A Steeped Intrigue

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After what I got from Nezu, I couldn't help but want to find out more. Too bad that it was already daytime outside and way to risky to actually contact him so I decided to wait for the night, then break in and then surprise the rat satan in the morning.

Sounded like a good idea, especially since I needed to know all the rules of the game.

I might be a villain but I kinda did wanted to play by the rules at this exercise.... I don't know... I really want to kill some boredome... so I want to train them and shape them a bit. It was for the greater good after all.

The moon was high, casting a soft glow over the UA campus as I slipped through the darkness. It was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made every sound seem louder than it was. Perfect for what I was about to do.

Time to put that infiltration skill to good use.

I moved with purpose, my steps light and deliberate. UA had a reputation for its advanced security systems, but it was still vulnerable. They hadn't anticipated someone like me, someone who knew exactly how to bypass their defenses.

I reached the edge of the campus where the high-tech security fences loomed. A quick glance around confirmed that the guards were on their routine patrol, and their intervals were predictable. I waited for the right moment, then slipped through a gap in the fence I had scoped out earlier. A small cut in the barbed wire, discreetly patched up to avoid suspicion.

Once inside, I navigated the shadows, avoiding the few cameras with ease. My earlier hacks had given me a complete layout of the security system, and I had already disabled the cameras in this section. With a few more keystrokes, I ensured the alarms were on a timed delay. The grid would only be alerted after I was long gone.

So far, so good.

I approached the main building, finding the access door as planned. The security codes were still fresh in my memory from my earlier infiltration of the system. I input the codes, and the door slid open with a whisper. I was inside.

The corridors of UA were as quiet as the rest of the campus. My destination was clear: Nezu's office. If I were to make my presence known, it would be on my own terms. I moved swiftly, taking a shortcut through the ventilation ducts to avoid any potential encounters. My hands were steady, my mind focused.

Finally, I reached Nezu's office, the door locked but not a challenge. A quick scan of the locking mechanism and a few tweaks with my toolkit had it open in no time. I slipped inside, closing the door behind me.

The office was impressive. It was filled with books, papers, and an array of artifacts that spoke to Nezu's eccentric personality. But what truly caught my eye was the tea set.

Well, this is unexpected.

Nezu's office was a treasure trove of tea. Every corner of the room had something related to tea—an impressive collection of teapots, cups, and a variety of loose leaf teas. There was a shelf dedicated entirely to tea canisters, each one labeled meticulously. It was like stepping into a tea lover's paradise.

I moved closer to the main attraction: a beautifully crafted tea set resting on a polished wooden table. It was a delicate arrangement of porcelain teapots, cups, and saucers, each one adorned with intricate patterns. I couldn't help but be drawn to it, the sight mesmerizing.

This is some serious tea dedication.

I picked up one of the teapots, admiring its craftsmanship. It was adorned with golden filigree and had a smooth, almost weightless feel. There were several different types of tea on display—green, black, herbal, and exotic blends from around the world. The labels were neatly arranged, indicating the origin and flavor profile of each tea. It was clear that Nezu didn't just drink tea; he curated it.

I couldn't resist. I selected a tin labeled "Silver Needle" and opened it. The aroma was subtle but rich, an inviting mix of floral notes and a hint of sweetness.

Huh, impressive. 

This smells fantastic.

I moved to the table, where a kettle was waiting, presumably for fresh brews. I poured some of the tea leaves into a delicate infuser and set it into a cup. Nezu's attention to detail was astounding—even his tea preparation accessories were top-notch.

It's like he's got an entire tea ceremony in here.

While the tea steeped, I took the time to explore further. The office was organized chaos—neat piles of paperwork, a few scattered books, and a corner dedicated to what looked like a tea-making ritual. It was like finding a hidden gem in the heart of UA. The sight of the teapots arranged in a perfect row, each with its own distinct design, was almost calming.

The tea was ready, and I poured myself a cup, savoring the moment. The delicate steam rose in tendrils, carrying the aroma that was both soothing and invigorating. I took a careful sip, letting the flavor roll over my tongue.

Wow. 

This is actually really good.

It was moments like these that made me appreciate the finer things in life. Even amidst the chaos of my plans and the thrill of breaking into a highly secured location, a cup of tea could offer a rare moment of tranquility.

I leaned back in Nezu's comfortable leather chair, savoring the quiet and the taste of the tea.

Who knew a crazy chimera could have such an appreciation for fine tea?

While I sipped, I couldn't help but think about how this was such a contrast to the usual villainy I was involved in. There was something oddly charming about it....and it reminded me of my tea time with All for One. It was as if Nezu was saying that even the most serious of tasks—like protecting a prestigious academy—could have a touch of elegance and sophistication.

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