Chapter Text
The boardgame room was a special place in the school. It didn't have access to any special equipment, it didn't bring in a lot of attention for the school, it was always quiet, and it was probably had one of the lowest member counts out of most clubs.
In other words, it was the perfect location for the introverts of Night Raven College to escape the chaos of the rest of the school. Normally, there were only a small handful of people there. Most days a majority of members didn't even show up, contributing to the clubs dwindling numbers. On an average day, there would only be around seven people max.
So the number of people here today was extremely overwhelming to Idia.
It was club orientation day for the new freshmen coming in. All clubs were required to have an open house. For most clubs, that meant having people handing out pamphlets and senior members giving the freshmen a run down of how their clubs worked.
For boardgame club, it meant leaving the door open and hoping no one found them. Since the boardgame club was full of introverts, it was an unspoken rule that no one got into anyone's business and they only showed up when they felt like it.
Unfortunately, since today was a club event, everyone showed up. If the club seemed like it was allowing members to frequently ditch, they could run the risk of getting shut down. Facility were actually checking in on them today, so they all got the idea. The only other requirement was that they participated in competitions, but they all had another unspoken agreement that protected them from that. It was the most guarded secret of the club. If anyone found out, the whole club would probably get shut down.
Idia was grateful everyone was on the same page without ever needing to speak to each other.
It was just another reason to not drum up new members. The more people there were in the club, the bigger the risk of their secret getting out. So every time, some one actually managed to find them today, all of them kept their heads down, not bothering to make anyone feel welcomed. Most people just walked in, looked around the dark room, then left after no one came to speak with them.
Idia could see Ortho wanted to talk to them. But Ortho also knew it would upset his brother, so he awkwardly glanced at them before going back to the games he was playing with his brother.
So far it was everything was going according to plan. It was getting pretty late, meaning they could close their door soon and breath a sigh of relief as no new member would join this year. It was a record for them, they would have to congratulate themselves. Separately, in their own rooms of course.
Idia is pretty sure the year he joined, was the biggest influx of members. There a been a third year who wanted to play games that required more people, so for the first time in the clubs history he went out to look for members. They played the game once, before everyone went back to awkwardly standing around waiting to be invited to something. Most of the time, people ended up playing games that only needed one other person.
And even then it took everyone forever just to find one other player.
Idia was was fine with this set up. He had Ortho. There were a lot of games in here that could be played with just two people, despite the game encouraging more players. He was grateful he was able to bring his brother to club, despite him not even being a student. Because then Idia would actually have to ask other members of the club to play games.
He's happy to let Ortho pick the pick the game today too. Ortho had picked it since they had never played before, but had seen others try it. The game seemed pretty fun and it was also a good distraction from the randos that kept walking into the room.
The game had the players travel around their own sections of the map to gather resources to build up their bases. The catch was, certain materials they needed could only be obtained by the other players. So you had trade with everyone to get what you needed, while not giving them enough to let them complete their city first. It was made harder by the fact that the types of bases each player was trying to build is kept secret. That being said, it was pretty easy to guess what they building once the game started.
This game would probably be great with even more people, but Idia was happy to play with just Ortho. After all, he can't think of anyone else he'd want to play these games with.
This will probably be long enough to carry them to the end of the required open house time, so Idia had no problem with dragging out it.
As he's setting up the game he sees someone new walk in out of the corner of his eye. Idia knows the drill, however. Just focus on his game, keep his head down, and they'll be out of here quickly.
This person doesn't seem to be in a rush to leave however, as they walk over to the shelf to look at the wide range of games the club has.
The shelf is closer to Idia's spot in the corner, allowing Idia to get a better look at him.
Idia has spent all day with a bunch of tired shut ins. So it's a bit strange to see someone so well put together. His uniform doesn't have a single wrinkle in it and is worn perfectly according to the dress code. His skin is so clear, it's practically glowing. Plus there's not a single hair out of place on his head of silver hair. He has glasses too, but that's hardly special in this room.
The thing that really stands out to Idia, however, is the mole on his chin. He had never seen that in person, only in games and shows. It was typically on cutesy characters or super mature types. Idia wondered if he fell into one of those categories. Regardless, it was cute, but Idia was going to keep that to himself.
