The Earth After Rebirth

The place was built beautifully. Each room was spacious enough that it had up to three bedrooms and bathrooms, with a lounge too. Each bedroom had up to two beds.

They didn't choose their own, the dean had already designated where they'd be staying. The two couples chose two of the bedrooms, while the three boys would sleep in the third one.

All of them had brought their head gear, now they were just waiting for their guests so they could enter the game uninterrupted.

The TV was on, ever since they exposed what was happening in their society that's all the news talked about. Different theories and guests every day. It was scary how some theories were very close to reality.

They didn't have to wait for long because an hour later, the main door opened. About 45 students filed in, looking at the building in awe. They were all from the three academies they were going to play with.

Luckily, the students who play other sports arranged for themselves to arrive on that day so their trip was cancelled before it even started.

Kiro nudged Isla to welcome them, but she mimed 'You're the class president.' And took a few steps away from him so he couldn't persuade her any further.

"Uh, welcome to Eden Academy. I'm not the president of the academy, I reckon they should be the ones welcoming you. This is where you'll be staying, a single room has over three bedrooms, so you can sort yourselves.

"We've been asked to be your guides, if that's the correct term. So, here we are."

There was whispering amongst the students. Some nodding, some frowning. They weren't sure about this arrangement.

"Questions?" He was already annoyed but did a good job hiding it.

"What about food?" One student asked.

"I guess we will cook for you," He said through gritted teeth, a vein popped on his temple. "That was a sneaky one, dean." He whispered to himself.

"We?" Felix complained.

Just then, the door swung open and James appeared. Kiro never thought he'd ever be so glad to see James in his life. He liked cooking but thinking back to his punishment with Isaac, he didn't want to experience something like that again.

"Sorry I'm late, I'll be your cook for the week."

He said his respects, and walked straight to the kitchen. He was the only adult amongst them, but here he was, refusing to take responsibility for them and take a leading role.

"Is that Pres the wimp?" A voice sounded from within the crowd.

"Definitely him, fancy seeing you here." Another said.

Kiro's skin threatened to crawl off his body. His entire being went numb and cold, that was a nickname he hadn't heard in a long time. He didn't turn, he was content to ignoring whoever it was.

"Kiro Waynworth," said a different voice. "We met in student town, I'm Aeron Kel." He introduced himself again, extending his hand.

"We did?"

"Yes, I reckon you were busy then. I'm sorry for disturbing you it wasn't my intention."

Someone else nudged Aeron out of the way before he could mutter 'Hey' in complaint. A girl now stood in front of Kiro, and he recognised her. She was really relentless in bullying him back then. It didn't seem like she'd changed much.

"Surely you recognise me?" She said pointing at herself.

"Sure. But I can't say I know your name."

"Who would've thought you'd turn out to be so fit and handsome." She complimented, touching his face.

Kiro was too slow to get out of the way, but Isla was quicker at swatting her hand off his face. She sized her up, appearing really annoyed.

'Who does this girl think she is touching what's mine...' She thought to herself, pouting.

"I'm Mary-Anne, nice to see you again wi—Kiro Waynworth." She said, pretending Isla had done nothing.

Nobody in that room could deny her beauty. She was definitely someone who turned heads wherever she went, but Kiro's interest in her was nonexistent. Even if she didn't bully him in the past, he didn't feel like she was his type.

So he just nodded at her introduction, his attention turning to Aeron Kel. The memories of meeting him back at student town were coming back to him.

"Aeron Kel is it? Nice to meet you, again. Sorry about earlier but I was one a date." He said offering him his hand.

He quickly shook it, "great. I knew it, you weren't arrogant. I've met your father, he's a delight, my father works for him."

Kiro was hung up on those last words, it felt strange that anyone was working for his father. He wondered how the company was going, he made a mental note to check in, he hadn't since he was back home.

"If you play Asgard Online, add me. Here's my ID. You've brought your head gear I hope."

Aeron looked around nervous, relieved that there wasn't their coach in sight. "Yes, I wasn't supposed to but the game is kind of addictive, and of course I'll add you. After Dark is really famous within the game."

"Say, Aeron what's your class?" Felix asked hopefully.

"I'm a priest." He said excitedly.

Felix looked at all his friends, one by one, with what was supposed to be an excited expression but instead came out as a grimace.

Nikolai shook his head, "you can't just expect him to leave his guild and join After Dark. You can be a dunce sometimes Felix."

Aeron looked at them confused. "What do you mean, join After Dark?"

"We have a priest, who doesn't like being a priest, so we're looking for another priest." Ishaan answered looking at Felix mockingly.

"Yes. I'll leave my guild." His face was feeling hot. "To say its my guild is an overstatement though, I haven't been accepted to join. My application has been pending for over a month." He said, sadness in his voice.

Kiro was originally not going to let him join if he was willing to abandon his guild for something better. But since he wasn't officially in any, he felt a bit easy letting him join.

"Okay, but you'll be on probation."

They all went their separate ways, the guests had to get settled. Kiro's group went up to their room, and they settled in the lounge, all of them had their head gear in hand.

"You guys ready?"