Chapter 50: 50

Chapter 49

Amber was completely overwhelmed by the number of students who showed up at their table.

Some of them were the other club members who happened to be on their rest day when she visited their sport studio, that's why she hadn't seen them.

Heat crept up her cheeks, automatically bringing her to her feet.

Amber stood up in haste, and promptly greeted her seniors, ignoring the funny feeling that settled in the pit of her stomach.

No one said a word about fetching a battalion of kickboxers!

Besides, she's not the only person who's freaking out here.

Even the other occupants of the cafeteria looked bewildered.

"Wow! She's really here, dude. I thought Killian was just fucking with us because we didn't want to leave the rooftop!"

"Are we going to have lunch with her? The girl looks discomfited. Is this really okay?"

"Man, I'm tense. This doesn't happen every day."

"Whoa! I'm legit surprised. It's Amber in the flesh, boys. At this rate, people might start thinking that we're bullying her. Let's take our seats, gentlemen!"

"I must say I'm so touched, Winston. No one even bothered to prepare the tables for us? The three of you are useless!" Amber was on the move within a split second.

That's right.

That was discourteous of them…!

But just when she was about to pull a large, wooden table closer to theirs, one of the club members stopped her, and shook his head with a small grin. Instead, he made her go back to the table—to which she heeded, albeit hesitantly.

She thought it was indeed rude of her for failing to consider ahead of time where they would sit once they arrived.

"We're a bunch of guys here. Why are you letting a small girl do the work?"

"Could you tone down with the sarcasm? I know it's normal among us, but it's making Amber feel anxious!"

"H-huh? I was just joking around…?"

"Then, quit joking around, and sit your ass down!"

"How bossy."

When they were all finally seated, the guys just continued having their lunch as if nothing happened.

Some students would glance their way from time to time—and that was because they looked like a group of rebels having a prayer meeting for a chance to redemption!

Some others kept their reactions subtle, and watched them discreetly.

It feels weird to see Amber Santiago with a unique company during lunch break.

What's more fascinating is that they all seem used to it!

They were too fixated on the idea that Amber must not be treated like a normal student because to them, she was a very unpredictable creature who must be approached with caution.

Her practical ranking says it all.

They have all been warned of her dangerous tendencies. Only blind fans would try their hardest to defend the person they looked up to, despite knowing the weight of their mistakes.

Although Amber didn't commit a serious crime that should warrant a public condemnation, at the end of the day, people would still choose what they wanted to believe, and discard everything else.

Murmurs sparked among the crowd as they witnessed something that had never happened before.

Amber was smiling while having a conversation with all those scary-looking boys!

At first, they found it hard to believe that she was friends with them—until they later realized that all those guys belonged to the same club. Therefore, it makes sense for them to spend time together.

It's called camaraderie or something.

However, it's their first time seeing Amber with a different set of friends today.

And the students don't know what to feel about it.

It's weird, yet heartwarming.

"I heard that quite a number of students from your pack was set to fulfill sorts of mission, is that true?"

Amber picked up a tissue to wipe the sides of her mouth, nodding. "Yes, that's correct…" She didn't expect that her club members would take interest in their pack business.

They all seem the happy-go-lucky type, except when they're training.

These men become a different type of monster when they're going at it. That's why the first thought that came to mind when she met them was to run.

Amber knew it was awful to base her opinion on their outward appearances, but her one-track mind prevented her from getting involved with these intimidating people.

Plot twist, though.

Now, she's eating with them.

Amber had never imagined that this day would come. To be honest, her heart is full. The feeling is indescribable, and it's definitely different from what she feels whenever she's with Salt, Pepper, and Lukas.

Moments with the Kickboxing Club are skittish, but freeing.

She constantly gets the feeling that no matter what she says and does, they will be able to come to understand her.

Right now, she has no basis to prove that certain, and usually, one can only say such things after years of friendship. Perhaps, it's instinct?

