Class Suspension and a Familiar Face

Volume Two

Chapter 36: Class Suspension

Mu En walked along the familiar sycamore path, all the way back to his dormitory.

In just a few days, the dormitory building, which had been destroyed in the previous great battle, had been restored to its original state.

Not only were there no traces of the fighting, but new patterns had even been affixed to the building’s tiles.

It was a small pink pig, quite adorable.

Marveling at the boundless capabilities of magic, Mu En stepped into the dormitory building.

The dorm supervisor, an auntie, sat in her usual small room by the entrance, filing her nails.

Spotting Mu En, she called out to him.

“Hey, hey, you, young Mu En.”

“Hm?”

Mu En turned, offering his usual sunny smile. “Is something the matter, teacher?”

“Your dorm key.”

The dorm supervisor’s cheeks flushed slightly as she handed Mu En a key.

“Your dorm was destroyed earlier. The door and everything else were replaced with new ones, so the key is new too.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Mu En offered his thanks, only to see the dorm supervisor’s face redden further. After a brief pause, she suddenly turned her head and shyly told Mu En, “Young Mu En, you were… so handsome back then!”

‘How absurd,’ Mu En thought, speechless.

It was truly unbelievable.

He had put on a show of heroism, yet failed to charm any cute young girls. Instead, he had attracted a horde of aunties and gay men.

‘Had I, unknowingly, misallocated my charm points?’

Mu En shook his head helplessly, ignoring the middle-aged auntie’s blushing face, and quickly ascended the stairs.

The dorm room, which had been ruined by that group of burly men, had been fully restored.

Even his daily necessities had been placed back in their original positions.

For a nobleman with a good family background like Mu En, valuable items were typically kept in his personal storage artifacts.

Thus, he had no fear of encountering the kind of awkward situation, like the one with Rayne, when repair personnel handled his belongings.

After a quick scan confirmed no issues, Mu En entered the bathroom and took a shower, washing away the medicinal scent he had carried from the infirmary.

Refreshed, he then immersed himself in his studies.

Now that his senior had guided him, Mu En could conduct a certain degree of review and preview even without a teacher.

After all, Teacher Mera’s requirements weren’t just about catching up; he also needed to pass.

The Fundamentals of Magic Theory exam, scheduled for a month later, would undoubtedly consist mostly of second-year content.

However, after his senior’s explanations, Mu En clearly understood that Fundamentals of Magic Theory was indeed a profoundly progressive subject.

If he didn’t thoroughly grasp the earlier knowledge points, he would be completely lost later on.

Therefore, Mu En’s most crucial task now was to quickly master all the first-year content.

During this period, all other forms of study could be paused, including the nightly battles within the black book.

For this entire month, everything had to make way for this single subject.

****

The next day.

Without allowing Mu En much time to rest, the academy’s classes had already begun.

The first class was the combat skills lesson, which Mu En was familiar with.

However, before the combat skills class began, Mu En sought out Teacher Cade.

“You want to apply for a temporary class suspension?”

Teacher Cade looked at Mu En, a hint of surprise in his voice.

As a magic academy, St. Maria Academy’s curriculum naturally included more than just dry theoretical lessons and rigid lectures.

There were also many outdoor practical lessons and club research activities.

Since these courses often lasted for extended periods and were highly likely to clash with regular classes, a class suspension system had evolved.

Students could apply to the responsible teacher for a suspension. As long as the reason was valid and the teacher agreed, they could temporarily skip the course without losing credits.

Of course, they still had to take the exams.

However, practical lessons and research activities were generally conducted by upper-year students.

Thus, Teacher Cade rarely encountered a second-year student applying for a class suspension.

Especially since the applicant was Mu En, who previously hadn’t even attended classes properly.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the motive was somewhat impure.

‘Could this kid be planning to skip class to go chase girls?’

At this thought, Teacher Cade, who was still single, instantly narrowed his eyes. “So, what’s your reason?”

“Uh, well…”

Mu En scratched his head, forcing a laugh. “Teacher Cade knows I only scored three points on my Fundamentals of Magic Theory exam last semester, right?”

“I know. It’s become a legend among the teachers, alongside your other feat of learning the Illumination Spell in one year. They’re known as the two great impossibilities of the education world.”

‘The two great impossibilities? What the hell? Can this even become an academy ghost story?’ Mu En inwardly griped, then continued, “…So, I want to temporarily focus my energy on studying Fundamentals of Magic Theory. I want to catch up on that course first.”

