Chapter 215: I’m Sorry
Her words silenced the crowd.
The students suddenly realized the vast difference in rank, how impossible this match should’ve been.
Even if Gara and Madha had used tricks or tactics, the truth was undeniable: Maul should never have lost.
Gara and Madha’s victory became undeniable proof of their strength.
Vania finally fell silent.
Revan said nothing either, but the way he looked at the two —especially Gara— had changed. Others might not notice, but his vampire eyes caught what they couldn’t: Gara’s water bullets weren’t just distractions. They were the key strikes that turned the tide of battle.
From the window of one of the academy’s towers overlooking the training field, Langga watched with folded arms, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
...
After the exhausting and drama-filled offense class, Gara and his group headed to the cafeteria to recharge.
The place was already loud, but as the offense class students entered, the noise doubled. That class had a lot of members.
"Fian, that spot’s open— go grab it for us," Gara said.
Without a word, Fian vanished from sight, reappearing in the seat a moment later.
"What a weird way to use a talent as powerful as Ghost Walk," Orman muttered.
"Still... kinda cool," Andine whispered under her breath, with glowing eyes stuck to Fian.
They reached their table, and bowls of bland supplement soup were placed before them.
Gara pulled out his porcelain jar and shared some of its contents with those who didn’t have one.
Madha and Fian already had their own jars, they’d brought them back from the Dimensional Home yesterday. Madha even sprinkled in some chili powder to add flavor.
"Generous," Orman commented as Gara poured salt freely into his soup, though Orman followed suit right after.
Yuvika nodded in agreement. Even as a merchant’s daughter, she would never give away something as valuable as salt like that.
If it were her, she’d probably sell it in the academy for a good price. Unfortunately, trading was strictly forbidden on academy grounds.
Soon, they were all quietly enjoying soup that finally had some taste.
Then —without warning— Kevio appeared beside their table.
"What now, Kevio?" Yuvika asked, half-annoyed.
Kevio looked up, eyes red, his expression miserable. "I’m sorry!" he said loudly.
"Gara, Madha, Fian— I’m sorry for insulting you. I’m sorry for my arrogance."
"Whoa... what’s with this sudden apology? Did lightning strike your head or something?" Orman asked, genuinely stunned.
He never thought the boss’s kid —someone he’d basically given up on— would ever say something like that.
The others at the table stared in surprise. Even nearby students turned their heads, eager for some lunchtime drama.
"I finally realized how wrong I was," Kevio said earnestly, though embarrassment flushed his face under everyone’s gaze.
"Alright," Madha spoke first. "As long as you truly want to change and focus on improving yourself."
"I agree," Gara added. Fian gave a firm nod beside him.
"I won’t act stupid or arrogant ever again," Kevio promised, his voice steady.
"Good," Orman said, standing and giving him a firm pat on the shoulder.
After that, Kevio excused himself and returned to sit with his fellow Class E students.
Gara and the others resumed their meal, expecting the rest of lunch to pass peacefully.
But peace, apparently, wasn’t on the menu.
Out of nowhere, Miki popped up behind Gara and Madha, his arms stretching out to grab both of them in a friendly hug.
Before she could touch Gara, though, Madha reacted instantly— catching his hand midair and pulling it aside.
"Wow~ Just like the rumors say, you really are amazing, Madha! That reflex was perfect!" Miki exclaimed, his voice full of cheerful drama.
"What’s up?" Madha asked.
"I heard what happened in your class earlier." Miki smiled meaningfully. "The entire academy’s talking about how amazing the two human boys from First-Year Class S are. You made our class look even better!"
"You should also thank Vania," Gara replied, his tone calm but laced with sarcasm. "If she hadn’t stirred up that problem, we wouldn’t have ended up fighting the instructor."
Miki cleared his throat. "I, uh, heard about that rumor too. At least now everyone knows it was just gossip. And more importantly, they know how strong you two are."
No one responded.
"Well then, I’ll get going."
"Wait." Gara suddenly called out, making Miki stop in his tracks.
"Why don’t you join the offense class?" Gara asked.
Miki paused for a second, then answered with his usual cheerful tone, "My Talent isn’t suited for offense. Anyway, I’m off!"
He dashed away quickly, leaving Gara’s question hanging in the air.
"But Ratfolk Traits should have offense skills like Claws, right?" Gara muttered, puzzled.
"Come on, let’s finish our meal," Madha said softly, patting Gara’s arm.
...
The next day, their schedules were different, so Gara, Fian, and Madha promised to meet in the cafeteria after class.
Now, Gara was walking there alone.
Right as he reached the cafeteria entrance, Kevio appeared. "Gara! Madha’s already waiting over there!"
Kevio pointed at a table where Madha sat alone. Gara nodded and walked over, but when he glanced back, Kevio didn’t follow him. He stayed by the entrance.
"What’s with that guy?" Gara asked as he sat beside Madha.
"He said he wanted to make up for how he treated us before. So, he volunteered to wait for the others at the door," Madha explained.
"He doesn’t really have to go that far," Gara chuckled. His eyes fell on the jars on the table. "What’s all this?"
"From Kevio too— salt, sugar, chili powder, and some spices. For us."
"He really went all in."
Madha nodded, then reached over and gently took Gara’s hand.
"What is it?" Gara asked, a bit startled.
"With how busy we’ve been at the academy during the day, and taking care of the triplets at night, we haven’t had any time alone together," Madha said softly. "I haven’t even heard my baby’s heartbeat yet." He leaned closer, his voice turning into a whisper. "I miss you."
Gara chuckled, amused. "Your baby’s still the size of a corn kernel."
"Still," he continued, smiling faintly, "this weekend, when we don’t have class, I won’t go into the Dimensional Home right away. I’ll take a few hours off. Will you spend that time with me?"
"Of course, I’ll be glad," Madha replied, nodding.
"What are so glad about?" Andine suddenly appeared, sitting across from them.
"Uh—" Gara pointed at the jars on the table. "We’ve got salt now."
"Seriously?" Andine’s attention instantly shifted to the jars.
Meanwhile, Gara glanced at Madha, and the two shared a quiet, knowing laugh.
...