It's only cause Idia is looking at the new guy, that he noticed two shady figures peek into the room and quietly approach him. They look like they have malicious intent, if the wicked grins on their faces are anything to go by. Idia's not the the only one to pick up on this either, as he can see a lot of members anxiously glancing at the duo.
They must be freshmen, because Idia doesn't recognize them. And he would definitely remembered twins this scary. They're unreasonably tall, have distinct hair highlights, and extremely sharp teeth.
Idia has sharp teeth too, but these guys seem to have the evil smile down to an art form.
Everyone in this club was an introvert, a lot of them experiencing bullying in their pasts. So Idia knows seeing someone getting harassed is the last thing any of them want to see. It's just…someone else will speak up right? Everyone must have that thought, as they anxiously glance between each other.
Someone…
Anyone…?
Nope.
Faster than any of them can process, those twins are next to the new student. It seems like he catches on that someone is coming, but by the time he turns, it's too late. Those twins are right next to him. Idia can't process the look on his face, but he certainly doesn't look happy seeing those scary twins right next to him. Before he can get a word out, the manic looking one pops something right next to his head. If everyone wasn't already paying attention, it probably would have given some members heart attacks.
The room had also been quiet to begin with, which only amplifies the sound.
The pop is followed by a unhinged laughter from the twin that popped it, while the other chuckles with a devious grin.
"What is wrong with you two?" The new student tries to keep his voice low, registering the quiet atmosphere, but he's very clearly upset.
"Uh oh, Jade, we made him angry." The scarier twin says.
"It appears that is case, Floyd, how disappointing, we just wanted to share something the science club gave us." Jade says to new guy.
"I've had it up to here with you two today." The boy with silver hair marks a point a point above his head to prove the point.
Had these two been harassing him all day? Idia does actually feel bad about that. Not surprising for Night Raven College sadly.
That doesn't seem to phase the twins however as they both laugh before getting out of the room quickly. Almost like they were scared of getting into trouble. But there were no teachers here, so he's not sure who they would be in trouble with…
In the corner of his eye, he sees Ortho getting really antsy. Idia gets it, everyone here was cut from the same cloth, they had all been there. Idia will give this guy some credit, most of the people here would have run in terror or would start crying.
"Idia…" He hears Ortho.
Idia feels bad for the guy so he relents, "Don't expect me to talk to him."
At least his response makes Ortho happy, as he pops up from his seat and stops the new guy from walking out the door.
"Excuse me!" Ortho says causing the new guy to turn right before he can leave.
The other members of the club who had been caught been staring, all quickly turn back to their games.
He gives Ortho a pleasant smile, like he hadn't been pissed a moment ago. Idia kinda finds it a bit unnerving.
"Yes?"
"Would you like to play a game with me and my brother?" Ortho asks cheerfully.
The new guy looks up in Idia's direction. It's not hard to guess who Ortho's brother is based on their matching hair.
The guy doesn't respond right away. Idia honestly thinks he might reject Ortho's invitation. Idia would have if he was in this guys position, he had been harassed in a room full of strangers.
So his his response catches Idia off guard.
"Of course."
Idia braces himself. He did feel bad for the guy, but that didn't make it easier to speak with a stranger. So instead, Idia got out his tablet, just in case this guy tried to ask him any questions.
He does feel happy when he sees look on Ortho's face, as he brings the new guy over. At least something good came from this.
Ortho is quick to place a seat next to his chair, knowing his brother didn't want a stranger next to him.
"So were they friends of yours?" Ortho asks innocently as the new guy sits down.
He scoffs and rolls his eyes, "No."
"I see." Ortho nods his head thoughtfully.
Idia doesn't know why Ortho bother to ask. Friends wouldn't do that to each other.
"Oh, but, where are my manners? I'm Azul Ashengrotto."
Ortho perks up, "Nice to meet you, Azul Ashengrotto, I'm Ortho, this is my brother, Idia!"
Azul looks in Idia's direction when Ortho motions to him.
Crap, now that was close and Idia has a better look at his face, he can tell this guy is really attractive. He's definitely not going to be able to talk to him. Why would someone like him even walk into the boardgame club to begin with? He looks like he actually saw the light of day. It doesn't make any sense to Idia that he chose to walk into their dark, tiny club room.
"Hello." Azul gives him a pleasant smile.
Idia can only bring himself to nod in response.
He's luck his brother knows him, because he begins going over the rules of the game. At least Azul seems genuinely interested, as he asked questions during Ortho explanation.
