Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 39: Ariel Hilton: "Careful..."
"What do you think everyone’s reaction would be when they realize there’s an absurdly smart boy who can control his scores perfectly, but refuses to help his class? I’m sure you’ll live a normal school life without worries, right?"
Hearing her words, a slight frown appeared on Ariel’s elegant face.
"Careful..." He said, his voice as soft as a whisper. "There are things you might regret doing..."
He naturally understood the implications of her threat. As someone who desired a random, normal life, such attention would make things difficult to him. He wasn’t like a certain blue-haired guy who didn’t care about public sentiment.
Even then, he wasn’t going to play along so easily. Groomed specially by the White Rose, his analytical and scheming abilities far exceeded what even top-grade geniuses could replicate. Therefore, he was letting her become aware that forcing him might bring future problems.
Hazel could naturally feel the clear, unblemished intent behind those words. She wavered for a split second, wondering if it was worth it. However, her eyes sharpened immediately after. As long as she was able to rise to Class-A, she was willing to risk anything.
She smiled thinly, "I don’t care. You help the class. Yes, or no?"
Ariel hummed, seeing the resoluteness in her eyes.
’It seems I have to teach her a quick lesson. Being too willful can be damning.’
"Fine. However, I still don’t want to stand out. So... I’ll merely be the one pulling the strings from the shadows."
Hazel nodded, not quite understanding his concern. Wasn’t fame something everyone desired? Still, she didn’t question his psychology and agreed.
As she watched him leave, his back, small and seemingly unremarkable, she felt like she had signed a deal with the devil.
...
Meanwhile, Kaiser woke up a few hours later, feeling refreshed. Unexpectedly, he was filled with the desire to test the Darkness Nodes in his body. However, that would require him going to the Training Facility.
’Haa... too much trouble.’
He shook his head, then unlocked his phone again. He saw that both Adela and Austin had replied him, earning his faint smile. He didn’t immediately reply. Instead, he sent a message to Liam, using his normal account.
|Kaiser Solace: Good evening, Liam. I’m feeling a bit unwell. I’m not sure I can make it to class tomorrow.|
He knew that this would cause the Class Rank Points to reduce. However, what security camera would record his absence? Smiling to himself, he opened Austin’s chat log.
|Austin M’banna: How can I trust you? I also need proof.|
’As expected... so smart and principled.’
Kaiser chuckled, then sent a video of Austin ushering his classmates out of the class to go train.
A few minutes later, a reply arrived.
|Austin M’banna: I’m beyond surprised. Please send your account details. I want it as soon as possible.|
Kaiser’s eyes narrowed, noting that Austin seemed sharp and trusted by his classmates. They already have 1.2 million credits with him?
’Hmm... something doesn’t feel right...’
Although he was suspicious, he didn’t dwell much on it. As long as he got his payment, the source of the credits didn’t concern him.
While waiting for Austin’s response, Leon checked the message Adela had sent. As expected of that lilac-haired girl, her reply was distinct.
|Adela Lincoln: Intending to sell security cameras for a massive amount of credits? Quite impressive.|
Just from a single glance, and probably some information gathering, she already deduced his plan. Even then, there was nothing she could do against it.
Kaiser calmly replied.
|Sherlock Holmes: Leave it, or take it. That’s for you to decide.|
The girl quickly replied, as if already waiting for him.
|Adela Lincoln: Fufufu... You’re a bit interesting. Do you think I’ll just hand over my credits like that? I’d like to know if this deal covers the first week too. Oh, and I suppose this deal extends to other classes?|
Kaiser’s eyes crinkled in amusement. Playing hard to get while fishing for information? Interesting, but bland.
|Sherlock Holmes: First week not included.|
Soon, the two engaged in a one-sided banter.
|Adela Lincoln: Is that so? So you don’t want all classes losing zero CRP? And you didn’t answer my question about other classes.|
|Sherlock Holmes: Interpretation is up to your thinking capability. As for irrelevant matters, I ignore them.|
|Adela Lincoln: You sure are annoying. Calling my question irrelevant? Heh.|
|Sherlock Holmes: ...|
|Adela Lincoln: How did you get the cameras? I didn’t expect that the school properties could be bought.|
|Sherlock Holmes: ...|
|Adela Lincoln: Not going to answer? Truly a coward. Are you afraid I’ll find out your identity?|
|Sherlock Holmes: ...|
|Adela Lincoln: So annoying. Very well, I’ll buy it. However, don’t think that I won’t find out who you are. And when I do... hehe.|
|Sherlock Holmes: 1.2 million.|
|Adela Lincoln: 1.2 million? You’re quite greedy, alright. But fine. Give me a few hours.|
Kaiser didn’t bother replying. Instead, he locked the phone, then rubbed his eyes tiredly. From their small chat, he could vaguely deduce Adela’s personality. An arrogant, cunning, and smart girl with high intellect and scheming abilities.
There were several juniors of his generation who were like that within the clan. However, Kaiser couldn’t bother himself with such archetypes. To him, they were just kids playing kingdom with sand castles.
"I’ll deal with Apollo tomorrow..."
Unlocking the phone again, he sent the same message he sent to Austin, to Liam. He was tired of chatting uselessly, and therefore, went straight to the point. As for his absence in school tomorrow, there was a reason.
He knew that to be able to deal with Apollo, he needed heavy pressuring and proof. Therefore, he reported his absence to Liam in advance, to avoid suspicion and confusion.
’Haa... so much just for gathering 6 million credits. Welps, I need to buy Soul Crystals too. Ah, damn.’
His slothful attitude had surfaced, and the simple chatting had left him drained. Yawning, he removed his socks, then climbed onto the bed.
"Hmm, you’ve really worked hard, boy. Good job."
He gave himself an encouraging pat on the shoulder, then drifted off to sleep.
’Tomorrow... let’s leave the rest till tomorrow.’
