Chapter 52: Combat what?[GTG]
Ryan patted his pleasantly full stomach as he and Helen strolled away from the cafeteria, their hands clasped together. They weren’t holding hands tightly, but there was a comfortable intimacy in the gesture.
The afternoon sun glinted off the towering structure ahead, a gleaming skyscraper that seemed to twist and turn all the way up to its peak. Its facade was made entirely of glass panels, creating a dazzling, and a more modern contrast to that of the capital of the empire from the other world.
"Wow," Ryan breathed, struck by the sight. It was similar to the grand structures he’d known, but with a certain unique flair that set it apart.
"This is where it all happens," Helen said with a smile, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she pulled him towards the building. "Combat class, at least on the second floor."
Understanding dawned on Ryan. No wonder so many students from his class were heading in this direction. He studied the building with newfound interest.
With a sigh, Ryan followed Helen, a comfortable silence settling between them. As they reached the entrance, the transparent glass doors slid open with a soft swish, and they stepped inside.
A kaleidoscope of colors greeted them. Students from other years milled about the hallways, likely on their way to their own combat lessons. The academy had three official classes, well, four technically. But the fourth-years were rarely seen, consumed by their final year missions that took up most of their school time. They were practically phantoms. Each class, however, had its own distinct uniform, creating a vibrant tapestry of diversity.
On a normal day, Ryan might have felt overwhelmed by the chaos. But with Helen’s enthusiastic hand pulling him along, they reached the elevator within minutes. As usual, it was crowded, forcing Ryan to hold onto Helen a little more possessively than he intended. He hadn’t realized it, but her friendliness was slowly chipping away at his defenses. He was falling for her.
A gentle ping announced their arrival. Ryan stepped out with the others, his hand still resting on Helen’s waist. Lost in her own world, she was completely loving this.