Chapter 37

All right, since Nisia has agreed to come along, I need to gather the rest of the people.

The optimal number is around three to four.

If the team grows larger, we’ll inevitably draw attention from others, and if that happens, there won’t be any point in trying to move quietly.

By the time I reach that conclusion, I roughly have an idea of who’s necessary.

First, Jack.

He’s physically capable, reliable, and his gentle and kind personality makes persuasion easy. Plus, his domestic skills in the kitchen, well, his nickname “Ung” isn’t for nothing.

“So who should fill the remaining spots…?”

As I’m pondering, I sense an intense gaze fixed on me.

“Hmm?”

Turning my head, I see Edward sitting there staring intently at me.

Upon reflection, he was rather proactive earlier, and I have a feeling he’d be easy to convince with the right words. Should I approach him later?

“Edward? Shouldn’t you be focusing on what the teacher is saying?”

“Huh, sorry about that.”

Edward, pointed out by Aelina, finally stops staring at me. For now, I suppress my wandering thoughts and refocus on her lecture.

“Since the first day, a lot has happened, but now that everyone’s here, we’ll begin proper classes starting today.”

As Aelina says this, her gaze briefly shifts toward me before returning to normal.

She’s likely concerned about me, but as a teacher responsible for this entire class at the academy, she doesn’t dwell on it. Calmly, she begins her explanation.

“First, I’ll explain our teaching methods going forward. We’ll split the classes into morning and afternoon sessions. The mornings will primarily focus on theoretical studies, while the afternoons will involve practical training. ID? Can you display the screen?”

At Aelina’s request, a massive screen mounted at the front of the room displays an image.

The timetable appears.

It’s plain and without decoration, much like Aelina herself, who has a rather straightforward manner.

“Theory lessons will include history, mana studies, ethics, mathematics, and science, and each subject’s teacher will come to the classroom to deliver the lessons. I’ll send the timetable to the class representative, so they can distribute it.”

“Yes, teacher.”

Clara raises her hand and nods, acknowledging.

I see, Clarissa is now the class rep. With her noble demeanor, skills, and character, she’s definitely the right choice for the role.

“Next, regarding the practical sessions. I’ll personally mentor each of you one-on-one.”

“One-on-one?”

In typical schools, a teacher handles multiple students at once, but this academy, particularly the awakened students of Class A, functions differently.

Given the diverse abilities and characteristics of each individual, personalized instruction is necessary.

“Wow, Teacher Aelina is going to do it herself?”

“Still, the academy truly is different.”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

Voices of anticipation fill the room, even though the first day was somewhat chaotic. Nevertheless, Aelina’s reputation remains strong.

Aelina smiles lightly at the students’ enthusiasm.

“Well then, it’s almost time for first period. I’ll take my leave for now. See you all this afternoon.”

“Yes, teacher! Everyone, salute the teacher!”

Clara rises from her seat and salutes, prompting the other students to follow suit. I salute from my seated position. After acknowledging our salute with a nod, Aelina leaves the room.

Someone walks in through the opened door.

“Huuuuuuh…”

A feeble, drawn-out voice, accompanied by a rather indistinct appearance.

It’s hard to tell if the figure is even human as it wobbly makes its way into the classroom and collapses face-down on the podium.

“Uh…”

Even Clara, who is normally composed and calm, lets out a bewildered sigh at this unexpected situation.

“Mnnn…”

Struggling to lift his head from the podium, the figure reveals himself. Excluding a vague facial structure, it’s clear this person is male.

“Hello there, everyone. My name is John Zheng-gwang, so you can call me Zhengguang. I’ll be handling history for the first year students…”

John Zheng-gwang? War enthusiast? What kind of name is that—

At the thought, a sharp glare pierces my face.

“Zheng-gwang! It’s Zheng Guang. Please, always be mindful of the pronunciation, even by mistake. Avoid associating it with other similar terms.”

“…”

The classroom falls silent.

Whether he’s read the awkward atmosphere or not, John Zheng-gwang clears his throat and continues speaking.

“So, who’s the class representative?”

“Uh, it’s me!”

Clara immediately raises her hand.

Realizing she had momentarily forgotten something, she quickly scans the room and announces loudly.

“Everyone, stand at attention! Salute the teacher!”

“Yes. That’s good.”

“Thank you, everyone, you may relax!”

As Clara sits back down, John Zheng-gwang nods and speaks.

“Alright then, let’s begin the lesson, shall we? History isn’t that complicated, so there’s no need to worry about it being too difficult… ID, bring up the screen.”

At his instruction, the screen switches to a simple display.

Two large rectangular boxes are shown on the screen.

The box on the left is barely noticeable, but the box on the right prominently features the word “War,” dominating the screen both in size and impact.

“So, what is history? Records of humanity? Stories of our ancestors’ lives? No, all of those assumptions are incorrect.”

Suddenly, a gleam of excitement flashes in Zhenggang’s eyes. What’s happening?

“History—half of it might consist of dreadfully boring records, but the other half showcases the brilliance of intense, bloody, and thrilling wars. It’s a two-sided mirror!”

An explosive shout echoes, and Zhenggang’s wobbly demeanor transforms instantly into that of an angular and intensely serious man.