It's easy to set up for another player as well. So Idia busies himself with that, while his brother talks to Azul.
Azul's face almost seems light up when Ortho goes over how the trading system to works. He must really like boardgames. Maybe it wouldn't be a nightmare to have him around if he actually wanted to play. Some people would just come in and laugh at them…
Azul hadn't done that, so this probably fine.
By the the time Idia has finished setting up the board, Ortho is still talking. It seems he's finished going over the rules and has now begun talking about why he was excited to play. Idia doesn't have the heart, or courage, to interrupt. Azul is smiling politely and nodding along as Ortho talks.
It is really nice to see Ortho happy.
Since he's looking in their direction, Idia notices Azul's armband. The emblem marks him as Octavinelle.
Huh.
That wouldn't have been Idia first guess. Maybe he is a nerd after all. Well that's not fair, why did he get to have looks and brains.
As he's thinking, Azul suddenly looks in his direction.
Crap. Caught staring.
Azul can't be in the club.
That was too embarrassing.
Idia can never see him again.
Instead of laughing at him, Azul gives Idia that same polite smile and raises an eyebrow.
"Do I have something on my face?" He tilts his head.
Idia is quick to shake his head. But he's not stupid, they both know there's nothing on Azul's face.
"Oh right!" Ortho says, oblivious to what just happened, "Sorry, Idia! Let's play! Azul, since you're new you can go first!"
"Oh my, how courteous." Azul says, drawing his starting cards.
It seems he had done a good job listening to Ortho's explanation, as he doesn't even need help setting up his starting pieces.
Thank the seven, there's nothing Idia hates more than re-explaining rules. Ortho would be the the one re-explaining the rules, but still.
From what Idia knows, the first turn is just figuring out where to place units for resource gathering. So everyone's turns end up being uneventful.
When it rotates back to Azul, he quickly plays out his turn. Normally, in these types of games, players took forever on their turns.
That was one of the benefits of playing with Ortho. He and his brother knew to think about their moves ahead of time.
Idia would assume he had just rushed his turn, but based on the how quickly he got the level one mountain bases set up, it was a pretty good turn.
Idia is suddenly more interested. If Azul was actually good at this, then it could be a fun game.
"Oh good play!" Ortho agrees with Idia's thoughts.
"You think so?" Azul gives a sweet smile, "Beginners luck, I suppose."
That didn't sound right. That move was way too calculated to have been an accident. Obviously, Idia doesn't know him well enough to play for certain, but his guard is now up.
"Maybe!" Ortho chimes in, "If you keep playing like that you might win!"
Idia's immediate reaction is to scoff. Obviously, he was going to win.
Unfortunately, he hadn't been quiet and now Azul's sweet smile is being directed at him. Maybe at a glance it would seem friendly. But for some reason it caused Idia's anxiety to spike. Like there was something sinister under that smile.
"Is something wrong?" Azul asks.
Idia just shakes his head again. He can some concern from Ortho.
He already knows what Ortho is thinking. His brother had always encouraged him to make friends, but Idia could just never bring himself to do it. Obviously, he did occasionally play games with other members of the club. But he never really talked to them after… or during the games frankly.
It's not like he wanted to let Ortho down, he did try. Everyone in the club was a next level introvert, so they certainly weren't going to be the one to start a conversation. However, Idia didn't have the courage to do it either, meaning no conversation ever began.
Idia takes his turn quickly, his guard may be up, but he wasn't going to let a freshman think he was bad at games.
"Oh! Good move!" Ortho looks over Idia's side of board, "Would you mind trading me some scrap metal?"
Idia just gives his brother a flat look before shaking his head. They may be brothers, but there was no reason to show him mercy right now. Idia didn't need any of the resources his brother had gathered and frankly Idia did need the scrap metal.
He can feel bad after he's won.
Ortho pouts, which is typical for when Idia pulls move like this when they play games. What's not typical, is having another player at the board.
"I wouldn't mind trading with you." Azul says.
"Are you sure? I would hate to take any resource you need. You are our new player after all." Ortho looks concerned. Clearly not wanting Azul have a bad time after what happened earlier.
"Oh, it's quite alright, this is trading game after all." Azul give Ortho a reassuring smile.
"Thank you!" Ortho beams as they trade resources.
