Chapter 128

“…Are you serious?”

Stella’s sharp voice pierced through me, laced with disbelief at the absurdity of reality.

I guess it makes sense. Pantera is the continent’s top crew, and Stella, its leader, is the strongest student around. In just a few years, she’ll earn the title of “First Person of the Continent.”

And yet, someone’s outright rejecting an offer to join such a prestigious group? Unthinkable. It’s something no one ever imagined. The shifting pupils in Stella’s eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.

Every student who received an invitation from her accepted it humbly, regardless of background or circumstances. Even the children of dukes or barons would consider joining Pantera and training alongside Stella a supreme honor.

But here was some unknown kid, daring to turn her down. How could anyone not be shocked?

“Yup!”

So I snapped her back to reality. Why so full of yourself? Just because everyone else grovels to get into Pantera doesn’t mean I have to, right? Am I that easy to push around?

Not that I thought Stella saw me as weak—she probably didn’t—but it still annoyed me that she tried to judge me so casually after swaying me around like a ragdoll earlier. Who does she think she is, trying to box me into her little world?

“I can’t achieve my dreams in Pantera. Do I need any other reason?”

“Reason? Pantera has the best facilities and support on the continent. No matter which crew you choose, you won’t find better conditions than what we offer.”

“Conditions? I believe overcoming hardships and adversity is the true spice of life. Not that there’s anything wrong with good conditions, of course.”

“…Shouldn’t you also think about your friend? Even if you feel this way, Aru might want better opportunities.”

“Hmm? Aru, what do you think? Want to go to Pantera, or come with me?”

I draped my arm over Aru’s shoulder and asked. As always, the answer was predictable.

“Moo! I’m going with Evans!”

“Hahaha! Of course, our Aru! Did you hear that? Aru’s coming with me!”

“…What exactly are you dreaming of?”

Stella muttered under her breath, stunned.

“What kind of grand ambition could make you reject even Pantera?”

Hmm… now that I think about it, I heard a similar question in my past life—from Stella herself.

“What goal could possibly make you treat me like this…?”

Yeah, mood. Maybe I’ll indulge her a little.

“That’s obviously a secret! Knowing ahead of time would ruin all the fun, wouldn’t it?”

“Fun…?”

“Instead, let me promise you this: I’ll give you the first ‘view’ when the time comes. Sound fair?”

“View? What view?”

“The hints end here. You’ll have to figure out the rest yourself.”

With that, I grabbed Aru’s wrist and stood up. Naturally, the untouched paper Stella had offered found its way back to her.

“…Fine. Ultimately, it’s your choice, and I can’t force you either way.”

“Ah, as expected from a senior. Your long tenure here really shows how broad-minded you are.”

“But remember: refusing Pantera means choosing to be our enemy. Can you handle that? The Crew Competition?”

Huh? Now Stella’s gaze locked onto me with unusual intensity. Looks like her pride took a hit from being rejected.

Crew Competition? I’ll have to ask Maria tonight for details. Something about competition and handling suggests it’s where crews face off against each other.

“AHAHA! Look forward to it. I’ve got something interesting planned for you.”

“Such an unusual freshman, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, people tell me that often. Aru, let’s go. Class is starting.”

Thud thud, we walked out. Stella watched us leave with a deep, thoughtful gaze until we disappeared from sight.

Still, what exactly is this ‘Crew Competition’? Can’t wait for nightfall.

***

“Senior Stella personally invited you?”

Maria’s crystal-clear eyes sparkled brightly as she looked at me. I chuckled in response.

“Yeah, isn’t our Aru amazing? Even Pantera came knocking personally! This is gonna be great dinner conversation forever, right?”

“Absolutely! Though I haven’t had alcohol yet, I imagine it’ll be a topic worth raising a glass to repeatedly.”

As Maria enthusiastically agreed, I ruffled Aru’s hair. Aru, oblivious to the situation but happy to receive praise, wagged his tail happily.

“So, how do you feel? What’s it like to be part of Pantera’s crew?”

“Huh? Why am I part of Pantera’s crew?”

“You… you actually turned down Senior Heavenly Hero’s offer!?”

“Do I *have* to join? There are more crews in this world than just Pantera, you know.”

Even if Pantera’s grandpa showed up, I wouldn’t hand over Aru. I can’t allow anyone to take away my assistant magician.

“But… it’s Pantera! The best on the continent! And Senior Heavenly Hero herself said she’d personally train Aru…”

“Nonsense. Stella’s great, sure, but I can teach better. I’ve been teaching Aru all along.”

“Huh… is that really true?”

“Don’t doubt me now. While we’re at it, how about I teach you too, Maria? I’m confident I could outshine most teachers.”

“Pfft, nice try. For a moment there, I almost believed you. Evans really knows how to act.”

It wasn’t a joke, though. Guess my words sounded too far-fetched.

Being judged lightly really grinds my gears. I already felt irked by Stella doing the same earlier.

But Maria looks adorable. Is this what they call wearing rose-tinted glasses? Her last comment was definitely a compliment, though.

“Hahahahaha!”

Feeling cheerful, I burst into laughter instead of arguing. Wow, I’ve changed so much.

Fifth period started, and I headed to the gym, bringing Maria and Aru along. The absent hero and princess from lunch were also tagging along with the other A-class students.

Thud thud.

When we entered the massive, heavy gymnasium, a towering brown-muscled man stood stiffly like a brick wall. He wore sunglasses and had a bright red whistle dangling from his thick lips. I recognized him instantly—how could I not after spending centuries together in Demon Forest?

