Skirk, Skirk

Time quickly passed to August 24th, the day that marked the start of military training.

After everyone had gathered, Changli led them to the playground, except for one or two who were experiencing some issues.

On his way there, he saw Xigelika and Danya, but they were both senior students a year ahead of him, so they weren't there for military training; they were probably just there to help out.

As for Calcharo and Lingyang, Wuling didn't see them; they probably haven't arrived yet.

Unfortunately, since the two departments share one playground, while Star Torch Academy has two playgrounds, he probably won't be able to see Aimisi.

To his surprise, he also saw Phrolova.

Wuling still doesn't know which department she's in; she hadn't asked before.

He first met Phrolova in the Torchlight Energy Faculty, but she later joined the Star Society in the Labelle Department.

Logically speaking, given the distance between the two departments, she shouldn't have traveled all this way to join a club, especially since she doesn't seem to know anyone there.

Judging from the current situation, she should now be in the Labelle Department or the Voidmatter Science Department.

Since there was nothing else to do, Phrolova's class happened to be standing right next to his own, Wuling decided to go over and ask them.

Next to him, Phrolova, who was holding his shoulder with one hand, suddenly felt someone tap his shoulder.

"Um?"

Phrolova turned her head in confusion, and her pupils contracted slightly when she saw the person who patted her shoulder.

Because Phrolova's class arrived earlier than Wuling's class, she didn't notice that Wuling was standing not far away from her.

Just as Wuling was about to greet them, a very crucial question suddenly occurred to him.

Phrolova, she probably won't call him by that embarrassing nickname...

Probably not. There are so many people here. If his damn code name were shouted out in public, his school life would be ruined.

"Ah, it's you."

Fortunately, Phrolova seems to understand the situation well; at least he didn't shout things in public.

But looking at Phrolova, who was standing in front of him with one arm crossed, Wuling couldn't see any resemblance to the one he had met last time.

It felt quite similar to the first time; there was a sense of melancholy mixed with a faint widow-like air.

Wuling didn't know why she could sense the aura of a widow, especially from a girl around 18 years old, but that's just how she felt.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Phrolova looked at Wu Wuling, whose hand was still frozen in mid-air, and tilted his head slightly.

She had subconsciously wanted to call out that name, but considering that it didn't fit her current persona, she forced herself to hold it back.

"Ah, it's nothing. I was just curious, which department are you in? Why was the first time I saw you in the Torchlight Energy Faculty?"

Faced with Wuling's question, Phrolova lowered her long eyelashes, and the hand gripping her arm tightened its hold.

She still gently wrapped one arm around her shoulder, a perfectly normal posture, yet it seemed to carry an innate sense of melancholy, making her stand out conspicuously from the noisy and chaotic military training group.

"I am a student in the Voidmatter Science Department."

"I was only at the Torchlight Energy Faculty to pick something up; I'm not from the main campus. Is there a problem?"

Soga.

Wuling shook his head.

"No, I was just curious and asked casually."

"I see..."

Phrolova nodded, resting a hand on his chin, seemingly deep in thought.

"By the way, you've come at the perfect time. Do you have time after school this afternoon?"

During their first meeting, Phrolova recalled Wuling's evaluation of him, or rather, of his music.

So if he has time after school this afternoon, Phrolova wants to invite him to listen to his performance.

"Although I really want to answer yes, I'm sorry, I have to work a part-time job after school this afternoon."

After finishing his Wuling, Wu Ling quickly added something else.

"Of course, if you really have something to do, I don't work on Saturdays. If you have the time, I'm available then."

"You... also have a part-time job?"

Phrolova found it somewhat unbelievable, and looking at Wuling, he didn't seem like the type of person who needed a part-time job at all.

Wuling gave a wry smile and spread his hands.

"There's no other way. All my relatives are dead, except for my younger sister. I still have to earn money to support her. Although I have a considerable inheritance, I still have to think about the future."

Phrolova:...

Damn it, I deserve to die.

What kind of pain is it to lose a loved one? Phrolova doesn't really know, since all her relatives are alive and well now.

However, it's not that she knew nothing about it. An old man in the village who had been quite kind to her died a few years ago, and she cried her eyes out at the time.

Phrolova couldn't imagine how she would feel if her own loved one really passed away, since someone who wasn't related to her by blood could cause her so much grief.

Pain, grief, or breakdown?

But all of these things actually happened to the person in front of you, yet you can't tell from their appearance at all.

Even with such difficulties, you still persevered. You truly deserve the title of Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King. I, Phrolova, acknowledge you.

"I'm sorry, I... didn't know about this."

Phrolova seemed flustered, abandoning all pretense of maintaining a persona, and kept her head down so that her expression was obscured.

"It's okay, it's okay. That's why your first reaction when you found out about these things was to apologize. The fact that I'm willing to tell you about this means I've moved on, so why should I apologize?"

If I were still feeling guilty, I wouldn't have told you. Now that I'm fine, there's no problem.

"Everyone apologizes habitually; it's all subconscious guilt and heartache, I understand. But I really don't need anyone's apologies or sympathy. My sister and I are doing well now, and life is slowly getting better. That's enough."

Phrolova remained silent for a long time before slowly raising his head. The panic in his eyes faded, replaced by a sincere respect.

"I see."

She nodded gently, taking these words to heart.

"Then let's do it on Saturday afternoon. I'll tell you the exact time later. There's no one in the auditorium. I'd like to invite you to my performance."

She had never forgotten her purpose.

Seeing this, Wuling smiled and agreed, "No problem, I'll be there whenever you call."

Phrolova: "By the way, what's the name of the shop you work part-time at? Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious."

"I know, it's called Bozai Coffee, it's on the commercial street near the school gate. If you have time to come, I'd love to welcome you."

Just as the two finished speaking, a powerful shout came from not far away, penetrating and drowning out the noise of the entire venue.

"Quiet down! All classes, line up immediately!"