Ghosts of the Domain (18+)

Chapter 3

Daleus held his tray of food consisting of a hamburger, orange juice, fries, and four evenly cut apple slices. Non-lactose drinks are a must during lunchtime because farting and pooping during inappropriate times is something that isn't for him. As a fact, there were some diarrhea incidences that have happened three times. The only ones who know are very close family and no one else.

Just like he remembered the cafeteria during the orientation before the first day of school. Above them is a glass dome covering half of the ceiling that curved in a downward slope trailing to the floor. There is a rope-lever mechanism attached allowing the windows to be lifted up. Lighting attachments were never installed since the sun's light will illuminate most of the area. Various cuisine sections are installed throughout giving a student the option to try out something different during lunchtime. There are a total of five security guards playing as the eyes and ears and keeping a watchful eye on whose inside. A whole sea of students eating at the tables displayed a racket of laughs and rude chatter yet organized in the enormous cafeteria.

Daleus sat down on an empty table surrounded by neighboring ones that had a group of juniors and seniors. He took a bite out of the hamburger and then heard an excited voice behind "What's up Daleus?" making him almost choke on the food. He turned his seeing Leo.

"Oh, my bad," Leo apologized placing his tray of food down consisting of the same meal like Daleus, except he had a carton of chocolate milk, "I was gonna get cut salmon but that would have eaten -- no pun intended -- most of my time walking to the other side. As you can see, it's a full house right now."

"Give it a few months," Daleus grabbed five fries and placed them in his mouth, "We'll find out how many are going to drop out. It always happens, especially an elite school like this one compared to the other ones in the empire."

"I guess you are right," Leo took a small sip of chocolate milk and quickly bit a piece of the hamburger. "When do you think your dad is coming home?"

Daleus choked a little but masked it away from his best friend's view by keeping a straight face. A small fry swam in his mouth for a moment then decided to journey through his throat. After that, he spoke, "Soon enough. My dad's a devil dog. 'Doesn't take anything from anyone nor any enemies in the battlefield. How about yours?"

"My mom?" Leo corrected him, then let out a deep burp making Daleus chuckle and tilt back, "Just like your dad, except she commands a whole fleet on the palms of her hands. Those sailors listen to every word she says."

"Man, I didn't know we were competing on who has the best parent," Daleus smirked and moderately punched Leo's arm.

They laughed talking about what they did over the summer. Daleus got up to speed with Leo on his side work and exercising. Time was also spent helping around the house like cleaning and hanging with his mother and sister. Some envy dripped out Daleus' mouth hearing Leo say his mother is already showing him how to take apart a military rifle and a handgun and is able to identify every part within the weaponry. The name of the rifle used is called an MS-50. The abbreviation means the 'Military Stock-50' or 'Maiden Stone-50'. Either one is correct. It also comes with a cooling system to prevent the heavy firearm to overheat. Apparently, the final class of the day is a P.E class slash introduction to an obstacle course attached behind the school on an open field.

The bell rang before Leo could tell Daleus any more juicy information on the weapon he learned. Envy flowed to his head at the thought of his best friend already had a headstart in learning how to use a gun and an extraordinary P.E class.

Daleus tossed his food in the garbage and placed the hard tray on top of a stack to be cleansed. He got to the top floor. Two older women and one younger woman are pushing a cart of huge books in the library. School funding is constantly at its peak allowing the districts to supply well-polished new books to get checked out by the students.