Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 72: Sylra and Bastian

Chapter 72: Sylra and Bastian

Alex and Bastian pushed through the cafeteria’s carved double doors, the hum of student chatter and clinking dishes washing over them like a warm tide.

The room was a marvel, its vaulted ceiling painted with swirling nebulae that pulsed faintly, as if the stars themselves dined here.

Long tables of polished wood stretched across the marble floor, their surfaces gleaming under floating chandeliers that cast prismatic light, weaving through the savory aroma of roasted herbs, spiced fruit, and fresh-baked bread.

Students milled about, trays laden with vibrant dishes, glistening berries, golden pastries, and steaming bowls of something that smelled like stew.

Alex’s stomach growled, his blonde hair catching the light as he followed Bastian to the serving line, his confidence buoyed by the other boy’s easy grin.

Bastian grabbed a tray, his ruffled brown hair bouncing, his piercing blue eyes glinting with mischief as he piled on food, a heaping scoop of herbed grains, a glistening pastry, and a bowl of crimson fruit that shimmered like jewels.

"Load up, man," he said, his voice a teasing drawl, his lopsided grin flashing as he nudged Alex. "You’ll need fuel to dodge the Council’s spies."

Alex chuckled, his earlier shock about the Council’s scrutiny easing, and filled his tray with similar fare, the scents making his mouth water.

They wove through the crowded tables, Bastian’s swagger parting the sea of students, and settled at a corner table, its surface etched with faint runes that glowed softly under the chandelier light.

They’d barely sat, trays clattering, when a trio of girls approached, their giggles bubbling like a stream, their eyes locked on Alex.

Their tunics, emerald, sapphire, and rose, shimmered with embroidered vines, their crests glinting as they tittered, hands fluttering like nervous birds.

"Hi!" the leader chirped, her auburn curls bouncing, her smile bright but shy. "You’re the new guy, right? What’s your name?" Her friends giggled, nudging each other, their eyes wide with curiosity.

Alex leaned back, his smirk sliding into place, his confidence flaring under their attention. "I’m Alex," he said, his voice smooth, his hazel eyes meeting theirs with a playful glint. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too!" the auburn-haired girl squeaked, her friends dissolving into another fit of giggles, their faces flushing as they whispered among themselves.

They scurried off, their laughter trailing, casting glances back at Alex like he was a puzzle they couldn’t quite solve.

Bastian raised a brow, his grin widening, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned across the table, fork poised over his grains.

"Dude, what’s your secret sauce?" He asked, his voice dripping with mock awe, his lopsided smile teasing.

"Those girls knew your name already. They just wanted an excuse to bat their lashes at you."

He popped a berry into his mouth, chewing with exaggerated thoughtfulness, his ruffled hair flopping as he tilted his head, sizing Alex up like a puzzle he was enjoying too much.

Alex laughed, the sound bright, his confidence swelling as he speared a pastry, its flaky crust crumbling under his fork. "I’m sure you don’t need any sauce, man," he shot back, his smirk mirroring Bastian’s. "You seem to do just fine yourself."

He gestured at Bastian’s deliberately untucked shirt and roguish grin, the picture of someone who drew eyes without trying.

Bastian’s smile stretched, a flash of teeth that screamed victory, his blue eyes twinkling with delight. "Touché," he said, leaning back, his voice a playful purr. "But you’ve got that new-boy glow, my friend. Boosts your charm by, like, forty percent, minimum."

He waved his fork like a conductor, his ruffled hair bouncing, his tone light but laced with a knowing edge, as if he’d calculated the math of popularity and found Alex’s stock rising fast.

Before Alex could reply, the cafeteria doors swung open, and Sylra strode in, her auburn hair tied back, her steps determined but heavy, like she’d been running all morning.

Her eyes, usually bright, were shadowed with fatigue, but her jaw was set, her tunic creased from effort.

She spotted Alex and made a beeline for their table, her voice cutting through the chatter.

"There you are!" she said, relief softening her tone, but as her gaze landed on Bastian, her smile frosted, her lips tightening into a thin line, her warmth icing over in an instant.

Bastian leaned back, his grin unfazed, his blue eyes glinting with a spark of provocation.

"Looking a little wiped, Sylra," he said, his voice teasing, dripping with faux concern. "You good, or did you just wrestle a twinlight?"

He popped another berry, chewing slowly, his hair flopping as he turned his head to Alex.

She doesn’t like me very much. He said to Alex.

Sylra’s eyes narrowed, her arms crossing, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. "No, I don’t like you at all," she snapped, her tone final, her gaze flicking to Alex as if to warn him against Bastian’s orbit.

The air crackled, the cafeteria’s hum fading slightly as nearby students glanced over, sensing the drama.

Alex’s brows shot up, his smirk faltering, curiosity overriding his amusement. "Whoa, what’s with the bad blood?" he asked, his voice light but probing, his hazel eyes darting between them.

The contrast, Sylra’s icy glare, Bastian’s playful nonchalance, was like a spark waiting to ignite, and he wanted the story.

Bastian’s laugh was a low, rolling chuckle, his blue eyes crinkling as he leaned forward, elbows on the table, his grin widening like he’d been waiting for this. "She’s still sore about a tournament two years ago," he said, his voice a mix of mock innocence and gleeful provocation

"Kicked her butt fair and square, and she’s been holding a grudge ever since. Can’t handle losing to the master."

He winked at Sylra, his smile daring her to snap back.

Sylra’s glare sharpened, but she didn’t reply, her silence a wall, and Alex’s smirk returned, the tension between them a puzzle he’d unravel later.

The cafeteria buzzed around them, trays clattering, the scent of spiced fruit lingering as their table became a small island of drama in Starhaven’s glittering sea.