Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 142: Strategic Meeting (2)

It was Hazel who explained. She informed him about Apollo’s provocation towards the class and the cruel defeat of Logan. She didn’t forget to mention the subtle change Logan was about to undergo before President Anthony interfered.

’He interfered?’ 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Kaiser was pleasantly surprised. Knowing President Anthony’s character, that man wouldn’t act on sentiment alone.

’He must have seen something worth considering—interesting.’

At the mention of the President’s involvement, Kaiser’s indifference towards the matter faded.

Smiling faintly, he whispered. "This might be a bit entertaining."

Then, Hazel updated him about Logan’s current condition and the low morale of the class.

’Sigh... a single defeat and they’re all demoralized? Pathetic.’

"I understand now. Thanks for the update."

Nodding slightly, he closed his eyes, leaning into the chair. There was a tense silence until Liam spoke.

"Uhm... Kaiser, the reason why you left during the break..." He said softly. "I hope it wasn’t anything too stressful? If you want, you can tell us if there’s anything bothering you. I’m ready to help you—as a classmate, and as a friend."

The blue-haired boy responded without opening his eyes, "I like your confidence and compassion. However, it would be boring to see it shatter under extreme circumstances."

Liam blinked, confused at first. However, he soon understood what he was saying.

"I can’t guarantee that I’d make the right choices, but I’ll always follow what my heart believes is right."

This particular sentence made Kaiser’s smile widen, but he merely nodded. Hazel seized the moment and spoke, her voice low and serious.

"The main goal of this meeting is to ask for your stance on the Class Rankings. Will you join us in pushing the class forward, Kaiser?"

The others held their breath, awaiting his answer. This was a serious matter they had considered after having a different meeting some time ago.

The four of them understood and agreed that Class-E was a fractured class with defects as students. They were definitely the worst class in the entire grade. Even then, the four of them still wanted to see the class advance—for different reasons.

For Hazel, it was her only means of proving herself to her father—General Kane. If she could bring a class that was ranked dead last to the top, her family members would be forced to acknowledge her.

For Liam, it was quite simple. He wanted to graduate as a Class-A student, gain the promised employment benefit, and live a successful life. He also wanted to see everyone graduate together with him, living a collectively successful life.

Ysabella didn’t really care about the promised benefit. She simply wanted to maintain her image in the class and act towards the class’s benefits.

Only Ariel didn’t have a solid reason. He simply wanted to stop Hazel from completely exposing his abilities.

Even combined, they knew they couldn’t easily lead the class. They needed other competent students like Sebastian, Kaiser, or Mordica.

’This is why... I have to successfully recruit him now.’

Hazel’s eyes sharpened, staring at Kaiser’s face deeply.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The boy tapped the armrest of the chair three times, then opened his eyes.

"It depends. If the matter is really interesting and worthy of my attention, I would get involved. However, if it’s merely boring games and competitions, count me out."

His eyes glinted sharply, making Hazel’s heart jolt in her chest. This was the only compromise he could offer Class-E as a whole. It wasn’t out of mere sympathy, but calculated expectations.

’Under the pressure of the academy’s forced competitions, would these colorless defects adapt and evolve, gaining a definitive color for themselves?’

It was worth looking out for.

Although Hazel couldn’t get his full support, she was still satisfied with the current progress. At least he wouldn’t be as unreliable as Sebastian.

"Alright." She nodded. "I hope you keep to your words."

Beside her, Ysabella smiled and tilted her head. "Okay. Since Kaiser is with us now, he should know about our plan for this new semester."

Liam and Hazel glanced at each other, then nodded.

The boy turned to Kaiser, a serious expression on his face. "I want to apply for a position in the Student Council."

Hazel continued. "According to the information I got from the seniors, being in the Student Council has some perks. A Student Council member has knowledge about the type of Special Evaluations being prepared ahead of time. With such a boon, we can always be prepared for the Special Evaluations."

Kaiser stared at her with a bored look. "Liam would be rejected."

He spoke decisively, as if it was something already set in stone.

"What...?" Ysabella gasped, stunned.

Meanwhile, Ariel nodded internally. ’Liam isn’t suitable for politics. He’s merely a unity insurance for the class.’

Hazel was perplexed. "Why do you think so? Do you think he’s not competent enough?"

Kaiser nodded casually. "Yes. Liam isn’t competent enough to represent the class at such a level. There is no chance of him being chosen."

Faced with that blunt remark, Liam suppressed a wince. Even though he had little hope for the position, it still hurt when pointed out that he was incompetent.

"Still, we have to try our luck. It is a very tempting offer, so I won’t back down that easily."

Hazel said calmly, unfazed by his opinion. She believed as long as they prepared well enough, there was always a chance of Liam being chosen.

Kaiser nodded, not pursuing the matter any further. He had said his piece, and there was no reason to waste energy convincing them otherwise.

’Surely it’d be interesting if he got accepted, no? That’ll be crushing my expectations and surpassing them.’

Deciding to end the meeting there, Hazel prepared to leave.

"That’ll be all for today. I have other important things to do."

Ariel calmly stepped beside her, indicating he intended to leave as well.

Liam also stood up, ready to leave. Only Ysabella stayed behind, giving a vague reason that she wanted to see Kaiser privately.

Although Hazel was suspicious, she didn’t pursue the matter and left after giving Kaiser a formal handshake.

’Why is his hand so cold?’