Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Banquet (1)
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The weekend I had promised with Noah.
I headed to Slaine's dormitory to pick him up.
"It's been a while here too."
I didn't get lost or anything.
After all, I was a Slaine graduate myself.
It was a bit away from the central district where the student council was located, but it was a quick drive in my own car.
"There he is."
Just then, a familiar silhouette caught my eye in front of the dormitory.
"Hello, President!"
"Yeah, long time no see."
Noah, who looked even more radiant than usual—probably because I'd mentioned a fancy restaurant—greeted me warmly.
'He looks extra cheerful today.'
Free food really is the best.
Especially when it's on your senior—it's bound to taste even better, so Noah's reaction was totally understandable.
For a split second, my gaze swept over Noah.
His face had a subtle touch of makeup that stood out, clearly because it was a fancy restaurant.
Tight jeans that clung to his legs, accentuating their shape; a t-shirt that exposed his collarbone; and a white jacket draped over it all.
Having taken in that much, I couldn't help but squint at his fashion sense.
'An open-shoulder t-shirt...?'
I had no intention of commenting on someone else's clothes, but the heavy BL vibe radiating from his casual outfit made my head spin. I barely reined in my dizziness.
"Whoa...! You look so cool, President!"
"...Thanks."
Alright, since it's come to this, I should get him changed into the outfit I prepared as quickly as possible.
'Good thing the reserved restaurant has a dress code.'
I loaded the nonstop-chattering Noah into the car and gripped the steering wheel, heading straight to the tuxedo shop I'd booked.
"Huh? No chauffeur today, President?"
"It's the weekend. And I don't use a driver for personal outings anyway."
Public and private matters need to be kept separate.
If I brought subordinates along for personal stuff, it might come off as overbearing.
Official inspections or meetings with high-ranking figures are one thing, but this was just a simple dinner promise.
The time I picked Noah up from the guidance squad before was official business, meeting the guidance chief.
No need for them to tag along on purely personal plans like this.
Work-life balance keeps motivation high, after all.
'Weekends on duty would definitely cross the line.'
I nodded deeply to myself, letting Noah's chatter flow in one ear and out the other.
───
The commercial district, the heart of Academy City's economy.
One of its landmarks was the building called 'Golden Valley.'
This entire structure was one massive shopping complex, a department store where the higher the floor, the pricier the luxury brands.
True to its origins as a royal building for nobles, every item boasted astronomical prices, matched by flawless service that cemented its status as the district's top landmark.
Among them, the top floor of Golden Valley was infamous for admitting only a select few who met strict criteria. 'Medechi,' the restaurant we were headed to, was one such exclusive spot up there.
Medechi, Academy City's one and only super-special restaurant, was famous for serving only state guests or students who'd achieved remarkable feats in the city...
"The Iron-Blooded Chancellor and the Emperor dined here before heading back home not long ago."
"...Pardon?"
Right after, a vast lobby enchanted with spatial magic came into view.
The interior, adorned with all sorts of jewels, drew the eye, while plush carpet cushioned every step on the floor.
Even the smallest details were designed with the guests' comfort in mind—an old-world elegance throughout the restaurant.
"It's normally reserved for state guests, city tycoons, or students rewarded for major tournament achievements. But today, I rented it out."
"Gasp!"
"You can look forward to it. The chef's signature dish is said to have moved even demons to withdraw their armies."
Noah's eyes sparkled with excitement at my words, clearly hooked on the place.
"Can someone like me really visit such a precious spot?"
"Of course. You'll even be the star of the show today."
"P-President...!"
Noah's face flushed bright red.
Tears seemed to well up in his eyes—he was clearly deeply moved.
'Heh, free fancy food—naturally exciting.'
Food paid for by someone else is always the most anticipated, right?
I nodded at his perfectly understandable reaction, and just then, the manager in charge approached us.
"Welcome. We've been expecting you."
"Hm. Am I the last one?"
"Yes, everyone else is already in the banquet hall."
"Good. Lead the way."
The manager nodded slightly and took the lead. Noah and I followed behind.
"Um... President? Everyone else?"
Noah's face turned uneasy as he asked cautiously.
