The map led them down the stairs to the main hall and then through another path that connected two different sections of the institution. The design of the place used long tunnels to connect all the areas of the institution. They were built out of fortified glass and iron and then covered in tiles.
The 180% view these tunnels presented was naturally amazing. They felt as if they were floating in the air above the island rather than standing on the ground.
At the end of the tunnel, the group found themselves inside a large place, stretching at least several hundred meters in all directions.
Countless tables were set across the entire area of the place. On the other side, a long buffet was set spanning the circumference of the entire room.
"So this is the cafeteria... Looks pretty over the top. In theme with everything else." Arthur commented.
Many students had already arrived before them and filled the entire place. The delicious smell of food instantly hit Arthur's nose and he felt his stomach cry.
'This smell...' He licked his lips. Looking over his shoulders, he could see that they had the same reactions as he did.
"Ehem, I don't know about you. But, I'm going." Arthur said as he quickly stormed away.
"Hey, wait!" Emmy exclaimed as she rushed after him.
"... Those two..." Danny sighed while facepalming. "At least wait till everyone is here."
"I'm also hungry," Isla commented in a comically cold tone. "I think I'm going to follow them."
"..." Danny stared up at her. "O-Of course. By all means, go ahead."
'I have never seen her like this... It's... adorable!' Danny bit his lip in frustration. He didn't even realize that his cheeks were a little more red than usual.
"Ehem! What am I even thinking about?" Shaking his head, Danny moved after the group. However, in his peripheral vision, he suddenly noticed something that made him halt completely.
The other three moved toward the buffet, picked up their plates, and started getting their food. There were endless types of vegetables, meats, sauces, dressings, and desserts. There were dishes from every single place in the world cooked to perfection. The smell was simply heavenly.
Arthur took a moment to admire the food before he started scooping portions of everything he found inviting. His plate quickly filled up to the brim with food.
"Damn it, I will take another plate after this one."
Meanwhile, Emmy and Isla watched him with astonished looks on their faces.
'How is he eating all of that...? Does his stomach have no end?'
The boy stopped eating and looked back at Isla. "I found an empty seat and simply sat down." Then, he resumed eating as if nothing happened.
"Leave." Putting her plate on the table, Isla ordered him coldly. Her aura was as threatening as ever.
'I have never seen her this angry. Who is this guy?' Arthur kept staring back and forth between Isla and this anonymous person. Calling the situation tense was an understatement. Something told him that given a better place, a fight would've broken out.
"..." The boy stopped eating again and sighed. "Again? What have I done? I'm simply eating."
"There are other empty places." She replied.
"But why not this one?"
"Since when did you enjoy sitting next to strangers?"
"I'm trying to be social. Knowing how you see me, I'm going on a journey to better myself." The boy shrugged. "So I can be better."
"..." Isla stared at him silently.
"I wonder when you will stop being this angry, Isla. It ruins your pretty face." The boy said as he picked up his plate and turned to look at Arthur. "It was nice having a chat with you. Let's have a cup of coffee together in the future."
After saying that, the boy walked away casually, leaving Arthur a little stunned. He didn't even understand how that guy had that much composure even though he was in the most tense situation possible.
"So that guy is here..." Emmy muttered under her breath with a frown. "I was surprised I didn't see him this entire time..."
"... Sigh..." Isla simply sighed and sat down.
"Mm, guys? Who was that dude?" Arthur asked.
"..." Emmy gave Arthur a meaningful glance as if she was telling him not to ask.
"It is nothing. Whatever happens, don't associate yourself with him, Arthur. He is not a good person." Isla replied as she started eating.
"... Yeah, he gave me the creeps. I don't intend to talk to him ever again."
'However, that doesn't mean I'm not going to investigate this bastard. I don't like how he did that 'I can appear out of nowhere and avoid your senses' type of entrance into my life. Tsk!'
A//N: Don't forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3