“Which means…”

Teacher Cade’s gaze sharpened, and he said sternly, “You’re going to abandon the path of a martial artist for magic?”

“Huh? No, I’m just…”

“Absolutely not, Mu En Campbell!”

Before Mu En could explain, Teacher Cade slapped him on the shoulder, his eyes wide, and declared in a booming voice, “I’ve seen too many people like you. They suffer a little hardship in martial arts and then run off to learn magic, which supposedly requires less sweat.

In the end, they learn neither magic nor martial arts, becoming useless failures. They can do nothing but go home and inherit their family fortune. Mu En Campbell, do you want to become such a person?”

“No, no, no, I haven’t given up on martial arts. It’s just that for some reason, I absolutely must catch up on Fundamentals of Magic Theory first.”

Mu En rubbed his aching shoulder, forcing a bitter smile. “Besides, Teacher Cade, you’ve seen it, haven’t you? My current martial artist strength is already among the best in the entire second year. Temporarily suspending it shouldn’t have much impact.”

“It’s precisely because of your talent in martial arts that you absolutely cannot give it up!”

Teacher Cade seemed convinced that Mu En wanted to abandon the path of a martial artist. He shook Mu En’s shoulder, his face filled with sorrow. “Look at you! Just two months of training with Duke Campbell during the holiday, and you’ve made such immense progress.

As long as you diligently continue down this path, I can’t guarantee how great your future achievements will be, but at the very least, your future is promising! Now, think about your magic proficiency. Three points in Fundamentals of Magic Theory—is that something an ordinary person could score? My three-year-old niece scribbling on it might even get a higher score. Your mind simply isn’t cut out for learning magic!”

Mu En’s mouth twitched.

Though he knew Teacher Cade was giving him well-intentioned advice, he couldn’t help but feel a subtle pang of pain in his heart upon hearing those words.

Nevertheless, he had to be firm.

“Teacher Cade, while there’s some truth to what you’re saying, and I might indeed not be naturally gifted at magic…”

Mu En sighed, taking Cade’s hand and removing it from his shoulder. He then looked him in the eyes, speaking with utmost seriousness, “However— I have my own reasons.

For the next month, I must devote all my energy to Fundamentals of Magic Theory. So, whether you agree or not, Teacher Cade, I will temporarily not be attending combat skills class.”

“—As for credits, if the Campbell family is willing to pay a bit more in school donations, I imagine Dean Pink Bear would be quite happy to grant me some.”

****

After all, as the son of a duke, just as Mu En said, if the Campbell family was willing to buy credits…

That scumbag Dean Pink Bear, who was currently tearing his hair out over academy funds, would surely wave his hand in approval—

‘Suspend, suspend all you want! If one combat skills class isn’t enough, you can suspend a few more. As long as the money is in place, anything can be discussed!’

If even more money were offered, perhaps the acting dean would personally present him with a graduation certificate.

“Mu En Campbell, you will regret this.”

At this thought, Cade couldn’t help but sigh in disappointment. “Although you say it’s only for a month, I’ve seen your type too many times.

They often think too highly of themselves and then plunge headfirst into fields they’re not good at. By the time they hit a wall and want to turn back, it’s already too late.”

“Then let’s talk about it when my head is bloody and bruised,” Mu En said with a smile.

“If I don’t try, how will I know whether the wall is harder, or my head is?”

“You…”

Cade was momentarily speechless.

However, in that instant, he did see something different in Mu En’s eyes than before.

Such unwavering resolve.

‘What a pity,’ Cade sighed.

Things like determination and resolve were never lacking in hot-blooded youths of Mu En’s age.

He had seen it too many times.

Yet, such things often blinded people, leading them down the wrong path.

“I hope that when you finally come to your senses, it won’t be too late.”

Cade patted Mu En’s shoulder, saying nothing more.

“Thank you, teacher.”

Seeing Teacher Cade relent, Mu En offered his thanks, ready to take his leave.

“Goodbye, teacher.”

“Wait.”

Cade suddenly remembered something and called out to Mu En.

“You still have to attend this class, right? A new assistant teacher just arrived, and you should get acquainted.”

“A new teacher…”

Mu En considered it for a moment, then nodded. “Alright then.”

While his time was indeed tight, wishing a day could have forty-eight hours, it wasn’t so critical that he couldn’t spare time for even one class.

Besides, it was necessary to get to know a new teacher; he might need to seek their guidance in the future.

****

A few minutes before class, Mu En arrived early at the training ground where lessons were held.

