Eternal Freedom's Ascension

Chapter 158: Do you think that’s freedom?

Desire was a strong word. It was what drove the actions carried out by most people. Although not everyone acted on their desires, knowing a person’s desire usually reveals their psychological state and expression.

Hazel was a smart person. After thinking about it throughout the holidays, then meeting with Kaiser at his room, she had a realization.

’I don’t really know what Kaiser wants.’

Everyone had a reason for attending the academy. To her, it was a way to gain her father’s approval. To Ariel, it was just a means to live an ordinary life—as he termed it. Most of the remaining students came so they could be trained into strong Awakened, and gain employment as soon as they graduated.

However, there were also those who had personal reasons for coming to the academy. Therefore, she believed Kaiser’s desire was related to him coming to the academy.

"Your question is quite intrusive, I must say." He responded, staring at her with indifferent eyes.

Hazel wasn’t deterred. She remained confident and nodded. "Yes, intrusive you might say. But I still want to know."

Kaiser studied her expression, then leaned back into the chair. "Sigh.

He covered his eyes with the back of his hands, then asked. "Have you ever thought about the word ’freedom’, Hazel?"

Hazel blinked, surprised. She immediately thought about what he was asking and answered.

"Freedom? I think it’s a state where you’re not held back by any responsibility or whatnot."

He nodded subtly, "You’re somewhat right. At least that is the explanation given to everyone."

"However...?" She asked, believing he had more to say.

Kaiser released a sigh and continued. "I believe freedom is a state of being true to one’s self without any pretense. A human is weighed down by several responsibilities and expectations."

Hazel lowered her head, thinking about what he said.

Indeed, people had the tendency to want to please the others around them. They wanted to meet expectations, build a particular reputation, and perhaps receive recognition from others.

Her eyes slowly widened. ’This... is what decides our actions?’

Instances where she had tried to meet her father’s expectations and receive his approval in the past flashed in her mind, making her feel conflicted.

’But... I...’

Kaiser noticed Hazel’s conflicted expression, then continued. "It is extremely difficult to free oneself from all influence, and even I cannot attain such freedom."

’It is something I long for, yet so distant...’

Hazel exhaled, then looked at him. Kaiser lowered his hand, locking eyes with her.

"I think I understand you." She said, "You want to be free of bothersome matters. You want to have your own choice and act on it."

Kaiser remained silent, staring at her.

Hazel continued. "However, do you really think that’s freedom?"

Kaiser’s gaze didn’t waver. "What do you mean?"

Hazel leaned forward slightly, her eyes sharp.

"You say freedom is being true to yourself. But what is yourself, Kaiser?"

He didn’t respond, simply staring at her in silence.

She continued, her voice calm but pressing.

"If you remove expectations... responsibilities... influence... what remains?"

Silence lingered between them, calm but heavy.

Kaiser’s eyes narrowed faintly. A conflicted look flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared immediately.

Hazel didn’t stop.

"Humans are shaped by everything around them. Their desires, their thoughts, even their goals... they don’t appear from nothing."

Her gaze locked onto his.

"So if you reject all of it... aren’t you just becoming empty?"

For a brief moment, Kaiser said nothing. He tilted his head and blinked.

"...Empty?" He repeated softly.

"Yes." Hazel nodded. "You speak of freedom like it’s separation. Like cutting everything off makes you complete." She shook her head with a frown of disapproval. "But that’s not freedom. That’s isolation."

Kaiser’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest—once, twice, then he stopped. Hazel observed him carefully before continuing.

"Freedom isn’t the absence of influence. It’s the ability to choose what influences you."

Hearing that, something in his eyes flickered. His lips curled down slightly.

"That means... even if something binds you—if you accept it, then it’s no longer a restriction."

"...Choice?" Kaiser muttered, lost look in his eyes.

"Yes." Hazel leaned back this time, her expression softening.

"You don’t need to escape everything to be free. You just need to decide what you’re willing to carry."

Silence fell again, but this time, it wasn’t empty.

Kaiser lowered his gaze slightly, something rare.

"...Interesting."

That was all he said. Yet Hazel could sense that his tone had changed—just slightly.

’He sounds... different?’

"...So you’re saying," He continued slowly, "Freedom is not the absence of chains... but the acceptance of them?"

Hazel nodded, her eyes filled with seriousness. "The ones you choose."

Kaiser fell silent once more. And for the first time in his life, he didn’t have an immediate response.

’Choice...’

The word lingered in his mind.

A concept so simple, yet something he had never truly considered.

"...Hah." A faint sigh escaped his lips. "I see."

He leaned back, closing his eyes briefly.

"Perhaps... I’ve been looking at it the wrong way."

Hazel didn’t respond, but she knew he had understood her point.

’If this is really what made him so inactive, then perhaps it is his flaw.’

Kaiser’s eyes snapped open, and he looked at her directly.

"You were surprisingly influential this evening. I’m impressed."

Hazel’s brows creased in confusion. Why did it seems like...?

He gave her a peculiar look and asked. "You asked to meet me for something, no? I don’t believe you would do this out of pure concern for a classmate."

Hazel smiled bitterly. "As expected—you saw through me."

A serious look appeared on her face. "I want you to test me."

Kaiser raised a brow, amused.

"...Test you?"

"Yes." She nodded. "Earlier, you said humans are weighed down by expectations... and that true freedom is difficult to attain."

There was a brief pause as she steeled her resolve.

"Then I want to know where I stand. I want you to find my flaws," She continued, her voice steady. "The ones I can’t see."

Kaiser said nothing, but his eyes shone with interest and surprise.

’Willingly subjecting yourself to criticism... what a strange thing.’

Hazel didn’t look away, keeping her gaze locked with his. Taking his silence as consideration, she continued.

"And if I’m as bound as you think most people are..."

Her eyes sharpened like blades.

"Then break that illusion."