Re-Awakened :I Ascend as an SSS-Ranked Dragon Summoner - Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Family reunion Chapter 97: Family reunion After the third check in the mirror, Noah finally felt satisfied.

Every detail was perfect, from the way his suit draped across his shoulders to how his shoes caught the light.

He’d always been particular about his appearance-it wasn’t an accident that he’d caught the eye of Eastern Sector Academy’s most sought-after student.

The hallway was barely recognizable.

The academy had transformed it into something straight out of old holovids, capturing that distinct ’97 aesthetic.

Students milled about in period-appropriate attire, though most of them probably couldn’t tell the difference between actual ’97 fashion and whatever ancient movies they’d pulled their inspiration from.

Noah drew more than a few stares as he walked through.

The suit Sophie had helped him pick made it clear he wasn’t working with a cadet’s budget.

The fabric alone probably cost more than most students’ monthly allowance.

But that was Sophie-she had expensive taste and the means to indulge it.

A strange smile played across his face as he followed the flow of people toward the entrance.

Above, the night sky was alive with hovering vehicles-sleek Clexus models like Sophie’s, military-grade GMMs, and other high-end transports.

The academy was pulling in all the heavy hitters tonight: top brass, sector leaders, anyone who had a say in humanity’s remaining power structure.

He was still taking in the parade of vehicles when a familiar Clexus descended from the stream of traffic, pulling up alongside him with an elegant purr of anti-grav systems.

Sophie sat in the driver’s seat, and Noah’s breath caught.

The black gown they’d picked out yesterday was even more stunning on her now-short length, corset-style, perfectly fitted.

Her black hair was styled in elaborate waves, and the jewelry at her throat caught the light of passing vehicles.

She looked like she’d stepped straight out of one of those vintage fashion magazines she loved to collect.

She let out a wolf whistle that turned heads.

“Hey sugar!” she called out, affecting an accent that sounded like it came straight from some ancient vid-show.

“Need a ride somewhere?” Noah couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face.

Here he was, supposed to be the smooth one, and she had him fighting back a blush like some freshman cadet.

“Might be,” he played along.

“Heading to the gala.” “Well ain’t that just perfect?” She leaned out the window, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hop in, handsome.

But first-” She reached for something in the passenger seat, producing an elegant box.

Inside was a diamond wristwatch that caught the light in a way that made modern tech look dull in comparison.

“Let me,” she said, taking his wrist gently.

As she fastened the watch, her fingers lingered on his skin.

“You know, back in ’97, this meant something.

These days everyone’s obsessed with beast cores, but there used to be a time when diamonds were more than just pretty rocks.” Noah studied the watch, genuinely appreciating the craftsmanship.

The weight of it felt significant, grounding.

“Sophie, I-I didn’t get you anything.

I should have-” She pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him.

“You still don’t get it, do you?” Her smile softened.

“You’re the gift, Noah.

Now come on-” She patted the passenger seat.

“Let’s show these stuffy military types how it’s done.” As Noah slid into the seat, Sophie’s Clexus hummed to life, rising smoothly to join the stream of vehicles heading toward the gala.

In the artificial twilight of the Eastern Sector’s dome, with vintage-style lights streaming past and Sophie’s perfume filling the air, it really did feel like they’d stepped back in time.

Except no one in ’97 had to worry about void energy, beast cores, or whatever the hell was happening with humanity and its war on Harbingers.

Noah pushed those thoughts aside.

Tonight wasn’t about training or power or the growing darkness at the edges of the sectors.

Tonight was about him and Sophie, and whatever adventure she had planned.

**** The gala was in full swing by the time Noah and Sophie arrived.

The massive hall was a spectacle, draped in deep reds and golds, with chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors.

A red carpet stretched across the entrance, guiding them into a space filled with the academy’s elite-students, professors, military officers, and sector leaders.

Noah felt the weight of countless eyes as they stepped in hand in hand.

He wasn’t surprised.

The hottest girl in year three, Sophie Reign, arriving with the academy’s rising star-zombie boy, as some still called him-the one who survived a Category 3 beast attack.

It was an unlikely pairing, one that defied social circles and expectations.

Yet here they were.