On the arena stage, two students were sparring, their moves still flashy but utterly useless. It made one instinctively want to rush up and shout, ‘Stop fighting! You’ll never kill anyone like that!’

However, it was clear that both students were diligently trying to simplify their moves, developing them towards practicality.

‘It seems they were affected by the previous events, then?’

After all, the academy’s invasion had quite an impact on the lower-year students.

Mu En stroked his chin, then paid them no further mind, heading towards the spectator stands.

A few students were already sparsely seated there. Seeing Mu En arrive, a small commotion rippled through them.

Mu En’s hearing as a second-rank martial artist was already quite good. He could vaguely make out conversations about topics like ‘Is Mu En Campbell a pervert?’ and ‘Is Mu En Campbell gay?’

His mouth twitched, but Mu En ignored the students’ whispers.

After all, argumentative topics like these were much better than the recent ‘Did Mu En Campbell have thirteen relationships or fourteen?’

At least, some people were starting to refute those negative claims, weren’t they?

Mu En walked to one side, planning to find a quiet spot to sit and wait for class to start.

However, as he reached a corner of the spectator stands, he found someone else sitting there.

Ariel.

More than sitting, she was sprawled like a dried fish, her eyes vacant, as if she had lost all hope in life.

It brought to mind a certain ‘Uncle Ge.’

‘What’s up with her?’

After a moment of hesitation, Mu En walked over, asking cautiously, “Ariel, are you… alright?”

‘…’ Ariel’s dull eyes shifted. Upon seeing Mu En, her gaze remained utterly devoid of emotion.

“Don’t bother me…”

Ariel waved her hand, as if shooing away a mosquito.

“Leave me alone for a bit. I want some peace.”

“Class is starting soon. Even Jingjing wouldn’t want you thinking about her right now.”

Mu En kindly reminded her, “Teacher Cade has quite a temper.”

As a perpetually passionate combat skills teacher, Cade could least tolerate students who came to his class looking sickly.

Even Mu En, who dared to sleep in Professor Planke’s class last semester, always stood daydreaming in Teacher Cade’s class.

“I said, don’t bother me.”

Ariel rolled her eyes, an even stronger aura of ‘dried fish’ washing over him.

Amidst that aura, Mu En faintly detected a sadness, like a lost seabird whose mate had vanished, leaving it to fly alone over the vast ocean.

‘Hm? Sadness?’

‘How could she, an ultimate phoenix who dared to clash with a villainous BOSS two ranks above her, be sad for no reason?’

‘Could it be… she discovered her chest had gotten smaller?’

Glancing at Ariel’s utterly flat chest, Mu En couldn’t help but think with a touch of malice.

But very quickly, that malice turned into a chilling sensation that ran down Mu En’s spine.

He saw Ariel’s hand tightly clutching a regularly shaped stone.

A Sound Transmission Stone!

The Sound Transmission Stone was in a semi-activated state, faintly emitting a glow. Ariel seemed to want to contact someone, but for some reason, she was hesitating.

“My beauty, oh my beauty, I’ve been looking for you ever since I was discharged from the hospital, but everyone says you’re fake, that you don’t exist.”

Ariel gently caressed the Sound Transmission Stone, sighing wistfully, “But only I firmly believe in your existence, because back then, you exchanged Sound Transmission Stone frequencies with me.

If you were a non-existent person, how could you have a Sound Transmission Stone, and how could you exchange frequencies with me?”

‘Damn it, this is bad!’

Hearing Ariel’s words, Mu En’s mind immediately buzzed.

He finally understood why this girl was suddenly acting so melodramatic here.

This damned lesbian was still obsessed with his past female persona!

‘Couldn’t she learn from other harem protagonists and quickly move on to someone else? Aren’t there enough beauties in the academy?’

‘What’s the meaning of staring intently at a non-existent woman?’

‘No, I need to make a quick escape.’

Mu En suddenly realized the danger.

Staying here at this moment could…

“Everyone in the world doubts you, but I don’t believe them. So, I will now prove to the world that you exist. Wait for me, my beauty!”

After much deliberation, Ariel finally stopped hesitating. She sharply tapped her finger on the Sound Transmission Stone, activating its frequency.

Then—

She heard the ringing of a Sound Transmission Stone coming from not far away.

“Hm?”

Ariel looked up in confusion, only to see Mu En, who had just turned and taken two steps, stiffly pulling out his own Sound Transmission Stone.

