Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 44: Library Date

Being a student of Pegasus Will Awakened Academy was every youth’s dream. They wanted to become Awakened, study at the prestigious and mysterious academy, then graduate and become a Nirad Awakened.

Unfortunately, no one knew how harsh the conditions of survival in the academy was. Even with the brief exposure that the first-years had gained, most still didn’t have a deep understanding.

’It’s all about conflicts. Classes are forced to compete against each other, using any means plausible. It’s a harsh but effective method of making we students understand the cruelty of life. In these scenarios, geniuses would emerge, and those who don’t become geniuses... will definitely not be ordinary.’

Maya sighed, her gaze drifting to the cameras in the classroom. She was aware that Apollo had bought the cameras from an unknown student, and understood the reason for the transaction.

’It’s naturally beneficial to our class, but the seller...’

She thought about the sinister look on Apollo’s face as he called the name ’Sherlock Holmes’.

’Wait. That name...’

Her brows furrowed, and she pondered on where she had heard that name. Was it in a novel? Ah, right! He was a legendary detective!

If the name was randomly chosen, then she wouldn’t put much thoughts into it. However, the name perfectly fit the student’s mysterious identity.

’Well, it’s not my problem. So...’

She checked her phone, then watched as the time changed.

Ring~!

The school bell rang, signifying the end of the day’s classes. Everyone exhaled reflexively, their shoulders relaxing. As soon as the instructor left the class, they began chatting with each other, making plans and exchanging light talks.

Maya didn’t talk to anyone, mainly because she was a loner and didn’t find anyone interested in books amongst her classmates. However, she wasn’t sad, as she knew someone who also liked books at least.

’Well, let’s go early. I don’t want to appear rude.’

Their meeting time had been set to thirty minutes after classes ended, but she decided to go early.

Her pink hair fluttered softly, trailing behind her as she walked towards the library.

At the reception area, she met the librarian’s deadpan gaze with a soft smile, then walked into the library. It was mostly empty, except for a few upperclassmen who were addicted to studying. Surprisingly, there was a first-year also seated in the library.

"Eh?"

Staring at the distinct blue hair, she felt a pang of surprise. He was here already?! She had arrived early to surprise him, but to think she was the one who ended up being surprised.

Feeling bitter, she walked up to him, then sat opposite him.

"Evening, Kaiser. I didn’t expect you to be this early."

The young man raised his head from the book he was reading, then gave her a dry stare.

"You arrived early too, no?"

Maya chuckled, feeling the sarcasm in his voice. Although he didn’t show much through his expressions, she felt like she had a slight understanding of him.

"Guilty as charged. I wanted to surprise you, but I got surprised instead. Good one." She smiled, "However, I’m curious. Don’t you have other friends? It would have taken some time to chat with them before leaving class." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

She leaned forward, an inquisitive expression on her face.

Upon hearing her question, Kaiser’s expression turned strange. "Friends..."

’Hm?’ Her brows rose, and she felt a slight discomfort. Had she caused him to feel somehow? Touching a sensitive topic? Before her worries spiralled, Kaiser shook his head.

"No need to overthink. I don’t have friends. Just acquaintances. So I don’t spend time with anyone."

Maya’s shoulders relaxed. "Is that so? I guess we’re kinda alike."

She wasn’t the type who liked noise, and wouldn’t become a people pleaser. Therefore, she hadn’t tried to make friends in her class.

"Well, it is nothing strange. Here’s the book I recommend you read."

Kaiser passed a book to her, then resumed reading the one with him. Maya wasn’t surprised. Since he had chosen the library for their meeting...

’Wait. Meeting? More like a date. However, what date happens in silence?’

She shook her head to clear those thoughts, then opened the book he gave her. It was a novel, a mixture between fantasy and a cultivation setting. It looked similar to the current situation of the world, but a bit different as there was no system, and there was no Nirad Realm.

Very quickly, she was immersed in the novel. Her reading speed was fast, and by the time she finished reading, an hour had already passed.

When she raised her head, she realized Kaiser was looking at her, the book in his hand already closed.

’He’s done reading?’

Her green eyes bore into him, and she revealed a sweet smile. "I enjoyed the novel. It’s a masterpiece."

Kaiser nodded. "Indeed, the elements in the novel are well combined to form a unique synergy."

Maya laughed. "Haha. You’re right. Thanks for lending it to me."

She then checked her wristwatch. "Oops, looks like we’ve spent some time here. I prefer taking my dinner early, so I have to go."

Kaiser didn’t object and nodded casually. "Alright. Then I’ll be leaving too."

Although the sun was still in the sky, it was obvious it would soon disappear within the clouds. Maya watched him pack his bag, then leave the library.

’He looks so... desolate.’

Her green eyes glinted, gazing at his back until he disappeared from the library.

"Hmm, he didn’t even suggest walking together. Or perhaps he doesn’t walk with others?"

Whatever his choice was, she couldn’t change it. Therefore, she decided to stop whining and instead return to her room and prepare dinner.

...

The atmosphere in the academy was slightly relaxed for the first-years. After each class had acquired the control of the cameras, they felt at ease, as the situation was finally in control. Classes, training, and cultivation continued smoothly, with most students focused. Although many students were almost wrung dry of their credits, it didn’t stop them from enjoying their school life as the academy provided free meal in the cafeteria.

All in all, two weeks passed in a jiffy, and a new discussion sparked among all the students of Pegasus Will Awakened Academy.