The council members filled out quickly.Their noises fading down the long corridors.
I stayed behind for a moment, letting echo and noises to fade away. But just then, my stomach rumbled loudly, a sharp reminder that I hadn't eaten since morning.
I quickened my pace toward the cafeteria, the thought of food driving each step.
following the signs and eventually found it. Two large cafes streched on either side: Cafe A and B. I choose the one with fewer people.
Long queues lined each serving section. I didn't want to wait but I had no choice.
I randomly entered a line, glancing at the dishes as they passed by. They look quite simle yet delicious. What am I thinking? It doesn't meaningful to think like that.[1]
Finally, Its my turn now. Lets start.The server turned me and asked.
''Hello. What do you like, boy?''
''What's the most popular meal among the council members?''
''well, I can say lamb stew with tortilla.''
I hesitated for a moment and said,
''Ok then, I decided. I want a lentil soup with some barley bread.''
The server raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk on their face.
''That's... a modest choice. Not very popular here, you know.''
I just nodded, avoiding any explanation. The tray slid forward, warm and basic like I wanted.
I took it and stepped away from the line, scanning the cafeteria for a place to sit. The room was crowded--voices,trays, chairs scraping against the floor.
Then I spotted an empty table in the far corner.
Perfect.
No conversations or curious eyes. Just me and my food. The lentil soup was still steaming when voices from the next table reached me.
''...did you see the ranking?''
''Yeah. 518 was dead last.''
A short laugh followed.
''I don't get it. How does someone like that even end up here?''
''Maybe the system needed a charity case''
I kept my eyes on the soup, pretending I hadn't heard a word. The spoon in my hand suddenly felt heavier than it should have.
A chair scraped softly across the floor in front of me. Someane sat down.
''Mine if I join you?''
I looked up. It was 104. The second rank.
He glanced briefly toward the table where the whispers had come from. Than back at me.
''You heard them, didn't you?''
I didn't answer.
104 shrugged lightly. ''People love numbers more than they love thinking straight, huh?''
I frowned at 104.
''I'm still last. That wont change anything.''
''So?'' He said calmly. ''Being number 1000 doesnt change anything.''
I looked at him with confused expression. He spoke again. But this time, his voice was direct and serious.
''You will get what I'm saying. Save your confusion for later.'' His expression softened again.
''Rankings only show where you started. Not where you'll end''
I added willingly.
''You said being 1000 doesnt change anything.''
''Yeah.Being number 1000 might even give you advantages.''
''Advantages?''
''No expectations,'' he said calmly. ''No pressure. No one watching closely''
He took a sip of water before continuing.
''Dumb people only watch the top of the list. The bottom is partically invisible''
He was right in most points.
''...Maybe'' I muttered. ''I've never thought about it that way.''
After that, I stood up as I finished my soup and bread.
''See you around.'' I said with a calm voice.
He nodded slowly .Meanwhile, I started moving to use my remaining time to walk around.
I was walking hastily. Trying not to waste any second. I Left the cafeteria the way I came in and noticed a sign I didn't see before. It said the waiting room was 120 meters away. ''Waiting room?'' I said quietly. Looks like a place worth seeing.
I started walking on the road lightened by signs. The corridors are really wide and even if people are passing by, there is still room left to walk around like a drunk person.
I arrived at the room. There was a red carpet all around the floor. flower pots and artificial flowers are spread all 4 edges of the room. There was also a big fountain in the middle of the room, making me feel relaxed thanks to the sound made by it. Well, why waiting room you might say, I didnt come into the part yet. There was also sofas on the edge.
But my gaze followed that one detail unconsciously. There was a large silver colored sealed door on the edge. My gaze stayed on the silver door for a while. No handle or screen. Just nothing.
I walked closer and leaned my back against the wall next to it. The red carpet felt softer than I expected when I touched to it.
''Just a minute'' I muttered.
I slowly slid down and sat on the floor. The sound of the fountain filled the room.
It was strangely relaxing. I didn't regret that I didn't sit on the sofa.
A faint mechanical sound... coming from behind the door.
It was subtle. Almost like a machine preparing itself. I held my breath and listened carefully.
But sound stopped again.
''Probably nothing.'' I whispered ''But remarkable.''
My head slowly leaned against the wall.
The last thing I remember was the sound of the fountain...
And faint footsteps somewhere in the room.
[1] The referance to the Doctor's words. Chapter 15(COOPERATION ARC).