In his hand, the Sound Transmission Stone vibrated slightly, its ringing clear and distinct.

‘Huh?’

Ariel blinked, looking at the Sound Transmission Stone in Mu En’s hand, then at the one in her own. Her mind seemed to tie itself in a knot, and a trace of confusion appeared on her pretty face.

‘Strange, I connected to my beauty’s frequency, so why is Mu En Campbell’s Sound Transmission Stone ringing?’

‘Could it be…’

“Hello, senior?”

Ariel, whose thoughts were rapidly heading in a dangerous direction, snapped back to reality. She saw Mu En gently press the stone, silencing its ring. He then held the Sound Transmission Stone to his ear, his expression serious. “Yes, I’m in class.”

“Is something the matter? Oh, you want me to bring the textbooks to the library later?”

“Mm-hm, I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll be there on time.”

Mu En chatted into the Sound Transmission Stone as he walked away, eventually blending into the crowd and disappearing from Ariel’s sight.

“A coincidence?”

Ariel scratched her head, watching Mu En’s somewhat hurried retreating figure, and didn’t think much more of it.

For at this moment, her heart was filled with immense joy.

Her Sound Transmission Stone frequency had undoubtedly connected; the other party simply hadn’t answered.

This meant that her beauty truly existed!

The scene of them exchanging contact information under the romantic starry sky, in a flower-filled hall, with the solemn witness of a priest, was not her imagination.

“Is my beauty unable to answer?”

Ariel smiled, then hung up the Sound Transmission Stone.

She couldn’t be too hasty and leave a bad impression on her beauty.

Now that she knew the other person was real and she had their contact information, she could proceed slowly and strategically.

Slow-boiling a frog had always been the best method for winning over girls.

“Speaking of which…”

Ariel, her spirits restored, stroked her smooth chin in thought. “Back then, it seemed there was a senior who was very close to my beauty. If I can find her, I might be able to get more clues about my beauty.”

****

“Damn it, that scared me to death.”

On the other side, Mu En, hidden among his classmates, patted his chest with lingering fear.

Just a little, only a little more, and he would have been stabbed to death by the protagonist Ariel for the ridiculous reason of forgetting to mute his Sound Transmission Stone, becoming the most comically deceased blonde villain in history.

Fortunately.

As a special magical item, the Sound Transmission Stone’s functions were similar to a mobile phone from Mu En’s previous life; he could turn off the ringtone without answering the call.

And he had reacted quickly enough, his acting sufficiently convincing, to instantly pretend it was his senior calling.

Otherwise, if Ariel had come to her senses and made him answer in front of her…

And then she discovered that he, the person she hated most, was actually the golden-haired beauty she yearned for…

The image was too horrifying to contemplate; being stabbed to death would be a mild outcome.

‘It seems I’ll have to find an opportunity to change my Sound Transmission Stone frequency later. If Ariel keeps pursuing me like this, a big problem will arise sooner or later.’

Mu En made up his mind.

Unfortunately, he was currently in the academy. Changing the Sound Transmission Stone frequency would likely have to wait until the next academy open day.

****

“Did you hear? The new assistant teacher was apparently personally recommended by Dean Pink Bear.”

Because Mu En had sat near them, the students’ conversation had shifted from ‘What about Mu En Campbell?’ to discussing the new teacher who would soon appear.

Mu En also listened with keen interest.

“Recommended by the Dean personally? Does that mean he has a powerful background?”

“I don’t know, but I think I heard other teachers say that the new teacher made a great contribution during the previous invasion.”

“What? Is he a top-tier expert?”

A portion of the students became excited.

Who wouldn’t want a true expert as their teacher?

“Probably not. If he were an expert, he wouldn’t be an assistant teacher.”

Other, more rational students spotted the discrepancy.

“If he’s not strong but could make contributions during the invasion, he must be a very brave person, then.”

“Like Mu En Campbell before?”

Someone blurted out the remark, then realized Mu En was behind them. They cautiously glanced at Mu En’s reaction, then awkwardly clamped their mouth shut.

Mu En smiled slightly at him, not taking offense.

However, listening to their words, Mu En couldn’t help but feel a little curious himself.

‘What kind of person would this new teacher be?’

But no matter what kind of person he was, this time he couldn’t repeat the mistakes made with Teacher Fran.

‘This time, I absolutely must build a good relationship with the new teacher!’ Mu En secretly resolved in his heart.

****

“Alright, class is starting. All you brats, quiet down!”

As Teacher Cade’s distinctive roar echoed, the previously noisy arena instantly fell silent.

