Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 30: Roommates

Chapter 30: Roommates

NMA’s dorm setup was a suite designed for four people, with each person having their own bedroom and bathroom. They shared a living room and a balcony. The living room was equipped with basics like a water dispenser and a fridge, giving off a hotel vibe.

Each bedroom came furnished with a wardrobe, desk, and bed. The bathrooms had washing machines.

However, students needed to bring personal items like VR headsets and, for some, recovery pods for post-workout relaxation.

After everyone found their beds, set up their spaces, and cleaned up, the dorm was ready to go.

Suddenly, a loud noise came from outside the door.

"Vivian, why did you bring so much stuff? We don’t need all of this at school," said a gentle voice.

"Just help me move it first," replied a clear voice.

Zinnia was drinking water and, when she heard the voices, she walked to the door.

She put down her cup and picked up two large boxes. Soon, the living room was packed with boxes of all shapes and sizes.

"Wow, are you moving in? That’s a lot of stuff," Zinnia remarked.

Vivian, with her thick, wavy brown hair, wore a custom blue fitted dress and a matching gemstone necklace.

Her makeup was on point, making her look like she was heading for a vacation rather than a military school.

She tossed her hair and pouted, "I spent ages picking these out and only brought a bit. If outsiders were allowed, I would have brought a whole renovation team too." As she spoke, she opened a bag containing a full-length mirror with lace trim.

"I need to set up my mirror first, or I won’t have a place to do my makeup later."

After Vivian went to her room, the blonde girl next to her gave an awkward smile and said, "Yeah, that’s her. That’s typical Vivian."

Zinnia soon learned that Vivian was the youngest daughter of the richest man on Planet Nagano, which explained her attitude.

The blonde girl with freckles and a low braid was Mandy. She didn’t have a prominent background like Vivian, and she was shy and introverted, always wearing a subtle smile.

The four girls in the dorm had completely different backgrounds and personalities.

Zinnia was enthusiastic and cheerful, quickly bonding with the other two.

"It’s almost twelve, let’s go eat," Mandy suggested.

"It’s that late? No wonder I’m starving," Zinnia said, hurrying to knock on the door. "I’m calling Lyra, let’s all go together."

Vivian, looking at her shiny nails, muttered to Mandy, "What’s her deal? She didn’t help with my stuff and didn’t even come out to meet us."

Mandy smiled, "Maybe she didn’t hear you."

Just then, a young woman in an army green tank top opened the door and stepped out.

Zinnia beamed. She pulled Lyra towards their two roommates, saying, "Let me introduce you, this is Lyra."

Vivian and Mandy exchanged surprised glances.

"I know you. The forums are still buzzing about you, the healer from Voidstar No.2," Vivian said, standing up and extending her hand with a smile. "I heard you got in with a recommendation letter from Lieutenant Commander Whyte, and your scores were top-notch."

Mandy tugged at Vivian’s dress, thinking, ’Don’t be so blunt.’—She had seen Lyra fight fiercely the previous day.

Vivian’s tone had a sharp edge that made even Zinnia frown, but Lyra remained calm. She nodded and said, "Yeah, that’s true."

Without the recommendation letter, she wouldn’t have gotten the exam spot, let alone passed the background check. And her high scores were also true.

Vivian felt a pang of frustration, like she had hit a cold wall. She stood up, crossed her arms, and asked, "Then let me be direct. What’s your relationship with Lieutenant Commander Whyte?"

She scrutinized Lyra with sharp eyes, thinking, ’She’s so pretty, are they...’

"I’m a doctor, and he was once my patient. I saved his life," Lyra replied calmly, her steady gaze meeting Vivian’s. "Anything else you want to know?"

Vivian’s aggressive attitude waned, but she still lifted her chin and said somewhat proudly, "Nothing."

Cohen’s injury was something Vivian didn’t know about. Besides, she realized that it was impossible that a level-five healer could have any significant relationship with an admiral’s son.

The scene grew awkward.

Zinnia and Mandy exchanged glances.

At that moment, Lyra walked towards the door, saying, "Weren’t we going to eat? Let’s go."

The NMA cafeteria mainly served seafood, with plenty of meat and carbs to replenish daily energy. The cafeteria was large and crowded but orderly. Everyone could see the dishes on a floating screen above each window and then line up for their meals.

Lyra and Mandy lined up at one window, standing one behind the other.

Mandy stared at Lyra’s back, feeling she was hard to approach. She gathered her courage and said, "Um... Vivian has a crush on Lieutenant Commander Whyte, and she’s pretty straightforward. Please... don’t be mad at her."

Actually, Mandy’s family was also trying to arrange a marriage with the Whyte family for her.

Lyra turned slightly and said, "I’m not mad. Many people misunderstood us, not to mentioned that Vivian, who has a crush on him."

’But your expression really keeps people off,’ Mandy thought.

Mandy’s gaze and the indication in it were so obvious that Lyra grasped it immeidtaely

Thus, she added, "Please don’t mind my expression. It has grown on me."

The tension thickened. Mandy, trying to smooth things over, gave an awkward smile and said, "Let’s get along well from now on."

It was meant to ease the tension, and anyone else might have agreed. But Lyra shook her head and said, "That might be difficult."

Ignoring Mandy’s shocked expression, she continued, "Vivian already holds a grudge against me, and you seem to be afraid of me. It would be good if we can just stay cool and maybe some distance from each other."

Lyra’s sole focus at the military academy was to use it as a stepping stone to get into the military. The two young lady, however, one from a common background and the other from a business family—Lyra just couldn’t see any opportunities for cooperation with them for now.

After getting their food, the four of them sat at the same table.

Only Zinnia and Mandy were talking. Vivian complained about the food, while Lyra concentrated on eating her large plate of food.

"I think the cafeteria is pretty good. I like seafood," Zinnia said.

Trying to avoid awkward silence, Mandy agreed, "Yes, these sea beasts are very expensive outside."

"They’re just common ingredients. How expensive can they be?" Vivian poked at her plate with a fork disdainfully. "They just fry it up. Do the chefs even know how to cook?"

Zinnia glanced at the embarrassed Mandy, picked up a piece of fish, and said, "I think it tastes good. Maybe it’s because we don’t have seafood in Snowfall, so I don’t eat it often. Yum!"

Her cheeks puffed out with food, and she squinted her eyes in enjoyment.

Vivian sneered at her, thinking she was rude. Then she turned to Lyra, who hadn’t said a word, and asked, "You came from Voidstar No.2. Life must have been a tough challenge there, huh?"

She just couldn’t stand this poker-face woman.

Lyra ignored her provocation. She quickly finished her soup, cleaned her plate, and got up to leave.

"I’m done eating."

She left Vivian glaring in anger.

Zinnia blinked and quickly finished her meal. She wiped her mouth and stood up, "I’m done too."