she left the cafeteria, leaving behind the still-angry crowd.

As the Student Council members departed, Lennox slowly walked out of the cafeteria, Theo trailing behind him. In Lennox's mind, he wasn't worried about what Sarah and Malik had said.

"Nox, you just made enemies with the Student Council... Won't this cause problems for you?" Theo asked, his concern evident.

Lennox shrugged, his expression unwavering. "It won't cause any trouble. If they want to stay as the Student Council should," he said, his voice calm, 'whenever they decide to do anything, I just have to be somewhere they'll get caught,' he thought, his confidence unwavering.

"Okay... I've got to go to class. Just be careful," Theo said, his worry lingering.

Lennox and Theo fist-bumped each other, a silent gesture of solidarity, before they both went to their respective classes.