Cade scanned all the students, nodding with satisfaction.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard that our combat skills class will have a new assistant teacher. He will be responsible for assisting me in guiding your combat skills. I hope you can get along well with him.”

“Let me tell you in advance, the new teacher is a very excellent person. I hope you don’t look down on him just because of his assistant teacher status. Instead, you should treat him with the same respect you show me, otherwise…”

Cade coldly swept his gaze over everyone. Although he said nothing further, all the students immediately felt an immense pressure.

At the same time, they grew even more curious: who exactly was this new teacher, to earn such high praise from even Teacher Cade?

Even Mu En couldn’t help but crane his neck.

“Please introduce yourself, Teacher Kolen.”

Cade stepped aside, showing a rare amiable smile. “Remember to speak loudly!”

“I know!”

A man with a large scar on his face stepped forward, letting out a hearty laugh that revealed dazzlingly white teeth. “It’s just stating my name, isn’t it? I used to do this often; I’m very familiar with it.”

In that moment, as the scarred man’s face gradually sharpened in Mu En’s vision…

Mu En’s expectant smile froze, little by little.

He even thought he had seen wrong, rubbing his eyes again and again.

But no matter how much he rubbed, the man on the stage remained damnably familiar.

‘What the hell?’

‘What was wrong with this world?’

‘Or was he dreaming?’

‘Why would this guy appear in a place like this?’

Mu En fell into an extreme existential crisis, while the new teacher, Kolen, began his self-introduction on stage.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Kolen. I am currently a third-rank initial stage martial artist. I used to be an adventurer, and what I’m best at is occupying a mountain peak and systematically waiting for prey to come to me…”

As Kolen himself said, he was indeed skilled at self-introductions. In just a few sentences, he not only gave everyone a clear understanding of him but also left an impression of a hearty and magnanimous character in everyone’s minds.

Everyone, except Mu En.

Because his mind was currently filled with nothing but shock.

“Welcome, Teacher Kolen!” After Kolen finished his introduction, many students even enthusiastically led the applause.

“Thank you, thank you, everyone,” Kolen shyly scratched his bald head.

Teacher Cade allowed the students to chatter for a while, then said, “Alright, if you have any questions, ask them now while you have the chance. Don’t let it disrupt the class later.”

After speaking, Teacher Cade saw an unexpected person raise their hand first.

“Hm? Mu En Campbell, do you have a question?”

“I don’t have a question.”

Mu En stood up, his expression as grave as if he had discovered a cross-dressing pervert among the crowd who had then entered the women’s restroom. “But I want to report something.”

“Report? Report what?”

Teacher Cade was bewildered.

“I’m reporting a bandit! A bandit has infiltrated the academy!”

Mu En pointed at Kolen and roared, “Don’t you check their identities when you hire teachers?”

“A bandit?”

Teacher Cade looked at Kolen in confusion. “Is that true?”

“Bandit? What bandit? Is he talking about me?” Kolen’s face was utterly innocent.

“It’s not ‘is he talking about you,’ it *is* talking about you, you bastard!”

Mu En slammed the table. “Don’t tell me you thought I’d forget you after only a month! I’d recognize that face even if it turned to ash. Pretending to be dumb won’t work!”

“Student Mu En, how can you speak to a teacher like that? It will hurt the teacher’s feelings.”

Kolen replied earnestly, but then his face fell. His stern, masculine features sagged, his eyebrows drooping, making him look utterly heartbroken.

“However, I also understand why Student Mu En might have such a prejudice against me.”

As he spoke, he caressed the extremely conspicuous scar on his face, showing a pitiful expression like a puppy whose tail had been stepped on. “After all, because of this scar, people often think I’m a bad person.

But—even though I’m constantly misunderstood, I feel proud of this scar. If you ask why—”

Kolen puffed out his chest, his voice strong and resonant. “Because this scar was left when I fought fiercely for three days and three nights to rescue a poor young girl who was being besieged by a group of bandits!”

“Wow—”

The students below erupted in an uproar.

This new Teacher Kolen, was he really that brave?

Fighting alone against a group of bandits for three days and three nights to save a young girl?

Just thinking about it revealed how arduous the task was, how much courage it required, and how kind his true nature must be!

No wonder, despite being only a third-rank initial stage martial artist, he had made such a great contribution during the academy crisis that even the Dean praised him!

“Nonsense!”

