1.1 – Prologue

A slender hand turned the page of a book in one of the aisles of the Suecca University Grand Library. It was the greatest library in the city. As such, it was frequented by a plethora of people. Standing, with a book in hand and an engrossed expression, a young woman looking to be 19 or 20 years old was lost in her world.

There was a young and slender man wearing glasses who had been trying to attract her attention for a moment now. He looked awkward as if he didn't know what to do. After all, he had already tried to call her for 5 minutes now. Hadn't he been an introvert and hadn't the woman in front of him been so beautiful, he would already be throwing a fit.

She had beautiful chin-length golden locks, a beautiful and delicate face, wonderful bodily proportions, and was standing tall at 177cm. Her appearance coupled with the calm aura that surrounded her, left him distracted.

He once again coughed, trying one last time to get her attention before invading her personal space. The girl flipped the last page of the book feeling satisfied. Having rejoined reality, she was startled to find a young man next to her. She quickly put the book back in place before turning toward the young man.

"Yes? Can I help you?" She asked confused.

"C-could you move slightly please; I was trying to reach this book." He pointed toward a book situated left above her head.

"…" A blush now colored her cheeks making the young man dazed.

"Sorry, when I read, I have the bad habit of tuning out the world making it difficult for people to interact with me. I am truly sorry for the inconvenience." She said embarrassed.

"N-No no, it's cool, I understand the feeling." He didn't. But when a woman looking like that asked for your forgiveness it was impossible to be stubborn and resentful.

"I am Leyla Regal; I am a 5th-year psychology major, student." She seemed to remember her manners and introduced herself.

"Ah… nice to meet you. I am Cole Argent, a T.A from the biology department." He reached with his hand grabbing her outstretched one in a light handshake.

Leyla slightly moved aside, allowing Cole to grab his book. It was a general biology book. Her gaze swept past the cover; she had already read it. Like all the knowledge she learned, it was still crystal clear in her mind.

One would wonder, did this woman like learning that much? Well, it was in part the case. Having been raised by strict parents and having grown with two geniuses for older siblings, Leyla Regal couldn't be anything, but academically inclined.

Her parents who were both surgeons raised her with the belief that academic excellence was everything. Her twin older brothers were geniuses possessing superior IQs. More than that they had a spark of brilliance that couldn't be measured or copied. One could only imagine what growing in such an environment did for her self-esteem.

Moreover, she was not as intellectually gifted as her brothers. Of course, her intelligence was above average given her genetic, at least when compared to normal folks. But for the Regal House, it was nothing outstanding. Growing up with such parents was incredibly stressful and filled her with anxiety and depression. With the immense pressure on her, she naturally didn't have the time to socialize like other girls her age.

The second reason came about at 15 when she awakened a special ability/talent. She was able to learn new things at an accelerated pace. In addition, with each new piece of knowledge acquired she could feel her mind growing.

Of course, most people grew keener as they lived, experienced, and learned new things. But for her, it was more than that. It was an obvious and instant leap each time she absorbed a new piece of knowledge.

If one were to make a game analogy, she was like a player who could gain +1 to her wisdom or intelligence stat simply by opening a book or learning a piece of knowledge.

Since that moment, she passed most of her time either in libraries reading or on the web scouring for any piece of true knowledge she could find. As such, she became somewhat of a nerd and a bookworm.

Thanks to this talent, Leyla started to shine no longer obscured by the large shadows of her brothers. She even received her parents' approval for the first time when she was admitted to one of the top universities of the States Union at only 16 years old. And currently, at 20 she was already a 5th-year student, always topping her major in terms of grades.

Leyla didn't relent after all those accomplishments. At this point more than recognition, she just felt the urge to continue absorbing knowledge. It was a visceral need, a hunger. That's why she had been 'devouring' books single-mindedly since the morning until she met Cole.

As expected of the Grand Library, the wealth of knowledge is impressive. I just started coming here 6 months ago, but my mind improved so much. Although the web also holds an immense amount of knowledge, it equally holds an immense amount of false content. Because of this, it is an inefficient tool to grow my mental faculties. Thankfully, a place like this exists.

Leyla thought full of marvel and satisfaction.

Still, I should get back home. I haven't eaten anything today.

"Once again, I am sorry, I will let you read in peace." She reiterated her excuses and tried to leave.

The young man hesitated briefly before he reached for her departing figure

"Wait!" He softly grabbed her arm. She looked at him, a question in her eyes.

"Oh… sorry," He let her go of her before saying "I was wondering if I could have your ID. I would like to get to know you and maybe more." He seemed embarrassed and shy.

