"Haa... thank you so much. I was really starving. Haha..." I laughed awkwardly as I chomped on a burger that was wrapped around my hands.
Caressing the smooth bread and feeling its texture, I drew it close to my mouth and took a whiff of the meaty aroma locked between the layer of bread.
It smelled good... and tasted good too!
I took another bite, then another, and another!
While enjoying the meal graced upon me by the duo, I could spot both of them staring at me strangely, perhaps surprised by my gumption and intense dedication to finish my meal.
There was nothing to it, though... I was just hungry.
"Yeah, we could tell." Anabelle was the first to speak, making a sweet smile.
Underneath the smile, I could sense shock. Was she disgusted by my unrefined manner of eating? What other choice was there? I couldn't help it after being baited by such a wonderful meal.
When I arrived and saw the bunch of takeouts they had brought, my self-control was lost instantly. Of course, after hearing the humiliating growl from my belly and how I shouted 'Food!', the pair must have thought the right thing to do was to share their meal.
"What made you so hungry, though? Were you training?"
I nodded without paying much heed to Edward's question. What I was doing could be called training, no, it was exactly that.
And it was a good one too!
Judging the progress I made, having a fourth Mana core was doable if I kept meditating in front of the lake constantly.
I would need to draw a schedule, as well as return there for samples of the rocks, flora, and even water that existed there. They could contain special properties that could be useful even more.
'I'm not breaking any school rules, too. If the place was off-limits, they would have told us. Plus, it was just hidden among meadows and trees, no barricade exists there whatsoever. That means it's a safe area. '
I could also take as many samples as I wanted as long as I didn't disturb the general state of the place or cause destruction. It was a gold mine that picked my interest, and I hoped for returns.
"Wow! Amazing! What kind of training did you do?" Edward interrupted my thoughts while staring at me with fiery eyes of passion.
'Ah, does he think I meant Martial Arts Training?'
I swallowed my food and washed it down with the cool water that the two also provided.
They seemed to be done eating on their end, most likely before I arrived, so I was the only one who ate... it was about awkward, but that was fine too.
"It wasn't Martial Arts," I replied after making sure my food was properly ingested.
Edward's face fell a little, but he also grew a bit more curious. As for Ana, since she wasn't an expert at 'training', she was a bit lost in the conversation.
"By the way, how did you get the food?" I asked, suddenly wondering why I hadn't thought of the question before now.
"Ohh, that. We finished our Electives early, so we went to the cafeteria to grab something to eat. We bought some for you, in case you were hungry too. When we arrived and saw you weren't here, we ate our portion and waited for you..." Edward replied.
"... We thought you had ditched us, though. It's a relief you didn't." Anabelle continued where Edward could not go beyond.
Both their faces showed a slight fondness for me, and I was certain they still held me in high regard, despite my current pathetic state.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I lost track of time in my training."
Now back to the topic of training, I was certain Edward would say something... and he did.
"What type of training was it?"
I smiled, already expecting the obvious question. However, I wasn't ready to tell them about my multiple Mana Cores. It wasn't even certain that I would ever be.
"That's not what's important currently..."
My voice now had a more serious tone to it, allowing Edward to realize that it was best he didn't further his question.
"You all said you wanted to talk to me about something, and I also have something to tell you. Let's address that first... oh, and thanks for the meal."
While the last part seemed a bit half-hearted, I actually meant it with all sincerity. Without the sumptuous treat that they blessed me with... I wasn't sure I could—
"Well, I should go first then... I asked you first." Anabelle took the lead.
Her forward personality often contrasted with her innocent and charming young look. This time was no exception as well.
I waited for her question.
"I thought a lot about what you said, and I realized you were right. To fully surpass our joint rival, Lewis Griffith, I need every weapon in my arsenal. That's why... I want you to teach me Magic!"
A smile formed on my face as I took in the determined look she had in her eyes. It was exciting to watch a young child with so much vigor concerning Magic, so much so that I nearly saw my younger self in the girl.
"Why would you ask me, though? Are you sure you want a mere White Core Grade to teach you, someone with such talent?"
This was a test, obviously. I wanted to see if she spoke out of depth, curiosity, or blind desperation.
"I heard the news of how you got a perfect score on your exams in Magic. I also know you're skilled at Magic theories and have a great wealth of knowledge. Since you're basically walking down the path I wish to thread on, one of a Scholar and Magic-User, there's no better person! Plus, we both dare the same rival! Let's help each other out!"
I nearly cringed when she made her last statement but, since my self-control had returned, I only nodded slightly.
'That's good enough for me!'
