Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player



As they walked towards the library, Ashley felt a little embarrassed by all the attention they were receiving. She was not so used to it, because although some people always approached her, she tried to keep a more reserved and discreet posture on campus so as not to attract attention.

Klaus noticed her discomfort and tried to reassure her:

"Don't worry, Ashley. They're only looking because you're amazing."

Ashley smiled at Klaus, grateful for his kindness. Minutes later, they finally arrived at the grand NIST campus library, which was a majestic, modern place with bold, well-lit architecture. Already in the spacious main hall there were endless bookshelves and comfortable study areas that invited students to study in a quiet and sophisticated environment.

Since it was Sunday, the library seemed even quieter and more peaceful than on weekdays, but still there were a few dozen people scattered around, both on the first and second floors, where the computers were located.

And as soon as Klaus and Ashley set foot inside the library, they began to attract the attention of a few people, only in a much smaller quantity than when they were in the café.

At the reception desk, they showed their ID Cards and walked through the turnstiles. Then they began to walk down the corridors between the bookshelves, past the various study and reading areas, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly as they looked for an inconspicuous and quiet place for them to study without feeling watched.

The sun streamed in through the library's large glass windows and illuminated the study areas, creating a pleasant and quiet environment for reading. Several students were sitting at desks studying in silence while others walked the halls looking for books or lost in their thoughts, but no matter which of these types of people Klaus and Ashley passed by, the couple commanded attention.

Finally they found an empty table in a secluded corner.

Klaus opened his books and began to study, but couldn't help but look at Ashley from time to time. They sat down and began to study together, with the sound of pencils scratching on paper and the turning of the pages of the books being the only sounds to be heard other than the whispering and helping each other.

Ashley surprised Klaus, for she was even more diligent than he had imagined. She had no difficulty with the more specific subjects of some compulsory subjects, nor with their variants. She definitely had an education of the highest standard.

The atmosphere in the library was serene and quiet, and for a few minutes it seemed as if the whole world had stopped for Klaus, who sometimes couldn't help but look at Ashley, because she looked especially beautiful that day. She was completely focused on her studies, with a serious and determined expression on her face, which only enhanced her beauty. Klaus felt a twinge of admiration and inspiration at seeing her like this. He had always considered himself a student with an ease of learning, but Ashley seemed to be on a completely different level.

They studied together for a few minutes, helping each other with questions and discussing the main concepts of the subjects. Klaus was increasingly impressed with Ashley's intelligence and insight, and realized that there was much to learn from her.

Everything was going well, and Klaus was almost able to concentrate on a book when he noticed a group of students approaching the area of the library where they were. These four students were young, well-dressed boys with straight hair, and they were laughing loudly, making a lot of noise.

Klaus sighed, annoyed by the interruption, but tried to concentrate on his study. However, when the group of students spotted the couple, they were initially surprised like anyone else, but unlike people with common sense, they decided to approach them, laughing and making inaudible comments.

"Hey, are you two boyfriends!?" one of the students asked, laughing while they were still standing a bit apart.

Ashley and Klaus ignored the comments, pretending they didn't hear and continued studying, but that only irritated the group of students more. They sat down at a nearby table, and after a few minutes of whispering, they began to tease Ashley and Klaus, throwing balls of papers on their table.

"What are you guys doing here? This is our study place!" said one of the students with his damn perfect hair, mockingly.

Klaus became increasingly annoyed with the situation and Ashley remained calm, as much as she was also feeling annoyed, until so that Klaus didn't have to do anything, she stood up and asked politely:

"Could you guys please leave us alone? We are trying to study here."

Indeed, the boys paused for a few seconds, only to exchange a few more whispers. Soon after, they continued to tease, dragging the chairs and making noise with the books on their table.

As much as Klaus tried to dismiss this, he stood up. "Sorry for interrupting our studies, Ashley. Wait here for me for a moment." He said.

Normally, Ashley would try to ask Klaus not to do anything, but she didn't even have time for that.

Klaus approached the table of the four boys and with a serious tone stated:

"Stop it now. You are being childish and annoying."

The boys looked at him and then started laughing.

One of them, a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, sketched a wicked smile. "What are you going to do?" He asked.

At that moment, the one who gave a small smile was Klaus, who quickly moved his left hand, grabbed the head of this blond boy and pressed it against the table. Immediately the other boys were startled, their eyes widening.

…

Edited by: DrHitsuji

If you want to see original illustrations of Rise Online characters, consider helping me on pa treon: Pa treon.com/NandoFalske

More character images in:

https://discord.gg/bpqq9u4gS8

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