Cafeteria.

In the bustling aftermath of the language class, students darted in different directions. Some made a beeline for the cafeteria, others wandered back to the dorms, exploiting the generous two-hour break before the next class. The murmur of conversations and the patter of footsteps filled the hallways.

Zero, Mike, Kayla, and Camila chose the café. The establishment boasted a modern interior with polished wood tables, metal-framed chairs, and ambient lighting from minimalist chandeliers. Vibrant, comfortable nooks with cushioned seating dotted the perimeter. The aroma of freshly cooked meals mixed with the heady scent of brewing coffee.

The group found a table near a window, the sunlight streaming in illuminating the array of food they ordered. Mike's choice was a classic: a succulent, perfectly grilled burger paired with a generous portion of golden, crispy fries. Kayla and Camila, showcasing their love for Korean cuisine, opted for Bibimbap - a colorful dish of rice, seasoned vegetables, and a spicy chili paste, topped with a glossy egg. On the side, they had fermented kimchi, its tanginess a perfect complement. Zero, ever the one to indulge in luxuries, selected a tender steak, its juices sealed beneath a crusty sear.

In the midst of savoring his steak, Zero's thoughts drifted to the peculiar system of the academy. 'Even though the food here is good, there's more to it than just taste,' he contemplated. To an outsider, it might seem like a simple cafeteria meal, but to the students of the academy, it was a daily reminder of the hierarchy.

Every dish, every morsel was a representation of one's standing. The academy, with its peculiar ways, had devised a system to foster competition even in sustenance. As the top-ranking student, Zero had no restrictions, no limits. 'In essence,' he mused, 'I could devour steaks endlessly if I chose to.'

However, from the second rank onwards, the academy imposed constraints. Those ranked between two to ten received a daily balance of 100 units. The economics of it played in his mind: a steak would cost 35 units, nearly a third of their balance, while the burger and fries combo took away 20 units. The Bibimbap, along with its side of kimchi, was 15 units.

His thoughts meandered to those students ranked between eleven to twenty. They had a tighter budget, only 75 units. And the ones from twenty-one to forty? A mere 50 units. Zero understood the psychology behind it. 'It's not just about food,' he realized, 'it's about ambition, motivation. just like in the real world, those who hold power can do anything they want.'

As Zero was lost in his thoughts about the academy's food system, Mike's casual tone pulled him back. "Hey, Kayla, Camila, how are you finding the fourth-floor rooms?" Mike asked genuine curiosity was shown in his voice. While he and Zero, as top-tier students, resided in the upper echelons, Kayla and Camila's ranking landed them a floor below.

Kayla, her tone enthusiastic but restrained, replied, "It's pretty good, actually. And I must say, the bathroom's got some nice touches!"

Camila added, her voice tinged with a hint of pride, "Plus, the view from our side? It's lovely, especially during sunset."

Hearing Kayla's and Camila's appreciation for their rooms, a thought surfaced in Zero's mind. 'Of course, they'd have such a refined perspective.

Both of them hail from prosperous backgrounds.' Kayla's father held a prominent position in a significant English company, while her mother directed operations at another major corporation.

Camila's lineage was no less impressive: her parents owned a thriving business specializing in international trade and transport.

And Mike, well, his parents' success story is also well known. 'Different worlds, different perspectives,' Zero mused internally.

Mike chuckled, breaking Zero's train of thought, "Sounds great! But, you should pop by and check out our space sometime. It's a different experience altogether. What do you say, Zero?"

Zero, pausing to choose his words, responded, "It's... comfortable. Maybe a bit more than necessary."

Kayla, leaning in with a teasing smile, said, "Sounds like you two are living in a palace up there!"

Mike laughed, "Not quite a palace, but close!"

Camila, with a slightly arched eyebrow and a teasing lilt to her voice, remarked, "Sounds like an invite to me. Maybe we should plan a little room tour later?"

Mike smirked, "By all means, consider it an open invitation."

As the four continued their meal, the ever-observant Kayla and Camila exchanged a knowing glance. They had heard tales of the luxurious accommodations of NSE Academy's top-tier students. If they, as fifth and seventh rankers, found their quarters impressive, how much more lavish could Zero's and Mike's rooms be?

Shifting the conversation slightly, Zero inquired, "By the way, Mike, which room did they assign you?"

Mike took a sip of his drink before responding, "511. How about you, Zero?"

Zero nodded, "507. Have you had a chance to meet any of our floor-mates?"

Mike paused, seemingly recalling his recent encounters, "Yeah, Carl's right next door in 512, and there's this girl, Aurelia Storm, in 510. I believe she's from Class 4."

Camila's and Kayla's eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Aurelia's name, causing Mike to ask, "You two know her?"

Kayla replied, clearing her throat, "We bumped into her during the first physical exam. Had a brief chat."

Mike, ever the curious one, leaned forward slightly, "Oh? What's the verdict? Is she friendly?"

Camila chuckled, "Well, 'friendly' might be an overstatement. She's... intriguing, to say the least."

Mike grinned, "Intriguing?"

Kayla answered, "she is quite confident for her skills"

Mike, upon hearing Kayla's description, quirked an eyebrow, "Arrogant, huh? But coming from top-ranking students, I guess a touch of confidence is expected. And Orion Hale? I've heard of him."

Kayla, twirling her fork in her bibimbap, continued, "Both Orion and Aurelia have been pretty inseparable since their initial academy days. They're not just friends; they're like a force to be reckoned with when they team up."

Camila chimed in, "True. I've seen them during the second phase of the physical exam. Their coordination is... unmatched."

Mike, his curiosity piqued, redirected his focus to Zero. "So, who's living next to you? Made any new pals?"

Zero took a moment, then said, "Rooms 506 and 508, Liam Fortis and Seraphina Aelius. Both from Class 2. Liam's ranked second, and Seraphina's third."

Camila leaned in, "Liam Fortis? The same guy who's rumored to be unbeatable in strategy games on the first floor of the arcade?"

Zero nodded, "Well I don't know about that, Haven't been to the arcade.."

Kayla, Mike, and Camilla all seem surprised.

Kayla looks at zero, " We invited you on Saturday but you didn't read any of our texts"

Camilla continued, "yea we tried calling you also."

Zero answered, "Sorry I wasn't available on Saturday."

Mike then spoke. "Let's go there if you have the time zero."

Zero nodded, "Sure."

Mike, attempting to lighten the mood, teased, "Don't cry if you lose to me in the shooting game."

Zero only smiled.

As the group continued their jovial banter, discussing classmates, teachers, and some recent academy gossips, the bell's resonant chime echoed through the cafeteria, signaling the commencement of the next set of classes.

Students began to shuffle, preparing to move to their next destinations. The next phase of the day would see them diving into the realms of Geography, delving into the intricacies of Social Studies, and then concluding with the ever-dynamic Physical Education. The day was far from over.