The Masked Virtuoso-Chapter 21: Campus Chaos and Hidden Bonds

The faint echoes of battle still clung to the atmosphere as Ethan, Mia, Nefera, and Isolde made their way back to Arclight University. Morning dew shimmered on the grass, contrasting starkly with the adrenaline that still thrummed in their veins.

Mia stretched her arms above her head, her evolved dagger gleaming faintly as it hung from her belt. "Ah, nothing like a post-battle stroll to start the day. Think we'll get extra credit for saving the world?"

Ethan shot her a dry glance. "You'd probably use it to skip class."

Nefera walked with regal poise, her golden chains flickering faintly at her wrists. "Perhaps we should focus on blending in. We can't afford to draw attention after what happened."

Isolde's violet eyes gleamed with amusement. "Don't worry, shadow boy. I'm sure you'll be the picture of normalcy."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ethan grumbled.

---

The New Cafeteria Manager

As they entered the university grounds, students bustled across the campus with their usual energy. Cafeteria chatter echoed from the main dining hall.

Mia's eyes narrowed. "Hold on. Is that... Isolde?"

Sure enough, Isolde stood behind the cafeteria counter, clad in a crisp apron embroidered with the words Cafeteria Manager. Her usual commanding presence seemed hilariously out of place amidst trays of questionable food.

"What... How...?" Ethan struggled to form words.

Isolde caught their stares and smirked. "Surprised?"

"You're a cafeteria manager now?" Mia blurted out. "How did that happen?"

"I needed a cover," Isolde said casually. "And they needed someone who can manage chaos. A perfect match."

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "This has got to be a joke."

Nefera tilted her head thoughtfully. "You do seem... efficient."

Isolde waved a spatula like a weapon. "Just wait until you try my secret energy smoothies."

"Terrifying," Mia muttered.

Isolde leaned forward, her violet eyes gleaming. "Don't forget, cafeteria managers hear everything. I'm watching."

Mia nudged Ethan. "We've got our own cafeteria spy now."

"Fantastic," Ethan said dryly. "Just what we needed."

---

Classroom Shenanigans

The lecture hall was already packed when they arrived. Ethan slid into a seat near the back, hoping to avoid attention.

Mia, however, had other plans.

"Why do these seats feel like medieval torture devices?" she muttered, flopping into the chair beside him.

"Because they don't want you to be comfortable enough to nap," Ethan said dryly.

Nefera sat elegantly on Ethan's other side, her golden eyes surveying the room with quiet fascination.

The professor, an older man with wild gray hair, cleared his throat. "Welcome to Advanced Artefactology Theory. Today, we'll discuss the theoretical resonance of artifact energy within dimensional rifts."

Mia blinked. "Is that English?"

Ethan groaned. "Please don't cause a scene."

Ten minutes into the lecture, Mia was already twirling her pen like a dagger and whispering sarcastic commentary.

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"Looks like Professor Wild Hair's plotting world domination," she muttered. "Bet he's got a secret artifact in his pocket."

"Focus," Ethan hissed.

Nefera, on the other hand, was taking meticulous notes. Her elegant demeanor caught the attention of several students, who whispered among themselves.

"Who's the mysterious goddess sitting with Cross?" one student whispered.

"She's gotta be a model or something," another added.

Ethan noticed the growing attention and sighed. "You're causing a stir, Nefera."

Nefera arched an eyebrow. "Why? I'm just sitting here."

"Yeah, but you do it like royalty," Mia teased.

Nefera's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's not intentional."

Ethan slumped lower in his seat. "Can we just survive this class without becoming a spectacle?"

---

Training with a Twist

After class, they followed Isolde back to the cafeteria, which had been cleared out for "renovations."

"Renovations?" Ethan asked skeptically.

Isolde smirked. "That's what the university thinks. We're using it for training now."

"You turned the cafeteria into a training ground?" Mia asked, clearly impressed. "I love it."

"You would," Ethan muttered.

The tables had been pushed to the sides, creating an open space. Isolde clapped her hands. "All right. Let's get started."

Mia twirled her dagger eagerly. "Finally! Some action."

Isolde arched an eyebrow. "Hold your enthusiasm, chaos girl. You'll need control, not just flashy moves."

Mia huffed. "Control's overrated."

Nefera stepped forward, her chains flickering faintly. "I'm ready."

Isolde nodded. "Good. Pair up. Ethan, you're with me."

Ethan groaned. "Lucky me."

---

The Sparring Session

Isolde moved with blinding speed, her energy coiling around her like a living force. Ethan barely had time to react as she launched a series of precise attacks.

"Focus," Isolde commanded. "You're too reactive."

Ethan gritted his teeth, shadows flaring around him. He countered with a burst of dark tendrils, but Isolde deflected them effortlessly.

"You call that control?" she taunted.

"I'm working on it," Ethan snapped.

Meanwhile, Mia and Nefera sparred fiercely. Mia's blade clashed against Nefera's chains, sparks flying with each impact.

"Not bad, princess," Mia teased. "But you're gonna have to do better than that."

Nefera's eyes glowed. "Careful what you wish for."

Golden chains shot toward Mia, who dodged nimbly and landed a slicing blow that cut through the energy.

"Nice!" Mia grinned. "We're getting good at this."

---

Cafeteria Chaos

Their training was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a group of curious students who peeked through the cafeteria doors.

"Uh... what's going on in here?" one of them asked.

Isolde crossed her arms. "Private training session."

The student blinked. "In the cafeteria?"

Mia grinned. "Yeah. Don't worry—your fries are safe."

The student backed away slowly. "Okay... weird."

Ethan sighed. "We're so getting reported."

Isolde smirked. "Let them report. I'm the cafeteria manager."

Mia laughed. "Power suits you."

---

A Quiet Moment

Later, as they sat around a makeshift table, catching their breath, Ethan glanced at Isolde. "Why are you really here?"

Isolde's expression softened. "Because this fight isn't just yours. It's ours."

Nefera nodded. "We're stronger together."

Mia raised her blade triumphantly. "And way cooler."

Despite the chaos, Ethan felt a strange sense of peace. They were a mess—but they were his mess.

As the afternoon sun streamed through the windows, he knew one thing for sure.

Whatever came next, they'd face it together.

---

To Be Continued...