“Hmm, indeed, war is absolutely magnificent. Ah, war, my driving force, my guiding sunlight…”

His fluent delivery.

The slurred speech is gone, as if it had never been there. Half the class stares blankly at him as he continues his soliloquy.

What kind of person is this?

“Alright students, let’s begin the class. Today, we’ll explore something utterly exhilarating yet sweetly explosive: the Racial Wars.”

A hand suddenly shoots up.

“Uh, Teacher Zhengguang!”

“Go ahead, Miss Clarissa.”

“Teacher, the materials you distributed aren’t about the Racial Wars but rather start from the Dawn Period…”

“Whaaaat?!”

Clarissa’s words cause Zhengguang’s eyes to bulge.

“No way, this can’t be! Uuuhhh… I feel all my energy draining from my body!”

His fierce appearance collapses in an instant, reverting to the vague and odd form from before. He lets out a soft sigh and slowly resumes speaking.

“Well, uh… looks like we’ll have to start with some disgustingly dull factual records… everyone, please check the teaching materials.”

His energy and motivation are nearly non-existent.

—Isn’t he supposed to be the war enthusiast?!

…

“Well then, that’s all for today. Ugh… the smell of sheer boredom.”

With that, Zhengguang mutters to himself and hastily exits the classroom.

It was unexpectedly a diligent class despite the lack of enthusiasm, but wow, the academy really has some strange teachers.

And so, after the eventful first period, during the break, I approach Jack along with Bungbungi.

“Jack.”

“Edu? What’s up?”

Jack responds with his usual gentle voice.

Despite his outward appearance of pure muscle, his voice is soft and polite, creating quite the contrasting gap.

“Do you happen to have any free time this weekend?”

“This weekend?”

“Yeah.”

Upon reflecting for a moment on what I said, Jack soon nods.

“I think I’m free this weekend. What’s up?”

“See, I was thinking about doing some training this weekend. If you’re free, would you like to join?”

“Training? Are you really planning to train on the weekend?”

“Yeah. Lately, invaders have been appearing around the academy, and things have been unsettling. The idea is to practice and coordinate with fellow classmates beforehand.”

After tacking on this pre-prepared reason, Jack’s face brightens in agreement.

“I see, it’s a good idea. If that’s the case, I’ll join too.”

“Thanks, Jack. See you this weekend!”

“Sure.”

With Jack agreeing so smoothly, I then approach Edward.

“Edward.”

“Edu, what is it?”

“Why do you keep glancing at me?”

“Hmm, did you notice?”

If you were staring so blatantly, how could I not notice?

Instead of answering, I stare intently at Edward, who, after another awkward cough, begins to speak.

“There was something I was curious about, and I apologize if it bothered you.”

“Curious about what?”

“Um, regarding the incident where you fought the invaders with Nisia….”

“Go on.”

At my prompt, Edward frowns in deep thought before taking a deep breath and speaking again.

“Oh, so, by any chance, did you obtain any fragments or anything from the invaders you defeated? Anything will do!”

“…What?”

Fragments from the invaders? What’s this all about?

“No, you were the ones who faced those invaders, right? The steel monstrosities, the reapers of the land, and the enigmatic beings that bring about the world’s destruction?”

Spouting a cascade of knowledge about invaders. This guy’s surprisingly an “explanation” type, different from AOE.

“Is… that right?”

“So, I wanted to seize this opportunity to analyze the characteristics of the invaders used in real combat for personal research, hence speaking up without hesitation. Rest assured, it’s not for personal gain!”

“Hmm…”

The reasoning sounds plausible based on his words.

But I recall Edward’s profile from the AOE setting book, knowing fully well that his statements are completely fabricated.

You’re just an invader otaku, aren’t you?

While thinking this, I narrow my eyes and stare at Edward.

“Did you know, Edward?”

“Know what?”

“People who declare they’re not seeking personal gain are usually the ones lying.”

“Hmph….”

Caught dead-on, Edward awkwardly coughs and turns his head away. Look at this shameless guy.

“Alright, I understand what you’re insinuating, but there’s nothing like that.”

“Is that so…?”

Edward, looking disappointed, lowers his head.

“Anyway, Edward, do you have any free time this weekend?”

“Uh, this weekend?”

“Yeah, I’m planning to gather some friends for training starting this weekend. How about you?”

“Hmm…”

Edward ponders my words for a moment, but his head shakes sideways.

“Thank you, but I’m not that kind of free man—”

“Seriously? That’s a shame. I actually thought we could casually ask the president about the remains of the destroyed invaders during the training, but it truly is unfortunate—”

“—After reconsidering, rejecting a friend’s offer like this feels rather impolite. You did say this weekend, right?”

“Yeah!”

“Alright, I’ll participate too.”

The formerly busy Edward instantly transforms into a leisurely man.

Wow, look at the speed of his attitude shift!

“But Edu, what kind of training are we doing this weekend?”

“It’s nothing much, just walking around a bit, using some skills and the like.”

Only on Earth, of course.

“I see, so it’s an action-focused training session, huh?”

Without even imagining the truth, Edward nods in understanding as if he’s satisfied.

“Got it, then I’ll see you this weekend.”

“Yeah!”

Edward, shifting gears faster than lightning for his own desires.

But he doesn’t realize that this choice will lead him straight into a trap.