Chapter 186: The Sudden Attacker

  "So, based on this diagram, we can determine that when a ball is unched at a speed of 40 m/s at a 30-degree angle to the ground, its trajectory will follow a parabolic path. If we ignore air resistance, the retionship between the flight height H and the flight time T is…"

  The cssroom was silent, with only Alex's voice and the crisp tapping of chalk echoing in the air. However, the students sitting below were not fully focused on the lesson. Instead, they exchanged uneasy gnces—one moment looking at Alex standing at the podium, the next moment shifting their gaze toward the girl sitting in her seat.

  Though no words were spoken, their eyes conveyed more than enough meaning.

  "She’s not going to act up again, is she…?"

  "Who knows? The teachers in the st few csses were almost driven to tears by her."

  "But Alex’s lessons are really easy to understand. She shouldn’t have any compints this time, right…?"

  Thinking back to what had happened in the previous csses, the students couldn't help but feel nervous. No one understood why Hiraizumi had suddenly become so aggressive today, acting completely out of character. But truth be told, the tension in the air was even more suffocating than an exam. On one hand, they were worried that Alex would end up like the previous teachers, confronted and questioned by the girl. On the other hand, they feared that she might once again start arguing with the teacher.

  Unlike the previous teachers—who were either too rigid or unpopur—Alex was their css advisor. He was approachable, had a pleasant personality, and was undeniably good-looking. He was well-liked and respected by the students. Those other teachers might have cked the ability to handle her, but this was different… No one wanted to see a confrontation between Alex and Hiraizumi. If he got angry, the ones who would suffer the most would be them.

  "Now, everyone, turn to page 23 in your textbooks."

  After finishing the board work, Alex turned back to face the css. Raising an eyebrow, he directed his gaze at the girl sitting still in her chair with her arms crossed.

  "Hiraizumi, why haven’t you opened your textbook?"

  It was happening!

  The students immediately tensed, watching the scene unfold with apprehension. Sure enough, as soon as she heard Alex’s question, the girl let out a sharp scoff.

  "I don’t know how you can even call yourself a teacher. You could solve this problem with a much simpler formu, but instead, you’re rigidly following the textbook like a mindless drone. Isn’t this just a waste of time? Teaching students like this is nothing more than ziness!"

  A sharp intake of breath echoed through the cssroom.

  The students were stunned by her blunt and merciless criticism. The short-haired girl sitting nearby looked especially uneasy, as if she wanted to say something—but…

  "So what?"

  To everyone’s surprise, Alex did not react like the previous teachers who had been flustered and embarrassed. Instead, he smiled calmly, showing no trace of anger.

  "I think you’ve misunderstood something, Hiraizumi. A teacher’s job is to ensure that knowledge is conveyed clearly and accurately. A person must learn to walk before they can run. This is a school, and I am responsible for teaching the entire css—not just you. Every student has a different level of understanding. My priority is to make sure everyone grasps the material before moving on to anything else."

  As he spoke, Alex tapped the bckboard lightly.

  "Remember, the exam questions come straight from the textbook. Mastering the material step by step at the very least ensures you won’t lose points in the test. It may seem tedious, but… life itself is rarely smooth sailing."

  Hearing this, Hiraizumi’s expression became even more unfriendly.

  "So as long as you pass the exams, nothing else matters?"

  "At this stage, yes. Only by passing exams can you get high scores, which determine whether you enter university and shape your future. Scores dictate your path forward. All we can do is follow the system. This is the rule of the game. It may seem unfair or harsh, but that’s reality. Either you adapt to it, or you change it. It’s that simple."

  Alex looked directly at the girl.

  "I believe you understand what I’m saying, Hiraizumi. Perhaps this material is too easy for you, but I’m not your personal tutor. I don’t have to teach at your pace. Also, whatever you choose to do, open your textbook. That is the most basic sign of respect for a teacher."

  Silence.

  The entire css held their breath, watching nervously. After a brief pause, Hiraizumi scoffed softly, then wordlessly opened her textbook.

  "Good."

  Seeing this, Alex nodded inwardly. Just another rebellious teenager trying to make a statement? In my cssroom? Not a chance. If you want to pick a fight, you’d better go home and take a nap instead.

