Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 91: Monarchs

A week passed by after the Midterm Exams, and everything returned to normal. Classes held, students paid more attention, and fun activities went about.

Even Kaiser’s stunt of almost expelling Eric had cooled, and people barely spoke about it anymore. Of course that didn’t mean no one remembered. They simply avoided speaking about it.

On a Friday evening, Kaiser was headed to the convenience store to get some things when he was blocked by a senior with neatly styled blonde hair and bright orange eyes.

"Hello, little junior." The guy stretched out a hand, a seemingly pleasant smile on his face.

Kaiser stared at the outstretched arm, already reading the intentions behind it.

’He wants to gauge my strength by squeezing... so boring.’

He totally disregarded the handshake and looked into the senior’s eyes.

"Why did you seek me out? Speak immediately, as I have other things to do."

The senior’s face twitched at the blunt disrespect, his smile faltering.

"Little Junior, I am Vice President Ajila Eren."

Perhaps he didn’t recognize him, which was the reason for the disrespect.

Still, Kaiser’s tone didn’t change. "Vice President or not, go straight to the point"

Eren’s smile thinned, his eyes darkening. "Indeed, you’re as rude as they say. You don’t even put the Student Council in your eyes."

He folded his hands behind his back, adopting a serious expression.

"I’ll be clear. I want to recruit you and make you work under me in the Student Council. After all, only the elites of this academy can be allowed into the Student Council."

Kaiser listened to his bold declaration, then walked past him.

"Not interested, senior."

Eren’s expression faltered again, but he didn’t turn back. "You might regret missing this opportunity, Kaiser."

"If you’re not under me, you become my enemy."

The last statement was spoken with killing intent, making Kaiser pause.

"Is that so? You can keep your grand delusions to yourself."

He didn’t say any more, leaving the annoyed Vice President behind.

He arrived at the convenience store, picked the few utility items he wanted, and went straight to pay.

On the queue, he stood behind the Class-A leader—Iruca Sanders. She had neck-length silver-white hair, and a pretty cute face.

Kaiser stared briefly, then looked away.

Surprisingly, she had caught his brief gaze on her. She turned back, glancing at him in surprise.

"Um... hello."

She greeted him with a stiff smile, seemingly cautious. Kaiser nodded in return, then involuntarily looked at her basket. Inside were feminine materials like body spray, a cream, and some sanitary pads.

Tracing his eyes, she immediately hid the basket, slightly embarrassed.

"You shouldn’t be embarrassed."

He said, then signaled to her that it was her turn. She walked up to the cashier, paid for the things she bought, and walked away like she was covertly running from something.

Kaiser paid for his own purchase, then returned to his room. The weekend would begin tomorrow, and he planned on staying indoors throughout.

After arranging the materials he had bought, he took a quick shower and began making research about the Nirad Realm.

’My physique has not yet bloomed. This must be the reason why I only have passive healing and regeneration.’

He lightly rubbed his lips where the automaton’s spear had cut him, feeling no scar or would present.

’It’s basically a cheat. But I doubt it can heal fatal injuries that fast.’

The injuries he got from the Evolved Monster was serious back then, but it wasn’t really life-threatening.

’I’ll have to wait until it fully blooms before I can do anything about the death penalty.’

He sighed, then opened up information on the Aether Skies. This was a region of the Nirad Realm, having eight islands floating above a lightless void whose depth had never been explored.

One of the islands was called the Central Island, spanning thousands of kilometers. The other seven were smaller, connected to the Central Island by thick ropes made from plant vines.

The islands were interconnected, with two of the smaller islands connected to the edges of the chasm by makeshift wooden bridges.

’The difficulty level for this region is quite low. Awakened and Evolved hunters can survive quite easily here.’

The Nirad Creatures populating that region were merely flying Awakened or Evolved creatures of different species.

’Even then, they can’t be underestimated, as flying enemies are the biggest trouble for humans.’

He scrolled further, reading about the common types of aerial creatures known to populate the ruins. He spent two hours digging up as much information as he could.

Finally, he decided that would be his training ground during the semester break.

’As for those trying to get me killed... I want to see if you’re worth paying attention to.’

...

|Unknown Location|

In a dark chamber...

A familiar silver-cloaked figure stood before a large projector that displayed absolutely nothing.

They stayed silent for minutes, until the sound of footsteps echoed in the chamber. A smaller and feminine figure appeared, covered in dark cloak. Although she tried to hide it, her movement was imbalanced, as if sporting a serious injury.

Before she even got close to them, she fell to her knees and began reporting.

"Greetings, Supreme One." She started. "The mission ended in failure as we were unable to kill Kaiser Solace before the academy Instructors intervened."

The Supreme One hummed softly. "That does not explain your current state."

The female figure shivered, "The academy’s response was quick—too quick. In a few days, they had flushed out every one of our spies. Re-infiltrating the academy seems impossible at this moment."

The Supreme One didn’t speak, letting the silence simmer. Eventually, they spoke, their voice even.

"I believe everything you’ve said is true." They started, "However..."

"Why are you just a mere puppet? It seems your soul has been contaminated already, what a pity."

As soon as their voice fell, ghostly green flames rose from the ground, enveloping the kneeling figure.

"ARRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH—"

A bloodcurdling scream escaped her throat, filled with pain and agony. The flames gnawed not at the skin or clothing, but at the soul itself. It was a terrifying power that could make many regret being born.

"Stop pretending." The Supreme One said coldly.

The scream stopped abruptly, and she raised her head to look at them.

"I didn’t expect it to be you, Silver Monarch."

The Supreme One also turned to look at the kneeling puppet. "Likewise. I didn’t expect that you would be involved, Puppet Monarch."