CHAPTER 13 - 13 – THE SKIP

Chapter 13 – The Skip

In a matter of minutes, the classroom filled with students. The air buzzed with cheerful chatter, laughter bouncing off the walls like it was the first day of school all over again. Excitement seemed to ripple through the air, uniting everyone in the room. After all, most of them were already well acquainted, bonded by years of shared classes and, perhaps more significantly, by status.

Being the sons and daughters of powerful, wealthy families made socializing second nature to them. Connections were currency, and these students had been trading since they could talk.

Everyone fit in.

Everyone... except for Jack.

He sat alone, as always. Not a single person approached his desk. There was no one to greet or joke with. He had never made an effort to befriend any of them, and not a single one of them had tried with him either. To him, there was simply no need. These people didn't interest him.

"What an interesting atmosphere in this classroom," Lune mused, casually settling herself on the edge of Jack's desk. Her emerald eyes flitted around the room. "It feels familiar. Reminds me of those lavish events held by nobles back in Aevum."

Jack didn't even glance at her as he continued flipping through his notes. "Perhaps because it's not that different."

"Hm? What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head.

"All of them are nobility, in a sense. These relationships? They're nothing but tools. Each smile is another brick in a wall of influence. It's not friendship. It's business."

Lune's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she studied the students around them. With each passing second, the truth behind Jack's words became clearer. She had spent a lifetime among cunning, power-hungry people—reading them was second nature. These smiles didn't reach the eyes. These laughs were too rehearsed. It was all so... empty.

"Hm. I suppose that explains why it struck a chord," she muttered. "Influential people will be influential people no matter the place. They all share the same antics."

Moments later, the classroom door opened and a man in a neatly pressed formal suit stepped inside. His footsteps echoed confidently as he walked to the front.

"Please, everyone, take your seats."

The room shifted instantly. Conversations died mid-sentence, and the students scrambled to their desks in near-perfect synchrony. The playful energy dissipated, replaced by focused anticipation.

"First of all," the man began, smiling faintly, "I want to say that the school is delighted to welcome you all back after the winter break. I trust you've all enjoyed your time off."

He paused for a moment, scanning the room. Then, his tone shifted—subtle, but noticeable. Colder. Sharper.

"But before we begin today's lesson, there's something important we must discuss."

A wave of silence rolled over the class.

"As many of you are already aware, next week marks the arrival of The Skip."

The moment the words left his mouth, murmurs erupted across the room.

"I'm a bit nervous about it..."

"Nervous? You kidding? This is our shot at making it big! If I get picked, I'm becoming a Chronist. That's the dream."

"Totally worth it. The life they live? It's luxury."

"Luxury? You can die, moron."

Jack remained silent, watching the flurry of opinions unfold like a spectator at a play. His expression remained unreadable.

'Fools,' he thought, listening to their eager voices. 'Those who think it'll be easy will die first. Even the careful ones aren't safe. Blind optimism... it's fatal.'

"Quiet, please," the teacher said, raising his hand. "Yes, the chances of being selected for The Skip are slim, but not zero. That's why the school board has decided to dedicate your evening lessons this week to covering essential information about the event—what to expect, how to survive, and how to respond if you are chosen."

"Oh..."

"Guess that's useful."

"What's the point though? We've been prepping for this since we were kids."

"Yeah, nothing they can teach us now that we haven't already learned."

Lune blinked at the dismissive tone surrounding her. "Wait... there weren't any Aevum-specific classes before this?"

Jack shook his head. "No point. These kids already had access to private lessons, private tutors, advanced resources. Their families prepared them long ago."

"I see," she murmured, folding her arms. "And those without that privilege?"

"They pray," Jack said simply. "They can't afford anything else."

"... What an interesting system this world runs on," she whispered.

"Yeah," Jack muttered. "Interesting."

'You're either born rich enough to survive... or poor enough to be crushed without a sound. There's no in between.'

The teacher clapped his hands once, snapping the class back to attention.

"I understand some of you may have concerns. But rest assured, all questions will be addressed in the evening lectures. Attendance is optional—these classes won't impact your final scores in any way. But for those who want to learn more, you'll receive full information after your regular sessions."

The classroom quieted again, students exchanging uncertain looks. Optional or not, many were clearly debating whether to attend.

"Are you going?" Lune leaned toward Jack.

"No," Jack replied without hesitation. "It's a waste of time. I have better things to do."

"Is that so?"

"I already have you. I don't need other sources of information."

"W-What? Oh, I-I see..." Lune looked away quickly, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. Her fingers fidgeted nervously on her lap. 'Jack said he has me... He said that! My heart is racing!'

With that, the day's lesson finally began. The classroom slowly returned to its usual rhythm. For now, the looming presence of The Skip was a future concern. Most students believed they'd never be chosen. Most believed they'd remain safe here on Earth. And if that were the case, failing their normal classes would be the only real danger they faced.

As the hours crawled by, the day inched forward toward lunch break. Jack hadn't listened to a word of the lecture, his eyes lost in the view outside the window. Everything being taught, he had already mastered long ago.

When the bell rang, he picked up his bag and headed for the door. Lune, as usual, followed right behind.

"Well, that was... enlightening," she said. "I learned a few things I didn't know."

"Aevum doesn't have advanced academics?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No. Our focus is on battle, Time Essence, and how to incorporate it into tools, weapons, and expanding our reach. The academic stuff here doesn't apply to our world. The rules there are... different."

"Interesting."

'So the rumors were true,' Jack thought. 'Aevum's less advanced in terms of science and tech. Their resources go toward Time Essence instead. Makes sense, considering how powerful it is. In their world, science probably isn't that relevant.'

The school's corridors were already packed with students moving toward lunch. Jack made his way through the crowd until he reached the cafeteria, located in a separate building adjacent to the main one.

The space was massive, filled with rows of clean tables and a long buffet line. Each day brought new dishes, designed to keep meals exciting and fresh. Jack quietly took a plate and selected a modest portion of food before finding an empty table tucked in a quiet corner.

"What's your favorite food, Jack?" Lune asked as she joined him. "I'm curious if your taste's changed after all these years."

"I don't have a favorite," he said casually. "But if I had to pick... grilled steak with fries."

"Oh... It's still the same," she smiled warmly. "You told me that a lot. You used to make it for me. It was delicious."

"Is that so?" Jack looked down at his plate, an odd flicker crossing his expression. "Hmm..."

'Cooking for someone...? I can't even picture that. Future me must've lost his mind. I need a serious conversation with him.'

Just as that thought crossed his mind, the mood in the cafeteria began to shift.

Noises stirred around him.

Someone had walked in.