Thora didn't understand what Adrian meant; her brow creased in confusion. She could clearly sense that a force had just tried to invade her mind. What kind of ability did this man possess? "The author of this book is quite a remarkable person." Adrian suddenly spoke up on his own. Thora had first noticed this book precisely because of its author, Samuel. She didn't interrupt, planning to hear Adrian's perspective on Samuel. "Samuel is known across academic circles as Professor Blake. This book is his work. Since its publication, it has greatly advanced existing military technology and combat theory. However, while some parts have inspired the present era, most of its seemingly logical and futuristic knowledge systems and theories have proven difficult to implement. Some even exceed the computational capabilities of current scientific experts." Adrian's tone was cold and detached. He wasn't looking at Thora, speaking more like a senior imparting knowledge to a junior. Thora leaned back slightly in her chair and listened carefully before responding. "But those theories aren't impossible to achieve. They're just limited by current scientific levels. At Blue Star's current rate of research progress, we'll enter a true era of universal artificial intelligence within a hundred years." She came from a technologically advanced apocalyptic world and had a precise understanding of Blue Star's development trajectory. Her words made Adrian's brow shift. "Within a hundred years?" Thora's lips curved faintly. "More or less." Adrian looked at her again. Thora's eyes were bright and intense. His usually taut, sharp features seemed to soften just a fraction. "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the modern warfare models that Professor Blake proposed."If Tobias, Roxen, or any of the others had been present, their jaws would have hit the floor. They never would have imagined that someone like Adrian would actively seek the opinion of a freshman who had just enrolled, let alone treat her as nearly an equal. ... Thora met Adrian's gaze and began to speak. Her voice was calm, yet in this quiet space occupied only by the two of them, every word rang crystal clear. Adrian's expression gradually shifted from indifference to genuine interest, growing more attentive by the moment. After Thora finished, Adrian would share his own insights. The two conversed smoothly, as if they had known each other for years. When Adrian offered a unique perspective, Thora's expression shifted, a rare spark lighting up her eyes as her enthusiasm for the discussion deepened. At times they clashed over opposing viewpoints, each defending their stance. At other times, they gained valuable insight from each other's perspectives—like true peers and mentors. Even when their ideas conflicted, the process of trying to convince one another left Thora feeling deeply satisfied. Likewise, Thora's examples drawn from real combat experience brought a faint gleam to Adrian's usually impassive eyes. If Thora's military talent stemmed from natural instinct and years of frontline experience, then Adrian was a pure military genius. The more she spoke with him, the more she gained—she could tell Adrian lacked hands-on combat experience, yet every analysis he made aligned perfectly with the conclusions she had drawn through actual battle. That was what truly astonished her and earned him a new level of respect. ..."By seniority, you should call me your senior." Adrian said flatly at the end. Thora had always respected proper etiquette. She responded immediately. "Mr. Adrian." Adrian's lips moved almost imperceptibly. "I wouldn't mind if you call me by my name." Thora frowned slightly, then complied. "Adrian." She had long known who Adrian was—on the academy's internal network, his photo sat at the very top of the overall rankings, unmistakable. Adrian said nothing more. During their conversation, someone had brought over a glass of water. Just like Thora, his favorite drink was plain water. He lifted the glass and took a sip, signaling the end of their discussion. Thora looked out the window and realized the sky had already darkened.Perhaps because they had been discussing topics that fascinated her, she had completely lost track of time—and Adrian had stayed with her the entire time. She turned to look at him and noticed he had picked up his book again, though the pages were still open to the same spot as yesterday. Strange. Had he been reading through the same section over and over? Thora stood and returned her book to the shelf. When she came back, she said softly, "Thank you." Regardless of anything else, she was grateful that Adrian had spent so long talking with her. The conversation had been genuinely enjoyable. Adrian's lips curved in a rare hint of a smile. "The academy-wide comprehensive ranking assessment is in two weeks. You might want to consider changing your uniform." Thora's eyebrow twitched. She replied evenly, "I'll catch up to you. And then surpass you."The dark blue military uniform symbolized the elite of Blue Star Military Academy. Adrian didn't respond. His face, half-shadowed, revealed nothing of what he was thinking. Thora turned and left. Her military boots tapped against the silent floor in a soft, rhythmic cadence. ... On the other side of the bookshelves, a pair of ears twitched slightly. Blue cat-like eyes flickered with a faint gleam in the dim corner. Lance leaned against the bookshelf, one knee bent, holding an open book in his hands—the exact same one Thora and Adrian had been reading. Each floor of the library was vast, filled with towering shelves. His position was extremely well-hidden. Unless someone was specifically searching, no one would ever know someone was tucked away here. Lance's lips formed a slight smile.He hadn't seen Thora all day and had wondered if she had run into danger. Now it seemed he had been worrying for nothing. When had he started meddling in other people's business like this? He chuckled silently to himself. His gaze lingered on the name "Samuel" printed on the book's cover for a moment longer before he casually set the book aside in the corner and walked out through another exit. ... Adrian glanced toward the other side of the bookshelves. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and looked down at the pages in front of him, then closed the book. In that instant, the words on the page seemed to race through his eyes at blinding speed, every piece of content rehearsed and absorbed in his mind countless times over.