Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 149: I’d rather...

Kaiser left the classroom, heading straight to the library as usual. His looks still drew gazes from other students, but at least the gazes were subtle now. They didn’t openly stare at him anymore.

When he arrived at the library, he was slightly surprised to find Maya already there.

"Hm? You came here pretty quick." He nodded, taking a seat opposite her.

The girl smiled brightly, adjusting her glasses. "You’re always the one arriving here first. I decided to change that today."

Kaiser chuckled softly, resting his back on the chair. He expected her to bring out another book she wanted him to read, while he returned the one with him.

However, Maya had other plans.

"Kaiser. I want to get a few things at the mall, do you mind following me?"

He contemplated for a few seconds, then agreed. It was the beginning of a new semester, and he hadn’t restocked his supplies too.

They both left the library, heading straight to the mall. Unsurprisingly, most students were also heading there, perhaps for the same reason as them.

"I’ll be going to the female section over there to get a few things. You can just buy what you want and wait for me outside, okay?"

Maya said after buying a few things in the general section.

’She’s probably going for a body lotion and feminine stuff. Alright.’

Nodding, Kaiser turned away from her and decided to get a few things for himself.

’I ran out of powdered milk and tea last night. I should get a few.’

Picking up a basket, he took a large-sized pack of tea and milk. Just as he prepared to pick another type of tea, he felt someone step beside him.

Although his expression didn’t change, he was astonished.

’I didn’t... sense him approaching?’

He glanced at Ariel, who stood beside him with his usual blank look. It seemed the boy had a purpose for seeking him out. However, all that determination seemed to vanish as he looked at Kaiser.

"I... uh..."

Kaiser rolled his eyes. "Good evening, Ariel. It is a surprise meeting you here."

He decided to start the conversation, since it seemed the silver-haired boy couldn’t decide on the right words to say.

’He over-calculates.’

Ariel sighed faintly, nodding at Kaiser. "You came here all alone?"

Kaiser didn’t reply immediately, picking another pack of powdered milk. He turned, studying Ariel’s empty basket.

"It’s obvious you trailed me here. And you’re just trying to converse with me. What is it you want?"

Ariel blinked, surprised. ’He realized I was trailing him?’

Still, this was better than beating around the bush. He let out a relieved sigh.

"What I want is to ask you a question. Are you from an assassin family background?"

Kaiser tilted his head, amused. "Hm? You want to know that?"

Ariel’s gaze remained cold. "Please answer my question honestly. I wouldn’t want to resort to using force."

He spoke with absolute certainty of being able to handle Kaiser despite knowing his prowess. This made Kaiser interested in him. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Yes. I’m from an assassin family background. Does that answer your question?"

Holding the basket with two fingers, Kaiser let it dangle from his hand. His gaze bore into Ariel’s eyes, trying to determine any microscopic changes.

Ariel lowered his head. His long hair cascaded over his shoulders and face, shadowing his expression.

"So you’re really one of them. A Solace Killer."

Kaiser blinked, astonished. He recognized that name, as it was the way their victims or witnesses always addressed them.

’Amongst all the students, only he recognized my surname. Who is he?’

"You don’t need to ask me how I know about you." Ariel started, raising his head. A cold light flashed in his eyes. "We were all taught and trained, to counter and kill you—the Solace Killers."

Hearing this, Kaiser was even more surprised. It was surprising to know that someone had enough courage to train people to kill members of the Solace Clan.

’Is that even possible? Unless you’re of a higher realm, I don’t think it’s possible.’

Refocusing on the long-haired boy, Kaiser said impatiently. "Do you want to get physical now? Please make it quick. I don’t want to keep Maya waiting."

Although there were cameras around, there was nothing stopping them from fighting to the death in a few minutes before the instructors arrived.

The pressure between them heightened, and the silence thickened.

Ariel’s eyes narrowed. ’The limiter restricts the use of essence. Can I really eliminate him before others intervene? Let’s see...’

His shoulders dropped in a quiet sigh.

"No. I won’t attack you."

Kaiser frowned in confusion. "Isn’t that the ultimate order from above? I don’t think you’re the type to defy authorities."

Surprisingly, Ariel smiled. It was faint, and it seemed even he didn’t notice.

"Perhaps. But I’d rather spend a normal school life here. Killing you now would jeopardize that."

Kaiser nodded in understanding. If Ariel attempted to kill him right here, he would be expelled or even arrested.

Staring at the boy, his blue eyes glinted.

’Is this it...? You’re finally going to break out of that calculated control around you. It seems I might have to re-evaluate you.’

A smile tugged at his lips.

’There is a tiny chance you might gain your defining color too.’

Kaiser turned away from him, his smile vanishing. "Seems you’ve lost interest in killing. Well then, catch you later."

"Wait."

Ariel stopped him.

"This is only temporary. If you prove to be dangerous as the higher-ups claim, I will carry out my task immediately—regardless of the outcome."

Kaiser rolled his eyes, then walked away without replying. Pushing that brief encounter to the back of his mind, he bought a few other things and paid for them.

At that same time, Maya had finished shopping and met him at the door.

"I wanted us to grab a meal at the Killian Restaurant. Should we get these delivered to the dorms?"

Kaiser considered it briefly, then agreed. He paid the staff for the delivery, then turned to the girl.

"Alright, Kai. Let’s go~"

’What is this? A date?’

Shaking his head, he followed after her.