Chapter 2: Celest Aldridge

Time: Lunch break.

The bell rang, signaling the start of lunch break. The hallways of Valorian University erupted into chaos as students from every grade, class, and course spilled out of their classrooms, eager to escape the confines of lectures and assignments.

 Ray, still adjusting to the labyrinthine layout of the university, lingered in the classroom for a moment. He rummaged through his backpack, hoping to find something to eat, but all he found was a hastily scribbled note.

"Umm...Hehe... I forgot you have school today..... Umm, Tomorrow I Promise I'll make you lunches. Just bear today okeyy...? You can eat from cafeteria If the food's still free? "

Ray groaned. 

"GREATTTT!!" 

he muttered under his breath. He stepped out into the bustling hallway, joining the sea of students. The university was massive, and Ray quickly realized he had no idea where the cafeteria was. 

He wandered aimlessly, following the flow of students, but every turn seemed to lead him further into confusion. 

"Damn this university"

 Ray thought, frustration mounting as the minutes ticked by. The lunch break was slipping away, and he was no closer to finding food.

As he turned a corner, he noticed a crowd gathering near one of the hallways. Curiosity piqued, Ray approached, weaving through the onlookers to get a better view. Whispers filled the air.

"They're beating him painfully,"

 one student murmured.

"Yeah, I feel bad for him. He didn't even do anything"

 another added.

"If Doyoun didn't had connections with dukes, We'd help him"

Ray's eyes narrowed as he recognized the person at the center of the commotion—Sakushi, the boy who had been assigned to guide him.

Sakushi was on the ground, his face bruised, desperately trying to shield himself from the blows of a buffed-up bully with short dark red hair and a lightning trim shaved into the side of his head. The bully's fists were clenched, ready to strike again, and Sakushi's eyes darted around, pleading for help. But no one stepped forward.

Ray's gaze locked with Sakushi's for a brief moment. There was a flicker of desperation in Sakushi's eyes, and something in Ray stirred—a chill ran down his spine. Before he could think, Ray moved.

As the bully's fist swung toward Sakushi's face, Ray stepped in, grabbing the bully's wrist mid-swing. With a swift motion, Ray slammed the bully's face into the ground, the impact echoing through the hallway. The crowd gasped.

"Flee"

 Ray ordered, his voice low but commanding. The other bullies hesitated, their bravado faltering as they exchanged uncertain glances. But before they could react, something strange happened.

The air seemed to shift, and suddenly, everyone froze. A thin, golden thread appeared out of nowhere, wrapping around the bullies and holding them in place. Ray's eyes widened as he turned to see where the thread was coming from.

"Well, well, well—what new drama we're cooking today?"

A voice echoed, smooth and confident. 

Ray's gaze landed on a strikingly handsome boy with glowing golden eyes and dark navy hair slicked back. He wore what appeared to be a fancier version of the school uniform, and golden threads extended from the tips of his fingers, shimmering faintly in the light. The boy smirked, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the hallway.

The bully Ray had slammed into the ground struggled to his feet, his face red with anger.

 "FUCK THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU, ALDRIDGE!!!" 

he shouted.

The golden-eyed boy Aldridge tilted his head, his smirk widening. 

"Better if we end here, Dear Do..youn" 

he said, his voice calm but laced with authority. With a flick of his fingers, the golden threads tightened, pinning the bully against the wall. Another thread wrapped around the bully's mouth, silencing him mid-protest.

Aldridge turned his attention to Ray, his golden eyes studying him with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Well technically, you did helped someone in danger?"

he said, his tone almost playful.

"Ummhmm... How about I let this slide since You are a new student, Woeven Ray"

Ray felt a cold shiver run down his spine. There was something unnerving about Aldridge's presence—a threatening aura that made the air feel heavier.

Before Ray could respond, Aldridge snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he and the three bullies disappeared, leaving the hallway in stunned silence.

The students quickly helped Sakushi to his feet. He winced but managed a weak smile. 

"Thanks Woeven!!" 

he said, his voice trembling slightly. 

"I owe you one..hehe."

Ray nodded, his expression unreadable. 

"Who's that?"

 he asked, his eyes still fixed on the spot where Aldridge had stood.

Sakushi sighed, brushing himself off.

"That was Celest Aldridge, The president of student council. He's... Well..Uhh, He's the most talented student in centuries. Some agrees he's more skilled than some of the teachers here."

"..."

Ray didn't respond. His mind was racing, trying to process what had just happened. The golden threads, Aldridge's commanding presence, the way he had effortlessly taken control of the situation—it was all too much.

Sakushi continued, his voice filled with gratitude. 

"Ahhh, Thanks for helping meee. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks, Thanks, Thanksssssssss. I'm really greatful."

But by the time Sakushi finished, Ray was already walking away, disappearing into the crowd. He had no interest in being thanked or praised. All he wanted was to find the cafeteria and get some food.