Okay, maybe Idia had been too paranoid about Azul. That was a bad trade. He could tell the constructs Azul was starting to build, the mountain bases, would never need any of the resources Ortho currently had. There was literally no reason for him to make that trade. Clearly his anxiety had crafted some evil game mastermind who was always ten steps ahead, based on a single turn. He had this win in the bag.
Azul next turn is very similar to his first, which confirms Idia's belief that he's the only one out for blood right now. There's not much sport in it, but he'll take the easy win, especially if these two want to play all nice. Ortho was normally a bigger threat, but he was hurting his own resources by trying to be nice to Azul.
Idia realizes a snag when he gets to his turn. He has no problem farming resources on his tiles, but he wants to start building his base facilities for his cards and the person who currently has access to the resources he needs is Azul. It looked like him and Idia even had similar win condition cards based on the starting facilities he was quick to construct. Meaning the two of them would be fighting for the same resources.
Surely, there's a way he can for them without looking totally lame.
Idia awkwardly points to the resources that Azul had just farmed. It takes Azul a moment to register that Idia even needs something from him, as Idia didn't even make a sound.
Amazingly, Azul catches on quickly. It was a huge relief, normally Idia was have to resort to using his tablet when trying to explain when he wanted in a game.
"My ore? What would you be willing to give me?" Azul tilts his head.
Idia just motions to all his resources, he didn't really need any of it and was going to reliant on trading until he could farm at higher levels.
"Hmm. Okay, I'll take that." Azul points to Idia's crafting lumber, while sectioning a small portion of his ore. It's not a lot, but Idia isn't surprised, Azul needs it too after all. Plus, if all players just gave someone the resources they needed to win, they would win way too fast. The game was about managing your resources and trades after all.
…Idia looks at the starting facilities Azul built, just to double check. None of the required crafting lumber at any point and Idia certainly didn't have any use for it. Easiest trade of his life.
"Here," Azul places the small amount of ore in the trading zone, "I'll take as much as you're willing to give."
He even gives Azul all of it. He wants it? He can have it a welcome gift. It's not like he would ever be able to use it. Ortho wouldn't ask for it either as he clearly started building the star bases. As a bonus, it meant it wasn't cluttering Idia space.
Ortho leans over next to Azul, "If you're building the mountain bases, you won't need lumber."
Clearly his brother had noticed what facilitates Azul had started to build as well.
"Ahh, I see, I'll keep that in mind." Azul nods.
His brother was too nice for his own good. They could have easily beaten Azul, if they just let him continue collecting thing he didn't need.
Despite Ortho's warning, Azul still helps Ortho by trading him scrap metal. Again.
He can see his brother is trying to look for anything Azul might actually need for the mountain bases he start building. But the only resources that those bases needed, were also needed for the star bases, meaning it wasn't easy for Ortho to part with them.
Typical for his brother, Ortho starts to give Azul some of his important resources anyways, but is stopped by Azul.
"You needn't part with something so important to you, I'll take those." Azul points to Ortho's sand deposits.
"Oh it's okay, you won't need those."
"Please, I insist, it's clearly the only thing you wouldn't be remise to part with and I want to make sure you're enjoying the game."
"…Well if you're sure." Ortho is nice, but at the end of the day he also wants to win the games he plays, "How about I give you all of it then!"
"Sure." Azul smiles and nods.
Idia rolls is his eyes, those would be completely worthless to him. He wasn't even close to getting the correct resources he needed to build the mountain bases, despite being stingy with his trades on his end.
Their turns continue to play out like that. Idia and Ortho both trying to get all the resources they needed and pawning everything that was useless onto Azul. If Azul wants to give Idia an easy win he won't complain, Ortho's putting up a good fight right now anyways. A few rounds in and Ortho is in a really spot. Idia's position is better, but he is one of the best players in this whole club. So is it really a surprise?
Ortho could probably destroy anyone else in this club, but he always played against Idia. Meaning it was always an uphill battle.
Regardless, Idia won't underestimate his brother, that's why he's focused on him. Azul is technically in the game, but he's honestly more of a way for them to get things they need and to pawn off useless resources at this point.
Ortho even picked up on the fact that Azul didn't seem to be very competitive with this game, because eventually he just started requesting resources he knew Azul would need. Azul never complained either and was happy to take their useless items. It was like there wasn't a single competitive bone in him. That was fine by Idia, even if he did prefer a challenge with these types of games.
