At the cafeteria.

Since all parts of the settlements have their own specialties; it was said that the rain never falls in Higher Vale, though it rains on Lower willows and Mid spring was said to experience little amount of rain amidst sunshine. The girls started bonding with each other along the way; which made them find comfort in each other's company, smiling widely at the process of finding new friendship.

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At the right side of the academy, was a vast building with only one floor to it. The building was very spacious only a second to the auditorium, with lots of open space to house a large number of people. The building was painted with two colours; one being a shade of deep blue and the other was a dark red, with a huge notice board of " School's Cafeteria. " At the top.

Lots of students could be seen around the cafeteria, some seem to be coming out of it others stepping in. In all aspects of it; this particular building in the academy was said to hold high numbers of students since they all know the value of good food, others just see it as an escape route from the most difficult classes. The inside of the cafeteria was very packed with students, mostly freshmen who were testing the delicacy of the academy's cafeteria; since it was more than just learning that made them choose the academy.

At the large counter, seven ladies stood behind it; severing out meals. Lots of delicacies were displayed at the counter and a number of students were currently placing orders to be served by any of them available.

* I want Roseberry pie !!!*

* Stake with salad !!! *

* Pudding and cheese please !!!

Lots of people could be seen placing an order with the ladies who serve them, the entire room seems bustling with students chatting and laughing in all manner of activities they are having.

* For one I think this is the grand welcome of students into the academy! * Araina said after taking a look at all the students present in the cafeteria.

* Yeah, I mean it seems very lively. * Calia said amicably holding a warm smile while both of them head towards the lunch line.

The line in the cafeteria was none ending and continuous. The students were extremely thrilled to have such delightful and appetizing meals served at their convenience. The line kept surging, always progressing regardless of how much the students were. Approaching the line from where the lunch ladies served students, Araina saw a great line of dishes displayed on the counter from afar.

Amongst the plenty of dishes, she was only able to name a few of them which she had tried from a local restaurant back in Willow's town. Some of these dishes include stroopwafels, pork pie, grape leaves, key lime pie, fish taco and curry soup. Along with many others which seems very appetizing! Ariana's mouth watered from the large number of delicacies at the table. She felt her hunger surging higher than the previous state it was. The hot steam emitting from it; made the number of students filed out in line for a meal none ending. The students were all expected to be civilized; getting in a straight line awaiting any available serving lunch ladies, after taking a tray from the range of trays lined up closer to the counter.

Walking towards it, she took a tray from the spot while heading towards the third now available lunch lady.

* I need a bowl of noodles and meatballs sauce.* Araina said looking at the lady severing her. The roll of dishes did confuse her, which made her go with her favorite meal to help her feel at home in her new environment. It didn't take long for her to get her bowl of steamed noodles and meatballs sauce which made her respond in a charming manner.

* Thank you! * Walking away towards Calia who had also gotten her food.

* The service here is very nice! * Calia remarked holding her tray of blueberry pie and yogurt, they both started walking towards an empty seat in the lunch room.

* Yeah you said it. * Araina replied when they arrived at an empty seat, amidst a group of four students who were already seated and having their meals.

The lunch room was very spacious, so spacious that a large number of students were present and the room was not still packed nor stuffy. Calia walked towards a seat with four students seated, where two empty seats was around them.

* Ummm...can we join you guys? * Calia asked sweetly keeping a smile on her face and holding her tray of food with both hands.

* Well sure, take your seat! * A guy said from opposite her seat taking a bite from his ham burgers. The group seated seems to be engrossed in a conversation with everyone who was also seated at the table. The arrangement of seats in the cafeteria was either in number of four to six in a table, the guy and his patterns managed to occupy four seats left with two.

Being new to the academy, without knowing anyone in particular; the girls settled down in a seat with other groups of freshmen who were engrossed in their personal conversations.

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It became a surprise how the buzzing sound as well as chatter all over the lunch room was none ending, it carried on; with students who kept coming and leaving the cafeteria. Soon the noise in the cafeteria began surging, gaining a high intensity over the passing minute. A rumor was slowly spreading all over the lunch room now which gained its footing amongst the freshmen. It drew their attention and became the center discussion about how heated it was.

" A monster lives amidst the forest! "

" Yeah I heard it too myself from a senior!! "

" I heard tales of it from my cousin who is a sophomore now.! "

" They say it only attacks ignorant students."

These words were being heard all over the lunch room in faint whispers, since the level of certainty which they had towards the information wasn't very high; but from someone else's tale. Still how it went reverence by a few of them discussing the tale was astonishing! At Araina's seat, she was still eating her meal amidst the plenty of chatters and whispers, hearing about the rumors of a monster beyond the barrier.

She lifted her gaze away from her food and stared at the numbers of students which she could see with her very eyes from their various seats. At all directions which she looked at, the students could be seen talking about something in hunch whispers; as if they were afraid of angering someone of great standing. Araina looked towards her side at the guys who was seated close to her, who was also talking about it while she averted her gaze towards Calia.

* What's with the hunch whispers all over the lunch room? * Araina asked. Looking at Calia who was across from her, who seemed to have also taken note of the noise in the room.

* It seems like... it's about a monster, who lives beyond the academy's premise! * Calia said, bringing her yogurt closer to her lips and taking a sip from it.

* That's superstitious! * Araina remarked

sounding so awkward at the rate of how the students are taking the issue of ' a made up monsters.'

* I don't know that, since the rumor had a strong hold on the students. I mean look at that. * Calia said making a gesturing with her head towards a scene taking place behind Araina.