Tenebrous Wolf-Chapter 33: Friendly Communication

The main building of Ascension Academy was located on the southern side of the vast complex, separated from the halls by training grounds, research facilities, libraries and gardens.

The building itself was constructed primarily from rare, refined materials. The sleek black alloy walls reflected the ambient light filtering through wide, strategically placed windows. Surrounded by greenery, the structure seemed designed to harmonize with the natural landscape rather than dominate it. In the summer, the contrast between its dark facade and the lush scenery would no doubt create a striking atmosphere.

Inside, the air was cool and sterile, the hallways illuminated by soft, ambient lighting that adjusted based on the time of day.

The newcomers were led to a vast atrium where dozens, perhaps even a hundred, other initiates were already waiting. Young men and women stood in small clusters, some engaged in quiet conversations, others silently preparing themselves for what was to come. The tension was almost tangible; excitement, fear, and anticipation swirled in the air as they awaited the beginning of their induction.

Once inside the hall, Klaus understood a few things.

Firstly, everyone was well-dressed and carried some form of luggage, suitcases, duffel bags, or at least backpacks filled with personal belongings. It was clear that most of them had come prepared, likely sent off by their families with the expectation of success. The presence of someone from Undertown seemed highly unlikely, if there even was one. Klaus felt a quiet sense of relief that he had taken the time to dress the part; otherwise, he would have stuck out like a sore thumb.

Certainly, dealing with the Fujita gang by reporting them to the police had been the right decision.

Not like I had any other options. I was planning on dealing with those guys sooner or later.

Secondly, the rumors he had heard about the average Awakened being more attractive than normal people were not an exaggeration. Even though these young men and women were just beginning their paths as Ascendants, their looks were truly captivating, handsome, beautiful and radiant with vitality.

At that moment, he became uneasy.

He wasn't ugly or average in terms of looks. In high school, he had been called handsome more than a few times, placing him firmly in the above-average category. But standing among these people, how did he compare?

His physique had improved, but his face hadn't changed much. Would they see him as ordinary?

Unbeknownst to him, it wasn't just his physical attributes that had changed, his charisma had also evolved, perhaps even more drastically than his body.

Even as he stood alone at the back of the room, he was unknowingly drawing attention. More than a few curious glances were cast his way, from both girls and boys alike, none of which he noticed.

Maybe it was his new haircut as his once-disheveled, shoulder-length hair had been trimmed and styled neatly, slicked back with a single strand falling into his face.

Paired with his sharp features, tall, leanly muscular build, and void-black eyes, there was no denying that he stood out.

Of course, this was temporary. He had only made the effort to look presentable for his first appearance at the Academy. In his heart, he had already promised himself that the moment he got the chance, he was going to fix his hair.

For now, he simply waited for the induction ceremony to begin.

However, much to his misfortune, his plan to silently wait for the event was quickly thrown out the window when a group of aspirants suddenly approached him.

Klaus frowned for a brief moment before quickly hiding it behind a practiced smile.

He already understood their intent.

They wanted to speak with him. They wanted to initiate a conversation. It was only natural for young Awakened to be curious about one another like their abilities, origins, and experiences.

They wanted to ask questions.

They wanted to be asked questions.

They wanted to discuss something important or chit-chat about pointless things.

In the end, everyone wanted to share something.

Surely, if he simply told them he came from Undertown, they would leave him alone. That place had a reputation, one of filth, corruption, and crime.

No one would willingly associate with someone from there.

But... he hesitated.

He didn't want to immediately ruin his standing among the other Awakened. Even if they asked about his origins, he could simply lie. Furthermore, if he played this right, he might even learn a few things from them.

Sasha did say I should make new friends.

And the first step to that approach is communication.

Still wearing that practiced smile, Klaus engaged in conversation with the aspirants who had taken the time to approach him.

At that moment, a familiar voice echoed inside his head.

'Ugh. These guys are annoying. Can't you just chase them away?'

Klaus blinked.

Oops. He had actually forgotten that a certain succubus was still inside his Soul Stream.

With a mental sigh, he replied,

'How could I ever do that? Since they went out of their way to start a conversation with me, it's only natural that I respond.'

'Why?'

'Because approaching someone takes a great amount of confidence, you know. How could I possibly just shut them down?'

'Tch! You remind of me someone I know."

'Oh, how?'

'You're both increasingly insufferable.'

'Aww. In that case, then I would take it that they're a person of great character.'

'Eat shit and die.'

'I love you so much.'

'Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! If I knew I was going to end up like this, I would have just killed myself!'

'Hey, don't you know suicide is bad? But do you know what isn't though? A big hug filled with love!!'

'Are you making fun of me? Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... I'm going to mess up your Soul Stream by putting a few things here and there!'

'...Eh? What?'

Klaus was shocked.

Was that even possible? That shouldn't be possible, right? Surely, that doesn't make sense because how can someone else mess up your Soul Stream by entering there? Should he be worried or not? WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT SUCCUBUS DOING IN THERE?!!

Despite his inner turmoil, his fake smile didn't waver as he smoothly conversed with the gullible aspirants and, at the same time, with Briar.

