I am Just an Average Tamer

Golden rays filtered in through the dorm window, lighting up the room in a warm hue.

Kai yawned as he rolled out of bed, stretching his limbs with a quiet groan.

After freshening up and getting into his academy uniform, he stepped out into the corridor, only to immediately spot two familiar faces.

"Yo," Corrin greeted with his usual smug grin.

Riven was right beside him and wasted no time slinging an arm around Kai's shoulders.

"Up early, huh? Color me surprised, brother. Thought you were nocturnal."

Kai groaned lowly but didn't bother swatting his arm off. "Barely slept."

"Heading for breakfast?" Corrin asked, stopping beside them.

"Yeah," Kai replied, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Great!" Riven grinned wide. "Let's go together and have a brotherly feast.:

Without warning, Riven threw his other arm around Corrin, pulling both of them toward the stairs like a victorious warlord dragging captives.

"I'm killing you in your sleep tonight," Corrin muttered under his breath.

"Count me in," Kai added without missing a beat.

Riven just laughed, either oblivious or enjoying the threats too much. "Haha! Ah, love you guys too."

The trio descended the stairwell with their usual banter echoing off the walls.

Down at the canteen, they grabbed their trays before settling at a corner table by the window.

As they sat, the chatter continued.

Corrin picked up a piece of toast and stared at it like it had personally offended him.

"Why is this so dry? Are we feeding beasts or students?"

"It's called 'budget cuts,'" Kai replied, taking a bite of his porridge without looking up.

"You'd know if you ever opened your financial aid report."

"I don't open things that depress me," Corrin said flatly.

Riven grinned with mouth full. "It's not that bad. Just pour some tea on it."

Kai blinked. "Did you just say—"

And Riven did exactly that, he picked up his cup of tea and let a splash drip onto the toast before biting in. "See? Moist."

Corrin stared at him, horrified. "You're a walking red flag."

Kai gave a slow nod. "Honestly, I'm rethinking being next to him."

Riven raised both hands, grinning wider. "Hey, genius requires madness."

Corrin smirked. "You're not a genius, you're just too dumb to die."

Riven gasped dramatically. "You wound me, brother."

Kai leaned back slightly, observing. "If this was a group assignment, I'd kill both of you first. Without any hesitation."

Corrin pointed his fork. "You could try. I'm the brains of this operation."

"And I'm the heart," Riven chimed, chest puffed with pride.

Kai sipped his tea. "That makes me the boot that kicks both your asses."

They all paused for a second. Then laughed.

Then after having their breakfast, the trio strolled out of the dorm building.

The morning sun was warm but gentle, and the breeze carried the faint scent of flowers from the academy gardens.

Riven stretched his arms above his head with a grin. "Yo, how about we take the long way today? Through the garden path."

Corrin groaned, already sensing trouble. "That route's longer than a dry lecture. Pass."

"I second that," Kai muttered, hands tucked into his pockets.

But Riven was already behind them, slinging both arms over their shoulders like a damn bridge. "C'mon, you stiff sacks of flour. A little detour won't kill ya. Might even help with digestion, huh?"

"You're the worst," Corrin muttered, but didn't resist.

Kai rolled his eyes. "If we're late, I'm blaming you."

"Gladly," Riven smirked.

The trio walked along the curved cobblestone path that ran beside the outer edge of the academy garden.

Birds chirped, and the rustle of trees made the place feel almost too peaceful. This section was more secluded, rarely any students came this far unless they were trying to avoid people.

Which is exactly why the moment they rounded the corner past the rose archway, they all came to a sudden halt.

Just ahead, five boys, who were probably upper classmen, judging from their slightly different uniform, stood in a half-circle formation.

Two girls were backed up against the ivy-covered wall, clearly uncomfortable.

One of the guys leaned in, smirking, his hand planted just above one of the girls' shoulders. Another was laughing, arms crossed, clearly enjoying the scene.

"C'mon now, why so cold?" the guy in front was saying, voice dripping with mockery. "We're just being friendly."

"Don't touch me," the girl muttered, clutching her bag tightly.

The guy made a show of backing off a little, but his grin widened. "Oh, scary. Are you gonna report me, little junior?"

Kai's eyes narrowed, his foot shifting half a step forward.

"Tch." Corrin clicked his tongue. "Seriously? In broad daylight?"

Riven, for once, didn't make a joke. His expression turned flat, shoulders lowering just a bit.

His arms slowly dropped from his friends' shoulders.

Kai glanced at him.

"Do we step in?" Corrin asked, voice low.

Kai didn't answer immediately. He was already walking.

Riven let out a small sigh and followed without a word.

Corrin muttered, "Godsdammit," and jogged after them.

Just before the guy in front could move in closer to the girls—

A cold, detached voice cut through the space like a blade.

"Take another step, and I promise you that'll be your last."

The lead guy froze.

His smirk twitched, faltering for a beat.

As he turned and looked at the source of the sound.

There stood a black-haired boy, his hazel-brown eyes were cold and unreadable, hands tucked casually in his pockets like he hadn't a care in the world. But the pressure he exuded said otherwise.

To his right, a green-haired boy stepped forward, running a hand through his hair as a fiery serpent slithered up his arm and coiled around it, flames licking at the air like it was eager to be let loose.

On the left, a silver-haired boy with mismatched silver and gray eyes approached in silence, resting a short crescent-shaped blade on his shoulder.

The guy who'd been leaning on the wall lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Oh-ho, look at this. We got a trio of heroes here."

One of his buddies behind him let out a barking laugh. "Who even are you clowns? Gonna throw flowers at us, greenie?"

Another scoffed. "Why don't you three piss off before you get hurt? This ain't your business."