NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Bab 14
"Liner Academy?" That sounds like an opportunity for Gara. However, he knew he couldn't afford it now. Subconsciously, he glanced over his flat stomach. It would be scandalous if his stomach got bigger and bigger.
Kala, Danan and even Madha looked at him expectantly. Gyakarta Academy must be a big deal in this world, or at least in this continent.
"I can't enter the academy this year due to certain conditions. Could I still have a chance to enter next year?" Gara rejected, then asked carefully, hoping that he could still have the chance.
Langga furrowed his brow. From what he saw during the ceremony earlier, Gara's mother didn't approve him to be a Liner. But he also saw how Gara sneaked away from his home.
What conditions Gara spoke of, Langga couldn't guess.
Madha was a bit shocked when he heard Gara's rejection. He thought Gara would be thrilled and willing to explore the path of Liner.
"Sir Professor, I also have a condition preventing me from entering the academy this year," Madha added. He wanted to be a Liner, however, he wants to go that path with Gara.
Danan and Kala looked nervous. Some of it's because they are afraid to make Langga irritated, and some of it's because Danan a bit irritated right now. "How can these two boys waste the valuable opportunity given to them?!"
"I can't guarantee the acceptance of both of you for next year..." Langga shook his head slightly, still with elegance.
Danan fidgeted in his seat. He stared at the two boys with a fake smile. "Boys, let's think this through. You two will never get this opportunity again. An offer from someone as great as Professor langga is an honor."
If someone from his small town could make it to the prestigious Gyakarta Academy, he could brag about this day and night. And also can use this to apply for better benefits from the respective city.
When they graduated, surely he would come to the capital city, stand beside them, highly and mightily. Yet, these two boys poised to shatter his dream.
"I really can't go to the academy this year. I'm sorry, Professor Altherian, Mayor Lockwood." Gara looked apologetically at Langga, Danan and lastly Kala.
Gara was kind of surprised to hear Madha reject Langga's offer. But then, maybe it was because of him. Madha, this boy, too fell in love with him.
Danan continued to try and persuade them, but they couldn't be persuaded anymore. After a round of apologies, in which Madha also joined, they were finally able to leave the room.
Kala followed them out. She didn't try to convince them further, she could see their firm resolve. Instead, she explained another thing to them.
"Getting offered by the academy is something that rarely happens. Typically, a new Liner get their instruction one day after the ceremony. I just briefly explained it to both of you. You two will become registered as newbie Liners from our town. For six months, you must complete a minimum of five missions from the town. After that, you are free to choose any jobs you want, or travel to the city or any other place, it's absolutely up to you."
Gara and Madha nodded their head. So they had to stay in this town for another day.
They arrived at the front door of the mayor's office. Gara and Madha said goodbye to Kala before going to get their breakfast.
"Madha, are you sure you don't want to enter Gyakarta Academy?" Gara asked with a serious tone.
"I don't want to." Madha answered stiffly. He couldn't even give a reason for his rejection. Surely, he just wants to follow Gara.
Gara sighed and chose not to press further. He would prefer to think about his future plans.
"I'll stay in this town, or another secluded town until the baby arrives. Mom won't suspect me if I use the Liner mission to stay away from home. After that, I'll take Madha to the capital city, so we can register for the academy." Gara nodded satisfactorily.
"Why are you eating so absentmindedly, Gara?"
Madha's voice brought him back to reality. Gara shook his head, continuing his eat. The noodles in his bowl taste bland. It lacks saltiness. But he still ate it without sound, until—
"Where's my little sister?"
Long, slim finger grabs Gara's hand. The wooden spoon leaped from his grasp onto his clothes, then fell to the floor.
Gara's long eyelashes fluttered when he looked at the new, ill-mannered guy. The guy had healthy, fair skin with green eyes. His brows furrowed deeply, making him look unfriendly.
"What do you mean your sister?" Gara tried to pull his hand back.
"This is my sister's bracelet." The guy stared at a bracelet made of small, brown wooden square, triangular, and round beads. This was Gara's new bracelet that he got from the yellow-dressed girl yesterday.
Madha reflexively stepped between Gara and the new guy. From this view, Gara could see the difference in their clothes. Madha with rough, stiff and muted color garments, while this guy wore blue clothes with fine cotton.
Nevertheless, the guy didn't let Gara's hand, seeing Madha, he just got angrier.
Gara felt his wrist hot, almost felt a burn. "Ack!" He tried to ward off the guy's hand.
"Too Hot! Make it colder," Gara mumbled. Suddenly, water seeped from his wrist, cooling it. The guy flinched.
Simultaneously, Gara stared at this guy's face. A translucent blue panel appeared before him.
[ZAYN PROFILE STATUS]
Bloodline: Elemental Bloodline
Talent: Infernal Aura
Age: 17
Affinity: -20%
Trait: Temperamental (Talent effect)
[SYSTEM EVALUATION]
Bloodline and Talent: High. Affinity and Trait: low.
The Chosen One is advised to avoid direct involvement and is not recommended as the father of a child. The talent's effect could negatively impact the Chosen One's child.
This was the first time Gara had seen the system so strongly against someone, even if that person had a high bloodline and talent. And he'd just learned about something called a 'Talent's effect'.
"Brother Zayn! What are you doing?"
A milky, sweet voice sounded from the front door. There stood a beautiful girl whom Gara recognized as the yellow-dress girl, though now she wore a green dress.
"Zana!" The guy released Gara's hand. He rushed to the girl, looking worried all over.
...