"This is dinner with some old friends. I invited you to introduce you to them."
───!?
A chilling aura prickled my senses.
I whipped my head around to see Noah staring at me with a blank expression.
His eyes, like bottomless abysses, fixed on me. I instinctively averted my gaze and asked back.
"I-Is something wrong?"
"...No, nothing."
Cold.
His voice was icy, as if the warmth from moments ago had been a lie.
'What's this? Did he want a one-on-one duel or something?'
I sweated bullets inwardly at Noah's reaction but pretended not to notice and hurried toward the banquet hall.
.
.
.
Luckily, Noah's mood didn't last.
"Whoaaa...!"
Well, of course not.
"Ooh! It's the President! We've been waiting!"
"What? The President's here!"
"Guys! The star of the show's arrived!"
"Hey, hey! You're super late!"
"Welcome, President."
The banquet hall was filled to the brim with heroes.
Every hero here was a legend who'd dominated their era.
The gathering of those very heroes from the so-called Golden Generation.
Any Academy City student aspiring to be a hero would drool over this lineup.
And sure enough.
Noah, who'd been radiating cold vibes just moments ago, now beamed with his usual curiosity-filled eyes, as if nothing had happened.
"This banquet was for my classmates who came to visit the city."
"Classmates... you don't mean the Golden Generation—?!"
"That's right. Grateful friends who helped during the last gate incident. I've been too busy to catch up, so I set this up separately."
I took a glass from a nearby hero and clinked it lightly with hers in greeting.
"You went so quiet, we thought you'd forgotten us, President."
"As if. Just been too swamped to reach out."
She had bright golden hair tied in a ponytail. She tilted her head toward Noah.
"So, who's the kid over there? Looks like a student."
"A promising student I've got my eye on lately. Name's Noah."
"...Oh?"
"Noah, this is Jenas. One of the top-tier heroes known as the Flash Jenas."
"Nice to meet you, chick. I'm Jenas."
"N-N-N-Nice to meet you! I'm Noah! Uh, what I mean is... I'm a freshman who just enrolled in Slaine this year!"
Jenas covered her mouth and chuckled at Noah's stiff, disciplined posture.
But Noah's ordeal didn't end there.
The moment the introduction wrapped up, the other heroes who'd been listening turned their attention to him all at once.
Dozens of heroes sizing up his skills and potential swarmed him in unison.
"Oh my god! The President's pick?!"
"The President, who never introduced newbies before, finally brings one!"
"Aww, the poor thing's shaking. So cute~"
"Ooh! Welcome aboard, newbie!"
Most of the heroes crowding him were just welcoming the fresh face.
But some laid on even heavier pitches...
"Student Noah! Have you thought about clans after graduation? If not, please consider our 'Gordius' Clan...!"
"Hey, chick! Join our 'Wind Forest Volcano' after you graduate! We'll make you strong!"
"...How tasteless. Student Noah? Clans are a big decision—you need to think carefully. In that regard, our 'Ink Wash' Clan boasts a solid lineup of executives led by myself. We're far superior to those upstart clans in capital and the know-how to support systematic growth. If you're interested, our Ink Wash Clan..."
"Old fogey clans, buzz off! Newbie! Anywhere but there! The whole executive team starting with the clan head is full of boomers—you'll just get stress and leave!"
"Boomers?! Sure, our clan head is a bit strict on discipline, but he's no boomer! His inclusivity toward regular members and hands-on transmission of know-how are unparalleled...!"
"No, no."
"That's not it."
"Advising during dinner? And calling that 'inclusive'?"
"I’ve been there before—I know. They make you recite Hero Studies Theory every day to ‘maintain a hero’s spirit"
"...That thing from the academy?"
"Yeah, that one we read to death as students."
The faces of the surrounding heroes soured instantly.
Despite the Ink Wash hero's passionate rebuttal amid the backlash, he couldn't sway opinion and hung his head.
And then.
One hero approached him without a sound.
"......"
A cat beastkin with yellow hair, matching ears, and tail stared at Noah with razor-sharp eyes.
How long did it go on like that?
"...Weak."
Allensia, who'd been silently observing him for ages, muttered that before coming over to me.