Chapter 49: 49

Chapter 48

"Oi, did you hear the rumors? Many students from River Severn will be pulled out in two weeks' time! Again!"

"Damn, they're the luckiest! Don't you think the school board is favoring them because they literally had to adapt some concepts from that pack's culture? They should tone this glaring favoritism down or else their students won't be very happy!"

"I must say I'm envious because their pack is very active when it comes to missions—even those who are inexperienced get to participate because it's mandatory."

"That's the bottom line there! They're forced to learn things outside their interests. I don't think that's a bad idea."

"Don't you feel bummed that despite their number of absences, there's still quite a lot of them who qualify into the Top 50 rankings? I'm not sure if it's there's work under the table here, but it bugs the hell out of me sometimes…"

"I feel you! I wonder where the participants will go this time? I heard from a friend of a friend that they surveyed the West previously."

"How lucky! You should be grateful that you were able to get that information at all. The students from River Severn in my class were tight-lipped! They would never respond to your curiosity—what a bore."

Amber placed herself on farthest side table at the cafeteria.

She was sitting there alone, enjoying her hot lunch in peace.

Salt and Pepper still have classes, and they're supposed to go on break an hour later.

And that's the time when her lunch break is over.

If her memory serves her well, Lukas has got some club business to deal with at this hour, too.

It's not like she has no other friends, but…

Inside the classroom, her classmates aren't afraid to approach her like a normal human being. The reason for that is studies-related, and communication between groupmates can't be helped.

Outside that rationale, however, is that they won't get too close—given her notorious history.

Right now, Amber Santiago is the only female who has made it into the Top 10 practical rankings.

And that alone speaks volumes.

Just thinking how she's good at hitting people is enough for her classmates to be cautious around her.

After all, she had smacked a classmate in the face before—with no remorse.

Nobody can tell when she's going to snap, that's why they have chosen to form a barrier that limits their friendship with her.

No, they don't necessarily dislike Amber for what she did in the past.

Staying away from her outside the class is nothing but a precautionary measure.

Besides, Amber has never attempted to invite them over lunch break, too. So, they're thinking that maybe she doesn't mind eating alone.

Amber was having chicken curry today.

There were three meat menus every day, but she didn't feel like having pork barbecue and beef teriyaki, so she settled with chicken curry.

And while falling in line to get herself a serving, she happened to overhear two non-pack members whispering among themselves about their absenteeism.

During the ceremony, the officials of Woodridge Academy declared that wolves from the River Severn Pack would be spared from their assignment and project deadlines until further notice. They went on to explain that the pack would be conducting an inevitable operation, and they shouldn't hear complaints from the other students because it was only logical.

The officials assured them that there were no backdoor agreements here.

Those who will be taking a leave of absence are still required to comply with what's expected of them—the deadlines will just need to be pushed back as necessary.

And to avoid confusion, the board unanimously decided to let all the students know.

Amber is actually in awe by the power that Alpha Severus holds.

The Alpha can convince the Board of Directors to allow the massive pull-out of the students without having to resort to issuing threats or violence.

Sometimes, it slips her mind that he's no simple Alpha—that his pack occupies the strongest tenth seat all over the country.

However, that won't stop people from criticizing him and his pack members.

Amber didn't have to focus her hearing to hear her schoolmates' dissatisfaction regarding the school's decision. It's normal because their pack does get preferential treatment for the Woodridge Academy owes the institution success to Alpha Severus' magnanimity.

He allowed the school to incorporate his pack's physical training culture in the form of sports after all.

The way of pack warriors.

To hone the pack warriors.

'Their feelings are valid,' Amber thought while chewing her food in content.

"Oh, it's Amber!"

"You're right, Winston."

Her clubmate, Winston—and he was with three others whose name she didn't catch before.

Winston smiled warmly at her. "Do you mind?" he asked, pointing to the vacant chairs at her table.

When he saw Amber Santiago sitting all by herself, he thought his eyes must be deceiving him.

It doesn't make sense to him for her to appear lonely.

Are her classmates isolating her?

If so, then for what reason?

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Shouldn't they try to get closer to her for her influence?

Amber smiled back softly. "I don't. Please suit yourselves." Then, she greeted the other seniors who were with Winston.

The men burst into laughter when they all bowed to each other. Her eyes widened, horrified. She's way younger than them, and it's only reasonable for her to lower her head in respect while greeting them. However, the men thought the same—that she was an icon; the very face of the Kickboxing Club, so bowing down to her almost felt natural.

"You didn't have to do that, Amber!" exclaimed one of her seniors.

Winston hummed in agreement. "Call the others over. We're sitting here."

"This table is too small for us. It can only accommodate six persons."

"That's not a problem. We'll just connect multiple tables together."

"Brilliant."

The three of them finally sat down with her while the other guy zoomed out of the cafeteria within five seconds flat.

Winston noticed how flushed Amber was, so without her asking, he explained, "Some of us usually go the rooftop since it's comfortable there."

"Ah, I see," she replied meekly. "The cafeteria is often congested after all."

"We were looking for a table, and found you instead." His forehead creased in worry. "Are you okay? Where are your friends? Where's Pepper?"

She shot him a regretful look. "They have classes as we speak. Do you have a message that you want me to pass to her?" Perhaps, it's about the recruitment…?

Winston shook his head, chuckling. "No, no. It wasn't like that. I just found it odd to see you without any company."

Amber blinked at him, mystified. "I hope you all didn't come here because of pity. I swear I'm fine," she rambled.

'She's cute.'

'That's our ace.'

'Her reaction gives me warmth.'

That's what her clubmates are thinking about while watching her.

The serving on her plate is too little for their stomachs, yet she still hasn't finished her lunch. They're expecting her to have a voracious appetite, considering her grind routine, but… maybe she's on a restricted diet?

One could only assume.

"Pity? You're kidding me. We came here because we wanted to. We were actually thrilled when we were looking around to find a table, and instead saw you."

"I second that!"

"How about you, Amber? Are you sure you're comfortable with having us share the same table as you?" The guy who asked that question had a clean, military cut. Amber caught a whiff of his soap which made her realize that he just got off the gym—or studio.

Or both.

She nodded her head, still in a daze. "That's not even a question, Sir," she replied automatically. She was amazed by their cordiality. Though she still felt nervous around them—she was a bit comfortable now. She didn't feel irked at all. The vibes they carry with them is light and welcoming.

"Sir?"

"Did she just call me 'Sir'?"

"Yes, I think she did."

Winston cut in. "You weren't present on the day Amber had visited the studio. You have no right to act like you're insulted."

"Shut up! I don't feel insulted. Don't say that for Amber might get the wrong idea, and think of me as an asshole."

Amber let out a small gasp.

The men stared at her, questioning.

A few seconds later, the realization sank in.

"You need a mouthwash, bro. You just cursed in front of her. Look how surprised she is."

The guy with the military cut scratched the back of his head, biting back a smile. His friends were teasing him. "I'm sorry about that."

She waved her hand in a dismissing manner. "There's nothing to forgive. Please feel free to act comfortably. I… It warms my heart that I'm able to spend time with my seniors in this way." Her cheeks flushed crimson red after that embarrassing confession.

Did she lay it a bit thick on that one?

Amber bit her lower lip, ashamed. 'How I wish the ground swallows me whole…'

"Whoa! I see y'all coveting all the fun among yourselves, huh?"

Amber dropped her jaw.

The guy who went to fetch their other club members…

Did he just bring another fifteen giants with him…?

Now, the students in the cafeteria couldn't help but stare at their huge group!

Twenty boys.

One girl.

And all kickboxers.

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