Leyla tilted her head sideways and looked at him curiously which made him blush. She then smiled and answered. "Ok." She gave it to him before leaving.

He was stunned for a moment before remembering to save the ID. He looked at her receding figure and shook his head still dazed. He was not that proactive usually, but that girl made him act out of character. Still thinking about the encounter, he took the book and sat at one of the tables.

Leyla exited the library still feeling residual embarrassment.

I should pay more attention to my surroundings. Reading is not an excuse.

She berated herself mentally. That boy was nice enough. She wasn't oblivious; she knew that he was interested in her. Although she had zero experiences with dates, she concluded that Cole was a decent enough and harmless guy. So she gave him her ID.

It wasn't just a feeling, instead, it was based on how he didn't blow his casquet despite her incredibly rude attitude, instead, he calmly stated what he wanted without mentioning the amount of time he had been waiting for. She had also been studying his facial expressions down to the twitching of his eyes and gained a certain understanding of his personality.

He was most likely a shy introvert who most likely didn't have a long history of dating. Given his awkwardness, she believed he wouldn't have had more than one girlfriend. And it should not have been a lasting relationship. Most likely, not a deep one either.

In the past, she wouldn't have been able to calmly read another person's intentions and thoughts like this, too introverted herself and lacking in self-esteem. Since her 'awakening', she had always been able to use the knowledge or information she gained in the most appropriate ways. It made her seem like a self-reflective, calm, and wise person.

Because of this talent, many problems of anxiety, stress, and depression that had come about due to the inhumanly high standards her family had, were resolved. She also treated herself patiently using what she learned in psychology books and classes. Although she was still slightly withdrawn and introverted, she was confident now, in control.

Her parents were much less involved in her school life. After all, she had proved to them that she was not a failure. Even her relationship with her brothers got better because she got rid of her inferiority complex.

Walking on campus, the sun rays fell softly on her hair seeming like a halo, with the falling leaves and the boisterous students sitting on benches or grass, Leyla forgot about the previous embarrassment distracted by the beautiful collegial picture.

I don't have any class this afternoon, I should go back home. She thought to herself.

Leyla didn't have any friends, so naturally, she didn't have plans after class. In middle school and high school, she was too preoccupied with her grades to care about appearance, social life, and friendship. When she became a university student, she started caring more about her appearance, but it was for a practical reason, most college assignments were group projects. Convincing and working with others was much easier when you were pleasing to the eyes.

And now, she was already her 5th year with no boyfriend, no friend, and no social life to speak of. Realistically, she considered herself a beautiful girl, after all her parents were both very aesthetically pleasing individuals. The reason she didn't go out with other people had more to do with her issues, not her looks. A few months ago, she finally decided to open herself to new relationships.

Still, as she was unpracticed in the arts of courtship, and had the reputation of a top student, not many guys approached her. That is until Cole, who surprisingly didn't know her at all before today. Leyla wasn't bragging but she was sure that most students and professors had heard of her at one point. She had brought fame to the school and most likely to her parents as well when she co-authored a brilliant paper on psychology with one of her professors. One hailed as revolutionary in mental health studies.

She was so focused on her thoughts that she didn't notice when she reached the parking lot. Not until the honk of a car startled her out of her reverie, did she realize she had reached her destination.

Leyla moved sideways and allowed the car to pass. She went toward her car and sat in the driver's seat. Her car was a dark red 4x4, slightly luxurious for one her age. Her parents had gifted it to her when she was admitted to this university.

She quickly started the car before driving out of the college, she was soon in the busy streets of Suecca City. Well, they would be busy if it was not 2 p.m. As she was driving, her assistant started ringing. She removed the glass-like rectangular object out of her pocket and spoke "Accept the call. Connect to the car and put on the loudspeaker."

"Hey, sis!" The excited voice of her second big brother was heard in the car.

"Hey. How are you? To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?" she answered sarcastically. Her brothers rarely took the time to call unless they were in some kind of trouble or needed help with annoying stuff.

"Come on, Leyla. How cold of you to suspect your brother just because of a call." He answered playfully.

"Not to me." She said impassively.

"Ok fine, could you please come to our office, we have a favor to ask. You aren't busy, are you?"

"You're in luck, I've just left the university. I'll be there."

"Sweet, see you soon." He hung up.

Sigh

What could those rogues want from me?

Her finger tapped on the wheel while she was thinking. After a while she shrugged, I will see when I get there.

Leyla stepped on the accelerator and adroitly went past numerous cars. At this pace, she expected to reach her destination soon enough. She wondered what those devilish brothers wanted from her this time. Hopefully, she would not land in an embarrassing situation because of it.