The Lavish Canteen

Itozawa stepped into the canteen as if entering a luxurious palace.

The entire floor was paved with energy stones, but that was acceptable, as his dormitory was also entirely paved with them.

What shocked him most was that within this canteen alone, his ability could detect at least a hundred magic formations.

The entire perimeter of the canteen was densely embedded with formations. To conceal their traces, they were deliberately integrated with the patterns of the energy stone tiles. If not for his peculiar ability, he estimated he would never have discovered them.

He now roughly guessed that his ability to see through the essence of these energies was most likely due to his own special ability.

However, he hadn't detected any energy fluctuations at the school entrance. Was the school that confident?

Putting aside his curiosity about the school for now, Itozawa turned his gaze back to the various parts of the canteen.

Each dining table was inlaid with magic formations. These formations shimmered slightly under the light of the energy stones, as if they were alive.

Moreover, the closer the table was to the serving counter, the better the effect of the formation seemed to be. The air around these tables seemed to be filled with more energy particles, allowing diners to feel the nourishment of energy while eating.

However, as his gaze swept across the canteen, he noticed that these prime tables had already been occupied by senior students.

They sat there, some chatting, some enjoying their meals, each appearing confident and composed.

Itozawa realized that these seniors were clearly familiar with everything about the school, including how to use the canteen's formations to enhance their own abilities.

He found a table slightly farther from the serving counter and sat down, secretly resolving to come earlier next time to secure one of those tables with the best effects.

At the same time, he pondered if there was any way to improve the effect of the formations in his room, or if he could learn how to set up and utilize these formations himself.

Only after sitting down did Itozawa remember that he hadn't ordered food yet. But he was somewhat unwilling to give up his seat.

After all, more and more people were entering the canteen. Even if some didn't discover the secret of the seats, he would find it hard to accept if they were accidentally occupied.

Fortunately, he quickly found a solution.

On the edge of the table, there was not only a menu but also an ancient-looking order bell. The bell seemed unusual; it had no clapper and its surface was covered with complex runes, as if hiding some kind of magic.

Itozawa then checked the box for a Deluxe Set Meal and tentatively tapped the order bell, his movement gentle and cautious.

However, the order bell emitted no sound, as if it were merely decorative.

But the moment he touched the bell, he felt a subtle energy fluctuation, like ripples spreading from the center of the bell.

He stared intently at the order bell, waiting for some change.

Suddenly, something in the air seemed to distort, and a phantom slowly materialized beside him.

This phantom waiter wore a black uniform, its face indistinct, as if composed of shadows. It appeared silently, without a trace of sound, with only the ripple of energy as a precursor to its arrival.

The appearance of the phantom waiter surprised Itozawa, his eyebrows rising slightly, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.

He watched the phantom waiter as it extended a nearly transparent hand, gently picked up the menu, and then vanished into the air like a wisp of smoke.

Not long after, the phantom waiter reappeared. This time, it not only held the menu but also a Deluxe Set Meal emitting a rich aroma.

The phantom waiter placed the meal gently on his table, its movements elegant and silent, then disappeared again, as if it had never been there.

Itozawa curiously tasted the Deluxe Set Meal and immediately felt that the energy within it was very abundant. The meat and vegetables in the meal did not seem to be ordinary ingredients. The energy they emitted made him feel invigorated, though he couldn't immediately discern the specific reason.

Just then, a voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

"It seems you're quite satisfied with this meal," Kanzaki said, his gaze sharp, as if he could read Itozawa's thoughts.

Itozawa looked up and saw Kanzaki sitting in the seat next to him. He was somewhat surprised, as he remembered not seeing him just moments ago, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Indeed, the energy in this meal is very abundant, but I haven't figured out why these foods are different from ordinary ones."

Kanzaki nodded, seemingly pleased with Itozawa's observation. "These ingredients are cultivated in special environments. They absorb the essence of energy stones, thus containing rich energy," he explained, not seeming to mind sharing the information.

Itozawa was curious about Kanzaki's explanation and pressed further, "Special environments? How do you know this?"

Kanzaki smiled slightly, a hint of slyness in his eyes. "I know more about this school's secrets than you imagine." He paused, then continued, "However, I'm equally interested in your secrets. For example, why could you make my Mental Probe Stone disappear without a trace?"

Kanzaki sitting next to him was certainly no coincidence. He had been using his mental power to cover himself and conceal his presence from the start.

Just as he expected, Itozawa couldn't detect him at all. Itozawa's mental defense wasn't projected outwards at all; it was confined entirely within his Mind Sea. But this was almost impossible.

Therefore, he was extremely eager to know why. Not only out of curiosity about abilities, but also because only by knowing the reason could he better conceal himself.

Itozawa remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "My ability might be somewhat different from your Mind-Type Ability. It leans more towards defense and self-protection." He didn't reveal too many details, but he gave Kanzaki a plausible explanation.

Kanzaki looked at him intently, then nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

He stood up, preparing to leave. "Very well, Itozawa. I hope we can become friends. After all, in this school, understanding each other's abilities would be beneficial for both of us."

Itozawa found it strange. Why did he come so suddenly, and why did he leave so suddenly?