Swallowing Questions
Dinner time.
Soft music played as I opened my eyes. Dinner time? What the hell was that about all of a sudden?
I sat up in the fluffy bed and looked toward the source of the sound. The clock straight ahead pointed to 6 p.m. 6 p.m.? Oh, right. I remembered crashing right after class ended. My head cleared up a bit. Just sleeping it off had sorted things out, huh.
I got out of bed and, following the announcement, left my room to grab dinner. I made sure the door to Room 114 clicked shut behind me and headed left to the Fuga Hall. Crossing through Fuga Hall, I opened the door at the far end, revealing a staircase. I went down. On the first floor, I glanced at the basement entrance, then headed out to the ground level instead.
The moment I stepped outside, cool evening air brushed my cheeks, the daytime heat long gone. A massive shadow from beyond the ridge covered half the basin. In the dark part of the pit at the boundary of light and shadow, blue lights floated up, preparing for the night view.
I descended the gentle slope from Choir Dormitory to the cafeteria. Come to think of it, today kicked off the holidays. Burning Friday, they called it, and a thought crossed my mind. What do people around here do on days off? Probably buried in homework, but not everyone can study nonstop. They didn't seem like the partying type, but I'd spotted shops near the train station by Station Hotel. Maybe that's where they hung out?
I mulled it over with my sluggish brain as I walked to the cafeteria. The delicious smells wafting down the slope made my stomach growl the second they hit me. And with hunger crashing in, yeah. Gotta eat to live, right?
I stepped inside. Most wore the affiliated school's uniforms or issued clothes, but a few adults were mixed in. That guy I chatted with briefly? He was a Pristine Comprehensive University student, right? Wasn't this just the affiliated school dorm? Or were university dorms nearby? Maybe this was the main cafeteria for the area.
Anyway, there was a line, so I pulled out my student handbook and turned on the screen. Tapped the map, and sure enough, dorms showed up a bit farther out. Searched for cafeterias, and a few popped up at awkward distances from those dorms.
Next, the student bulletin board. Back on Earth, I'd browse those whenever I had time. Mostly pointless posts scrolling by lazily. And there it was—a post answering my question. "Where's good today?"
So, the massive Pristine Comprehensive University campus had multiple cafeterias, each serving different menus. Made sense. Gave you options. Probably why some trekked far for good eats, while others went out. Underground had those unmanned rail carts zipping around, and the tech was top-notch compared to Earth... but overall, passenger transport was lacking.
That's when I recalled hearing researchers complain about not getting enough exercise. Yeah. Huge campus, everything a walk away—natural workout. Especially up and down hills; legs'd get thick as tree trunks.
I pieced together the school layout while waiting for dinner. Today, the line split left and right again. The monitor I'd skipped last time showed today's menu. Fried rice-looking stuff caught my eye first. The rice-like grains here rolled around in your mouth forever—hope this one's okay.
Finally, something rice-adjacent after so long. I picked B out of A or B, scooped enough onto my tray, and headed to the tables. No familiar faces. Not that I had any to begin with.
I scanned around. Groups of friends eating together—universal culture. But I chose a spot with some distance, where you could feel the space. There's always people who suck at or hate relationships; those seats were perfect for polite strangers. Small talk happened, sure, but I wasn't in the mood. Found a quiet one and sat.
"You?"
"Oh, hi."
It was that big senior with the bear-like round ears from before. Thought he was always with that bubbly girl senior. They seemed tight, like a set.
"Eating alone?"
Surprisingly chatty. He glanced at me casually as he asked.
"Day three, not easy making friends. Right, Structure senior?"
"Structural Geometry Magic."
Oh yeah, that was it? I remembered him correcting me firmly, but the exact word slipped.
"Without geometry, magic structures can't be objectified. That's where we come in."
He chewed his fried rice indifferently, grains scattering, then added, "Magic used to be all about talent clashes, maybe. Not anymore. Cram it into geometry, and it becomes a precise, replicable product anyone can make. We're the ones drawing the blueprints."
He shoveled in a big bite. Blunt tone, but he lit up talking shop—kinda funny. And knowing he was looking out for a lone newbie made me smile for real. Good guy. For sure.
"You look rough. School grind got you in three days?"
I touched my cheek without thinking. Then realized that was basically confessing. Serious stuff, but some things you just don't say. Honestly, spilling to Phaenax earlier felt like a slip, but I'd covered the critical parts. Fine, right? Nah, my conscience hurt too much. I'd make it right later somehow.
Time marches on, even when you dodge reality. But the senior just stared, then went back to his rice. Focusing on food, not prying. That confirmed he was a good dude. Tempting whisper in my head to drag him in, but I wasn't that shameless. Yet. If it was truly necessary, I'd go full scumbag or worse—no hesitation.
"Pulled an all-nighter, lost track."
Just facts. Only facts. No clue how long I was really there. Kept the camera up, time flew by unnoticed.
"Lotsa sleepless nights ahead. Don't start early."
Way more ominous reply than expected. Perfect segue.
"That bad?"
"Exams, assignments. Group projects? Stick to next-door folks. So you can kick the door down anytime."
Real talk gold. Group projects—I knew 'em. Slackers bailing, moochers chasing grades. Most failed. Taught me power or force was the only fix.
"Not everyone can pull that off, right senior?"
I pointed at his thick arms. Researcher? Those pythons screamed otherwise, connected to a solid frame.
"Not always. Just need guts to barge into someone's room."
Wondered if that guts came from overwhelming strength, but I swallowed it. Finished my fluffy fried rice instead. The guy next to us—not the senior's buddy—didn't even glance up, inhaling food. Yeah, his build explained it.
But this world? Too many changes to judge by size alone. Senior and Lambda Lilion side-by-side? I'd yell "non-human alert—run!" on instinct. Facing disaster, you could spare a hand to a person.
Not everyone, though. Our tablemate just scarfed silently, eyeing quick exit. Senior brushed it off like normal. Kinda sad.
Time ticked by. Not deep chat, so he stood once done.
"Don't carry your load alone."
Nailed me right there, grabbed his empty tray, and left. Oof. Kinda embarrassing hearing that from a younger-looking guy. Swallowing my questions? Smart move.
Know Philip Goldberg? Not the question for here. He might, even. Dead guy, unsafe spot—not the time. Life and death belong to those facing it. Not passing it off.
I finished my tray and left the noisy cafeteria. Outside, sky still deep blue overhead, but the basin below was night. Walked back up to the dorm.
After that group basement trip, everyone knew the way—only me on the surface path. Classmates picked efficient underground now. Cooler, cleaner air down there. Fine for now.
But I needed outside air. Breezed into the central entrance—quieter than expected. Friday night hush? Or crowds in the lounges at the ends?
Empty halls led me to Room 114. Sat on the bed, fired up the pad. Still no messages.