Delicious

Cassius found Ashin waiting for him at the university's main entrance, surrounded by a group of students chatting away. Ashin's friendly demeanour made him approachable to most, so he was always surrounded with people. Despite being so friendly, he seemed to always draw a line with others that kept them more at acquaintances.

Ashin noticed Cassius approaching the university gate and left the group to say hi first. 'You made it!? Ha ha, there's no telling with you.'

Ashin wasn't quite sure why, but he could tell Cassius was different from the usual crowd around him, maybe it was the way he didn't try so hard like the others that he found himself spending his time with. That's why he found himself enjoying his company more than others.

'I wouldn't miss a chance to view the university's strongest coders.' Cassius spoke.

'So true, there are even cooperate and government scouts, look.' Ashin gestured to the men in suits passing them.

The exhibition match was a yearly event that highlighted the university's top potential students. Many large companies were interested in holding down the talent, even government officials attended as having strong coders on their side gave them an edge over other countries and companies. Especially if they could get students to sign a contract while they were still unknown and tie them down for a long period. They did what they do best and exploit young talent that didn't know better, well that was Ashin's opinion anyway.

'Tch!' Ashin clicked his tongue at them as they walked past. Cassius noticed this and could tell there was more to the story, but wasn't particularly interested to find out more.

The pair started making their way to the stadium, Ashin noticed that the crowd he was with backed off. This happened last time too, Cassius' aura even while hidden made it difficult for most to approach him, the mystery around Cassius only made Ashin more curious.

'Ashin there are some questions I'd like answered.' Cassius began to speak, and Ashin was surprised as he didn't strike him as the person to start conversations. 'Two questions, the first, how did you find my contact number?'

'Ahh was that it? Well, I'm no pro, but I know a few basic programmes, I found your number that way. Bro, I was shocked to think you haven't programmed your phone for privacy. You know almost anyone can do what I did... here pass it over.' Ashin held his hand out patiently, gesturing him again when Cassius hesitated.

Curious, Cassius handed over his phone, since there was nothing of importance on it. Ashin closed his eyes and focused, his hand began to glow below the phone, emitting something that felt similar to an aura but not quite. Runes started to evolve and circle the phone till they dimmed and disappeared entirely.

'There! All done for you, that should keep you going for now but given you're reputation already you're bound to have some stalkers. You should get a better coder to encrypt it.' Ashin warned.

'My reputation?' Cassius was confused, he only attended university for a day and didn't even stay till the end.

'News travels fast here my man.' Ashin patted his shoulder in a friendly manner gesturing to the multiple looks they were receiving while making their way to the stadium. 'You've already become the university mysterious heart throb.' Ashin laughed.

It wasn't as though Cassius didn't notice the bystanders fawning over him, but considering how it toned down incredibly due to his glasses he paid it no mind.

'I will be sure to make note of that.' Cassius sighed. 'And the second question Ashin, why can no one call you Ash?'

Ashin paused, again his mood shifted although this time it wasn't directed at anyone particular. Cassius struggled to hide his smile, the idea that a human dared to give off this kind of energy in his presence was exhilarating.

'Only family can call me that, that's all it is.' Ashin started to calm down. 'And it's not easy for me to call someone family, I take it very seriously is all.' He said turning to see Cassius' smile fading. 'Why do you look so disappointed?' Ashin laughed off Cassius reaction.

Cassius decided to let it go for now and wait for the right time to push the subject. Not sure what he was hoping for, he was just interested in seeing how far he could push this human to go against him. Cassius found the idea of humans being a threat to him a new and exciting thought in general.

The pair found their seats towards the back of the stadium. 'Got us a nice view, right?' Ashin gloated as he managed to haggle and trade seats. They sat with a clear view of the entire field; the stadium was oval in shape, with screens giving close ups to spectators from all angles. The crowd finished filling the building, and the chatter reminded Cassius how the human population had increased over the years.

The crowd roared in cheers as the commentator entered the field. 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!' The host seemed to be well known by the reactions of the audience. 'Are you ready to see this year's talent!?' The crowed hailed in screams. 'This year's line up is going to blow you off your seats! Let's give them a round of applause!'

Gates either end of the field opened to reveal first-, second-, and third-year students lining up. Some were known from previous years with their own fanbase, and others not, either way the crowd was wild with anticipation. Cassius was also struggling to stay in his but for an entirely different reason. Something or better yet someone on the field smelled … Delicious.