The following morning, I arrived early, settling into the teacher’s office. The ‘Goddess’s Self-Cultivation’ class was scheduled for this morning, just as it had been yesterday.
I had made a conscious effort to leave early today, hoping to circumvent the previous day’s embarrassment. Consequently, the classroom was largely deserted when I arrived. After a moment’s consideration, I chose a back-row seat by the window, intent on making my presence as inconspicuous as possible.
As time slowly trickled by, the classroom gradually filled with students. Yet, a noticeable void remained beside me. It seemed my actions from yesterday had indeed made me an outcast.
A series of resonant chimes—’Dong—dong—dong!’—echoed through the air, announcing the official commencement of the morning’s lessons.
Leixar entered the classroom just as the final chime faded, almost as if she had timed her arrival perfectly. She casually tossed her book onto the desk before leaning against the lectern, her gaze sweeping over the students.
“Today, our official lessons commence,” she announced, her voice clear and commanding. “From this moment forward, each of you present will be my student. This course is slated to span approximately three years, and for its duration, you will fall under my direct supervision. I am your responsible mentor, a role I will uphold until every one of you graduates.”
As she spoke, a sequence of characters materialized on the blackboard.
“This is my terminal code,” Leixar continued, gesturing towards the board. “However, I advise against contacting me for trivial matters. I oversee numerous students beyond just this group, and my schedule is perpetually demanding. Therefore, reserve your inquiries for truly significant issues.”
A soft ‘click’ broke the silence. The previously closed door swung open, admitting a young woman with a striking cascade of light purple hair. Her eyes scanned the room, settling on the only vacant spot: the seat directly beside me.
She made her way over and settled down, the reason for her choice undoubtedly being the solitary empty chair in the entire classroom.
Leixar observed the new arrival with a flicker of interest, a subtle arch to her brow. After a brief pause for thought, she clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Now, since you are all destined to be classmates for at least the next three years, perhaps a round of introductions would be beneficial.”
“Let’s begin with our charming young student in the corner,” Leixar suggested, her finger pointing directly at me.
I instinctively glanced around, then, with a sigh of resignation, made my way to the front of the classroom.
Taking a deep breath, I began my introduction, a slight stutter in my voice. “Hello, everyone. My name is Ye Menghan. I am an Upper Illusion God, a Winged Deity, and I hold the divine title of Moe God. I am currently eighteen years old.”
A low murmur of conversation had filled the room initially, but the instant my introduction concluded, an abrupt silence descended upon the entire class.
‘How utterly mortifying,’ I thought, my mind racing. ‘What did I say that caused such a sudden hush? If this awkward silence persists, I might genuinely bolt from the room.’
After a tense moment, Leixar, ever the composed instructor, was the first to break the spell, alleviating my discomfort. “Everyone is merely a little taken aback by your age, that’s all. It’s truly nothing to worry about.” Though a hint of incredulity flickered in Leixar’s own eyes, she maintained an impassive expression.
‘Is there something unusual about my age?’ I pondered, a touch of confusion clouding my thoughts. ‘It feels perfectly normal to me.’ I offered a slight nod, then turned and descended from the platform.
The purple-haired girl, who had been sitting beside me as if I were invisible—my tentative deskmate, if you will—also turned her head, observing me for a considerable moment before finally facing forward again.
Leixar then cast her gaze towards the purple-haired young woman seated beside me. “Very well, then, it’s your turn, my purple-haired student. Please introduce yourself.”
The purple-haired woman’s brow furrowed deeply. She rose from her seat, her voice devoid of inflection. “Qianyue. God of War. Lower Wingless God Clan.” She made no move towards the podium, instead sitting back down immediately after her brief declaration.
A minor hush fell over the classroom once more. This student was clearly showing no deference to the teacher whatsoever. I watched Teacher Leixar with a burgeoning curiosity, eager to witness her response.
Leixar’s expression remained perfectly neutral as she merely nodded, uttering a concise, “Next.” Yet, it was undeniably evident that she harbored a profound curiosity regarding this young woman named Qianyue.
Following Qianyue’s unconventional introduction, no further ‘problem students’ emerged. The introductions continued in a smooth and orderly fashion.
Throughout the entire round of introductions, I remained acutely aware of the potent, oppressive force emanating from the girl beside me. It was an intensely cold sensation, a natural aura that felt almost palpable.
In essence, I spent the entire time on tenterhooks, my skin prickling with goosebumps. Yet, I was powerless to do anything, for the young woman before me was truly intimidating.
Her eyes, a vivid blood-red, were utterly unforgettable. Even a fleeting glance sent shivers down one’s spine. She stood at a height of approximately one-point-six meters, not overly tall, yet her presence was undeniably commanding, as if she were born inherently superior.
Even the standard school uniform seemed to transform, taking on an air of unexpected grandeur when worn by her.
With the introductions concluded, Leixar instructed us to spend some time getting acquainted with one another. Then, she singled me out, beckoning me closer.
A profound sense of relief washed over me as I walked towards her. Had I remained in my seat a moment longer, the oppressive atmosphere would have become unbearable.
Leixar regarded me thoughtfully for a considerable moment. “I have a task for you,” she finally said, “one that is worth fifty academic credits.”
I eyed her with extreme caution. There had to be a catch; the denizens of the God Realm were notoriously devious, each more cunning than the last, and such offers rarely came without ulterior motives.
Furthermore, academic credits were a valuable commodity, convertible into points during the final assessment—not something easily acquired. Such a substantial amount of credits undeniably signaled a hidden agenda.
Leixar clicked her tongue. “Complete the task, and you gain fifty credits. Refuse, and fifty credits will be deducted for insubordination. Consider your options carefully.”
This was blatant coercion, pure and simple. Yet, a truly capable individual understood the wisdom of adapting to circumstances. “Very well, then. Fifty credits it is. Tell me what this task entails.” I mentally braced myself, fully prepared for whatever heroic sacrifice might be demanded.