Chapter 9: The Roommate

But before Alec could say anything, Derek put his hand down. Alec stared at him deeply for a moment before sighing. He said, "Does anyone have any more questions?"

Lucas raised his hand. Alec looked at him and nodded. Lucas stood up and said, "Can we also visit the library after classes?"

Alec replied, "Yes, you can. You might even find a surprise there. And it's not just the library. You will find surprises in the rec room, the sports fields, and elsewhere."

The rest of the students continued to ask questions, and Alec answered them all perfectly, thanks to the intense training that all the teachers had gone through. The City Lord had posted a request for the most unhinged questions a child might ask on various online forums anonymously. These questions were used to condition the teachers to the point where they could answer every question a child might have; from queries about their timetables to how babies were born to the reason for existence itself. All the teachers, especially the homeroom teachers, had answers appropriate for their children.

Once the students stopped asking, Alec said, "I know that I said you can do anything, but I would advise doing the exact opposite as well."

The children were confused, and they looked adorable with those clueless looks on their faces. Alec wanted to take a picture for the parents, but it was not the time for that.

He said, "What I'm trying to say is that every week, you should try something different at least once. For example, if you like video games and spend your free time playing, then once or twice a week play a sport or visit the library. Just try different things. You never know, you might find something you like."

The kids asked a few more questions, and then it was time for classes. Of the two theoretical classes, one was math and the other was related to beasts. Then they had an art class. Lucas had a lot of fun. Finally, it was time for lunch. Lucas approached some of his classmates and asked if they wanted to go to the library later. Two of them agreed. The rest had already made plans for a video game match.

He picked up a plate and joined the line. He observed the food, and it looked delicious. There were various sections with multiple dishes, and they were supposed to choose one dish from each section to ensure they were eating a balanced meal. As he was eating his food, Lucas suddenly spotted Noah.

He said, "Noah, come here. I saved a seat for you."

Noah came to Lucas with his plate and sat beside him. They ate their food and talked. Some of their old classmates also noticed them and joined them. When the bell rang, it was time for a nap. Lucas was on his way back when he saw another familiar face. It was Derek. He was approaching Lucas.

He said, "You're in room 173, aren't you?"

Lucas replied, "Yeah, do you need—Are you my roommate?"

Derek nodded. Lucas said, "Cool. See you there."

Lucas was about to leave when Derek said, "W-wait."

Lucas stopped and asked, "What's up?"

Derek replied, "I-I don't know the way there, so I was hoping…"

Lucas finished his sentence, "That you could join me?"

Derek nodded again. Lucas said, "Then you should've said so in the beginning. Let's go."

Derek started following Lucas. On the way, neither of them spoke, and the silence was very awkward. Once they reached the room, Lucas decided to break the ice by reintroducing himself.

He said, "My name is Lucas Zenith. I hope we will get along."

Derek thought it would be too rude if he didn't reply, so he also introduced himself again.

He said, "My name is Derek Von Stryker."

Lucas sat on his bed and asked, "Which school were you in before, Derek?"

Derek hesitated a little but replied, "Cubs Elementary School."

Lucas thought about it but hadn't heard of this school before. Seeing Lucas like this, Derek said, "It is not in Crimson Leaf City."

Lucas yawned and replied, "Oh. Well, I'm going to sleep. Good night."

Seeing Lucas yawn, Derek also yawned and started feeling sleepy. It was strange. He had never felt sleepy during the daytime like this. He didn't think much about it and went to sleep. A similar situation was taking place in every dorm room. Every child, even the ones who were usually a bit too active, fell asleep.

In the Dean's Office

The City Lord and her aide were sitting. The City Lord was still smoking a cigar. Her aide said, "Is it okay for you to smoke inside a school?"

The City Lord said, "It is my office inside my school. I can do whatever the hell I want. Besides, it is not like anyone's coming here."

Her aide sighed. She said, "Fine. Do what you want. But is it really alright to… roofie the kids? What if the parents find out?"

The City Lord said, "Roofie is taking it too far. We just added something completely harmless to the food so that the children can sleep properly. It is to ensure their health. They need their energy for what is coming next."

The aide nodded and said, "That they do. Has the shipment arrived?"

The City Lord said, "You are my aide. I should be the one asking that to you."

The aide just smiled at the City Lord. This time, the City Lord sighed. She said, "It arrived yesterday. There was a delay due to attacks from pirates. Word got out that the cargo contained huge amounts of high-quality Mortal Grade Veria Potions. Those sell for a lot on the black market. But you know what that means."

The aide had a grim expression as she said, "We have an internal leak."

The City Lord took a deep puff and exhaled after a few seconds. She said, "You know what to do."

The aide said, "I'm on it."