5: Vines Attack

GAIA is currently walking with Zeira towards the classroom. Gaia is grateful to have someone to walk with in the Academy.

"By the way, Gaia, which class are you in?" Zeira asks her.

"Ah, I'm in XII Class A," Gaia replies, and Zeira taps her shoulder, chuckling.

"Of course, surely you'll be in Class A. Thinking that your intelligence is beyond normal, like you said. That's great, Gaia; we'll be classmates then," joy is evident in Zeira's voice. Gaia laughs in response to Zeira's reaction. She is happy because of someone, after going through months of hardship. 'Should I give her a try?' Gaia thought.

"What are you thinking?" Zeira asks Gaia, noticing her deep in thought. Gaia shrugs and smiles at her.

 "I'm just happy that you chose me as your friend, even though I'm just an ordinary student. I was supposed to follow your orders because I'm just a pawn," Gaia genuinely tells her. Zeira just pouts at her then playfully hits Gaia's arm.

"I know that you're a genuine person, Gaia. Students here want to be friends with me for popularity and power. I just felt that you're a good person." Gaia smiles at Zeira's words. 'Good… she thinks that I'm good,' Gaia thought.

"Y-yeah… thank you for trusting me, Zeira," Gaia replies, and they continue walking towards the classroom.

In a few moments, they are inside the classroom. Gaia sits next to Zeira, wanting to take Zeira's seat, but Zeira beats her to it. There are two vacant seats next to Gaia, and she's not used to that. She notices the curious looks of her future classmates and the whispers that she can hear.

“Why is that trash with Zeira?” a girl says disdainfully.

"I know right? I heard that she doesn't have an ability," another agrees. Gaia brushes off what she hears. She has no intention of engaging with them. Zeira notices Gaia's indifference and places her hand on Gaia's armrest, trying to comfort her. Many eyes are on them as they traverse the hallway.

"Don’t mind them, Gaia," Zeira says with a smile, causing Gaia to nod, and the two of them continue their conversation.

However, their attention is diverted when someone calls Zeira. "Yo, Zeira!" Zeira and Gaia turn to see a guy heading their way. He is accompanied by another guy with red hair who seems irritable.

"What now, Caiz?" Zeira says with an irritated tone. Caiz approaches them and stops in front of Gaia, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Miss, could you please move aside? I want to sit next to Zeira," Caiz says. Gaia raises an eyebrow but complies with his request. She hears Zeira protesting as she moves.

"Gaia, come back here!" Zeira calls. Gaia just smiles and sits next to Caiz. The guy with red hair is on her left.

"Oh, you know her, Zeira? So is it true what we heard? Is it true that you don't have an ability?" Caiz says curiously. Gaia nods; she has no problem with this. Caiz asks without disgust but with a hint of curiosity.

Meanwhile, the guy on Gaia's left has been quiet. Caiz calls him. "Hey Fier, say something." Caiz gets Fier's attention, but he just glares at Gaia and returns his gaze forward. Caiz chuckles at Fier's reaction.

"Sorry about that, Gaia. Gaia's your name, right?" Caiz asks with a smile. Gaia doesn't feel awkward, so she smiles back.

"Yeah, it's okay." He nods and teases Zeira again, who has been sulking since Caiz arrived.

Their classmates suddenly get excited, and Gaia wonders if an important person is entering the room.

"He’s here!" a girl excitedly says.

"Do I look good, girl?" another girl asks while looking at her phone screen.

"Zhyke’s coming!" a third girl shouts from outside. And that's when Gaia's curiosity is answered. Zhyke, the man she encountered the other day, the man who's in god tier.

"Here, Zhyke!" Caiz shouts to the guy who has just entered the classroom. Zhyke looks towards their direction, and his expression darkens upon seeing Gaia. He walks towards them, irritation evident on his face.

"Why are you three with that pawn?" he emphasizes the word 'pawn.' Gaia restrains herself from reacting due to the anger she feels.

"Shut it, Zhyke. She's my friend now. So quit it, please," Zeira defends Gaia. Zhyke glares at Gaia, and then he looks at the guy on Gaia's left.

"Surprising that you joined, Fier." Zhyke sits behind Gaia, not bothering to look at her.

"So what? Just let me sleep, Zhyke," Fier replies, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. Gaia hears Zhyke hiss at the back, perhaps annoyed that she's there. She feels uneasy, knowing that a man who hates her is just behind her. She breathes a sigh of relief when the teacher arrives.

"Hello, everyone! So, there's a newcomer here? Can you please introduce yourself, miss?" the teacher asks Gaia, her gaze lingering on her. Gaia stands up and walks to the front. Gaia feels uneasy with the numerous stares she's getting. She glances at Zeira to ease her nerves.

"Hello, everyone! I am Gaia Moraitis, 18 years of age. I'm pleased to meet you all," Gaia introduces herself and ends it with a bow. The teacher then introduces Gaia to the class.

"I am Miss Sage Alanis, your advisor for this school year. I know your situation, Miss Moraitis; you may take your seat now," Miss Alanis says with a smile.

"Thank you, ma'am," Gaia thanks her before walking back to her seat. But before she can reach her seat, vines suddenly appear on the floor, wrapping around Gaia's ankles and causing her to stumble. The vines disappear as Gaia tries to figure out what caught her feet.

"Gaia!" Zeira exclaims at what happened. Some laugh at the spectacle.

"Everyone, stop!" Miss Alanis intervenes, approaching Gaia to help her stand. There is a trace of a red mark on Gaia's ankle, and both her ankles are slightly sore.

"Are you okay, Gaia?" Zeira asks, holding Gaia's arm. Gaia nods, smiling through the discomfort. The laughter subsides, and they start returning to their seats when Fier suddenly speaks.

"Who did that?" Fier inquires, his expression stern.