Chapter 51: Breakfast
After taking a long and refreshing bath, Nero felt energized. He dressed in his uniform, but suddenly his stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. Deciding to stop by the cafeteria for breakfast before heading to class, he checked his phone and noticed that the others hadn’t left their rooms yet. He couldn’t wait for them; after everything he’d been through, he was feeling extremely hungry and needed to eat something—otherwise, he risked losing consciousness. Leaving a quick message in the group chat, Nero made his way to the cafeteria.
On the way, many cadets glanced at him, seemingly aware that he had changed somehow. He ignored their scrutinizing eyes and continued into the cafeteria. Despite it being morning, the place was bustling with cadets, each eager to grab a meal before their respective classes.
Nero approached the serving line and selected a high-grade breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked with a hint of cheese; crispy bacon that crackled with each bite; and a side of golden-brown hash browns, seasoned to perfection. He added a slice of whole-grain toast, slathered with creamy butter, and a small bowl of fresh fruit—vibrant berries and juicy melon pieces that added a refreshing touch. After paying 20 credits, he left the counter with his breakfast in hand.
Choosing a quiet corner of the cafeteria, he settled down and began to eat, savoring each bite in silence. The rich flavors danced on his palate as he enjoyed the satisfying meal, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him with every mouthful. The food revitalized him, fueling his body and spirit for the day ahead.
Just as Nero was about to leave, the others arrived. Adam sat beside him while the other two took seats across from him.
"Morning, little Nero," Adam greeted, a grin on his face, followed by Lux, who offered a friendly nod, while Blake simply nodded lazily.
"Morning, Nero, how are you feeling?"
"I’m fine, how about you three?"
"I’m great, filled with energy after another two hours of sleep," Adam declared proudly, raising his torso, prompting the other three to look at him oddly, as if he hadn’t noticed their bemusement.