Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 73: Bastian’s ability

Chapter 73: Bastian’s ability

Sylra’s eyes blazed, her arms still crossed tightly, her auburn hair glinting under the cafeteria’s chandelier light as she leaned forward, her voice sharp enough to slice through the hum of student chatter.

"You cheated, Bastian," she snapped, each word a dart aimed at his smirking face. "I don’t like cheaters, and I never will."

Her jaw was set, her cheeks flushed with indignation, the vibrant energy of Starhaven’s cafeteria, its nebula-painted ceiling pulsing faintly, its long tables laden with steaming dishes, fading into the background as her anger filled the space around their corner table.

Bastian leaned back in his chair, his ruffled brown hair flopping, his piercing blue eyes twinkling with a mischief that seemed to thrive on her fury.

He shrugged, the gesture lazy but deliberate, his lopsided grin flashing as he popped a crimson berry into his mouth, chewing with exaggerated nonchalance.

"Just ’cause you weren’t good enough doesn’t make me a cheater, Sylra," he said, his voice a teasing drawl, laced with a playful arrogance that danced on the edge of provocation.

"Maybe you’re just sore you couldn’t keep up with my brilliance." He shifted, his posture relaxed but radiating a confidence that dared her to push back.

Sylra’s face darkened, her lips parting as she drew a breath, ready to unleash a retort that promised to escalate their spat into a full-blown spectacle.

The cafeteria’s clatter, trays clinking, students laughing, seemed to hush, nearby tables glancing over, drawn to the brewing drama.

Alex, sensing the spark about to ignite, leaned forward quickly, his hazel eyes flicking between them, his voice cutting through with a calm but firm edge.

"Hey, both of you, let’s drop it," he said, his smirk softening into a diplomatic smile, his charm a bridge to diffuse the tension.

"Forget the tournament. Water under the bridge, right?" He raised a brow, his tone light but insistent, urging them to back off before the cafeteria became a battlefield.

Sylra exhaled sharply, her glare lingering on Bastian, but she nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

Bastian’s grin didn’t falter, his blue eyes glinting with a hint of respect for Alex’s quick save, though he couldn’t resist a final, subtle wink at Sylra, as if to say he’d won this round.

Alex seized the moment, turning to Sylra, his curiosity genuine. "So, why didn’t you come in earlier?" he asked, his voice warm, steering the conversation to safer ground. "Been looking for you."

Before Sylra could answer, Bastian jumped in, his voice a playful jab, his ruffled hair bouncing as he leaned across the table.

"Oh, that’s easy," he said, his grin widening, his tone dripping with mock insight. "Sylra’s gotta do extra work, ’cause regular school’s just not enough for her overachiever vibes."

He waved a fork dramatically, his blue eyes sparkling as he baited her, knowing exactly which buttons to press.

Sylra shot him a withering look, her eyes narrowing to slits, her voice tight as she turned to Alex.

"I was in extra classes," she said, her tone clipped but softening as she focused on him, ignoring Bastian’s smug expression. "They take up most of my free time during school, so I’m always running behind."

Her golden hair slipped over her shoulder, her fatigue evident in the faint shadows under her eyes, but her determination held firm, a spark that refused to dim.

Bastian leaned back, his grin unfazed, his voice a sing-song taunt. "See? What I said."

He popped another berry, chewing with a theatrical flourish, his roguish smile making it clear he relished getting under her skin.

Sylra’s glare sharpened, a silent promise of retribution, but she stood, smoothing her tunic with a brisk motion.

"I’m getting food," she said, her voice curt, excusing herself as she strode toward the serving line, her steps quick and purposeful, leaving a trail of tension in her wake.

The silence stretched between Alex and Bastian, the cafeteria’s buzz, students laughing, trays clattering, the scent of spiced fruit filling the space.

Alex leaned forward, his smirk returning, curiosity sparking as he broke the quiet. "So, what’s your ability, man?" he asked, his voice casual but eager, his hazel eyes studying Bastian’s mischievous grin, sensing there was more to this guy than witty comebacks.

Bastian’s smile widened, a flash of teeth that promised a reveal worth hearing, his blue eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amusement.

"Empathy," he said, his voice low, almost theatrical, as if he were unveiling a secret weapon. "I feel what people feel, like a walking mood detector."

He leaned closer, his hair flopping, his tone turning conspiratorial.

"For example, I caught that burst of emotions from Sylra when she was staring at you, let’s just say she’s got some feelings."

He waggled his brows, his blue eyes sparkling with the thrill of spilling secrets.

Alex’s brows shot up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, but Bastian pressed on, his expression shifting, his grin faltering as he frowned.

"Your emotions, though... they’re faint," Bastian said, his voice slower, his blue eyes narrowing as he leaned back, his untucked shirt shifting.

"Kinda weird. Hang on, I wanna check something." Before Alex could protest, Bastian reached across the table, grabbing his hand with a swift, casual grip, his fingers warm and firm.

He held it for a long moment, his eyes half-closed, his expression focused, as if tuning into a distant signal.

Then he let go, his hand dropping with a soft "huh," his grin replaced by a puzzled frown, his ruffled hair bouncing as he tilted his head.

Alex’s brows shot up, his smirk faltering, a ripple of unease stirring. "What’s wrong?" he asked, his voice quieter, his hazel eyes searching Bastian’s face for answers, the cafeteria’s chatter fading as his focus narrowed.

Bastian shrugged, his grin creeping back, though it was less certain, his blue eyes still probing.

"Nothing, I guess," he said, his voice light but tinged with curiosity. "Just... usually when I hold someone’s hand, their emotions hit me like a wave, y’know?

But with you, it’s only a little stronger, like you’re... muffled or something."

He leaned back, his mischievous smile returning, but his gaze lingered, a puzzle unsolved, as the cafeteria’s vibrant hum wrapped around them.

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