Primordial Heir: Nine Stars-Chapter 38: Grim Future

The cafeteria of Glory Academy was, as one would expect, grandiose in design. High ceilings adorned with elegant chandeliers cast a warm glow over the expansive room. Long, polished wooden tables lined the space, surrounded by sturdy chairs that invited the cadets to sit and enjoy their meals. The walls were decorated with vibrant murals depicting the academy’s rich history, inspiring a sense of pride among the students.

As the cadets filed in, the air buzzed with lively chatter and laughter, blending with the savory aromas wafting from the kitchen. A bustling serving area showcased a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to fresh salads, catering to the diverse tastes of the students. The cafeteria was alive with energy, filled with cadets dining together, sharing stories, and forging friendships amidst the clatter of utensils and the hum of conversation. It was a hub of camaraderie, where the spirit of the academy truly came to life.

In a corner of the bustling cafeteria, Nero and Adam sat together at their table. Nero was enjoying a vibrant salad, its bowl brimming with crisp greens, ripe cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette that enhanced the freshness of each bite. The colorful medley of vegetables not only looked appealing but also provided a refreshing contrast to the lively atmosphere around them.

Beside him, Adam’s plate was a hearty feast of fluffy rice accompanied by golden-brown roasted toast. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain fluffy and separate, while the toast had a satisfying crunch, its buttery flavor complementing the meal beautifully. The aroma of the roasted bread mingled with the savory scent of the rice, creating an inviting combination that made it hard to resist. Together, they enjoyed their meals, sharing laughter and conversation amidst the lively buzz of their fellow cadets.

"I wonder why it’s taking so long for Lux and that lazy guy Blake," Adam remarked.

Nero responded to Adam’s question. "I don’t know; maybe they’re on the way."

Lessons must have ended simultaneously, so naturally, most cadets would head to the cafeteria to eat before pursuing their plans. If some didn’t show up, it likely meant they had gone somewhere else. Nero doubted that was the case for Lux and Blake, as they had promised to meet after class, and the meeting place was none other than this very spot. They should wait for them.

"It’s my first time eating a salad this delicious," Nero shared, expressing his appreciation. His situation back at the Raizen estate hadn’t afforded him the chance to enjoy such incredible food. Having never received any resources, he had managed to survive on his own, doing various odd jobs from a young age. There were times he had even begged for a little change, sometimes going three days without a meal, yet he refused to give in. His desire to live was remarkable; his will was unbreakable.

As he recalled his past, Nero shook his head, trying to dispel the rage that threatened to surface from where he had buried it. While he could control his emotions perfectly, it didn’t mean he was immune to them. He was still human, and humans are emotional creatures. He harbored no desire for revenge, but if his family ever tried something deceitful, he wouldn’t hesitate to crush them completely. Though young, his experiences had made him far more mature than his peers. He wouldn’t claim to be the smartest man, but from his understanding, humans were often more dangerous than monsters; schemes, deception, and betrayal were common.

He knew he was bound to attract attention in the future. What he had achieved thus far would undoubtedly be reported back to the patriarch. Although his accomplishments weren’t enough to warrant a surprise from the patriarch, they would certainly lead to increased scrutiny. As Nero continued to showcase his talents, especially his ability to use primordial energy and different laws, two outcomes awaited him: either he would be accepted back into the Raizen family to boost their prestige, or he would die.

Thinking about the future,it looks grim still a strange smile curved Nero’s lips. He wouldn’t actively seek revenge on the family for everything he had endured; that would be a waste of time. However, he knew the family wouldn’t relent, as there was no way he would ever agree to become a Raizen again. A clash was inevitable, and he would eventually confront his father—and the entire family—determined to crush them completely. Nero understood that endless troubles awaited him, not only because of the Raizen family but also from those who coveted his talents. Someone capable of wielding different laws was unheard of. While it was possible to wield different variants of the same law—like Khione, who inherited a variant of the Law of Water, allowing her to use both the Ice Law and the Law of Water—no one could wield the Law of Earth and the Law of Fire simultaneously. Thus, once it became known that he could use all nine laws, Nero’s existence would be extremely coveted.

Every force in the world would want him, and if they couldn’t have him, they would seek to destroy him. That was the nature of humanity. The weight of this pressure on Nero was heavy, but he was unbothered; he found it exciting. Pressure meant he could use it to refine himself and grow further. If he died, so be it. Nero was determined to crush anyone who tried to obstruct his goal: to better understand himself, fully unleash his potential, discover the reason for his existence, and live a fulfilling life. If possible, he would become the enemy of the world; after all, he wasn’t some kind of hero.

Until her death, Nero’s mother never wavered in her belief that her son was far from ordinary. On her dying bed, she made him promise never to hate his existence, to avoid thinking he was the cause of everything that had happened. She urged him to live a fulfilling life that she would be proud of, watching over him from heaven. Young Nero promised through tears, and after his mother passed away, he never cried again.