Apologize

"Alright, Ellora, I think that's enough for this morning," Professor Fei Zhang said as we wrapped up our morning lesson. "We'll continue after lunch."

When the break started, I decided to head to the cafeteria. I wasn't a fan of crowds, but I needed the energy. The cafeteria was filled with the mouthwatering aromas of various foods. I found a seat away from the busy area, hoping to enjoy my meal in peace.

But, of course, that peace didn't last long. Not long after I sat down, I could feel eyes on me again. Whispers started, and a few curious students began to approach. They hesitated at first, but eventually, one of them worked up the courage to speak.

"Ellora Evernoir, right? Is it true you won against the hero descendants in the 9th Commander selection?"

I nodded slightly, not eager to continue the conversation. But that brief response only fueled their excitement.

"Did you really defeat Madalyn Naventhius? And Charlotte too?" another voice chimed in, closer this time. They began to crowd around me, making me feel like a caged animal surrounded by predators.

I looked at them one by one, trying to suppress the irritation rising within me. The questions kept coming, more boldly now, as if I were some spectacle they needed to dissect. "What was it like beating them? What technique did you use? How are you so strong?"

I felt the urge to stand up and leave, but I knew that would only make them more curious. So, I stayed seated, trying to ignore them and focus on my food. The chatter around me became a faint background noise, like the buzzing of annoying flies.

Finally, one of the students tried to get my attention again. "You must have a secret, right? How did you control the magical atomic resonance so perfectly that you could defeat the hero descendants?"

I sighed and put down my spoon. "I don't have any secrets," I said coolly, looking at them with a calm expression. "I just did what I've been trained to do. If you spent more time practicing instead of bothering me, maybe you could reach the same level."

The once-comfortable cafeteria had turned into a noisy, chaotic scene. Question after question kept coming, making me feel trapped in a storm. I was growing more and more annoyed, but I kept my composure. They thought I enjoyed all this attention, but all I wanted was to disappear from their sight.

Suddenly, a different sound cut through the noise—a pair of soft footsteps, accompanied by the hush of fading whispers around me. I looked up to see Akira Yoshitsuki, a senior well-known at the academy, approaching with his sister, Nadeshiko, guiding him. Akira was an exceptional student, his magical prowess and combat skills making him a respected figure. Despite being blind, he could "see" more than most people with perfect vision.

As they neared, the students around me began to retreat. Akira and Nadeshiko's presence seemed to give them a reason to leave. Maybe they felt uneasy around Akira, with his formidable reputation, or perhaps they were just embarrassed for having crowded me so much. Whatever the reason, I was relieved as the crowd finally dispersed.

Akira stopped in front of me, and although his eyes weren't on me, I knew he was fully aware of my presence. Nadeshiko, as usual, remained silent, offering a warm smile. Her smile always had a calming effect, like she carried tranquility wherever she went.

"Ellora," Akira said, his voice calm and warm. "Looks like you've got some fans."

I smiled slightly, appreciating his lighthearted tone. "Yeah, though I didn't ask for their attention," I replied with a sigh.

Nadeshiko took a seat next to me, and Akira followed, orienting himself by the sound of her steps. He then turned toward me. "You've really stirred things up at the academy, Ellora. Winning the 9th Commander selection wasn't something easily overlooked. Naturally, the students are curious."

"I know," I said, meeting Akira's gaze even though I knew he couldn't see me. "But sometimes, I wish they'd just leave me alone. They make so many assumptions without really understanding what happened."

Akira nodded slowly, as if he understood more than I was saying. "People tend to do that. They're always looking for quick answers to complex situations. But don't worry. Over time, their attention will fade, especially when they realize there's more to focus on here than just winning a fight."

I found myself calming down with Akira's words. Despite his blindness, he had a way of seeing the world from a broader perspective. Maybe it was because of his limitations that he could understand others better than those with perfect sight.

Nadeshiko continued to smile, her warm gaze focused on us. I had heard that Nadeshiko rarely spoke, but her expressions always conveyed her feelings clearly.

After a moment, I gathered the courage to express my gratitude. "Akira, thank you. Your presence made them back off. It really helped."

Akira smiled faintly and shook his head. "No need to thank me, Ellora. It wasn't a big deal. Besides, I know what it's like to be at the center of unwanted attention. At this academy, we all carry our own burdens. If I can, I want to help lighten those burdens for others."

"I agree," Nadeshiko added in her soft voice. It was the first time she'd spoken since they arrived, and her gentle, caring tone made me smile.

I felt something different being around them—a sense of peace that I rarely experienced with others. Akira and Nadeshiko seemed to understand without needing many words, and they didn't pressure me to be someone I wasn't.

"How was your class today?" Akira asked, changing the subject. "Are you getting used to the environment here?"

I thought for a moment before answering. "The classes are interesting, though most of the material I've already learned before. But I enjoy the way they teach here. They focus on details I sometimes miss when studying on my own."

