Primordial Heir: Nine Stars

After taking a long and refreshing bath, Nero felt energized. He dressed in his uniform, but suddenly his stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. Deciding to stop by the cafeteria for breakfast before heading to class, he checked his phone and noticed that the others hadn’t left their rooms yet. He couldn’t wait for them; after everything he’d been through, he was feeling extremely hungry and needed to eat something—otherwise, he risked losing consciousness. Leaving a quick message in the group chat, Nero made his way to the cafeteria.

On the way, many cadets glanced at him, seemingly aware that he had changed somehow. He ignored their scrutinizing eyes and continued into the cafeteria. Despite it being morning, the place was bustling with cadets, each eager to grab a meal before their respective classes.

Nero approached the serving line and selected a high-grade breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked with a hint of cheese; crispy bacon that crackled with each bite; and a side of golden-brown hash browns, seasoned to perfection. He added a slice of whole-grain toast, slathered with creamy butter, and a small bowl of fresh fruit—vibrant berries and juicy melon pieces that added a refreshing touch. After paying 20 credits, he left the counter with his breakfast in hand.

Choosing a quiet corner of the cafeteria, he settled down and began to eat, savoring each bite in silence. The rich flavors danced on his palate as he enjoyed the satisfying meal, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him with every mouthful. The food revitalized him, fueling his body and spirit for the day ahead.

Just as Nero was about to leave, the others arrived. Adam sat beside him while the other two took seats across from him.

”Morning, little Nero,” Adam greeted, a grin on his face, followed by Lux, who offered a friendly nod, while Blake simply nodded lazily.

”Morning, Nero, how are you feeling?”

”I’m fine, how about you three?”

”I’m great, filled with energy after another two hours of sleep,” Adam declared proudly, raising his torso, prompting the other three to look at him oddly, as if he hadn’t noticed their bemusement.

Lux shook his head in resignation. ”I’m feeling fine.”

”Me? I’m dying here. I don’t want to do anything today,” Blake lamented, resting his head on the table, embodying his usual persona.

Nero chuckled at Blake, while Lux observed him closely, as if trying to see through him.

”Is there any problem?” Nero asked, fully aware of why Lux was studying him so intently. He wasn’t the only one; Adam and Blake seemed to share the same curiosity. They must have noticed the change in him since he had become capable of using Prana and wielding a Law.

”Well, I feel you’re different. There’s something about you that’s changed, but I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Lux replied, his silver eyes focused on Nero, trying to dissect him thoroughly, as if seeking every secret his body held.

”Exactly. I felt the change this morning when we were about to begin our morning drill, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it,” Adam chimed in.

”Is that so?” Nero smiled mysteriously, not offering any explanation. They would find out soon enough; there was no need for any elaboration, especially since time was short.

”You better hurry up and order your breakfast because class will start soon,” he warned them. Although they sensed he said this partly to avoid answering, they also knew he was right. They quickly decided to order their breakfasts, as class would begin in just a few minutes.

Adam chose a hearty breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, spicy chorizo, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. He topped it off with a dollop of salsa and a side of crispy hash browns for an extra boost of energy.

Lux opted for a wholesome acai bowl, packed with blended acai berries, topped with sliced bananas, granola, and a drizzle of honey. The vibrant colors and refreshing taste matched his calm demeanor, providing a nutritious start to his day.

Blake, on the other hand, went for a classic stack of pancakes, fluffy and golden-brown, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a pat of butter. He added a side of bacon, knowing it would be the comfort food he needed to get through the day, despite his earlier complaints.

With their breakfasts ordered, the three friends settled in, ready to enjoy their meals before the rush of classes began.

Nero simply watched as his friends enjoyed their breakfast.

Meanwhile, Khione arrived, glancing their way for a brief moment before heading to grab her breakfast. True to her cold personality, she opted for something refreshing: a chilled bowl of yogurt topped with crisp granola and a medley of frozen berries. She added a few slices of tart green apple for a hint of sweetness and a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

After collecting her meal, she retreated to her corner, enjoying the solitude as she ate in silence. In the span of fifteen minutes, she finished her breakfast, her demeanor as cool and composed as ever, before leaving the cafeteria without a word.

On her way to her next class, Khione encountered Elreth, and both women frowned, the princess huffing in annoyance.

”Humph!”

Elreth attempted to provoke Khione by bumping her shoulder against the other, but Khione skillfully evaded the gesture and swiftly disappeared beyond the cafeteria door. Azalea, watching the exchange, wore a slight grin, which vanished when Elreth shot her a glare.

”Pff! My bad, Elreth, I saw nothing. You two look funny, always going at each other’s throats,” the Elven princess remarked, eliciting another vicious glare from Elreth. Yet, Elreth couldn’t refute Azalea’s claim; it was undeniably true. The two had disliked each other since childhood, their contrasting personalities—one fiery and the other quiet—fostering a rivalry.

Above all, each wielded a Law that was the opposite of the other’s, ensuring that they would never truly get along.