Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 71: Do I look like I follow rules?

Chapter 71: Do I look like I follow rules?

Bastian’s chuckle rolled through the air, low and infectious, the kind of laugh that made it impossible not to smile along. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned closer to Alex, like he was about to let him in on some inside joke.

His ruffled brown hair flopped messily over his forehead, giving him a look of easygoing chaos, like he couldn’t quite be bothered to tame it, and honestly, didn’t care to.

"Oh, yeah, man, the Council’s got you under a microscope," he said, his voice smooth and teasing, laced with a dramatic flair that made the words sound like a dare. "They’ll be monitoring you super closely, might even be watching you right now."

He paused, his lopsided grin widening, his charcoal tunic creasing as he shifted, one hand gesturing vaguely at the corridor around them.

"Especially Lucian, that old man’s so cynical, he probably thinks you’re hiding a dragon in your cloak. Doesn’t trust anyone, that guy."

Alex’s heart lurched hard against his ribs, a sudden, jarring thud that sent a cold wave of fear crashing through his chest and washing the breath right out of him.

His hazel eyes snapped from side to side, wide and frantic, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding around him.

The corridor, usually just noisy and crowded, now felt suffocating, every shout and hurried footstep blending into a deafening roar in his ears.

The walls shimmered with iridescent light, their soft glow weaving through the crowd of students streaming toward the cafeteria, their crests glinting like tiny beacons.

His chest felt tight, the crest a sudden weight on it, his blonde hair catching the golden light from arched windows as he pointed at a wiry boy with a nervous gait.

"Him?" he asked, voice low, then gestured at a girl with sharp eyes lingering too long. "Or her?"

His gaze flicked to a teacher striding past, her robe billowing. "Maybe her?"

The idea of spies lurking in every shadow, reporting back to the Council, twisted Alex’s gut into knots.

Suddenly, every sideways glance felt like a loaded threat, every casual bump in the crowded hallway like a calculated move.

His confidence, solid just moments ago, started to unravel at the edges, fraying under the weight of imagined scrutiny. It was like the walls themselves were leaning in, listening, waiting for him to slip up

Bastian threw his head back, his laugh sharp and unrestrained, echoing off the marble floor like a bell cracked just enough to charm.

"Whoa, easy, paranoid prince!" he said, clapping Alex’s shoulder, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement as he waved off the accusations. "Calm down, man. You’re not gonna get tailed that heavily in a school, especially with all these powerhouse teachers around. They’ve got better things to do than play Council spy."

His grin softened into something easier, almost reassuring, but the mischief never really left, it just settled into the corners of his mouth and the glint in his eyes.

His ruffled brown hair bounced lightly as he tilted his head to the side, studying Alex with an exaggerated, playful squint that made it clear he was enjoying the moment too much.

"Besides, even if someone’s watching, you’d never spot ’em. Could be anybody, sneaky’s their whole deal."

Alex’s eyes narrowed, a spark of suspicion cutting through his fear, his smirk twitching as he jabbed a finger at Bastian. "Could be you," he said, his tone half-joking but edged with real doubt, testing the boy’s reaction.

Bastian’s presence, too smooth, too clever, suddenly felt like a puzzle he hadn’t solved.

Bastian’s laugh erupted again, louder, his whole body shaking as he clutched his stomach, his blue eyes crinkling with delight.

"Me? Oh, please!" he gasped, wiping an imaginary tear, his grin so wide it practically split his face. "The Council wouldn’t trust me to deliver their lunch, let alone spy for ’em."

He spread his arms, his untucked shirt flapping, his deliberately ruffled hair and mischievous smile screaming defiance. "In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly the model citizen type. Rules and I don’t vibe."

His voice dripped with mock pride, his posture loose but calculated, like he’d spent years perfecting the art of looking effortlessly rebellious.

Alex’s gaze swept over him, taking in the full picture, from the tousled brown hair that seemed to defy gravity, to the untucked charcoal tunic that hung just right, to the glint in those blue eyes that promised trouble with a side of charm.

It was obvious: Bastian was the kind of guy who broke rules not out of malice but because he could, thriving on the thrill of skirting the edge.

His smirk returned, his fear easing as he nodded. "Yeah, I can see that," he said, his voice warm, a flicker of respect creeping in for this guy who wore his defiance like a badge.

Bastian’s smile widened, a flash of teeth that felt like a victory lap, his blue eyes twinkling as he slung an arm around Alex’s shoulder, steering him forward.

"Now that you’ve ruled out my secret spy career, can we focus on the important stuff, like eating?" he said, his tone light but commanding, his grin infectious as he gestured toward the door ahead.

Alex glanced up, his stomach rumbling as he realized they’d reached the cafeteria, its double doors carved with swirling vines, the scent of roasted herbs, warm bread, and something sweet, maybe spiced fruit, wafting through the air, promising a reprieve from the morning’s chaos.

He nodded, his confidence steadying, the weight of the Council’s shadow still there but dulled by Bastian’s easy camaraderie.

The doors loomed ahead of them, their polished wood gleaming under the corridor’s light, and Bastian pushed them open with a theatrical flourish, his ruffled hair bouncing as he led the way.

Alex followed, his boots clicking on the threshold, the hum of student chatter and clinking dishes spilling out as they stepped inside, Starhaven’s glittering world unfolding anew with Bastian’s teasing grin as his guide.