The table went silent at Laurel's unexpected answer. The three exchanged looks, then looked at Laurel as if waiting for her to say she was kidding.
However, seeing that Laurel is not joking, her father was the first one to break the silence with a cough.
"Although college applications have been decreasing significantly since the gate appeared, learning something is better than nothing," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
Laurel's mother nodded in agreement, relieved that her daughter was still willing to pursue education despite the uncertain future.
"What matters is that you have something you want to do other than cope and be bored in our house," Laurel's mother added, giving her daughter a reassuring smile.
"Are you really sure about that, sis? People nowadays are more keen on trying their luck as hunters rather than pursuing in college," Nick said , raising a valid point about the current trends in career choices.
Laurel shrugged. "I'm not awakened."
Nick heaves a sigh. "There must still be decent schools operating somewhere this time, I think."
"If you're really keen on this, then I'll do some research about some school facilities that are the most decent at this time," their father offered, eager to support his daughter's decision. "It's important to explore all options before making a final choice," he added, encouraging Laurel to consider all possibilities.
"Thanks, dad."
"You're always welcome, sweetheart," he replied with a warm smile, happy to see his daughter taking charge of her future.
"So, what are you planning to take?" her mother asked curiously.
"I'm thinking of taking liberal arts," she replied, taking a bite of her food.
"I guess that's a good choice. After all, you have been good at writing and expressing yourself," her mother commented, proud of her daughter's talents. "Just remember to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different paths," she added, offering some motherly advice.
"Oh, look at the time. It's almost eight in the morning. I guess I have to go now," her mother said as she looked at the wall clock.
She stands up from her seat and looks apologetically at her husband and children, saying, "Let's have another breakfast like this next time."
She said this as she went to every individual and planted a kiss on their forehead. When it was Laurel's turn, her mother paused and looked at her straight in the eye.
"Just remember, I'll always support you, okay, baby? Now mommy's going," she said gently as she planted a few kisses on Laurel's forehead and cheeks.
"Bye, everyone!" she said as she went out of the kitchen and out of the house with her driver and a few guards waiting for her.
"She forgot to take off her apron," Nick pointed out.
Their father chuckled, "Clumsy as ever."
A few minutes after her mother went out, the two also left to do their business. Her father, as always, went to take care of businesses and attended meetings for the day, while Nick went to take care of his newly established guild.
As for Laurel, she was left in the house with nothing to do other than lie down in bed.
I guess going to college is a good idea to change my monotonous life.
....
Laurel stared at the changing scenery outside the moving vehicle as she gripped her phone and placed it beside her ear while listening to the sound coming from it.
"I'm fine, mom," she said.
"Are you sure? I could've come to your first day of school to help you or something." An apologetic voice came out of the phone.
"I'm fine, really. It's not like I'm in grade school. I can take care of myself. I know you've been busy in your lab." Laurel reassured her mother. "I appreciate your concern, but I need to learn to be independent. College is a great opportunity for me to grow and challenge myself."
"But still..." Laurel heard a sigh. "I'll visit often."
"Visit as much as you like," Laurel replied, feeling grateful for her mother's support despite the distance between them. "I'll keep you updated on everything."
"Okay, then I'll hang up. Bye."
"Bye, mom."
Laurel placed her phone on her lap as soon as she heard the beeping sound from her phone, heaved a sigh, and then leaned back on her seat.
"Mom is really a worrywart."
Laurel glanced at the blonde person sitting on the driver's seat, then smirked, "What are you even doing here?"
"Sending my sister to her first day in college," he replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Aren't you busy with your guild stuff already?"
"I can't just leave my little sister to fend for herself," he said with a smile.
Laurel rolled her eyes playfully and said, "Well, I appreciate the company, big brother."
"I heard this school that dad chose has been adapting to all of these changes in our world. It was said that there are many bunkers on the school in case monsters appear. And it even employs hunters to make sure the students are studying safely."
Laurel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea of a school with such unique safety measures. "Sounds elite to me."
"It sure does. You don't expect dad to allow you to study in just any school where gates keep appearing everywhere, do you?" he asked in amusement.
Laurel chuckled at her brother's teasing, but she couldn't deny that the school did sound impressive. "I guess not," she replied, considering the thought of attending a school with such extraordinary precautions in place.
"Well, you can't blame dad. He was against you going out of the house in the first place. After what happened to you, he can't help but be worried about your well-being," her brother added, his tone turning serious.
"Even mom is concerned, but she doesn't want you to rot at home," Nick added.
Laurel nodded her head in understanding.
She glanced out the window, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement for the new chapter in her life at this school. After all, Laurel didn't experience studying in college in her past three lives because she was either busy worrying about assassination attempts or making herself stronger.
"We're here."
The car stopped in front of a huge gate with the school's name and logo displayed prominently.
"I want to escort you inside, but they are quite strict about allowing non-students past the gate," Nick said apologetically.
"That's better. It's not like I'm planning to walk beside you in public," she said brutally, taking off her seatbelt.
Nick gasped and placed his hand on his chest as if a bullet peered through his heart. "Why is that?"
Laurel rolled her eyes and said, "Because I don't want to be known as a sister of a hunter who has a guild of his own. You do know the split opinion of the public on hunters, right?"
"I know, but hearing that from you is brutal," Nick replied, looking hurt.
"I just don't want to be associated with that part of your life," Laurel explained, her tone softening slightly.
"Maybe a kiss on my cheeks will lighten my mood ," Nick suggested with a small smile, trying to lighten the tension between them.
Laurel chuckled and obliged, giving him a quick peck on each cheek before pulling away.
"Your stuff is already delivered in your dorm. And if you ever feel stuffy inside, just go to one of our houses here. I think there's somewhere nearby," he said in a hurry.
"Sure," she simply replied, closing the door.
Laurel stands in front of the huge gate and has a clearer view of the place.
Many cars are dropping off some students like her, all looking excited and nervous at the same time.
A beep from the car was heard behind her, and she turned to look and saw the window brought down, Nick's face peering out with a smile. "Did you change your mind? It's not too late yet."
Laurel rolled her eyes at his playful antics and said, "Shut up."
"Sure," he replied with a chuckle. "I'm going. Good luck in your new school."