"That's good," Akira nodded. "Here, we're always learning something new, even when we think we know it all."

I nodded in agreement. This academy was indeed designed for those who already had talent, but also for those who wanted to hone their skills to a higher level. I felt grateful to be learning in a place like this.

We talked about various things—from the classes we were taking to our favorite foods in the cafeteria. Akira enthusiastically shared his experience trying a new menu item last week, while Nadeshiko added sweet, brief comments during our conversation. I felt at ease talking with them, as if we had been friends for a long time.

Suddenly, the sound of determined footsteps approached our table. I turned to see Madalyn Naventhius and Chris Ireshia walking toward us. Madalyn looked as confident as ever, her aura commanding attention, while Chris walked beside her with an expression that was hard to read.

Madalyn seemed surprised when she saw Akira sitting with me. Her eyes widened slightly before her expression returned to calm. "Akira and Nadeshiko? I didn't expect to see you here," she said, her voice a bit stiff.

Akira turned toward the sound of Madalyn's voice, smiling warmly. "Madalyn, it's good to see you. It's been a while since our last combat strategy class, hasn't it?"

Madalyn looked a bit uneasy, though she tried to hide it by lifting her chin a little higher. "Yes, that's right. I didn't expect to find you in the cafeteria at this hour."

Nadeshiko, sitting beside Akira, watched Madalyn and Chris with a gaze that was hard to read. Her usually gentle eyes were now cold and piercing, as if she could see right through them. I could feel the tension starting to build between us.

Chris hesitated before finally speaking up. "May we sit with you?" he asked, his tone softer than usual.

"Of course," I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Madalyn and Chris pulled out chairs and sat across from us. For a moment, there was silence, filled only with the sounds of conversations from other tables around us. I could feel the tension hanging in the air, making things a bit awkward.

Akira tried to break the silence with his warm smile. "So, how was your training today? Anything interesting?"

Madalyn looked a bit startled by the question but quickly composed herself. "Training went as usual. Nothing too special," she replied briefly.

Chris nodded in agreement, though his eyes seemed restless. He looked like he wanted to say something but was hesitant to do so. I waited patiently, giving them space to speak if they wished.

After a few seconds that felt like minutes, Chris finally took a deep breath and looked directly at me. "Ellora... I want to apologize to you."

His words took me by surprise. I didn't expect Chris, who I knew as arrogant and full of confidence, to apologize to me. Madalyn also looked surprised, her eyes widening and eyebrows raising. "Chris, what are you—"

Chris raised his hand, stopping Madalyn before she could continue. "Let me finish, Madalyn."

He turned back to me, his expression full of regret. "During the Regalizen commander selection, I said some things that were out of line. I called you a 'village girl' and belittled your abilities. Now, after seeing how strong and skilled you are, I realize how wrong I was. I sincerely apologize for my behavior."

I could see the sincerity in his eyes. His apology wasn't just a formality; it truly came from the heart. I stayed silent for a moment, processing his words. Beside me, Akira smiled faintly, while Nadeshiko seemed more relaxed, her gaze softening.

Madalyn looked confused and slightly uncomfortable with the situation. She stared at Chris in disbelief, as if she didn't recognize her own friend. "Chris, why are you suddenly—"

Chris turned to Madalyn, his voice gentle yet firm. "Because I've realized my mistake, Madalyn. I've been too arrogant, thinking I was better than everyone else. But the truth is, there are so many people out there who are much stronger and more talented than us. Ellora is proof of that."

I watched as Madalyn struggled with her emotions. Her face showed the conflict between her pride and the truth in Chris's words. She let out a long sigh, lowering her gaze for a moment before finally looking at me.

"Ellora..." her voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "I want to apologize to you too. During the selection and even before that, I was rude and dismissive of you. I was too obsessed with winning and proving myself that I forgot to respect others. I... regret how I acted."

Seeing Madalyn, who was usually so confident and proud, now speaking with such regret was a rare sight. I could feel how difficult it was for her to admit her mistakes, and it made her apology feel even more genuine.

I smiled gently, trying to ease the remaining tension between us. "Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Madalyn. I appreciate your apologies."

Both of them seemed relieved to hear my response. Madalyn's tense expression softened, and Chris smiled genuinely for the first time since they sat at our table.

Akira patted Chris's shoulder gently. "That's a good attitude, Chris. Acknowledging your mistakes and learning from them is a sign of maturity. I think we can all learn a lot from this experience."

Nadeshiko nodded in agreement, her sweet smile returning to her face. "Exactly. At this academy, we're not just learning about strength and techniques, but also about becoming better people."

The atmosphere at our table had completely changed. The tension that had been hanging in the air was now gone, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and understanding. I felt happy seeing this change, hoping it could be the beginning of better relationships among us all.

