"Who would've thought, as the little card king of Imperial City Seven-Star Street, I'd end up teaching in such a remote mountain nook."
Li Fan propped his leg on the small table, muttering to himself with a touch of resentment.
Even though the tent was already filled with smoke, he skillfully lit a cigarette.
As the new teacher at Xidu University, Li Fan had only one course this semester.
And that was the Summoner skill, [Sprint].
[Sprint]: Consumes spiritual power to grant a significant temporary speed boost.
Among Summoners, this was a moderately popular skill.
Because, compared to [Blink], although its effect lasts longer, it's far less versatile.
After all, [Blink] allows direct traversal through landscapes and obstacles, while normal [Sprint] can't achieve this.
Moreover, the specific boost from [Sprint] depends on the summoner's own strength; if their strength is average, the effect isn't impressive either.
This semester's [Sprint] course open to new students only had two teachers.
The total quota for new students was 53.
One teacher took 50, leaving 3 spots for Li Fan.
This was requested by Li Fan himself, because he really didn't want to teach students.
To be blunt, he didn't want to be a teacher and didn't know how to be one.
His role at Xidu University was just a result of a bet at the card table.
Having expressed this attitude early on and considering the uncertainty of the teaching effectiveness of new teachers, the school approved Li Fan's quota request.
"Pitching a tent out in the wilderness is just a waste of time."
"No student would choose me."
He believed that the reputation of a new teacher combined with [Sprint]'s unpopularity meant that no student would choose him today.
No students meant no need for classes.
Enjoying the ease while also fulfilling the bet.
Look, it's not that I don't want to teach; it's the students who don't choose me.
Yet, much to Li Fan's surprise, just as course selection started, a new student walked into his tent.
"Hello, teacher, I'd like to learn [Sprint]."
Once unfamiliar, now accustomed, Li Pu stepped in and delivered the opening line.
"..."
Li Fan, cigarette in mouth, froze his expression.
Could it be, just after setting a flag, I'm immediately getting a slap in the face?
"Come over and sit."
Feeling guilty, he invited Li Pu to sit down.
After all, he couldn't directly reject a student; he had to find a way to persuade them to leave.
But the short steps Li Pu took made Li Fan pause again.
This kid... is crippled?
Could it be an attempt to make up for personal weaknesses by learning [Sprint]?
He couldn't help feeling some sympathy.
Yet, even if out of kindness, he had to say something to persuade him to leave.
"I understand your intention."
"Actually, this isn't suitable for you; I hope you'll reconsider."
"Although [Sprint] can temporarily greatly enhance speed, for those with leg inconvenience, its effect is heavily discounted."
Li Fan's explanation was truthful.
Originally expecting another test paper, Li Pu disagreed upon hearing this.
What leg inconvenience, who has leg inconvenience.
This summoner skill seemed to suit him perfectly.
A significant speed boost, wouldn't that make him even faster?
Absolutely wonderful.
Besides, the teacher was willing to offer advice based on personal circumstances, which proved him to be a responsible teacher.
Li Pu couldn't help but feel more favorable towards him.
However, upon reflection, this was ultimately course selection.
Simply put, students picked courses and teachers, not the other way around.
"Teacher, I have a question."
Hence, Li Pu decided to take the initiative.
"If you're being chased by a forest monster, and ahead is a..."
"No need for 'if', forest monsters never catch me."
Unexpectedly, Li Fan didn't even think before waving off the question.
Such demeanor, while confident, was intentional to create a sense of difficulty in interacting with him.
(Don't choose me, don't choose me, don't choose me...)
His face resolute, while internally hoping desperately.
However, Li Fan's plan ultimately failed; such a response made Li Pu's eyes light up.
In sync.
It seemed the teacher was quite like him.
[Sprint], it's decided then.
"Teacher, please take care of me this semester."
Thoughts aligned, Li Pu extended his hand to Li Fan straightforwardly.
"???"
The sudden turn left Li Fan dumbfounded.
How did things turn out completely opposite of what he planned!
Did this kid not hear what I just said?
"No, what I meant..."
"It's okay, I get it."
"Just so you know, my classes are very..."
"No need to say more, teacher; it's decided here."
This time, it was Li Pu's turn to interrupt Li Fan, twice consecutively.
From the determination in the student's eyes, it was clear.
"...alright then."
Ultimately, Li Fan could only respond with a dark expression.
Though by nature indifferent, the student's words left no room for persuasion.
He just wanted to play cards quietly, yet somehow ended up actually teaching.
Li Fan, previously slumped in his seat, now appeared even more dispirited.
...
Having completed course selection, Li Pu was allowed to leave.
But before he could go, other teachers notified him.
Due to forest monster rage, all new students must gather on the slope and be escorted back by the teacher team.
So, with no place to go, Li Pu stayed in Li Fan's tent.
About an hour passed, and the forest mist was almost gone.
The new student group gradually arrived, starting their own course selection.
It was around this time that Li Pu felt the scarecrow has finally arrived at the slope.
Due to his physique, the speed difference between him and the scarecrow was significant.
Additionally, the scarecrow, despite its wood attribute, wasn't necessarily a true forest child; raging plant monsters weren't reasonable, causing it some hindrances.
Fortunately, it was clever enough to narrowly avoid several kill threats.
Through telepathy, the scarecrow quickly found the tent where Li Pu was.
However, much to Li Pu's surprise, and Li Fan's displeasure, the scarecrow brought someone along.
It was Wu Guinan, who barely managed to catch up to the last group.
[Oh shoot!]
Scarecrow: Summoner, have you abandoned me?
As it walked in, the scarecrow pretended to cry.
However, the soda trickling from its eyes only indicated it was quite refreshed.
"So you were here!"
Upon seeing Li Pu, Wu Guinan expressed joy.
"Hello, teacher."
As for Li Fan, he greeted him respectfully.
But...
But Li Pu chose the new teacher?
Although unfamiliar with Li Fan's appearance, Wu Guinan knew the new teacher taught [Sprint].
He happened to have met the other [Sprint] teacher.
Thus, through eliminations, he easily identified who the teacher was.
"Are you here to learn [Sprint]?"
Speaking instead for the intentionally silent Li Fan, Li Pu inquired.
"It's alright."
Wu Guinan's eventual nod left Li Fan looking more uncomfortable.
In fact, as one of the last few in the competition, his choices weren't plentiful.
So he decided to attend classes with a familiar face like Li Pu.
This concluded the course selection competition.
...
...