Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 151: Search

From there, everyone left the class together, dividing into two groups to make the search faster.

Kaiser was grouped with Liam and Kiera, while Astron stayed with Ysabella, Logan, and Hazel.

"Alright. I think we should head to Class-A first. Iruca and her friends might be willing to help us."

Liam proposed, his eyes carrying full determination to find a witness.

Kiera immediately agreed, while Kaiser yawned lazily—unbothered.

’Determination isn’t all you need, y’know.’

He followed behind the couple, casually scrolling through his texts. Maya had informed him earlier today that she wouldn’t be available in the evening, so he decided to tag along with his classmates on their interesting ’search’.

"Hey, Kaiser." Liam spoke to him, a calm but curious look on his face. "Why did you decide to join us here? I honestly thought you wouldn’t."

Kaiser glanced at him and shrugged. "Nothing. I just find this slightly interesting. If it gets boring, I’ll leave."

"Oh." Liam’s smile became awkward, and he turned away. He really hoped it would always be interesting enough for Kaiser to help the class whenever they had problems.

They soon arrived at Class-A’s classroom where a few students still hung around. Thankfully, Iruca hadn’t left the class yet.

"Hello, Iruca." Liam greeted her with a smile.

The girl turned to him in surprise. "Hey, Liam! It’s nice seeing you again."

She turned to Kiera and Kaiser behind him, greeting them politely. Kaiser returned a stiff nod while Kiera gave a strained smile. It seemed she didn’t like the closeness between her boyfriend and Iruca.

"Okay, can I speak with you for a moment? I need your assistance."

Liam’s expression became serious.

Sensing he had something important to say, Iruca welcomed him into the class, leaving Kaiser and Kiera at the door.

The two stood beside each other, both paying attention to different things. Kiera pretended to look around while subtly glancing at Kaiser.

’Ugh. Now that I’m alone with him, I’m feeling a bit nervous. What if he does something scary?’

She shivered slightly, unconsciously rubbing her thighs together. Kaiser’s act of almost expelling Eric dealt a psychological blow to the students of Class-E and made them wary of him.

"Why do you keep observing? Are you thirsty for blood?"

Kaiser sighed softly, as if lamenting.

Kiera froze immediately—not because he caught her, but because of his second question.

’Thirsty for blood...? Blood... blood... blood... how? How did he?’

Kaiser gave her a dull look. "Eh? You seem surprised. My bad, forget I ever said anything."

He turned away from her, just in time to see Liam and Iruca approaching them.

"I’ve heard about the situation from Liam, and I’m ready to do my best to help you guys."

Iruca said seriously, her purple eyes shining with determination.

"I’ve sent a message to our class group, asking if there was anyone who went to the Item Store yesterday. I’ll let you know if anyone did."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." Liam bowed slightly, sincerely grateful towards her. "We’ll get going now. I’ll try speaking to Class-D’s Austin too and see how he can support us."

Iruca nodded, then sent them off with a bright smile. Once they turned away, her smile dropped slightly.

"Someone is trying to frame Logan? That’s... a dirty scheme."

Her friend walked up to her and patted her shoulder. "Come on, Iruca. Don’t let that weigh down your mood. Let’s just do our best and leave the rest to them."

Iruca nodded, her smile slowly returning. "You’re right. Let’s do what we can."

...

On the way to Class-D, Liam noticed Kiera acting awkward. He turned to her in concern and asked.

"Kiera? Something the matter?"

The white-haired girl shook her head with a frail smile. "No, it’s nothing. I’m just a bit tired."

"Oh, I see." Liam nodded, gently holding her hand and squeezing it reassuringly. Although he doubted she was really tired, he knew right now was not the time to probe.

When they arrived at Class-D’s classroom, they were surprised to meet only one student. The bald girl with a solemn expression turned to them, with a sharp look in her eyes.

"Uh... hello."

Liam greeted with an awkward smile, a bit dumbfounded by her hairstyle—or the lack of a hairstyle.

The girl nodded curtly, then asked. "What do you want?"

Liam stepped forward and answered. "Do you have any idea where Austin and Ava are?"

The bald girl studied him for some time, then sighed. "You can check the Training Facility. He should be there training with the others."

"Ohh, thank you very much..." Liam’s words slowed.

"I’m Misa." The girl immediately answered his unasked question.