The instinct that says she can trust them.

That it's okay to lean on them.

"I guess you're participating, then."

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Amber nodded happily. "I look forward to it."

"Is this your first time on the field?"

The person who asked that question got his head smacked by the guy who was sitting beside him. "Idiot. You weren't listening to the Captain, were you? I bet your mind was floating in the air when he made the announcement before."

"He made an announcement?" The guy who got smacked and Amber queried in unison.

"Wow, is this what people call 'hearts beating as one'?"

"That's it? That's your tagline? I thought I said this before—we're not the right audiences for your dad jokes!"

"Hater. It's not that horrible. Acting cool? Boo."

Winston shook his head. 'They're hopeless.'

He looked at Amber, and went on to explain, "The Captain makes announcements about important events such as prolonged leaves, competitions, or dismissals. That's why we know that you've already gone on to your first mission. We were really surprised back then… to learn that fifteen-year-olds were being sent outside your territory for live exercises."

"Yeah, I'm with Winston. I don't mean to compare, but our pack doesn't do that to its members. Only the pack warriors are tasked to undertake dangerous assignments. I respect River Severn's culture, but I'm more concerned about their youth's safety."

"Well, it's mandated in their law. Amber can't really go against it. Every pack member of River Severn is also a pack warrior. That way of life is their religion."

Amber could only stare at the guys in front of her in wonder.

They were discussing the policies of her pack, including the negativities associated with them, yet no one was throwing hands. Everybody was calm and open-minded. Their words weren't triggering, despite expressing their disapproval.

These guys weren't trying to diss her pack.

Their criticism was made out of concern, and Amber never thought that it was possible to have this kind of conversation with non-pack members because their opinions might not align in the first place.

"Your concerns means a lot not only to me, but all the other participating werewolves as well." Amber showed them a toothy grin. "I'm fine with the rules so far though!"

The club members studied her expression carefully.

Is she pretending or not?

The way she blinks at them curiously as she waits for their response is just too genuine.

'She's telling the truth.'

'It looks like she really doesn't mind the rules.'

'She's too young to be disregarding the value of life. I'm not sure whether I should be happy about her self-confidence or not.'

"So far? Does that mean your opinion can change anytime?"

"If the risks outweigh the benefits, yes." Beliefs change with time and experience. Amber is still at the point where she believes that following the will of the pack is just and equitable.

She's got no problem with rules because rules are essential to uphold peace and order. Without rules, they will just be lawless individuals who know nothing but kill and conquer.

The laws of River Severn are undoubtedly of benefit to her in the long run. Surrounding yourself with strong and competent people will only push you to get stronger.

She understands that not everyone appreciates this line of thinking.

That not everyone is as madly driven as her.

However, if she keeps thinking about her safety, her vision will narrow.

She would feel restrained.

And it's no different from…

'If I do this, the enemy might get me.'

'If I do that, my foot might slip.'

'If I cry for help, the enemy might have the chance to locate me.'

'If I get any closer, I might get caught.'

Prioritizing your safety isn't wrong.

But…

It could be a hassle.

A limiter.

A chain.

These people she's sharing tables with…

They're all probably thinking that if she makes it out alive, she's lucky.

And if she doesn't, it's a pity that she has to die so early.

"As long as you're happy with what you're doing. Nothing beats that. So, when are you scheduled to leave for your next mission? We haven't heard from the Captain yet, so I'm guessing that he's clueless as of the moment, too."

Amber looked apologetic. "No information is available yet, but… it should be within this month."

One of the guys accidentally stepped on the mine. "How did your first mission go?"

Her lips twitched, having caught off-guard. "Pardon?"

The guy looked at her for three seconds before he withdrew his question. "I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have asked because it's classified information."

He sounded genuine.

Her chest tightened.

Her relationship with them won't improve as long as she keeps them at arm's length.

That's why this time, she decided to confess. "The top brass wasn't very happy.. I breached a protocol."

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