Eternal Freedom's Ascension

Chapter 159: Changes

After having several thoughtful self-reflections, Hazel had come to a grim realization. Just like the rest of the Class-E students, she was flawed.

Initially, she believed she should only focus on herself, and that would be enough to achieve everything she wanted. However, placed in a class of weak and flawed students, she realized she could never achieve anything in the class through her own efforts.

The academy’s policy of class competition made it almost impossible for her to shine as an individual.

No matter how hard she tried, she would always be dragged down by those around her.

’Ariel’s assistance has been helping, but I can’t rely on him too much. I need to improve myself.’

This was the reason why she sought after Kaiser. She knew if she directly stated what she wanted, Kaiser wouldn’t hesitate to reject her. However, after moving with Ariel for some time, she realized that controlling people required understanding them.

Although the conversation didn’t go as expected, she still got what she wanted.

"What a crafty method." Kaiser chuckled, also coming to this realization.

He tapped his finger against his cheek, then closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Although this will be tiring, I will help you this once. When I see you’ve grown enough, I will let you know."

Hazel unconsciously released a breath she had been holding, relieved. She composed herself, then nodded.

"Thank you."

Kaiser didn’t reply, but simply downed his orange juice in one go. He stood from the couch, dusted the imaginary dust off his trousers, and headed for the door.

Without looking back, he spoke to her.

"Do not regret it."

The door closed behind him. Hazel released another sigh and reclined into the cushion.

’I came to this academy to be better and stronger... yet a lot has happened in just four months.’

Taking a look at the remaining glass of orange juice, she picked it up and drank the contents.

"Freedom, huh..."

...

The second semester kicked off swiftly. To the upperclassmen, it was something they were used to, but to the first-year students, the semester was more intense than the last.

The lectures got more advanced, needing more study and explanation before the academically weak students understood. The most intense were the Combat Training classes. Classes A, B, C, and D didn’t really feel much of a difference since their Combat Training instructor wasn’t their Class Instructor. Even then, their training got so rigorous that most students barely had any time or energy to relax and enjoy themselves.

Class-E had it worst. Since Instructor Rina was the one presiding over the class training, along with the four assistant instructors, the students of Class-E were almost pushed to their limits.

Although a select few were still unserious, it wasn’t as bad as they were in the first semester.

After three weeks of stressful lectures, it was finally time for the monthly tradition of all classes in the academy—a Nirad Raid.

Gathered in the hall once again, the first year students were separated by their respective classes, standing several meters apart.

Kaiser observed his surrounding calmly, his eyes blue and bottomless.

’What a drastic change...’

He vividly remembered the first Nirad Raid that had happened months ago. Students of different classes were interacting with each other, smiling, and cracking jokes.

Now, there was a clear division between the classes. In fact, there was a subtle sense of enmity between them.

The Pegasus Will Awakened Academy had successfully instilled a sense of rivalry into its first-year students.

Kaiser turned slightly, focusing on his class. It had also changed from how they were during their first Nirad Raid.

Hazel was actively discussing strategy with Liam and Ysabella. Ariel stood some distance away, trying not to be noticed. The others stood around with serious expressions, exchanging hardened gazes with the students of Class-D and Class-C.

Even the idiot trio had become serious.

’Although boring, it is nonetheless an improvement to their Awakened life.’

He looked toward Class-C, where Apollo and his classmates stood with an intimidating presence. They seemed like soldiers or gang members about to wage a local war.

Kaiser paid little attention to them, focusing only on a pink-haired girl in their midst. As if sensing his gaze, Maya turned her head, locking eyes with him.

Surprise flashed within her green eyes. She smiled at him and waved.

Kaiser smiled back briefly, then mouthed; "Good luck."

Perhaps, she was the only experimental subject—student—that could be called his friend.

Noticing Hazel approach him, Kaiser turned to her.

"You’re standing alone again."

She stated, looking around. In a four-meter radius around Kaiser, there was no single student except Hazel.

Kaiser shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unchanged.

"I don’t mind. This quiet conserves energy after all."

He glanced at Liam and the others.

"Are you done planning the strategy for obtaining maximum benefits?"

Hazel followed his gaze, seeing Liam addressing Logan and his two friends.

"Yes. Although it isn’t a Special Evaluation, the personal rewards obtained are important for individuals. Also, I believe this should be an avenue for us to train ahead for situations like the Gate Closure Special Evaluation."

Kaiser raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips.

"Oh? This doesn’t look like the Hazel of the past."

The girl frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Kaiser rolled his eyes. "I remember someone saying she didn’t want others to drag her down. Hmm... maybe my memory’s failing me. That would be unfortunate."

Hazel blinked, then looked away in embarrassment. She remembered saying that to him during the first Nirad Raid. In fact, she remembered rejecting Ariel’s offer to team up so Kaiser wouldn’t tease her.

"Are you going solo again this time?"

She asked, conveniently changing the topic.

Kaiser noticed, but played along. "It depends. I might decide to join you all or move separately."

Hazel wasn’t surprised. She would have been surprised if he said he wanted to team up with her or the others.

"Alright. I just hope that you don’t do anything crazy."

She turned away from him, returning to Liam and the others. At the same time, the first-year Instructors entered into the hall, their gazes scanning their students.

"Great! You’re all here now." Instructor Natalie said cheerfully, a bright smile on her face. "Let’s get going before we’re late, shall we?"