บท 24: Y-204

[Fifteen More Seconds Until The Deadline, And The Commencement of Breakfast Dispensation]

Everyone's attention in the hall was instantly drawn to the announcement made by the voice.

After all, most were curious about what reaction or punishment would be meted out to the defaulters of the time limit.

Stare's focus however remained on the hall's door, as his feeling of agitation skyrocketed.

He was worried that Y-204 wouldn't make it to the hall before the deadline. Who knew what punishment would be meted out to defaulters?

He could remember one case from his past life where he had to attend a military academy as well, the punishment meted out for lateness was usually being locked away in isolation for days or even weeks depending on how serious your offense was.

If a similar case were to happen here as well, then that would seriously affect his plan, he couldn't drag on meeting Y-204 for one more week, besides the chances Y-204 would come out from such a situation with a stable mind is extremely low especially if his memories were still sealed.

[10 Seconds Left To The End Of Deadline]

[9 Seconds Left Till Deadline]

[8 Seconds Left Till Deadline…]

As the ten-second countdown to the deadline began, the already hushed hall seemed to grow quieter, as the people were very expectant about what would happen next.

A handful of students had managed to make it to the hall during the countdown but even among those, Stare didn't spot anyone who looked like an incarnation of his counterpart, Y-204.

Stare's agitation was starting to become even a whole lot worse as he got overwhelmed by his various thoughts.

He had been by Y-204's side for a very long time now, so he felt he could easily predict his character.

The dude wouldn't normally miss a gathering like this and risk being sent into confinement this early on in coming to the academy.

The only reasons that could make him miss the gathering should be if he didn't, number one: see the need to come, which was quite unlikely in this case, two, he ran into some unexpected predicaments which also seemed unlikely and last, he purposely ignored the gathering to carry out some other bigger plans.

For obvious reasons, Stare was hoping the third reason wasn't what was in play in this case.

[3 Seconds Left Till Deadline]

[2 Seconds Left Till Deadline]

[Deadline Quota Has Been Reached]

The majority of those in the hall observed the hall closely with inquisitiveness.

Somewhere expecting androids to suddenly drag in those who didn't make it on time while others were just curious to know what punishment would await them if they also eventually missed the deadline for the dispensation of breakfast.

But then came the unexpected twist

Immediately after the deadline Quota was reached, what happened next was…nothing.

The doors to the hall just automatically shut and then nothing else happened.

Although most people had an idea as to what this meant, the voice that had already been known for making announcements ended up confirming their theories.

[Defaulters Who Are Unable To Meet The Set Deadline For Meal Dispensation…]

[Would Be Forced To Forfeit Their Sitting Position]

"Is that it? Is that the only punishment to be meted out to an aspiring hero with the unacceptable habit of belatedness, you just get denied breakfast?" Bobby voiced his displeasure, the tone obvious.

There were also a few other cases similar to his, especially amongst those who had expected a more severe response.

Stare didn't however mind the usual excessive behavior of Bobby as he was immersed in his thoughts.

Could it be that Y-204 had foreseen the lenient penalty and considered the gathering unimportant? The thought simmered in Stare's mind. This was quite a plausible speculation, although for him to possess such information, he must have had access to connections with great power.

Stare was getting a whole lot curious as to the kind of incarnation his counterpart Y-204 had become in this cycle.

"He'll likely just make it to the first lectures," Stare concluded, drawing his thoughts to a close. "Even someone as astute as Ava attends lectures; why would he, the insufferable rogue, miss the academy's initial classes?".

[Dispensation Of Breakfast Will Begin Now]

Following the announcement, the hall's motionless mechanical attendants sprang to life. They served a variety of dishes, starting at the front tables, predominantly occupied by the Elites, before advancing to the tables beyond.

As dishes were presented, the memories of the preceding happenings gradually gave way to the allure of the feast.

The food was, as anticipated, top-notch. Yet, Stare's enjoyment was stifled by the relentless preoccupation with Y-204's conspicuous absence.

They were given just fifteen minutes to stay in the hall, before the commencement of their first lecture.

According to the schedule Paraclete had prepared, their first lecture course for the day was a theoretical course called 'Hero Theoretical Knowledge' Or 'HTK 101' it was a course that did basically as its name implied, a course made to engage the aspiring Heroes in theoretical knowledge.

Stare, for obvious reasons, was particularly interested in attending the class as soon as possible.

He had rushed both Bobby and Joel and before they knew it they had been dragged out of the Dispensation Hall hall to the building where the HTK 101 class was located.

Although the duo were suspicious of his sudden enthusiasm, they still followed suit either way.

Before them loomed a big plain white metal door, bearing the label 'Class HTK 101.' With a determined stride, they entered.

Inside, they encountered a spacious classroom—its pristine white walls a stark contrast to the vibrant curiosity of its occupants. Hovering exquisite-looking student desks were aligned neatly in rows of five.

Stare and his friends, being amongst the first few to make it to the class, had the choice of choosing from most seats. They decided on seating in the class front row.

Stare did so because of the closeness of the row to the class door. Although this seat was bound to bring attention, he had to still take this seat if he wanted to get an unobstructed view of everyone who walked into the class.

Bobby probably just picked the seat because of his Hero Fanatic Disorder and Joel, he didn't seem to have any reason and must have also picked the seat because his two friends were on the same row.

Soon more students flocked into the classroom and amongst these students were the Elites.

As expected, most of the students were made to give up on the seats at the front for the Elites.

After all, in their perspective, these Elite Kids were already viewed as the future of the academy and most likely the whole world as well, so most of the Academy's resources are likely to be focused on them.

Stare wasn't bothered by whatever was happening around him and just kept his gaze focused on everyone who walked through the door.

With his eyes still focused on the door, he suddenly felt someone tap him on the shoulder from behind.

Slowly turning around he saw a familiar-looking girl, she was an attractive young lady who looked the same age as him with brunette hair and captivating amber eyes that reflected through the glasses she had on.

'Ava Osiris Dovian'

'What does she want from me?' Stare pondered seriously, despite the calm facade he had on at the moment.