Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 138: End of the Break (1)

Riiiiiing~

The jarring sound of an alarm cut through the silence, waking the only occupant of the room.

"Ugh!"

The girl groaned, pulling down her sheets and climbing off the bed. Her lustrous pink hair was rough and disheveled, and she even had faint dark circles under her green eyes.

Her gaze landed on a book on the table. The book a close friend had given her some time ago.

’The break is almost over.’

Sighing, she got up, tidied her room, and took care of herself. After getting into comfortable clothes, she picked up her bag and prepared to head to the library.

For someone like her, who lacked friends, the break was a bit agonizing. The only person she could enjoy her hobby with was also absent, making her heart weary.

Stepping into the elevator, she was surprised to see Ysabella from Class-E. The girl was clad in a yellow jacket with a blue top underneath, and a knee-length black skirt.

’Do we live on the same floor, perhaps?’

She gave the blonde girl a nod, not expecting any conversation. However, Ysabella’s eyes lit up upon seeing her.

"Ah, Maya! I finally meet you."

There was an excited gleam in her green eyes as she spoke. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Ah? I didn’t think you’d know me." Maya smiled modestly.

It was true. Unlike Ysabella, who was a popular figure, Maya had an invisible presence socially. Very few of her classmates even interacted with her.

Giggling, Ysabella shook her head. "You might not know it, but you’re quite popular among the girls in my class."

"Eh?" Maya blinked, stunned.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out while some other students entered.

"Of course!" Ysabella grinned, "After all, you’re the only girl in the entire grade that’s most often seen with Kaiser. Isn’t it special?"

She spoke smoothly, though there was a hint of probing in her voice.

Maya’s face reddened slightly, an awkward smile on her lips.

"Well, we both have a hobby of reading, so..."

Ysabella laughed softly, a coy laugh full of mischief.

"You don’t need to downplay it, actually. I’m sure Kaiser likes you very much. He barely pays attention to anyone else at all."

"O-oh. I guess he’s not really social."

Sensing the girl shrinking back, Ysabella didn’t press further. She dimmed her smile, looking into the air.

"The weather is quite nice, right? It’s a pity the holidays are about to end though."

Maya also looked at the beautiful blue sky dotted with white clouds. Indeed, it looked nice.

"Yeah. The weather is nice." She turned to Ysabella, "I heard Apollo came to find trouble with you guys. How’s that delinquent guy now? Is he better?"

Ysabella’s smile became strained, and a conflicted expression crossed her face. Sighing, she answered.

"It was really trouble. Apollo thoroughly humiliated Logan. I didn’t know he could be so cruel."

Maya sighed wryly. "Apollo is too ruthless. I rarely approve of his methods. He did worse when he single-handedly subjugated the rebels in the class."

"Rebels? That’s... a unique title." Ysabella laughed nervously, tightening her grip on her jacket.

They had stepped out of the dormitory lobby and were on the walkway.

"That’s what he called them. He claims he’s a King, after all."

Carefully studying the Class-C student’s expression, Ysabella thought.

’It seems she doesn’t really like Apollo. Could I use her as a mole in Class-C? It’s worth a try.’

Entertaining that thought, she maintained a friendly smile.

"I don’t really like people like that. They tend to be bossy and don’t listen to people’s opinions, right? I can’t imagine being in that class."

Judging from Maya’s introverted nature, she probably wasn’t one of those who expressed their opinions in class.

’People like that... are usually the most frustrated and dissatisfied. One little catalyst and they blow up. Now let’s see...’

Hiding that sadistic smile behind a friendly one, she waited for Maya’s reply.

"Actually..." The girl said slowly. "I don’t have any problems with Apollo."

’Eh?’

"Yes, he bosses the others around, but his methods are effective—regardless of whether they’re acceptable or not. As long as he doesn’t harm the class, then I’m fine with it. After all, we became Class-C thanks to him."

Ysabella’s jaws tightened subtly, and her smile faltered. She couldn’t find the loophole she was searching for. In fact, that loophole didn’t even exist.

"Ysabella? You seem to be spacing out." Maya said in concern.

"Ah, sorry." She smiled slightly. "I was just thinking about what you said. It’s true that he really made you guys advance in a single semester. Unlike us..."

Her last words were meant to completely dispel any suspicion Maya had about her intentions. This was a classic card Ysabella loved to play. By playing the victim card, she would receive their sympathy and shift their attention from other matters.

Maya’s lips twitched slightly. "You shouldn’t say that though. I believe your class has potential leading figures, and you’re even one of them."

Scratching her head sheepishly, Ysabella said. "You’re right. I shouldn’t sulk like a kid."

Puffing her large bosom and placing her hands on her waist, she said comically. "I’m a big girl!"

Maya giggled softly, then turned away. "I think this is where we part. I’m headed to the library to read some books."

Unlike her, it was obvious Ysabella was going for an outing.

"Oh, right! I have an appointment with my friends."

Facepalming, Ysabella checked her phone, realizing she was almost late.

"Can I have your number, Maya?"

Maya blinked, hesitant. However, since the girl had asked nicely, she couldn’t refuse. They quickly exchanged contact, then Ysabella left in a jiffy.

Maya watched her sprint away, a complex look in her eyes.

’That girl... isn’t as simple as she seems. What is that feeling of wrongness?’

She couldn’t understand why she felt weird around Ysabella, but she noted it in her mind to be wary in the future. Turning away, she made her way towards the school building.

Meanwhile, a particular blonde senior with orange eyes had set his sights on her.

’Isn’t that the junior said to be his only friend? Let me see for myself, shall I?’