A Noble

They both left the school and entered the city. It was a lot bigger than Erix's old city. 

The buildings there were at least 3 times the size of a normal building in his place and the street was a lot more crowded. 

As they explored the city, Erix noticed Shota was always looking around the place in shock like something he once knew but had changed.

'Wait, he said he knew the city more. How come? Has he been here before?' Erix thought.

"Wow, this place has gotten a lot more developed than last time," Shota finally said, eyes still roaming the whole place.

"Ehmm, if I may ask, how come you have been here before? I never knew some students managed to come here before now." Erix asked, even though he wasn't sure he would reply...

Shota didn't answer immediately, he first let out a deep, long breath before saying.

"Trust me I really hate babbling about my family's name but I will say they were the reason I was here in the past. My family is one of the powerful low-key Original nobles that have more of an intimidating relationship with the military. I came here when I was only ten." Shota explained shortly hoping Erix would understand the word 'noble' and stop asking further questions.

'Wait, what the…? He is a noble? I have never seen a noble in my whole life. Maybe that was why he chose to hide his ability during the test. Well, most nobles still chose to hide their abilities even after aiding humanity in the war. If he is truly a noble, then my bullying will only become worse. ' Erix was in deep thought before Shota suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Hey, don't you think we have gone a considerable distance from the academy? Come on, let's check out these steaks. I'm starving." Shota said as he pulled him towards the steak shop that was at the corner of the street.

'Whoa, the steaks are alluring to try out.' Erix couldn't help but salivate as they got nearer and nearer to the steak shop, but then he suddenly remembered something. He only had 30 points left after the water boy took all of his savings, and the meat would cost around 50 to 60 points, so he didn't have enough money for it.

"Wait, I'm not sure I can afford steak meat right now. I only planned to grab some snacks, explore the city a little and then head back," Erix said as a plea but Shota quickly brushed off his words.

"And who said you're paying? Once I'm here, any charge, fee or payment will be done from my pocket, so feel free to grab one." 

Finally, he could have a taste of these alluring steaks.

They reached the steak shop and after buying three paper bags full of steaks, Shota tossed out his fortune card and paid the bill.

After the purchase, the two of them went to sit down at a nice eating spot.

As soon as they sat down, Erix started to dig in without any regard for table manners, eating everything in the paper bag.

Erix ate not only his own but the leftovers from Shota. He usually doesn't have this appetite, even when eating his best meal, but surprisingly, he had so much appetite for the steaks.

"For a skinny guy, you sure know how to ingurgitate yourself." Shota teased, a bit surprised by his appetite.

Although Erix had clearly eaten a lot, he still felt a pang of hunger that wouldn't go away despite all the food. 'I wish I could get some more but that would look really weird and questionable, so I will just leave it for next time.'

After the steak-eating session, Shota took Erix around the city, showing him beautiful scenery. His memory of the place was still fresh in his mind so he remembered almost all the places he visited when he came there seven years ago. 

They went to markets, playgrounds, and some other fun places. Without a lie, Erix enjoyed Shota's company.

But he still find it hard to believe that a high level would befriend a low level without expecting anything in return, so he stayed wary.

After a few more hours of going around the city, and sightseeing, it was finally 6:00 pm. 

"Thanks. I really enjoyed today. At this point, I think we should head back to the academy." Erix suggested.

"Yeah, it's late already. Just go ahead into the academy. I will catch up later. If you don't see when after two minutes of reaching the school gate, find our room and rest, bye." Shota said before disappearing into the street. 

Erix didn't bother asking him where he was going.

Erix headed back to the academy after that. He was exhausted from the stroll, so he needed rest.

After walking for a few minutes, he got to the academy and without wasting time, he left in search of his dorm room.

While walking in the hallway, many students threw awful stares at him after seeing his level and grade, but as usual, he just ignored them since he was used to the treatment.

He found the room after ten minutes of searching.

He was about to barge into the room in the joy of having found it earlier than expected before a thought suddenly struck his head.

'W-what if the person inside is another high-level and a bully too? That will make my life a perfect torture.' He thought as he stood in front of his room door, motionless.

His hands became trembling like crazy. He'd never felt this anxious in his entire life. 

His hands slowly approached the door handle. He firmly grasped the door handle. His face was sweating like a waterfall from all the stress.

For the first time in his life, he prayed to God. 

Then all of a sudden, a crazy pain hit him in the heart causing him to lose concentration as he accidentally opened the door. When a small part of the room was finally visible, Erix saw a blonde-haired boy standing inches away from his face. The boy was the same height as him.

"Arrr!!" Erix screamed in alarm as he hastily took a step back.

"I was wondering when you will finally step inside." The blonde-haired boy said with a smile.