Liam nodded and turned around to leave.

"Alright, thank you for the help, Misa."

Together with Kaiser and his girlfriend, they left the classroom and exited the school building, heading straight towards the Training Facility.

When they arrived, they were surprised to find almost all the students of Class-D training.

"Straighten your posture! Brace! Attack with more balance! Don’t get yourself lifted off your feet!"

Austin M’banna gave instructions like a great instructor. His large, dark-skinned body was covered in sweat and bulging with muscles.

’This class is always serious with their training. I wish my classmates were this serious.’

Liam took a deep breath, then walked up to him.

"Sorry for interrupting your training session, Austin. But I’d like to see you."

Austin paused, staring down at Liam. A surprised look appeared in his eyes, but disappeared immediately after.

"From Class-E? This is a surprise."

’Hm? That...’

Although he knew Austin wasn’t prejudiced against them, Class-E and Class-D were the closest in the rankings.

This meant that they would constantly be wary of each other as the lower classes try to advance.

At that moment, Ava also walked up to them, skeptical. Liam, in order to avoid misunderstandings, immediately explained the situation at hand to them.

Austin and Ava were surprised, though they immediately understood the plan behind the scheme.

’Someone is trying to force Class-E into action. This looks like something either Class-B or Class-C would do.’

Ava thought, holding her chin in concern.

"Do you think they really framed him?" She asked, just to be sure.

"I believe Logan wouldn’t lie. He might have his shortcomings, but I don’t think he’s the type to steal things."

Liam replied calmly, earning a nod from Austin.

The dark-skinned boy folded his arms and said. "You’re right. I’ve sparred with him a few times, and I can determine what kind of person he is."

This comment made Liam sigh in relief.

"However," Austin’s tone changed. "Personal compassion aside, it is not beneficial for us if you guys successfully defend Logan."

Kiera blinked in astonishment, while Kaiser nodded subtly.

’If Class-E loses some points because of Logan, that would mean the gap between us has widened.’

It was something Kaiser had predicted, and knowing how seriously Austin took his class, he would only do something beneficial for them.

Liam’s smile became strained. "I understand. But even if it’s just a little assistance you can render, I’d really appreciate."

Austin shook his head. "Your appreciation holds no value at the moment. Unless you can convince me, I’m afraid I can’t help you."

Faced with Austin’s firm stance, Liam became helpless.

"Is there anything you want? If I can, I’ll offer it to you."

Austin raised a brow, amused. "You will do that? Hmm. I’m not good with negotiations so... Ava, handle it."

He stepped back slightly, allowing Ava to face the three Class-E students. The girl’s eyes scanned the three students before her, then paused on Kaiser’s figure.

"I want one million credits from this guy."

"I refuse." Liam rejected instantly, surprising everyone including Kaiser himself.

’Hm? What is this?’ The blue-haired boy leaned against a pillar, a flicker of interest in his eyes

"Hah? Why would you?" Ava asked in confusion. She was astonished by his instant rejection.

Liam smiled bitterly. "Every one of Kaiser’s credits was earned by his own hands and they do not belong to the class. I cannot allow it to be extorted from him in this manner."

His explanation warmed the hearts of those that eavesdropped. Even Kaiser grew amused.

"Ah, I see. My bad." Ava apologized, though her gaze remained fixed on Kaiser. "Well then, you wouldn’t mind showing Austin some pointers, right?"

Her eyes glinted with tactical calculation.

’If he agrees to spar with Austin, we can personally check his threat-level and develop possible countermeasures against him.’

Although a rumor, they had also heard of him personally killing an Awakened Fiend during the Gate Closure Special Evaluation.

Kaiser read her intentions in a single glance, then tilted his head. "Pointers, you say?"

He took a look at Austin’s hefty physique, then gave a neutral smile.

"Sure. I wouldn’t mind."

Ava’s eyes glinted in surprise and joy.

"However, that would be after you help them with whatever they need help with."

Her expression darkened at his next statement, but Austin spoke calmly. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"If that is the case, then we will help you."

Ava glanced at him, seeing the determined look in his eyes. Sighing, she turned to Liam and said.

"Yes. We do have a witness in our class."

Liam’s eyes shone in surprise. "Really? That’s great. Can you let us meet them?"

"That would be me."