Human King Yohan.

The descendant of Saintess Irolwel’s legacy and my ally…

Now sporting military instructor vibes with those shades and whistle, he glared fiercely at us new students.

“Who’s that guy…? Is there really a teacher like that at the academy?”

“Oh, I know him! Last year during the demon beast extermination mission, a mountain collapsed trapping students, but he blasted it away with one punch! I read about it in the newspaper! They even gave him a model citizen medal from the empire!”

“Is that person him? So what’s his name?”

The curious freshmen seemed quite shocked by Supreme God’s appearance. Murmurs spread among the students.

Just then, Supreme God’s deafening whistle cut through the air.

BEEEEEP!

“Uuuugh…!”

The piercing sound assaulted our eardrums painfully. Caught off guard by the sonic attack, students clutched their ears and groaned.

“Nice to meet you, freshmen! My name is Yohan! From now on, I’ll proudly serve as your physical education teacher!”

His voice boomed like a locomotive. Wow, he was tough and rough 18 years ago, but whatever happened in these past 18 years made him even sharper.

Plus, his language skills improved living among humans, though his abrupt speaking style remained unchanged. Some students wrinkled their noses.

“That guy’s going to teach us P.E.? Haha…”

Maria forced out a soulless laugh. Meanwhile, Aru beside me wagged his tail excitedly, clearly eager to greet Supreme God. If I hadn’t been holding his hand, he probably would’ve rushed over already.

As Supreme God scanned the gathered A-class students, his gaze landed on me and Aru. His mouth opened slightly, but when I put two fingers to my lips, he obediently closed it.

Supreme God really has good instincts, as I noticed a hundred years ago.

“Meow! Big human! Evans! There’s a big human!”

“Yeahyeah, we’ll catch up later. Too many eyes watching right now.”

I calmed down the excited Aru. Meanwhile, Supreme God stepped to the center of the gym and organized the freshmen into neat rows.

Expectations ran high among the students.

It’s understandable. Just looking at Supreme God’s rugged beard, coppery skin, bulging muscles, and dark sunglasses signaled he was no ordinary teacher.

Just as the students’ curiosity peaked…

“Well then.”

Supreme God began.

“We’ll start with warm-ups. Rotate your wrists and ankles. Spread your arms wide to avoid touching others. One, two, three, four…”

“…”

Eighteen years of teaching P.E.

Long enough for mountains to change twice. The former savage king of Demon Forest became a seasoned veteran gym teacher in ample time.

Though somewhat anticlimactic, we went through essential formalities before Supreme God officially started the lesson.

The first class was sparring. I wondered why we were sparring again after the placement test. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one thinking that, as students directed the same question at Supreme God.

His reply was reasonable: since he hadn’t been present during the previous test, he needed to assess each student’s individual style.

Fair enough. At an academy where teachers provide personalized instruction tailored to each student, understanding individual styles was crucial.

However, the students weren’t entirely convinced—all because of one student.

“I-I’m sorry! I absolutely can’t do it! I’m terrified of dog forms!”

“I suffer from cynophobia… Actually, it’s an allergy. Could I please spar with another student instead…?”

“To be honest, I ate ginseng stew the other day, and now I feel uneasy sparring with a dog form after eating ginseng stew… Could you switch my opponent please…?”

Impressive, Aru. You’ve flipped the academy upside down within a day.

“Hmph, students. None of you wish to spar with this one.”

Seeing no other option, Supreme God addressed Aru, though without revealing recognition.

“Meow…”

“Can’t be helped. You’ll spar with this teacher later. Any objections?”

“Excuse me! I’ll spar with the dog-form student!”

Just as it seemed Aru would become Supreme God’s personal charge, a previously silent knight raised his hand.

“Ah, excellent! Then you two work it out. However, no bloodshed! This isn’t the placement evaluation, and neither victory nor defeat will affect your standing!”

The knight stepped forward bravely, jaw clenched. Oh wow, despite surely hearing the rumors, this timid knight has hidden depths.

I’ve reevaluated him—from pathetic knight to cowardly knight.

“Knight sir…?”

Of course, one unexpected action left someone flustered. That someone was Maria, whose originally scheduled match with the knight had just been stolen by Aru.

“Hmm, this leaves you unmatched. Anyone willing to spar with this student?”

“I’ll do it! I’ll take the match!”

Before anyone else could volunteer, I shot my hand up first. Truthfully, I’d planned to spar with Aru upon hearing ‘sparring,’ but thanks to the knight, now I get to face Maria instead.

Perfect. Even if it’s just due to appearances, I kept feeling annoyed seeing Maria taken by the knight every time. Lately, she’s been growing on me. I should treat her to a solid meal sometime soon.

“Evans sir is taking the match?”

“Why, don’t you want to?”

“No… Actually, because it’s Evans sir, I’m even more excited. But don’t expect leniency just because we’re friends. I’ll give my all even against a friend.”

“Never crossed my mind. Step in, and I’ll teach you a thing or two.”

Facing each other under Supreme God’s watchful eye, Maria and I stood ready. Neither of us held anything in our hands.

Come to think of it, Maria doubted my abilities just before class started, didn’t she?

Let’s use this opportunity to give Maria a taste of Evans-style education. At the very least, if I want her to support from the back during the Demon King hunt next life, she needs to be stronger than last time.

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