Lucas Grey, the number one student, was already inside, his arm around Amanda.

That wasn’t shocking-Lucas and Amanda had been circling each other for ages.

Noah caught his friend’s eye across the room, and Lucas gave him a subtle nod of approval before turning back to his date.

‘Good for him.

He deserves a win.’ Noah’s mood soured slightly when he spotted Micah lingering nearby.

Number five, bald as ever, and just as insufferable.

Micah met his gaze with a knowing smirk, and Noah quickly looked away.

Further in, the teachers were making their presence known.

Mr.

Vane, homeroom teacher for 1A, was dressed sharply, exuding the same cocky confidence he always did.

Meanwhile, Mr.

Rourke from 1C was already nursing a bottle, looking half-done with the event before it had even truly started.

Miss Brooks stood out, as always.

The bombshell of a teacher had the attention of several onlookers, though she was deep in conversation with someone Noah didn’t recognize.

Likely a military officer or a sector official-Miss Brooks had served before joining the academy, so it made sense.

Even Master Anng had made an appearance, surprisingly suited up, his usual martial robes traded for something more fitting of the occasion.

He stood at one end of the hall, a rare smile on his face.

Then came the moment Noah expected.

The girlies of year three spotted Sophie and erupted in high-pitched excitement, rushing toward her in a flurry of compliments and eager chatter.

Sophie shot him an apologetic smile before letting go of his hand, diving into their excited crowd.

Noah stepped back, watching her with an amused smirk.

She was in her element.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Kelvin standing afar, grinning like an idiot.

His best friend was making ridiculous hand signals, clearly overjoyed at how things were going.

‘Dork.’ Noah shook his head, exhaling a laugh.

Lucas was busy, and now Sophie was, too.

That left Noah with no choice but to head toward Kelvin.

Or so he thought.

Before he could take a step, a hand grasped his wrist from the crowd.

Noah turned sharply, coming face to face with a blonde beauty in a red dress.

And just like that, the night took an unexpected turn.

Lila’s fingers were cool against his wrist, her touch light but firm enough to keep him from walking away.

Noah blinked, taking her in.

The red dress hugged her frame elegantly, a complete turnaround from the deceptively calm expression she wore.

For someone known for her intense stares and unsettling devotion, tonight, she seemed… normal.

Or at least, she was trying to be.

“You look good,” she said, her voice soft, eyes trailing over him with unmistakable adoration.

“The suit really suits you.” “Uh, thanks,” Noah replied, keeping his tone polite.

“You look nice too.” A pleased smile curled on her lips.

“I half-expected you wouldn’t show up,” she mused.

“You did turn me down, after all.” Noah tensed slightly but kept his reaction measured.

“Yeah, well…” Lila studied his face for a second before she let out a light laugh, shaking her head.

“I’m kidding, Noah.

Don’t look so serious.” He wasn’t convinced, but he let it slide.

“Fun night, huh?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Yeah,” Noah nodded.

“It’s been pretty great.” Silence settled between them, just a beat too long.

Noah took that as his cue to leave.

“Well, I should-” “So, did you hear about the Year Two students sneaking in spiked drinks?” Noah halted mid-step, sighing internally.

“Uh, no?” Lila smiled, shifting slightly closer.

“Oh, it’s been a whole thing.

Apparently, someone got caught swapping bottles near the catering section.” “Right.

Sounds… interesting,” Noah said, hoping she’d get the hint.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she launched into another topic-something about how the gala décor was inspired by a pre-collapse event, which then somehow shifted into a random observation about the band playing in the background.

It wasn’t that Noah didn’t care, but he could feel the subtle way she was keeping him here, drawing out the conversation just enough to make it harder to excuse himself.

Just as he was about to firmly end it, a pair of footsteps approached.

“Lila Valentine Rowe.” the voice sounded bougie, no doubt.

It utterly screamed old money.

Lila’s body stiffened instantly.

Noah felt her fingers twitch slightly before she slowly turned around.

Standing before them were a man and a woman, both dressed impeccably for the event.

Their presence radiated an air of importance-people who expected to be acknowledged the moment they walked into a room.

Lila’s lips parted slightly, the calmness she had been forcing slipping away.

“…Mum… Dad… you two are here?”