Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 244

Chapter 244 A Promise to Her Mentor 

Ava looked at the two of them and thought to herself, Theodore Jones–my mentor. 

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If she failed Theodore’s class, how could she ever call him her mentor again? Even if it meant pushing herself to the brink, staying up all night, or drilling herself until she could barely move, she wouldn’t dare fail him. 

“I won’t fail,” Ava said firmly. 

Zoey parted her lips. “You’re that confident?” 

“I could fail anyone else’s class, but never his.” 

Failing his course would be like a student slapping her own teacher in the face–completely out of line. 

Noelle patted Ava on the shoulder. “Then good luck. I’ll work hard too.” 

The three of them were in different classes and lived in different directions. After a few more words, they split up and headed back to their own dorms. 

Ava returned to The Heron’s Rest at the Orchid Court. Just as she was about to arrive, she ran into someone familiar. 

Tylissa saw her as well. She said nothing and walked straight past her, heading toward another building beside The Heron’s Rest. Ava paused and glanced over. 

The The sign in front of that building read: Verity House. 

Ava looked away. It seemed Tylissa intended to keep her distance. That was for the best–Ava had no desire to be entangled with her either. 

She started up the stairs. Someone happened to be coming down, so she stepped aside. 

“Ava, you’re back from training?” Queenie smiled when she saw her. 

“Yes, Queenie. Our military training just ended,” Ava said quickly. 

Queenie stopped two steps above her and looked her up and down. “So? How was training?” 

“Thanks to you, it was pretty good. And Queenie, if you hadn’t told me that being named a model cadet earned academic credit, I wouldn’t have worked so hard. I was selected as a model cadet three times and even named an outstanding trainee. I received an official commendation. I really have you to thank for that reminder.” 

Seeing the bright smile on Ava’s face, Queenie shook her head. “That’s because you’re capable, not because of me. Even if I hadn’t mentioned it, you would’ve found out once you got there. Since you’re back, go rest early. We’ll talk another time.” 

Ava smiled and watched Queenie walk past her. 

She continued upstairs. Just then, a video call came through on her Holoband. 

18:39 Sat, Jan 24 MG. 

Chapter 244 A Promise to Her Mentor 

Ava glanced at it. It was Laurent. She accepted the call while walking. 

“Have you reached campus?” he asked. 

“Yes. I’m about to reach my room,” she replied, quickening her pace. “What are you doing?” 

She looked at him more closely and saw that he was fully dressed, ready to go. 

“Heading out on a mission?” Ava raised an eyebrow. 

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The corner of Laurent’s mouth lifted slightly. “I am. I’m about to leave the Capitol Planet. For quite a while, you might not be able to reach me. Don’t worry. I’ll contact you again.” 

Ava opened the door to her room and closed it behind her. 

Looking at his eyes on the screen, she said softly, “Then I wish you a smooth mission and a safe return.” 

Laurent watched her for a moment before saying, “Okay.” 

“Major Caswell, it’s time to go,” someone called from his side. 

Ava heard the voice clearly. 

“Be careful,” she reminded him. 

Laurent lightly tapped her face on the screen with his finger. “I will. Goodbye.” 

Ava waved at him and watched his image fade from the Holoband display. 

She unpacked and reorganized her luggage, changed into comfortable clothes, and placed the medal she had received into a drawer. 

After setting the housekeeping robot to clean the room, Ava sat cross–legged on the couch. She opened the messages she hadn’t had time to deal with and scrolled through them one by one. Just as she expected, most of them were from Ryan. 

She began replying to each person in turn. 

Before she finished, a video call from Ethan came in. 

“Ava…” he said. 

Ava glanced at the background behind him. “Are you busy?” 

From the setting, it looked like an office or a reception room. 

“Nope,” Ethan replied. “I was in a meeting just now, but it’s over. Are you back at school?” 

She nodded quickly. “Yes, but I just got back.” 

Ethan smiled. “You look energetic. Seems like that month of training treated you well.” 

“It really did. Even the last few days of survival training in the field–aside from some inconvenience–were a good experience. And I met several interesting girls during training too.” 

18:39 Sat, Jan 24 M G. 

Chapter 244 A Promise to Her Mentor 

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Ethan looked at her, full of vitality. Compared to a month ago, she seemed much livelier. He was about to say something when he caught sight of someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. 

“You’ve been tired these days too. Get some rest carly tonight,” he said instead. “I still have something to take care of, so I’ll hang up now.” 

Ava lifted her hand. “Bye.” 

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