Fu Liu eagerly explained, "Our club aims to spread awareness regarding certain historical topics. Whatever this topic is depends on what you choose to study."
I was taking down notes while listening. I noticed a young female student taking down notes beside me, she had long black hair and refined emerald-green eyes. She wore black glasses which made me believe that she might be from a prominent Bloodline for no good reason.
What was stunning was not her look, but her writing speed. She's writing so fast! She finishes writing an entire page in a matter of seconds.
She seemed to notice my gaze and she turned to look at me in response.
She said softly, "Hello?"
"Hello," I replied, my head still not clear.
How could someone write so quickly? It doesn't make sense. Is it something members of a certain Bloodline can do or… I'm just being dumb. It's probably just a talent, a freakishly good talent.
She tilted her head slightly, before smiling. She said, "Would you mind becoming friends?"
"Oh," I said unconsciously.
"Sure."
Her smile widened slightly, introducing herself, "I am Laina, Laina of Innovation. I like reading and writing."
I was strangely nervous while I introduced myself, "My name is Elmer, a Nameless. I too like reading and writing."
She placed her hand on her chin, seemingly pondering over something before asking, "You look like you want to join this club, but why?"
"A close friend of mine told me that joining this club is a golden opportunity so… I decided to attend the gathering today."
"So, do you have a specific topic in mind?"
"Specific topic? What do you mean?"
"Hmm? I mean, if you have a specific topic you wish to learn more about, it will greatly increase your efficiency in studying." She kindly explained.
I replied, a little confused, "I guess Historical Tales is the topic I have in mind."
Her eyes widened, and her smile brightened, "How coincidental. I too have Historical Tales in mind. Is this fate–no, fate is not kind to us."
I was so surprised that I immediately blurted out, "Why not help with my presentation?"
"Great minds think alike, huh?"
A few hours later, at the cafeteria. Laina and I were discussing our topic and presentation at hand while we ate our lunch.
While discussing with one another, I learned a few things about her. Apparently, Laina came from a branch family of the Innovation Bloodline. But even so, she was still given enough authority to live within the Bloodline's Hall of Wisdom, or in other words–the Home of the Innovation Bloodline.
And based on her words, the rules weren't as strict as the rumors would suggest. The rumors made it seem like the Hall of Wisdom's rules were so strict that even walking was a problem. But the rumors couldn't be further from the truth. The only strict rule was regarding the Machine Theater. Any child under the age of ten cannot enter the Machine Theater.
She also told me the things she liked. Apparently, she enjoys reading records regarding history. She also likes solving puzzles. She was so good that she was offered to work for the Innovation Bloodline's Hall of Deductions once she turned twenty.
I just sat there, my mouth wide open. She's an actual genius! Yet she manages to stay so humble. I… just can't believe it.
I asked, my curiosity rising as my eyes shone with excitement, "How can you be so humble? You're so smart!"
She gave me a knowing look, before giving a short explanation, "Compared to my peers, I'm far from being called a genius."
A moment of realization hit me, making me go silent, before muttering, "There's always someone better… so there's no such person who ever stands at the top."
"What about your past? I've told you mine, why not tell me yours?"
I smiled, beginning to tell my tale.
Once I finished, tears had already been pouring down Laina's face. Her eyes turned crimson after excessively rubbing them.
I smiled, concerned but also confused, "What's wrong? Did I say something?"
She wiped her tears, explaining, "Your life sounded so tragic yet you continued. You're also an orphan! Life is beautiful isn't it?"
I laughed awkwardly, "My life is nothing compared to the heroes who made their mark in history."
"Maybe but, you're already more impressive in my eyes."
…
In my room, I sat down on my bed, trying to enter the Hex Zone.
I felt my mind splitting into two, one entering the White Palace while the other stayed in my body.
I look around, finding nothing out of the ordinary.
I grabbed the hook, holding it in my right hand. It felt heavy but because I was inside the White Palace, I was able to hold it with ease.
Within the Physical Realm, my lips curled up, forming a slight smile. I felt newfound strength surging through my body while holding my Heart–the hook.
I stood up, taking out a pen and placing a mark on it. I dropped it but thanks to the mark that I previously placed, I was able to make it float and fly around the room.
After that, I took out a small wooden box, about the size of an adult's fist. I recently bought it to use for training. It was about ten times the weight of the pen.
