Rika led the way, heels tapping lightly against the glass-tiled floor. The other two followed, stealing glance at me from time to time. They still couldn't believe who was walking with them.
In public, carrying the Mercer name alone was enough to make people respect me. That was the real power of coming from an embarrassingly wealthy family.
We passed through a corridor lined with transparent panels. Beyond the glass were clusters of students — some rehearsing dance routines, others practicing stage lines or filming content for class.
"Pretty high-end for a celebrity school," I remarked, eyes sliding over the well cleaned floor and large windows.
Rika grinned. "We're technically an academy, but you'll find more vanity projects than research here."
Selene giggled softly. "That's true. Everyone here's obsessed with image — talent comes second."
We topped in front of a sliding glass door marked Classic Room 007.
She pressed her ID against the scanner, and the door hissed open.
Lights adjusted automatically, softening to a warm tone.
The room was big— an empty square lined with mirrors on one side and retractable sound panels on the other. It was spacious enough that a full dance troupe could rehearse without bumping elbows.
Selene stretched her arms a little. "We usually use this for group practices. Sometimes even ten people fit in here."
"Spacious but not private enough." I commented.
Good thing Rika knew her way around. She pressed a button on the control panel, and the transparent walls instantly turned opaque, a soft gray fog spreading over the glass like mist.
"Privacy mode," she grinned at me.
Then the floor panels vibrated, and cushioned sofas began rising smoothly from hidden slots in the ground. The room adjusted itself—light dimming, air temperature warming by a few degrees.
She gestured around proudly. "Rooms like this have modes—Study, Practice, Discussion, Performance—each one changes the setup. Lights, temperature, furniture, even sound insulation. It's supposed to help students 'optimize productivity'."
Selene smiled faintly. "More like an excuse for everyone to hang out in comfort."
"Yeah," Rika leaned back on the couch. "But hey, I'm not complaining. I'm just glad I got in at all, even if it's through a scholarship."
"You're a scholar?" I asked, noticing the hint of embarrassment on her face.
She sighed. "Yeah. Guess luck and grades finally worked together for me."
"Not just her. " Lyka glanced down, fiddling with the strap of her bag. "Only Selene got in the normal way."
I turned to Selene, but she didn't look proud about it.
"I might've gotten in the normal way, but my family's not rich. My parents both work as accountants for a guild. They sent me here because I failed to awaken… they just wanted me to have a better future."
The mood in the room became awkward. In this world, inflation was off the charts, and anyone who didn't plan ahead would end up struggling just to stay afloat.
Only real way out of that cycle was to land a high-paying job… or awaken an ability.
Wanting to fix the atmosphere, I decided to lead the conversation.
"Still," I said, looking at Selene, "your parents made the right call. Sending you here to follow your passion? That takes love, and trust. You should make the most of it. They clearly believe in you."
She smiled faintly. "Thanks. I'm trying to."
I turned to Rika and Lyka next. "And you two—getting scholarships here isn't easy. That kind of talent and dedication is very impressive already."
Rika's grin returned. "You sure know how to flatter girls… are you trying to charm us all?"
Lyka just ducked her head shyly, but I caught the small smile forming on her lips.
"I'm not flattering you." I chuckled. "Tell you what—why don't you all give me your numbers? If you ever need help with anything, I'll see what I can do. Consider it a favor from me."
My offer catch them off guard.
Rika scratched the back of her head. "Wow… I really thought you'd be arrogant and mean like your sister. But you're a lot friendlier than I expected."
I raised a brow. "Why'd you think that?"
"Well," she shrugged , "most rich kids around here are exactly that—arrogant. And the Mercer family's a household name. Kind of hard not to assume."
"Fair enough. It's true, I used to be very entitled. But after being paralyzed for three years, my view of the world changed."
"Oh… right. I remember now," Selene blurted out. "That's why Ella kept saying you turned into a vegetable. And that her brother Ethan would be the next CEO of Mercer Group."
I felt the corner of my mouth twitch.
"Vegetable, huh?" I rested an arm over the couch. "Sounds like her."
Rika frowned. "You mean… that wasn't true?"
"Oh, it was true," I admitted easily. "But I'm better now. So his twin brother getting the company is nothing but wishful thinking."
The three of them giggled, finding my comment satisfying. They saw an ally in me, and honestly, I didn't mind the idea of being friends with three beautiful girls.
"Now, tell me about Ella. Don't sugarcoat anything. The dirtier it is, the better; "