  "Now, everyone, turn to page 23."

  Perhaps it was because Alex had successfully reasoned with Hiraizumi, but after that, she didn’t cause any more disruptions. She remained silent, staring at her textbook. It was hard to tell whether she was paying attention or zoning out, but either way, the suffocating tension in the room finally began to dissipate. The rest of the students, meanwhile, were now even more impressed with their css advisor.

  Amid this atmosphere, the school day passed quickly.

  When the bell rang, signaling the end of css, the students—who had been itching to leave—cheered and rushed out of the cssroom in excitement. Hiraizumi, without saying a word, picked up her bag and blended into the departing crowd.

  Now that’s more like it. Well-behaved kids are the best.

  Watching her retreating figure, Alex chuckled. Just as he finished gathering his things and was about to leave, a soft voice called out to him.

  "Um… Alex-sensei…"

  "Hm?"

  Hearing the voice, Alex turned his head and saw a short-haired girl with light brown hair standing not far from him, looking at him anxiously.

  "Is something wrong, Yoshida?"

  The girl standing before Alex was none other than his student, Yoshida Kazumi. She was considered one of the more attractive girls in the css—kind, gentle, well-liked, and popur. Just like in many anime settings, she fit the cssic archetype. Well, whatever… it’s always the same routine.

  "Well… um…"

  Facing Alex, Yoshida seemed a bit hesitant. She lowered her head and hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.

  "Please don’t be angry with Shana. I don’t think she meant to be rude… she’s just in a bad mood because of something."

  "I'm not angry."

  Alex waved his hand dismissively. He then recalled that Yoshida Kazumi was a close friend of Hiraizumi… well, whatever. Some things are better left unknown.

  "It was just a small incident. Nothing worth worrying about. But more importantly, Yoshida, you should be heading home soon. It’s getting te, so be careful on your way back."

  "Ah, right… I will!"

  Hearing Alex's response, Yoshida’s face lit up with a relieved smile. She bowed politely to him before turning to leave the cssroom.

  "Well then, I’ll be—"

  She never got to finish her sentence.

  At that moment, the world turned crimson.

  Everything froze.

  Seal.

  The scene before Alex transformed into a still frame, as if time itself had stopped. His expression darkened immediately. Just as he was about to react, a deck of pying cards suddenly materialized behind him, shooting toward him like arrows.

  Swish, swish, swish!

  However, just as the cards were about to hit their mark, a series of magical lights flickered into existence. Explosions erupted in the air as fiery bursts cshed against a glowing blue magic barrier, dispersing in an instant.

  "Tsk… compared to Fme Haze warriors, Crimson Denizens seem even more ruthless."

  Alex scoffed, gncing at the white fmes repelled by his barrier. Without hesitation, he reached behind him and drew his Void Severing Sword, sshing fiercely.

  A violent wave of sword energy swept through the cssroom like a curved bde, slicing toward the spinning deck of cards. The cards, as if sensing imminent danger, suddenly formed into a circur formation, as though guarding something hidden within.

  The next moment, Alex's sword energy collided head-on with the rotating cards.

  Boom, boom, boom!

  Fiery embers scattered in all directions. The once neat and orderly cssroom was now in ruins—tables and chairs were lifted by the shockwave, twisted, torn apart, and reduced to splinters.

  "Aaah—!!"

  A sharp cry rang out as the scattered pying cards lost their formation. Through the smoke and debris, a tattered, ragged doll-like figure shot out, dashing toward a hole in the wall.

  Trying to escape?

  Alex’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he extended his hand and pointed forward. Instantly, dozens of glowing magical missiles erupted from his fingertips, whistling through the air toward the fleeing, battered puppet.

  "No… Master!!"

  Just as the magical missiles were about to obliterate the puppet, a white blur suddenly materialized in midair, shielding it. With a casual wave of their right hand, the incoming projectiles detonated prematurely, dispersing harmlessly.

  Then, a voice rang out.

  "So you’re the human who stole the treasure… I must admit, you’re more capable than I expected."

  As the voice faded, a man in a pristine white suit stepped into view, standing before Alex.

  (end of chapter)

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