Chris seemed more relaxed now, even starting to speak more casually. "By the way, Ellora, the technique you used during the selection was really amazing. I've never seen anyone control magical atomic resonance like that."

"Thank you, Chris. I'm still learning a lot, but I'm glad if my skills can be appreciated."

Madalyn added, "I'm curious too. I've been training since I was a child, but I still feel like I'm far behind you."

I thought for a moment before replying. "I've learned from various sources and practiced a lot on my own. I've also been lucky to have talented training partners since I was young."

Akira chuckled softly. "Well, it seems like we all have a lot to learn from you, Ellora. Maybe we could have a joint training session someday?"

Chris and Madalyn's eyes lit up at the idea. "That's a great idea," Chris said enthusiastically. "I'm sure we can all learn from each other and improve together."

Madalyn nodded in agreement. "I agree. Plus, it would be a chance to strengthen our bonds."

I was pleased to hear their enthusiasm. "I'm on board too. Joint training would definitely be fun and beneficial."

Nadeshiko looked at us with her gentle smile. "In that case, we can plan a time that works for everyone. I can help organize the place and schedule."

We all exchanged smiles, feeling closer to each other than before. Our conversation continued with other topics, from the classes we were taking to our personal hobbies and interests. I learned that Chris enjoys playing musical instruments, while Madalyn has a passion for painting. We laughed and shared stories, turning what was once a tense and tiring break into a warm and enjoyable moment.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of our break, we all stood up, ready to return to our respective classes. Before parting ways, Chris extended his hand to me. "Thank you, Ellora. I'm glad we could resolve this."

I shook his hand warmly. "Me too, Chris. Thank you."

Madalyn looked at me with a sincere smile. "See you at the joint training."

I nodded. "See you."

Akira and Nadeshiko also said their goodbyes before we all walked off in different directions. As I headed to my class, I felt lighter and happier. A day that had started with pressure and doubt had turned into the beginning of new friendships.

I realized that at this academy, it's not just about strength and skills, but also about the relationships and understanding we build with each other. With support and cooperation, we can all grow and become better.

***

After that surprising encounter, I went back to my day, heading to Professor Fei Zhang's class. It was as usual—packed with detailed explanations about developing magic atom resonance techniques, though without much interaction. I focused on listening and jotting down some key points, but my mind kept drifting back to what had happened in the cafeteria earlier.

Once the class ended, I gathered my things and slowly made my way out of the room. The sky was starting to dim, and the once-bustling Academy was now quieter, almost peaceful. I felt a small sense of relief knowing I'd soon be home.

When I got home, I was greeted by my little sister, Lily, who came running toward me with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. Arianne followed gracefully behind her.

"Ellora! You're back!" Lily exclaimed as she hugged me tightly. I gently patted her back, the warmth of her embrace easing some of the weariness from my day.

"How was your day at the Academy?" she asked, still clinging to me.

I gave a small smile. "It was tiring, but a lot of interesting things happened," I replied briefly.

Arianne, standing a little way off, smiled softly. "Would you like to rest first, Miss Ellora, or would you prefer to eat something?"

Lily, still holding onto me, looked up eagerly. "We've already prepared your favorite meal!"

I nodded. "Of course, eating with you two sounds perfect."

The three of us headed to the dining room. Lily excitedly shared stories about her day at home, from the new plants she'd helped plant in the garden to the little birds that often visited in the mornings. Arianne added a few details about how enthusiastic Lily had been while helping out.

"I want you to see the flowers that just bloomed tomorrow morning!" Lily said excitedly.

"Of course, I'll take a look. I'm sure they're beautiful," I replied, smiling, enjoying the comfort of their stories.

After dinner, we moved to the living room. Lily sat next to me while Arianne started clearing the table. The evening felt so warm and peaceful, a stark contrast to the tension I'd experienced at the Academy.

Lily looked at me with her bright eyes. "What was the best part of your day?"

I thought for a moment before answering. "Maybe talking with Akira and Nadeshiko. But Madalyn and Chris seem to have changed too."

I told her about how my abilities had been measured using Quantum's Eye, my encounter with Akira and Nadeshiko, and how awkward Chris and Madalyn were when they apologized to me.

Lily nodded slowly. "They seem like good people. I'm glad to hear that."

Arianne, who had finished tidying up, came over and sat near us. "I'm sure you'll meet many other good people at the Academy, Miss Ellora."

I smiled at Arianne. "I hope so. But you two are the best to me."

After chatting for a bit longer, I began to feel the day's exhaustion catching up with me. I said goodnight to Lily and Arianne, who gave me their usual bedtime hug and made sure everything was ready in my room.

As I lay down in bed, my thoughts drifted back over the events of the day. Despite all the unexpected moments, there was a comforting feeling in coming home and being with Lily and Arianne. Slowly, my eyes grew heavy, and before I knew it, I was fast asleep, peaceful and content.

***