Ortho and Idia's competition comes to a head, when Ortho gets a lucky pull on his turn and finds a crystal core. The crystal cores were the most important resource in the game. One facility every player needed construct, per game, needed it. Because of this, it was also the rarest resource. Meaning Ortho was now closer to victory than Idia.
He knows it too if the smug smile is anything to go by.
Before Ortho can start making trade requests, Azul speaks up.
"Is that the core you were referring to earlier?"
"Oh yes!" Ortho confirms, "Every player needs it to win the game."
"How rare are they?"
"They are the rarest resource in the game."
"Oh, I see." Azul's shoulders slump.
Ortho's eyes glance over to Azul size of the board. He wasn't even close to winning. He had been giving all his resources needed for the mountain base to Idia and Ortho. He did have the base facilities to passively farm for them, but he never bothered to upgrade them, meaning they only brought in a small amount.
Idia can see it in Ortho's eyes. He feels bad that he invited Azul to play, then proceeded to steam roll him in an attempt to beat Idia.
"Here I'll trade it to you for the rest of your scrap metal." Ortho says, albeit a bit hesitantly.
Idia wants to roll his eyes, but he gets it. His brother is kind and it's not like Azul is close to building the mountain bases. It would take him a long time to get everything he needed for the level three mountain bases. By the time he caught up, there was a high chance either Idia or Ortho would have found another core.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, there are more that can be found still."
"That's very kind of you." Azul happily accepts the core.
Then it's back to Azul's turn. Idia is mentally planning which facility he should focus on when Azul interrupts his thoughts.
"I believe I win."
Both siblings immediately look to Azul in confusion. Did he really not understand how this game worked? Now Idia does feel a bit bad for gleefully taking his resources. But the rules were explained to him, so he doesn't feel that bad.
"I'm sorry," Ortho starts, "But in order to win, you need to get enough resources for all level three mountain bases."
"Mountain bases?" Azul tilts his head innocently, "I thought I needed to construct the facilities for the cards I drew."
"What cards did you draw?" Idia says without thinking.
He misses Ortho's head snapping to him in shock, too focused on the cards Azul is holding.
"These ones." Azul smiles.
As he places them down on the table, Idia faced with the forest bases. The bases that heavily requires lumber and sand. The same resources Idia and Ortho had been piling onto him.
"Why did you build the level one mountain bases, then?" Idia asks, genuinely confused.
"I had intended to start farming it for trade, but then the two of you so graciously started providing me with everything I needed, it seemed pointless to worry about them."
"You can't just skip to the level three base." Idia looks over all the resources Azul had, it was enough to build everything he needed, with leftovers.
"Actually, I can." Azul says holding up the rule book, before passing it to Idia.
He's right. It's clearly outlined in the rules. If you have enough resources for it, you can just skip right to level three. Most people don't since it would cause them to miss out on the passive farming…but that wouldn't be an issue if someone was just receiving everything they needed every round anyways.
When was he reading the rule book??
Idia looks up from the rule book, back to Azul, that sweet smile had morphed into something more sinister and frankly Idia can't believe it.
"Well, were you able to find any rule breaking?"
"No…"
"Then I suppose that settles it."
How did this random freshman manage to take both him and Ortho for a ride?
Ortho breaks out of his silent shock, "Congratulations, Azul Ashengrotto. I hope you enjoyed the game."
Ortho is clearly still trying to process what happened.
"Oh, I did actually, thank you. I had no idea boardgames could simulate trade scenarios like this. Are there similar games here?"
"Of course!"
"I see, then in that case, I'd love to try them out. I'd like to join the club."
"That's wonderful!" Ortho immediately shoots up to try and find the sign up sheet. Like he's afraid Azul will leave if he's not fast fast enough.
"GGs." Idia mumbles.
"G-Gs?" Azul tilts his head in actual confusion.
Seriously? Who doesn't know what GGs meant? Anyone who has ever touched a computer has seen the phrase.
"Means good game."
"Ahh! Yes, it was a very good game."
Honestly, Idia had been dreading any new members, but Azul signing up was fine.
He's never lost a game like that before. It felt like a dirty win in Idia's mind. He should have trusted his instincts and kept his guard up around this freshman.
But at the end of the day, he still lost. He can acknowledge that. So, Azul signing up for club is a positive, actually. It means Idia can put him in his place next time.