Chapter 191

Chapter 191: The Maiden in the Rain

The morning light filtered through the dormitory, casting a pale blue hue through the light blue curtains and onto the room. A figure on the upper bunk slowly opened her eyes. She glanced out the window at the brightness and estimated it was about the right time. Carefully, she got out of bed, trying not to disturb the others.

However, fate had other plans. In the middle of her descent, she accidentally stepped on something that sounded like a basin. The metallic clatter echoed in the bedroom.

“Ugh, what’s going on so early in the morning.”

“Kafra, why are you up so early? It’s annoying.”

“Isn’t she always chasing after some senior boy?”

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you all.”

The maiden kept apologizing to her roommates before finally getting dressed and leaving.

Outside, it was just starting to brighten, and the air was cold. Kafra tightened her sleeves and walked briskly with her arms crossed. She went to eat a quick breakfast before heading to class.

It had been almost two months since she arrived at Emanas as a freshman. Except for the first few days which were relatively relaxed, the rest of the time had been tough.

Due to her weak foundation, many courses were difficult for her. Her physical condition was average, and combat training was particularly challenging. Fortunately, the first-year combat classes hadn’t reached practical stages yet, so she hadn’t made a fool of herself.

Entering the classroom, the air warmed up, and she slowly lowered her arms. She looked around and found a secluded spot to sit down. She then took out her books and began studying and memorizing.

After reviewing, she previewed today’s new knowledge. As more students trickled in, she flipped open her notebook and wrote densely on the pages, presumably notes from previous lessons.

The classroom gradually filled with noise. Some snide remarks reached her ears.

“Look at Kafra pretending to study, how disgusting.”

“If she really worked hard, her grades wouldn’t be so bad. I bet she’s just faking it.”

“You don’t know? Don’t let her plain looks fool you, she’s quite the flirt.”

“Really?”

“Of course, not long after school started, I saw her with an upperclassman. Pity he didn’t like her.”

“I’ll tell you something even more disgusting.”

“What else?”

“Because we’re roommates, during our first dinner together, she told us how she got her recommendation letter. Quite impressive.”

“Most of us got selected from regional competitions, but she… well, in her hometown competition, she couldn’t compete, so she… Well, I’ll spare you the details.”

“Wow, could it be that easy?”

“Yes, don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Some scornful, disdainful, and contemptuous glances came from nearby. Kafra’s hand paused slightly but continued writing, albeit a bit crooked and uneven.

“Good morning everyone, let’s start today’s lesson,” the teacher said, tapping the crystal board, causing intricate magic patterns to appear.

“Today we’ll discuss the selection and inscription of extraordinary core sequences.”

After explaining the diagrams, the teacher extended his left hand, and a translucent giant sphere appeared above the classroom. It shimmered with magical energy, forming intricate patterns.

“This is the most basic original sequence core. Many wild demonic beasts evolve and advance based on this.”

The students watched in fascination, though a few remained puzzled. Kafra was one of them.

After class, she tried to ask the teacher, but the area around the podium was already crowded. She couldn’t squeeze through.

“This person is so rude, pushing in when there are so many people. Don’t you know manners?” a girl nearby complained.

“Sorry, sorry,” Kafra apologized and backed away.

She then tried asking other classmates, but most were busy. Even those she studied with often avoided her, citing excuses.

“This, sorry Kafra, I didn’t understand either,” said a bespectacled student before hurriedly leaving.

“She knows you? Don’t talk about it, I didn’t know either. Thought she was a good student, but…”

Whispers from afar made her lower her hand.

The once-ideal campus life wasn’t so ideal. Friendship among classmates was scarce; instead, there was misunderstanding and hurt.

After school, other students left one by one, but Kafra stayed behind in the classroom.

Unlike usual, she didn’t focus on writing or studying. Her cherished notebook was filled with scribbles, her eyes vacant. It took a while for her to snap back to reality.

Oh no, she looked at the darkening sky and rushed out towards the dining hall. She only managed to buy some cold food.

Back in the dormitory, laughter stopped when she entered. She carefully put things away, washed up, and read alone in the hall until late, relieved no one would mock her.

Days passed, fewer classmates spoke to her. Everywhere she went, whispers followed. A careless gesture or minor mistake could spark laughter.

She became tense, often insomniac, sometimes falling asleep in class, earning rebukes and ridicule.

Those faces seemed terrifying.

Another day after school, the classroom was empty. Only then did she feel a semblance of peace.

Rain fell softly, hitting the stone steps, creating ripples. A breeze brought mist, wetting her face. Kafra stood on the steps, hesitant.

As night fell, she had no choice but to brave the rain. Just as she prepared to dash out, footsteps approached from behind, and an umbrella appeared beside her. It was her classmate Bailywei.

“Thank you,” she felt a rare warmth.

“Sorry, I kept you waiting.”

A male student emerged from behind, and Bailywei walked off with him holding the umbrella.

Kafra felt her face burn. She clutched her books and dashed into the rain towards her dorm.

Regret, shame, bitterness, and loneliness swirled in her mind. She ran in the rain, letting water drench her face and hair. A little salty water slid into her mouth.

*Plop*

Her knee scraped against the ground, her body sprawling, hands covered in mud. Pain shot through her knee.

She curled up on the ground, water seeping into her clothes, spreading a dirty, cold feeling. Night fully descended. After searching for a while, she found her soaked books and notes.

Kafra sat in the rain, wanting to scream or vent. Rain poured down her throat, making her cough uncontrollably. Her chest heaved, face flushed, eyes blinded by rain. Coughing subsided into sobs, fingers tracing the wet stone heedlessly, seemingly numb.

“Hello. Aren’t you worried about catching a cold here?” a soft voice came from across.

Kafra struggled to open her eyes, looking up at a pair of gentle eyes, soothing her heart.

*Thank you, Nine Eight Big Card, strongest bionic human, panda slicing watermelon, book friend 20201113120121051, Ice Dream at Night.*

*(End of Chapter)*