After a short series of interactions, Klaus had managed to establish a likeable reputation among a few awakened. Some were drawn to his charisma. Others to his seemingly kind personality. Unbeknownst to him, however, he had also gained another, more peculiar reputation among the female aspirants as the guy with an irresistibly sweet scent.

Of course, he remained oblivious to this detail.

A detail that would later lead to utter chaos among the girls, without his knowledge.

Exhausted, Klaus made his way to a deserted corner of the hall. He hadn't expected that many people to approach him. And he couldn't understand what they found so interesting about him either. Fortunately, by distancing himself, the curious aspirants seemed to have understood his intent. Nobody else approached him anymore.

Or so he thought.

Because the moment he arrived, he realized he wasn't alone; currently, there was a girl sitting quietly on the bench.

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Klaus gave her a look.

Sitting there, a slender girl evoked an unmistakably unique presence. Her clothes were tidy and neat, not particularly expensive, but refined in taste.

Her short, silvery-blue hair was neatly cut, though slightly unkempt at the edges. Her pale complexion carried an almost ethereal quality, as if she didn't quite belong to this world. And her strange, golden eyes with multiple red rings evoked an unreadable depth.

She gave an aura of someone that was demure and extremely quiet.

With all those qualities, she looked like a beautiful porcelain doll, and was subtly breathtaking.

However, there was something wrong that he wasn't able to pinpoint by just looking at her.

At that moment, the girl lifted her head and looked directly at him.

... Not good!

Caught staring, Klaus felt a twinge of panic, expecting some kind of awkward confrontation. However, the girl didn't say a word. She simply continued staring at him in silence.

"..."

"..."

Just like that, an uncomfortable silence settled between them.

Klaus wanted to speak but hesitated. He wasn't sure how to handle this situation. Maybe if the girl reacted in some way, he would have known what to do. But she just sat there and looked at him, expressionlessly.

It felt like she was looking through him rather than at him.

'Maybe she's waiting for me to speak.' He thought.

Whatever the case may be, growing tired of the silence, Klaus cleared his throat and sat down on the other side of the bench. Then, he said:

"Hello. I'm sorry if my approach was wrong, but I was curious why you were sitting here alone. My name is Nikolaus Reinhardt, but you can simply call me Klaus. What's yours?"

"Yuki."

"Sorry?"

"Yuki. My name is Yuki Asahina."

A simple response. Her voice was calm, almost monotone.

Even so, Klaus had gotten her name. That was what mattered.

"Ah, so you're Japanese. Should I speak in Japanese so you can understand me better?"

"No, that's not necessary," she shook her head. "My english comprehension skills are far above the required standard so you're free to continue."

"That's good, but this place is rather crowded. I wonder if it's always like this."

"No. It's not."

The quiet girl named Yuki Asahina answered and continued from there.

"This level of crowding is only temporary. Induction ceremonies are one of the few occasions where all new aspirants and riders gather in a single space. Afterward, the division will separate into designated groups based on rank, abilities, and specializations. Each group will train and study in different sections of the facility. The congestion you see now will significantly decrease after today."

Klaus listened to her words attentively. He wasn't surprised by her response, she spoke with the precision of someone who had already memorized every detail about the Academy.

But he did think that her way of speaking was rather weird. It was almost like she was some kind of robot.

Perhaps she was one of those unique types that were innately stiff.

In any case, he nodded and asked,

"That makes sense. Don't that mean that the dormitory assignments will also be divided the same way?"

"No. As long as they are in the same rank, the academy treats them equally. Even those from high-ranking clans cannot use their influence, as the academy's policy strictly prohibits favoritism."

"I see. So those from low sectors won't be treated differently from the privileged?"

"Correct."

Hearing her simple reply, Klaus internally sighed in relief. That meant he had room to maneuver.

"I see. You're quite knowledgeable about the Academy," he noted, watching her reaction. "Did you study beforehand?"

Yuki gave the faintest nod.

"Yes. The moment I received my acceptance letter, I gathered as much information as possible. Coming unprepared is simply inefficient."

"Efficient, huh? You sound like someone who's used to careful planning."

She said nothing to that, simply staring at him in silence.

The atmosphere between them settled into something oddly comfortable. Yuki wasn't particularly expressive, but she wasn't dismissive either.

It was an unusual balance.

After a moment, Klaus leaned back slightly and asked:

"Since you seem to know so much, do you happen to be from a major house?"

"No."

A simple, definitive answer with no elaboration.

Klaus raised an eyebrow. That was suspicious. Someone with her level of preparation and presence had to have some kind of background.

Thinking about it, didn't she say she received an acceptance letter?

Awakened aspirants don't receive acceptance letters. Once they undergo the mandatory Awakening Program and successfully awaken their ability, they are transferred into the academy within a month or less.

In that case—

"Are you perhaps a Rider?"

Yuki remained silent for a few seconds, then gave the smallest of nods.

So that was it. She was among the select individuals who would 'ride' the Neon Angelions, a Rider.

However, even as he received his answer, Klaus couldn't shake the feeling that something still felt off.

Pondering about the matter for a few moments, he soon realised the source of the issue.

Throughout their entire conservation from beginning to end, he hadn't been able to sense a hint of uniqueness from the quiet girl at all!