[92] Never Have I Ever... Regretted This

October 7, 9:28am

Xavier leaned his head against the bus window, watching the San Francisco cityscape gradually thin out into suburbs. Class 1-D had finally made it to the mainland after the ferry ride, only to be herded onto a rented coach bus for another three-hour journey to Mount Eddy. The luxury vehicle—with its plush seats, personal climate controls, and entertainment screens—seemed excessive for a one-day field trip for fifteen students.

"This academy doesn't skimp, does it?" Xavier muttered to no one in particular.

"Crystal money," Naomi Phillips replied from beside him. She'd claimed the window seat earlier but had since shifted toward the middle, leaving a thin gap of space between them. "Hunter schools make bank. You should see what Vanguard spends on their facilities."