I placed down a mark on it, but it still felt heavy, so I placed a second one, a third one, a fourth one, until I finally placed down all five marks. I dropped it, and somehow made it float with difficulty. I tried making it fly around my room at a moderate speed but barely succeeded.
I left the White Palace, making the marks fade and in turn, causing the wooden box to fall, thankfully, it didn't cause any damage to the floor.
I also fell to the floor, taking deep breaths. I was quite satisfied with how well I had done.
I have been thinking of ways to train my ability, but because I have been studying too much, I have started neglecting my ability but even so, I still manage to train from time to time.
I sighed, muttering under my breath, "I wonder how well things are going."
…
A year passed, and during this time, I was preparing my presentation. But thanks to the help of Cael, Laina, and everyone from the History Fanatics Club, everything went smoothly.
On the faithful day of the presentation, Cael and Laina were encouraging me.
"Come on now, don't be scared. Go out there and show them what you're made of!" Cael said with a bright smile.
"Don't let your efforts be wasted just because you're nervous," Laina said with confidence.
I hugged them and said while tears started pouring down my face, "Thank you!"
"You better wipe your tears or you'll look bad." Cael joked.
I released them and wiped my tears.
"I got it. See you later!"
I entered the stage, and saw countless students, geniuses waiting to see my–failure. But I am here today to prove my efforts! I am here to see my own success!
I started my report, my eyes beaming with practiced confidence. While I discussed my report, I noticed a very special person falling asleep.
I clicked my tongue, feeling insulted by Zixin. Irritation welled up deep inside me, the same unfathomable fear I felt now becoming a seed of hatred.
I continued my report, becoming unbothered by Zixin's boredom.
I spoke the last words, "And that is where my presentation ends."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Just as my final words were spoken, countless claps reached my ears. Tears flowed once more, I tried to keep them hidden inside, to show a strong side of me but I couldn't hold on. I let my tears flow.
One of the judges, a middle-aged woman from the Literature Bloodline said with a calm stern tone, "After discussing among ourselves, we have decided to allow you to be promoted into the Literature Bloodline."
She stood up, walking up the stage to hand me a small, golden token, "This token is the sign that the Literature Bloodline has chosen you to carry its legacy. Keep it well. The times are changing."
"Thank you!"
"No need to thank me. You have other matters to attend to, no?" She pointed to my friends who were watching from backstage.
I smiled, and said, "It seems like it."
…
At our after-party, Fu Liu dragged me to the center and told me to talk.
"Go on, you deserve this one, Elmer."
I chuckled, trying to come up with a speech, only to end up deciding to wing it, "I want to start by thanking everyone here. This journey has been fun and unforgettable. I know that I wouldn't have been able to get this far without the help of everyone so… Thank you all for supporting me!!!"
Fu Liu raised his glass of wine and shouted, "Cheers!"
Time quickly flew by and while talking with everyone, Cael whispered to me, "They're here?"
"Wait, really?!"
"Go meet them." He patted me on the back and pushed me to the door.
"I'll be back, everyone!"
I hurried, I was nervous yet the excitement within me never faded.
I stopped, taking deep breaths. I saw Michael wearing a formal suit, he really does look like an important figure.
He came over patting me on the back, "Go to her, don't mind me."
"But…"
"Hesitating now are we? Don't worry about me. She's waiting."
"Got it!"
I started walking, eventually meeting her–Charlotte. Her once short pink hair was now long, allowing it to flutter with the wind. She was dressed in a smooth, silky white dress, making her look like a fairy in my dreams. She was stunning, too beautiful!!!
I walked towards her, and said, "It's been a while hasn't it?"
"It really has been. How are things on your side?"
"They're fine, how about you?"
"Me? Michael and I are still–"
I cut her off, "No, I meant you–only you."
She turned to look at me with those pink eyes that glowed like the moon. A small smile formed on her lips as she said, "The moon is beautiful tonight."
"It really is."
I went down on one knee, took out a small black box, and opened it in front of her.
She opened her mouth wide in shock and waited for me.
I said with my heart beating like I'm at the end of it all, "Charlotte, I know that life has been tough and will continue to be tough but I am willing to shoulder it with you. I want to live the rest of my life with you. So…"
"Will you marry me?"
"Of course I will," Charlotte spoke softly. Those words felt like the most melodic song to me.
I stood back up, helping her put on the ring.
I hugged her, then… our lips touched, eventually becoming a passionate kiss. One that I would never forget. A memory that will be etched in my soul for all eternity.