A few days had passed since the incident. It was Saturday, and the other classes' Battle Royale session had come to an end.
The entire incident made major headlines. Especially because of Darwin's disappearance.
Osborn Company was shut down, and all of the shiftporters were recalled for investigation.
All of the Osborn family members were hunted down, and were called in for the time being.
Several theories filled the internet, articles regarding the incident and Darwin's whereabouts were being talked about.
The Academy suffered severe backlash from the public, but was mitigated due to Evelyn's involvement in the incident.
After Evelyn's arrival, Francis was quickly dispatched off with the assistance of the Special Force.
Though it was an unofficial Guild operation, Evelyn and Reina were sufficiently rewarded by the Guild.
Amy had to undergo counseling to check for any signs mental trauma. She was then advised to take the treatment for 8 weeks.
Brandon and Raven's involvement was omitted, as they were both still students.
And Brandon…
He slept like a log…
For most of the week…
"Huaam…"
Brandon jolted awake with a deep yawn.
"...?!"
What caught his attention was the enticing scent of food.
Though the door to his room was closed, the smell still lingered in his room.
He then got up and approached the door.
Creak—
As the door opened and he stepped out the living room, what met his line of sight was a familiar figure, with long pale-white hair tied into a ponytail.
She adorned casual clothing. But what caught Brandon's attention was the peach colored apron extending in front of her.
"Morning."
"Ah, good morning. Take a seat, breakfast will be ready in a minute."
Brandon unknowingly twitched, as his eyes shot wide open.
But instantly composed himself and replied,
"Mhm, thanks."
Brandon was familiar with this sight.
For the past week, Belle had been giving him special attention ever since he returned from the incident.
She was debriefed by Evelyn about Brandon's involvement.
And because of that, Belle might have felt bad since their last conversation was an argument.
She might have not thought that Brandon was serious about finding Amy.
But of course, Brandon didn't mind the attention.
Following the intense battle with Jin, Brandon's body throbbed with pain from [Mana Burst].
The extended use of [Accelerated Cognition] left him mentally and physically drained as well.
In short, he was burnt out.
Sitting down, he turned his head to find Belle approaching the table while humming.
"Hmmm~ Breakfast is ready."
She wore oven mitts on both hands and carried a pot. Brandon could see smoke protruding from the pot.
Belle placed the hot pot on the table and removed the lid.
But the moment she did, Brandon secretly clenched his fist.
Belle might have thought she was a good cook. But Brandon thought otherwise.
Though the food's aroma was quite enticing, Brandon knew he shouldn't judge the taste because of the smell.
Brandon was never picky with his food, but when it came to Belle's cooking…
'Food is food…'
Is all he can say to himself.
Belle flashed him a warm smile, as Brandon did the same, though an awkward one.
But it seemed like Belle didn't notice as she continued to hum, removing the oven mitts.
Before Belle turned around, Brandon secretly clasped his hands together and offered a silent prayer.
'Lord, if you can hear my prayers, please protect me.'
For the past week, it was the same morning for Brandon.
But despite that, just the efforts of Belle to take care of him was enough to warm his heart.
But then again, Belle and her food are two different things.
It was a silent war for Brandon.
A war between him and his stomach.
Belle placed a bowl on the table in front of him, as she placed another one for herself.
Belle seemed to notice Brandon's hesitation.
"What's the matter?"
"...Nothing, thanks for breakfast as always."
These were his true feelings.
But what he was thanking her for was for the effort of cooking for him, not the food that she cooked.
"Mhm, try it!"
At her instructions, Brandon hesitatingly grabbed the ladle and slowly poured the soup on his pot.
But because his hands were shaky, some of the soup spilled on the table.
Belle noticed once again, and a look of worry etched on her face.
"Be careful, you're still injured after all."
It's true, he was injured. But it wasn't the reason why his hands shook.
"Yeah, sorry."
Slowly pouring the soup on the bowl, some of the 'cut' vegetables poured in as well.
Though cut was an overstatement.
It filled most of the bowl...
'This is an entire potato…'
He then lifted the bowl, secretly clenching his teeth.
But before he drank the soup, he silently muttered to himself.
"I've survived way worse than this…"
"Hm? Did you say something?"
"...No."
At that, Brandon stopped breathing, blocking the senses of his nose, and drank the soup.
Slurp~
While he continued to drink, Belle spoke up with a smile.
"How is it? Good, right?"
Brandon continued to drink and gave her a thumbs up.
'...It's way too salty."
As he finished the soup down to the last drop, he turned his attention to Belle.
Belle tried to taste her soup first before completely drinking it.
Slurp~
But to Brandon's horror…
"Hmm… I think it needs more salt."
Brandon's eyes shot wide open.
'Are her taste buds not working? Or does she even have one?'
And before he realized it, Belle was already reaching out for the salt container.
At that moment, Brandon instantly activated [Mana Burst], and abruptly stopped Belle's hand.
'Ukh..!'
He inwardly groaned.
"What's wrong?"
"...It's good. Don't make it better."
After all, he was still in pain, but he had no choice.
It was the only way for him to stop the disaster that was about to ensue.
As he gripped Belle's arm, she turned to look at him and tilted her head.
"What's wrong?"
"...It's good. Don't make it better."
"Okay..."
'Haa…'
Brandon inwardly sighed.
With all the battles he had fought, he could definitely say that Belle's food had to be the hardest enemy he had ever faced.
At that, the two siblings continued to enjoy their morning.
Though, it would be more accurate to say that only one of the siblings enjoyed it.
As the two continued to converse, Belle dropped him a bombshell.
"Ah, by the way, Mom is coming."
"...?"
Brandon tilted his head.
He seemed to have forgotten.
'Ah, that's right, Brandon Locke had parents.'
At that moment, Brandon started to panic.
He didn't know how the old Brandon Locke would actually act around his family.
He was quite lucky with Belle, as Belle didn't grow up with Brandon in his teenage years.
And before he knew it...
Creak—
The door creaked open and a figure emerged from the door.
"Surprise!"