Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

Observing Lian's serious question, the boy smiled, pointing at himself with his thumb. "You are talking to the great Rick! Nothing escapes my eyes. Besides…" he said as he glanced around, "no one here wears a hood and walks as cautiously as you do—"

"Fair enough…" Lian listened attentively as the boy named Rick talked about himself. He had been a student at the academy for several years and had turned 20 this year.

Moreover… "What? You have a unique affinity? And why are you telling me this?"

"Is it not obvious? I want us to become friends! You are a strong guy. I saw you fighting in the ring; it was epic!"

Rick continued to ramble nonsense about how unique Lian was and how much he wanted a strong and genuine friend.

"What do you mean you have no friends? Have you not been here for a few years?!?"

Contrary to what Lian might have expected, Rick did not seem embarrassed by the question. Instead, with a melancholic sigh, Rick began to explain the reason. "Well, no one seems to be on my level. I do not want to make friends with the weak. That is why I have not joined any faction. They are just a bunch of weaklings playing at being big shots. Pathetic—"

Many eyes turned toward them at Rick's words. He was shouting as if no one else was around, as if he owned the place.

Maybe I understand why you have no friends… no one wants to hang out with a troublemaker like this— Lian thought as he noticed someone approaching them.

Rick kept rambling nonsense while Lian began to worry, but before he could even make a move, a hand grabbed his arm.

A moment later—

"Huh?" Lian let out a surprised yelp. Someone was holding his arm and dragging him away!

"What is happening?! Why are we running?" Lian's question was foolish; he already knew the answer. Some individuals were chasing them, shouting curses and phrases like "Stop running!"

As if they would!

A light laugh escaped Rick's mouth as he ran without looking back. "We are heading to the restaurant. Are you not hungry? We are not running away!"

"Restaurant?" Lian gasped, trying to keep up. "Are we not escaping from those guys?" His hood had slipped off his head due to the sudden sprint.

The wind whipped through Lian and Rick's hair as the latter's laughter echoed the absurdity of the situation, stirring the leaves on the ground as they dashed forward.

"Escape? Nah, I am just choosing the… fastest route! I do not know those guys at all—." He turned to Lian, flashing the most carefree smile ever.

"Are you sure?" Lian asked skeptically. "I swear I heard them shouting, 'Rick, you bastard, come back! You owe us money!'… and they sounded pretty angry—"

"Nonsense!! They got the wrong person; it could never be me! I am poor; how could I lend money to anyone?"

"They do not want to give you money back. You are the one who owes them. They are the creditors, not you!!"

The absurd scene drew countless gazes, but the pair of boys was faster than their pursuers as Lian followed Rick through the academy's buildings.

"Have we lost them?" Rick's low voice was half-worried as he glanced back.

"So we were actually running from someone??"

"Huh? Absolutely not! I said, we have finally arrived!"

Rick pointed to an imposing building a few hundred meters away. The signs glowed brightly, with three words illuminating the entire area: "Seven Spirit Flavors."

Lian stared at the building with his mouth agape. The place was enormous… countless people were coming and going from there.

"Come on, do not just stand there! Let us go!"

Rick and Lian headed toward the restaurant. It was not Rick's first time here; he had come many times before. It was not the only place to eat at the academy, but no other place could offer what they did.

A dish with seven distinct and unique flavors, blending into an explosion of taste capable of revitalizing body, mind, and dantian!

Lian followed Rick into the Seven Spirit Flavors. He was still shaken by everything happening. One moment, he was walking toward the dormitories; the next, he found himself in what seemed like an incredibly expensive restaurant with a guy he had just met.

After passing through the stone archway, Rick pushed open the wooden door as he entered the restaurant with Lian. A warm and welcoming interior, full of students chatting and eating, came into view, while the aroma of various dishes immediately captured his senses.

"Welcome! Shall I prepare a table for two, or are you waiting for others?"

A youthful-looking girl with a charming smile appeared before them. Before Lian could even process, Rick stepped forward.

"Just the two of us. Please, take us to a more private spot."

"Of course, this way."

Rick moved with incredible ease as he followed the waitress through the establishment. Lian, on the other hand, seemed slightly awkward as he looked around. Everything in this place screamed "Wealth!"

Rick made a reassuring gesture with his hand. "Relax, Lian! Those guys do not have the guts to come here; this is neutral territory."

Lian stared at Rick, who, despite claiming he had nothing to do with the pursuers, kept talking about them, telling Lian not to worry.

But Lian was not worried about them. His thoughts drifted elsewhere as he pondered. Did Rick not say he was poor? Who is supposed to pay for eating in a place like this, me?? I am not even hungry—

But it was too late to back out now…

"Please, have a seat. Do you already know what to order, or shall I bring the menu?"

"Of course we know what we want. Two Seven Blossoms and two Spirit Waters, please," Rick chimed in, winking at Lian, who forced a smile in return.

"Coming right up!" The waitress gave a slight bow as she closed the curtains. After all, they had requested a private table… which was usually used by couples for their private matters…

Or—

By those who had shady business to attend to!