NOVEL WEB Chapter 230: A Warm Day
A few days later, beneath the subtle silver rays of the Luna, an all-terrain jeepney revved one last time, making a complete stop in front of a residence with vast land, a fairly huge manor, and a tall, crimson tower.
Having arrived at her master's residence, Ennya disembarked from the Manatech Vehicle.
She made the effort to circle to the front, glaring at Shaun and performing the universal motion of "watch out, you're in my sights now," at him, before offering a sincere bow at Isolde:
"Headmistress. Thank you for escorting me safely to the strict old ha–...err, my master's residence."
She then walked over to Hal, who suddenly gave her something.
Ennya's brows rose, and her eyes momentarily widened before a gasp escaped her mouth.
"This is for me?!" she exclaimed in utter delight, unceremoniously snatching the brand new box of a Manatech Communicator from Hal's hands.
"Yeah," Hal confirmed with a grin, pleased at her reaction. "I know you're quite broke, unlike me, so…"
"W-What did you say?! Hmph! You'd better enjoy your numbered days of being richer than me! Once I escape that old hag's grasp…"
The little fiery imp rubbed her hands together, a sly grin forming on her lips.
Her expression then softened a moment later:
"But seriously, thanks."
"No worries, I'm rich, anyway. I'll also give one to Aunty Lynn and give her your unique code. Wait for her message, and then reply."
"I-I see…"
It seemed as though the midget wanted to say something, but was holding herself back.
Naturally, Hal noticed her hesitation, easily deducing what was on her mind.
"Oh, right. The manual is inside. Just explore the device during your free time. You should refrain from using that during your training hours, as your master would probably confiscate it if you do."
Ennya shivered at the reminder.
That matter…had slipped her mind.
She had to be careful when using the communicator, as the old hag would probably step in and take it if she allowed the device to affect her training.
It would be far better to use it responsibly than allow it to fall into the hands of her strict master.
She nodded at Hal and bid him goodbye, her last words being, "You absolutely must message me from time to time, alright? I'll reply as soon as I can!"
With that little promise, she entered the residence of suffering and horror.
Shaun also drove off to the Grand Magic Academy in the next moment.
It was already nighttime, and as otherworldly and demonic in his own right as the driver was, Shaun was also tired.
A few minutes later, they arrived and entered the wide, main entrance.
Hal didn't expect that the mere sight of the archway would tickle his exhausted heart.
Only now did he appreciate the grandness and beauty of the Grand Magic Academy's campus, perhaps even more so than when he first arrived.
The flowers lining up the wide, red brick pathways, the trees, the night lights, the lively yet studious atmosphere, and even the walking students—all none the wiser about the tragedy in the east…
Who would have expected that he would miss everything the academy had to offer to this extent?
It was warm.
It was home…
Another few minutes later, the jeepney stopped in front of the five-star freshmen dorms
Hal jumped down from the vehicle, choosing to ignore the annoying grin and gaze from Shaun.
"Thank you for fetching me and Ennya, master," he bowed.
But Isolde didn't respond immediately, glancing at the accommodation building before shifting her attention back to Hal.
"Are you sure you don't want a separate accommodation?" she asked suddenly.
"Yes, master. My suite here is comfortable enough," he laughed lightly. "In fact, it's way too comfortable!"
The headmistress smiled:
"Well then, get plenty of rest. Tomorrow, come to Korvus' office and have him take you to mine. I have to hear what happened from your perspective."
"I understand, master."
With one final bow, Hal entered the five-star freshmen dorms, finding it difficult to suppress a smile as the familiar lobby came into view.
He somehow appreciated even the little things now…
Soon, he arrived in front of his room, momentarily looking at the door beside his and wondering:
'I wonder if she's in?'
He then entered his suite, a bit sad that Loki wasn't there to greet him.
He missed the pup.
'Oh well, I'll be visiting mom and aunt soon, anyway…'
He shrugged, heading to the kitchen to prepare a nice meal for himself.
The Chaos Shop allowed him to purchase a variety of everyday things, and while there were still a lot of locked and unpurchasable products, high-quality meat wasn't one of them.
There was a product called A5 Wagyu Ribeye that he had long targeted to purchase for fifty Chaos Points.
It was quite pricey, but after surviving such an ordeal, he at least deserved one, no?
He also purchased a few high-quality vegetables to go along with the meat, and a few cans of lime soda, setting him back for a total of 100 Chaos Points.
Hal temporarily stored the drinks in the fridge as he prepared his luxurious dinner.
He ripped the pack open, placing the meat on a plate and admiring it:
'D-Damn, look at that meat and fat distribution…wouldn't this melt in my mouth?!'
This was the first time he handled meat of such quality, but Hal's instincts told him that it was best to fry this meat in oil after seasoning it with salt and pepper, so that's what he did.
And man…did he not regret his decision!
Before he could even place the plate of fried vegetables and meat down on the table, the savory aroma was already assaulting his nostrils, making his stomach growl in protest.
'But first…'
Hal retrieved his ice-cold sodas from the fridge, placed it beside his meal, and sat down.
He then eagerly ripped the meat apart with a spoon and fork.
While not the proper way to eat the said top-tier meat in a different world, it still sent Hal right to wonderland, melting in his mouth just like he expected in just a few bites.
Hal then sipped a bit of soda and burped, sighing:
'Ahh…did I die, after all? Am I in heaven?'