Kain, Kairos, and Soren sat in a row facing seven of their male seniors. Thankfully, the captain wasn’t present, likely reporting to the professors, so the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
Or maybe it was unfortunate. Because surely if he were here, he would force Oliver to leave them alone so that they could sleep.
“I guess we can begin with sharing our names!” Oliver began. “Obviously you already know me, but I will still formally introduce myself. I am Oliver, and I a third year along with Jade who you met earlier.
“Theo,” Oliver continued while pointing to a boy with dark brown skin and grey hair, “and Dmitri” he then pointed at an extremely pale boy with black hair and red eyes, “are also third years.”
“Alexei,” he pointed to another extremely pale boy with red eyes and light blonde hair, “is Dmitri’s younger brother and a second year along with Jin” he pointed to a pale boy with dark brown hair and eyes.
“Finally, for our fourth years, you already know our captain Ezra, and we also have Ravi,” he pointed at a boy with bronze skin, black hair and hazel eyes. “And Edward” He pointed at a hulking figure, even larger than Bridge, who had piercing green eyes and light brown hair.
“N-Nice to meet you all…” The three first-years muttered. Being the focus of attention among individuals much stronger than you was unsettling. Especially, since it looked like Edward had a breakthrough recently and wasn’t fully adept at restraining his spiritual power. With his intimidating figure and the pressure of his spiritual power, being the focus of his gaze was nerve-wracking.
“So… what did you have in mind for team bonding?” Kain asked. After all, just introducing their names to each other could hardly be considered bonding.
“Ah! I didn’t really think about it. We’ll wait until after the first re-ranking to conduct the hazing like we usually do-”
“I-I’m sorry what? Hazing?” Kain interjected, his voice trembling slightly.
However, Oliver just ignored him, continuing to talk with an almost exaggerated excitement. “-so I guess we can just play a game. Oooh yaay! I love games! And I have the perfect idea for one to break the ice!”
Kain’s unease grew as Oliver’s enthusiasm seemed to intensify. “What kind of game?”
Oliver clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s called ‘Truth or Challenge.’ It’s a classic. We go around in a circle, and each person has to choose between answering a personal question truthfully or completing a challenge. It’s a great way to get to know each other better and have some fun!”
Looks like that dastardly game exists no matter the world. Although the name is slightly different than what he’s familiar with.
Kain glanced at the other first-years, who looked equally apprehensive. The seniors seemed much more relaxed though.
Theo spoke up with a grin. “Sounds like a good idea. It’ll help us learn more about you guys and make the night a bit less boring.”
Dmitri nodded in agreement, “But be warned that if you pick ‘challenge,’ please make sure you’re prepared for anything. We won’t hold back on you guys just because you’re younger.”
His brother, Alexei, added with a smirk, “And if you pick ‘truth,’ don’t expect us to go easy on you either.”
Kain gulped, feeling a little nervous. However, it wasn’t that big of a deal. He could always just pick truth and lie if he was uncomfortable with the question.
Likely sensing Kain’s intention, Oliver also piped up, “I should also mention that Theo has a gift that allows him to sense lies. So you better be truthful or there will be hell to pay~” Oliver said while wagging his finger at them in a playful manner and tone. But the expression on his face had a vague threat.
‘Goddamn it!’
Kain, Soren, and Kairos all looked hesitantly at one another and tried to communicate their intentions through eye contact. Unfortunately, none of them had any tacit understanding strong enough to come up with a gameplan without the use of words and could only eventually nod in resignation.
Oliver’s grin widened. “I’ll go first! That way you’ll see how it’s done. I pick challenge!”
Jin, who hadn’t said much until now, finally spoke up, “Do your best impression of one of the professors.”
Oliver didn’t seem phased by the request, he took a deep a deep breath and the careless smile on his face dropped and an icy aura began to emanate from him as he began to mimic Professor Aelinor Night’s stern demeanor. From the authoritative voice and precise mannerisms, the resemblance was uncanny.
If Kain were to just close his eyes he may actually think that he was listening to Professor Night but she was ill for some reason and had a slightly deeper, huskier voice.
Everyone couldn’t help but applaud the convincing impression. And Kain and the other first-years also relaxed. That challenge wasn’t so bad, maybe this could be fun!
“Thank you! Thank you!” Oliver said while giving bows after his performance as though he were an actor on stage, “I’ll pick you who goes next. Let’s see…” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Soren, you’re up!”
Soren’s eyes went wide. “Why me?”
Oliver waved his hand dismissively. “Because I said so. Now, truth or challenge?”
Soren took a deep breath to compose himself and returning to his usual calm, yet arrogant, demeanor. “I pick truth.”
Oliver’s eyes lit up with mischief and his curled into a Cheshire grin. Looking around, Kain also saw that majority of the seniors had a cunning look in their eyes.
‘I think we’ve been duped…’
“Soooo…. Lover boy is it true that you enrolled at Dark Moon instead of the First Celestial in the capital because you were chasing after Miss Serena Storm like a lovesick puppy?”
Soren’s unflappable mask that he’d just restored immediately cracked as a tidal wave of red began to climb up his neck to cover his entire face in an intense blush.
‘It’s been confirmed. We were 100% duped.’