That night, everything was chaotic and vague.
The principal of No. 3 Middle School had only briefly exchanged greetings with the visiting old woman, who turned out to be the grandmother of the university principal. After saying a few polite words, she left just as quickly as she arrived.
Ethan had been unaware of the situation, mainly because he never checked the group chat.
His mentor—used to seeing Ethan active in the chat—probably thought he'd already read the announcements. So, rather than messaging Ethan, the mentor had only informed Lily Winters, who famously avoided group messages.
Then, the very next day, Ethan entered a dungeon. He remained in that dungeon for more than four long days, completely disconnected from the outside world.
So, when the subject of individual scores came up, Ethan was completely lost.
He had no idea what they were talking about.
Only after checking his phone and scrolling through the chat group did Ethan finally understand that something called a "personal scoring system" had been introduced.
But from the perspective of the bearded instructor beside him, Ethan's confused expression looked like a guilty conscience.
That wasn't so unusual.
After all, Ethan was standing right in front of the "ace tutor" of Ravenshade University—a man proud of his strict teaching methods. Maybe Ethan was just too embarrassed to show off in front of him.
Still, the bearded tutor didn't seem too bothered by Ethan's results. What he really cared about was Lily Winters.
So he asked again, "Now that you've seen the rankings, what place do you think Lily Winters will get?"
"Top three!" Ethan replied confidently.
He had witnessed Lily's strength in the dungeon. She had fought by his side and personally defeated the blood-soaked giant sword monster. That kind of skill wasn't something average students had.
Besides, Lily was an SS-rank talent.
Ethan was confident he'd take first place himself, so he spoke without hesitation.
The bearded tutor, unaware of the full story but hearing Ethan's tone, nodded with approval.
"So she's in the top three? I knew it! My eye for talent never fails!"
If he could bring someone like Lily into his department, the university wouldn't dare question his performance anymore.
The truth behind the "Ace Tutor" title
It turned out that this bearded tutor's so-called "ace" status was… a bit misleading.
In truth, it was more like a running joke among Ravenshade University staff.
Why?
Because his teaching methods were absolutely brutal.
Every year, he somehow managed to convince a few students to join his class… only to scare them away within weeks.
As a result, his evaluation scores were always terrible.
Just recently, the university had assigned him to help clean up new dungeons, simply because he had no students to mentor.
All the other instructors were busy guiding their own students. But him?
Completely free.
He was basically on dungeon cleanup duty now.
That's why when he saw Lily Winters charging into a dungeon to fight monsters head-on just after awakening, he was thrilled.
To him, Lily was exactly the type of student he needed—bloody, bold, and unafraid.
If she became his student, he'd no longer be dumped into dangerous fieldwork all the time. That alone made him cheerful.
A promise with conditions
Thinking of all this, the bearded man chuckled and said to Ethan, "Kid, even if you fail the entrance exam, I'll pull some strings and let you in through the back door."
"But if you can't keep up with my lessons... don't blame me for kicking you out later."
He tapped Ethan on the shoulder and added, "But if you're willing to follow orders, I won't hold anything back when I teach you."
He grinned proudly, thinking, "Even if Lily rejects me, this kid is a decent backup."
As long as he had one student, he could finally stop being sent on suicide missions.
"Pull over here," the bearded man said as they arrived at the gate.
"Kid, if things don't go your way in the exams, come find me. I've got influence at Ravenshade. What's your name again?"
"Ethan. And remember, you owe me a favor."
"Sure, I'll remember," the bearded man said, smiling slyly.
He thought to himself, This 'favor' will be paid back through blood, sweat, and tears. Just wait, you'll understand what cruelty is when my training starts.
---
Back at home...
When Ethan returned to the residence, the principal of No. 3 Middle School still hadn't returned.
Feeling a bit bored, he started scrolling through the group chat again.
To his surprise...
Fairwind had actually spoken up for him during the earlier discussion!
But apparently, Fairwind got so frustrated with the argument that he left the group entirely.
Touched and amused, Ethan decided to give him a call.
---
Meanwhile… Fairwind was in the middle of a fight.
His phone began to ring with a loud, absurd ringtone:
> "Brother, give me a hug and tell me what's on your mind!"
"Let out those grievances and pain you've buried for years!"
"Cry if you must, cry into the earth where your sorrow hides!"
Fairwind grinned when he heard it. That ringtone?
He had set it specially for Ethan.
He claimed it symbolized their brotherhood—even though Ethan found it completely cringe-worthy and had tried to delete it multiple times.
But no matter what, Fairwind would always answer a call from Ethan.
Even now, he was battling a giant bear with arms thicker than tree trunks, slashing away while pouring a potion into his mouth with one hand.
With blood flying in all directions, Fairwind still reached into his pocket to answer the phone.
"Yo~! Isn't this Ethan, the great Young Master? Why the sudden call?"
"You sneak-attacked me, huh? Bro, that's not cool! You wanna die with me?!"
"Hold up, hold up, don't hang up. Let me finish killing this beast first—it'll only take a second!"
From Ethan's side, all he could hear were crashing sounds and Fairwind's heavy breathing. He winced. "How can he casually pick up calls during a life-or-death fight like this?"
That man's heart was practically made of steel!
---
A few moments later, Fairwind's voice came back, panting.
"Alright… huff… it's done. Speak. What happened? Need help? Just say the word, I'll take care of it in five minutes flat."
From his tone, it was obvious that Fairwind thought Ethan was calling for a favor.
Ethan rarely asked for help, so this had to be important… right?
Fairwind even fantasized about Ethan hugging his leg in gratitude after he solved the issue, like some movie hero.
The image was so ridiculous that he nearly burst out laughing.
But then...
Ethan's reply was calm and emotionless:
> "It's nothing. I just got a skill book I think suits you. Want it?"
"!?"
Fairwind froze.
This plot… this plot is all wrong!
---
[End of Chapter]
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