After opening the bakery, Aliff sat in his swivel chair, his head resting softly on the table. His eyes were half-closed, his face radiating exhaustion that resembled boredom more than anything else.
"Hmm... what's wrong, Aliff? You look so lethargic," Ana's calm voice slipped in beside him. She didn't take her eyes off her phone screen, her fingers occasionally tapping in a relaxed rhythm.
Aliff let out a short sigh. "Ah, it's nothing. Just feeling a bit bored today," he replied while slowly spinning his chair, as if trying to entertain himself with that monotonous movement.
Ana finally turned to him, a small smile spreading across her lips. "Huh? Here, take a look at this! It just went viral!"
On the screen, there was a photo of five people radiating an aura of brilliance. The background was magnificent, as if emphasizing that they were no longer ordinary people.
**"Five New Stars: S-Rank Heroes Shaking the World!"**
Aliff squinted his eyes, then nodded weakly. "I already know."
Ana gasped. "Seriously? The news just came out an hour ago!"
"Yeah," he replied in a calm voice, almost like a whisper. "I was late because I caught the news about them on TV."
Ana, sitting beside him, nodded slowly. "Ohh... they are amazing, right? Becoming S-Rank Heroes at just 17 years old. Isn't that too young?"
Aliff let out a short sigh, a small smile forming on his lips. "Well, that's the world. There are many strong and talented people here. They are just one of them," he explained, his gaze fixed on the door.
Ana tilted her head, her eyes full of curiosity. "You seem not very interested in heroes. Don't you like them?"
Aliff shrugged casually. "Not really. There are some I like, and some I don't."
"Ohh? Why is that? Is there something that makes you dislike some heroes?" Ana asked, her voice gentle as she looked at Aliff.
Aliff shook his head slightly, his smile remaining faint. "It's a long story, and I'm too lazy to tell it right now."
Ana sighed, then smiled softly. "Hmm... alright. It seems you really don't want to share it with me." She paused for a moment, then continued in a more cheerful tone. "By the way, it seems they will be attending the Magic Academy."
"Magic Academy?" Aliff finally turned, his face showing a hint of surprise and confusion.
Ana giggled, "Ah, you didn't know? After being built for a year, the academy finally opened a month ago."
Aliff furrowed his brow, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
"Why? Are you interested in that academy?" Ana asked.
"The academy was made specifically for young people, like you. Ah, why don't you just enroll there? You're still young, and I'm curious what rank you would get there!" Her voice was cheerful, as if she could already imagine Aliff wearing the academy uniform.
Aliff gazed at the door with a thin smile. "Magic Academy?" he said softly, as if talking to himself. "That place might be interesting, but not for someone like me."
Ana's brow furrowed in confusion. "Eh? Why not?" she asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
With a relaxed gesture, Aliff ruffled his slightly messy hair. "I'm too strong for a place like that," he replied with a smile. "And if you ask me what rank I would get there, it would definitely be S without a doubt." His warm laughter filled the bakery.
Ana shook her head with a smile. "You always make me laugh with your arrogance!"
"Rather than me," Aliff continued with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, "why don't you just try to enroll? You're the same age as me."
Ana's face turned red. "What are you talking about? You know I have no power at all! I would definitely be the butt of the jokes there!"
Aliff watched Ana's face with a gentle gaze. "Oh, no way. With a face as beautiful as yours, I don't think they would do that. Unless your face was ugly, then maybe they would bother you. And the one who bothers you would most likely be a woman jealous of your beauty."
"Ha!" Ana burst out laughing. "Your compliment today is truly sweet!"
"Really?" Aliff winked. "But for some reason, I prefer your face when you're angry. It's so cute."
Their conversation paused as the bell above the door jingled softly. Ana turned around, her eyes widening.
"Aliff! That...!" her finger trembled, pointing at the two figures who had just entered. Two beautiful women stood at the door - Aina, an S-Rank hero, and Sarah, an A-Rank hero.
Before Ana could finish speaking, Aina dashed to the cashier's desk. "Hah?!" she shouted upon seeing Aliff.
"Yo! Long time no—"
BANG!!!
Aina's hand shot towards Aliff's face with a speed that made Ana and Sarah gasp. But with a movement smoother than a gust of wind, Aliff easily deflected it.
"Is this how you greet your brother? So rude, you know!" Aliff's voice remained calm and smiling.
"BA...BROTHER?!" Ana and Sarah exclaimed in unison, their faces turning pale.
"You're still easily angered, little sister?" Aliff gently released his grip, then ruffled Aina's hair like he was petting a kitten. "You've grown stronger and more mature, my cute little sister!"
Aina could only look down, allowing Aliff to mess with her hair.
Ana and Sarah exchanged glances, their mouths still wide open.