Eternal Freedom's Ascension

Chapter 204: More Freedom

"Ah?"

A surprised sound escaped his lips, hearing his obsession being simplified like that.

’A bird dreaming of flying in space...’

It was stupid—but it felt understandable. Just like a rich man would want to become richer, and a strong person would want to become stronger.

He wanted... more freedom.

"You really see things differently, Maya."

He sighed, lowering his gaze to the words on the novel in his hand.

’Trevor screamed at the sight of the ghost, and he desperately wished he could leave the haunted house...’

"I think you’re actually a greedy person, Kaiser."

Maya’s words made him raise his head, his brows furrowing.

"Greedy?"

"Hm," She nodded. "You want more liberty. More access to things. More control to the things around you. That’s why I said you’re greedy. It’s just that... I don’t think you’ve ever taken action. Everything is just in your head. And that’s what is killing you."

Kaiser’s lips parted in surprise. "Hah? So you mean—I’ve always been a dreamer?"

Maya’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she nodded.

"Yeah. To be blunt. Maybe it’s because you’ve never pursued freedom by yourself. Instead, you seek comfort in the freedom of others. And I think it’s a bad habit. You should change that."

Kaiser fell silent, then slowly nodded.

His conversation with Maya had exposed so much. Even things he had been blind to.

"I see. Thank you, Maya." He smiled, wider this time. "I think I’ll be taking a short nap. Is that fine?"

Maya nodded, picking a few books from her bag.

"Sure. I’ll wake you when I’m done."

Kaiser gave a thumbs-up, then cleared the space before him.

Crossing his arms on the table, he rested his head on them, then closed his eyes.

His body eased completely, shutting off all his automatic defensive mechanisms. He was truly... at ease.

The air in the library felt cooler, and before he knew it, his consciousness was drowned in darkness.

When he opened his eyes again, the first thing that came to his view was Maya’s face, looking focused as she diligently read her school book.

’Even before midterm exams come around, she’s already reading.’

It was admirable.

Time passed slowly, and in a few minutes, Maya stopped. She checked the time, then closed the book before her.

Raising her head, she was surprised to find Kaiser staring at her.

"Oh, you’re awake. Why didn’t you let me know?"

She smiled, leaning forward and poking his cheek.

Catching her finger, Kaiser raised his head and rubbed his eyelids.

"You were studying. I didn’t want to disturb."

The girl nodded, pulling back her finger. "Is that so...? Well then, I’m done now. We can return to the dorms."

The two of them packed up, then prepared to leave the library.

After exchanging light nods with the librarian, they left the school building and headed to the student dormitory.

The third-year and second-year students still hadn’t returned, so the campus was a bit empty.

There were only a few first-year students hanging out with their friends or partners.

Kaiser and Maya walked along the sidewalk, enjoying the peaceful air of the campus.

A flower drifted toward Maya on a light breeze, and it got stuck in her hair.

Kaiser glanced at it for a moment, then carefully removed it.

"Hm? What’s that?"

She asked, taking a look at the flower in his hand.

"Just a random flower the breeze blew over."

"Oh, alright. It looks beautiful, though."

Kaiser, who was prepared to throw it away, paused. He took another look at the flower, studying it carefully.

The petals were a mix of bright yellow and sky blue. Staring at its unique pattern, Kaiser felt like it was indeed beautiful.

Taking a sneaky glance at Maya to ensure she wasn’t looking, he slipped the flower into his pocket, intending to take it to his room.

"Would you care for a yoghurt?"

He asked, spotting a small yoghurt stall along the sidewalk.

There was a young clerk with a bright expression selling yoghurts to students there.

"Hm, alright."

Maya nodded, tightening her grip on her bag. That simple gesture made her heart flutter.

’Kai is... a kind person.’

Stopping at the stall, Kaiser spoke to the clerk.

"Two yoghurts. How much?"

The young man in the portable stall looked up, glancing at Kaiser briefly before shifting his gaze to Maya.

There was a brief pause, then he turned back to Kaiser.

Of course, none of this escaped Kaiser’s perception.

"That’s a hundred credits. Should I bring it?"

The boy nodded, transferring the payment to the clerk’s account, and collecting the yoghurts from him.

"Here. Let’s go."

"Thank you."

As they walked away, Kaiser looked back, catching the young man’s gaze lingering on them—specifically Maya.

There was no change in his expression, but the clerk felt his hair stand on end.

The two students silently enjoyed the chilled yoghurt, eventually reaching the lobby in the dormitory.

"Right. Kai, what floor do you live on?"

Maya suddenly asked. He replied smoothly.

"The fourth floor. You?"

She smiled and answered. "I stay in the fifth floor. Room 111."

Kaiser nodded, then reached out to open the elevator.

Before he could, it opened by itself, and a student stepped out—Apollo.

His gaze lingered on the two of them briefly, then he walked away without saying a word.

Kaiser also didn’t say anything, simply pulling Maya into the elevator and closing it.

Now alone with him, Maya asked hesitantly. "Do you hate Apollo?"

Kaiser turned, looking at her.

"Hate him? Why do you think I would?"

She heaved a sigh, adjusting her bag straps.

"Well... Apollo has a dirty reputation, and he was also the one that exposed the fact that you’re Sherlock Holmes. I won’t be surprised if you don’t like him."

Humming, Kaiser nodded in understanding.

"You’re right. But I don’t hate him. Instead, I look forward to seeing what he might become."

Maya was surprised, but nodded subtly. If it was Kaiser, then not hating that delinquent made sense.

"If we ever have to cross paths on different sides, Maya. How would you treat me?"

She blinked, raising her head to look at him. He wasn’t looking at her, but she sensed that this was a serious question.

So, she answered seriously.

"I would treat you as an opponent. And although I know I might not be able to beat you, I would still give it my all."

Hearing her answer, a smile crept up to Kaiser’s face.

"Is that so...? I am pleased with your answer."

Ding!

The elevator doors opened, leading to the fourth floor.