Only Mu En’s eyes widened in disbelief. He inwardly cursed the audacity of such a thick-skinned person, then retorted sharply, “What ‘rescuing a poor young girl who was being besieged’? Weren’t you the ones besieging her in the first place?”

‘Not only did you besiege that young girl, but you also lusted after my body!’

‘Fortunately, Elika was quite capable back then, otherwise I would have lost something very important!’

“Enough, Mu En Campbell!”

Teacher Cade, unable to watch any longer, roared, “How can you casually slander an excellent and upright teacher?”

“‘Excellent and upright’? Is he even worthy of that?”

“Mu En, Campbell!”

“It’s alright, Teacher Cade, it’s alright.”

Kolen held back Cade, who hadn’t actually moved forward, and smiled, shaking his head. “I don’t mind. Although I battled fierce bandits for three full days and nights to rescue that young girl, even taking time to have tea and a bun, and gently comforting her along the way.

I also made significant contributions during this academy crisis. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I saved the academy from dire straits at a critical moment. But for me, these are just trivial matters, not worth mentioning.

I truly don’t care what others say; I really don’t.”

“But, you—sigh.” Teacher Cade was momentarily choked with emotion, inwardly marveling at how such an upright and magnanimous man could exist in this world.

Compared to him…

“Mu En Campbell, can’t you learn from him?”

Teacher Cade lectured him, exasperated. “As a man, how can you judge someone’s inner character solely by their outer appearance? Remember, what matters in a person is not their looks, but their noble soul!”

‘Noble soul my ass! This guy’s soul is completely black, alright!’

‘The kind of black that even hell wouldn’t accept!’

“Mu En Campbell, you’ve really gone too far. Isn’t slandering enough? Now you’re resorting to personal attacks?” Cade’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

“But…”

Mu En was about to continue arguing when he heard someone quietly say, “Student Mu En, how can you be like this?”

“Hm?”

Mu En frowned, looking in the direction of the voice.

The voice was very soft, yet in the brief silence, it sounded exceptionally clear.

But the speaker seemed to be deliberately hiding in the crowd, making it difficult for him to pinpoint them immediately.

Normally, Mu En wouldn’t pay attention to such remarks.

However, with that one sentence, the students who had previously been afraid to speak due to his status suddenly found their courage, and began to chime in, one after another.

“Exactly, Student Mu En, how can you be like this?”

“Even if you don’t like the teacher, you shouldn’t slander him so casually.”

“Teacher Kolen is clearly so excellent.”

“I thought your jump earlier was quite cool, but sigh…”

Mu En narrowed his eyes, sweeping his gaze over those people.

Aside from the first comment, which was clearly provocative, the others seemed to be simply defending their teacher.

It made sense, considering the ‘Dean’s Recommendation’ and ‘Great Contribution’ buffs, coupled with Kolen’s seemingly truthful words. It was undoubtedly very easy to win the favor of these hot-blooded teenagers.

In contrast, Mu En already had a somewhat poor reputation, and his immediate, sharp accusations made it hard for people not to think he was deliberately looking for trouble.

‘Was I too extreme?’

Mu En took a deep breath, then slowly sat back down.

‘Forget it. If Pink Bear let him be a teacher, he must have his own considerations. There’s no need for me to worry needlessly.’

‘This is the academy, and with that guy’s third-rank initial stage cultivation, he probably can’t even beat Ariel. It would be difficult for him to cause any major trouble.’

‘Besides, perhaps I’m prejudiced. What if he truly has reformed?’

‘So, Mu En Campbell, stay calm.’

‘Don’t get angry over such trivial matters.’

‘You are the son of a duke; you must maintain your noble demeanor and cultivation.’

****

“Teacher Kolen, do you have a special reason for joining the academy as a teacher?”

With Mu En’s brief interlude over, the pleasant question-and-answer session resumed.

One of the few girls in the combat skills class raised her hand, asking curiously.

“A reason? Of course, I do.”

“Oh, what is it?”

Upon hearing such gossip, all the students’ curiosity was quickly piqued.

“It’s…” Kolen cupped his flushed cheeks, his gaze occasionally darting in a certain direction, and shyly said, “To find my true—”

“Shut up!”

Before he could finish speaking, Kolen heard a deafening roar.

And—

A fist gradually enlarging in his vision.

In the shocked gazes of everyone, including Teacher Cade, Mu En had rushed forward at some unknown moment.

His eyes were cold, and his heavy punch struck out.

‘To hell with calmness, I can’t take this anymore.’

“Die, you damn faggot.”