The professor ended the lecture on the dot and bid his students farewell. Hazel thought she was off to a good start since she got motivated by pressure. It quickly faded when she realized that the teaching quality of the school is not really calibrated. The English professor was below par, nothing compared even with the speaking skills of Mr. Nagasaki, their Politics professor. She got disappointed. The other classes were average at best. The university provides textbooks but Hazel was not satisfied. She realized that she needs supplemental reading for her to learn new knowledge. Unfortunately, it’s what she has been doing for the past years. She’s just reading in her free time so that she can learn new things since the curriculum at her previous school is too basic for her. This is way beyond being a bookworm, it’s already an addiction for her.

She’s wandering on the school grounds when all her classes were finished. She’s holding textbooks and she’s thinking of buying other books at a nearby bookstore but she remembered visiting the school library. It might help her forget the disappointment she’s feeling.

She went behind the West Wing since it is where the library is located. It is a detached two-story building but it still sports the European look. There are Greek columns and a fancy gold laurel wreath above the double front entry doors. Hazel went inside and slowly looked around. She was astonished. There are a lot of books! She can see wall-to-wall bookcases aside from the stand-alone bookshelves. The second floor can also be seen with books since the layout of the building is open. There are stairs going to the second floor at each end. It’s like entering an old library that is made out of wooden antique furniture. There are ten sets of tables and chairs at the center and she can see the table for the librarian. She was about to look at the books closer when she saw a sign that says: “We want you to be part of our Book Club”

She slowly approached the kiosk but she cannot see anyone there. She was about to get a handwritten note when she was startled.

“I’m sorry I did not mean to surprise you!” She bowed her head while she’s holding a cup of coffee in both hands.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry as well for barging in here.”

“This is a public place so there’s no such thing as barging in,” she smiled and bowed again. “Are you interested to join our club?”

“Why, yes. Where are the other members by the way?”

“Where are my manners?” She placed her coffee at the nearby table and fixed her skirt. “I am Aoi Sato. I am the president of the Book Club and also the student librarian. Nice to meet you.”

Hazel also bowed and introduced herself, “I am Hazel Yin, a freshman taking Law and Political Science. Nice to meet you, too!”

Aoi looked at her face closely, “What face products do you use? You look very young- almost like a child?”

Hazel blushed and looked away, “I am 15.”

Aoi was shocked then started to laugh, “No wonder you wanted to join my club! You’re a genius! Welcome!”

“Thank you but – where are the other members?”

“He will drop by later.”

‘He?’ Hazel thought to himself. Aoi noticed that she was puzzled so she clarified things for her. “You’re the third member of my club. I just established this club last week during the enrolment. I filed proper documents for my club to be officially recognized by the school.”

“Wow, you must really have passion for reading and making sure students make it a habit too. I admire you.”

Aoi looked at Hazel and she can sense that she’s serious. She burst out laughing.

“No, silly! I just want to organize events for my club to receive funding. Having a book club is so damn easy to handle.”

Hazel was stunned and a bit upset with what she heard. Aoi felt it so she reassured her subordinate, “Don’t worry, you have full access to the library- even to the second floor. I will even let you see books and documents that are not for the public. You want that do you?”

Hazel let out a pout. She cannot resist that offer. Aoi handed her a form and she filled it out. It’s almost 6 p.m. and they were still chatting while checking some books until they heard students chanting. Soft at first until it got louder and louder. There’s even cheering from girls. Hazel looked outside, Aoi just scoffed.

“It’s those Lambda morons again.”

**

“WE ARE THE PSL!” yelled Akira.

Pi Sigma Lambda! The crowd cheered. There are gold and purple confetti being tossed around by the neophytes- some who are stationed at the rooftop and some flinging it around the crowd.

The other neophytes are carrying Akira and Ash through a makeshift throne designed with gaudy stones and metals. Ash was quietly sitting while held out in the air like Simba and he’s laughing inside looking at Akira wearing a cape and a crown. He thought the props were too much. He did not realize that there will be a parade. Now that’s too much. Ash also felt bad about the neophytes. They’re like carrying kami (deity) shrine on a festival and that thing’s heavy. He wanted to jump and go home but he couldn’t. This procession must be finished. He cannot back out now.

“The higher council has spoken. Here you witness Ash Yang, the next Grand Knight of Pi Sigma Lambda!” Akira roared. Ash was surprised by the loudness of his friend’s voice.

“But first,” Akira continued,” He must experience the same hardships that we went through, brothers.”

Akira was still standing while being held by the neophytes. Ash was then lowered slowly and asked to step at the center of the crowd. Someone fit a headgear to him. He was puzzled and then Akira shouted,

“Let the purging of the dark soul begin!”

Ash felt something being thrown at him. Not just one, not two… oh no, it just keeps on coming.

“AHHHHH!”

Ash looked at the crowd and they’re throwing eggs at him. It hurts so bad but he needed to endure it. He’s trying to cover his groin. He’s doing his best to protect his jewels. What seemed like forever lasted for a minute when the egg throwers used up all their egg ammo. Ash doesn’t want to remove his headgear yet, let alone his hands on his groin area. Someone might be hiding one egg and will try to aim at his asset. He will not risk that.

“Ash Yang, be cleansed!”

Ash can feel people approaching him. He’s getting ready for the worst. Suddenly, bursts of water were aimed at him. The water was cold but he’s thankful since he wanted to get rid of the eggs of his body.

Once done, Akira went and removed the headgear on Ash. He then placed a pin on his shirt.

“Pi Sigma Lambda!”

There was cheering. Ash can hear people talking about him. He’s totally confused with the whole ceremony. Was it for real?