Returning to the classroom, Linen prepared himself to harvest another wave of rejection rewards.
He adjusted his expression and greeted the two girls already seated:
"Did you two rest well?"
"Yes, thanks for asking, Linen." Elena returned his smile, but it felt strained, as if something weighed heavily on her mind.
Hysteria just stuck out her tongue playfully at him.
Linen's smile froze on his face.
Something's off—very off.
Where are my reward points?
Wait… Maybe the system's lagging after so many rewards today.
Before he could ask the system, a female teacher in a violet tracksuit entered the classroom, her perfect figure effortlessly stealing most of the male students' attention.
As she stepped onto the podium, she waved her hand. A flash of Arcane light forced everyone to close their eyes briefly. When they reopened them, the desks and chairs had vanished, the floor leveled out, and the windows had been covered with thin protective barriers. In mere moments, the classroom had transformed into an indoor arena.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm your practical combat instructor, Milian."
The young woman nervously adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and smiled gently at the class.
Yes, this was indeed Milian—the young, new teacher whom Hysteria had once harassed, Linen indirectly helped, and who later rushed to Elena and Hysteria's rescue during Ken's attack.
Seeing her as the practical combat teacher, Linen rubbed his nose, quietly marveling at how small this world truly was.
Milian had originally been just a minor side character in the story, mentioned briefly for her unique constitution. Yet, by chance, she'd become closely intertwined with the protagonist's group.
In a sense, unintentionally or not, she was rewriting her own script—Linen couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathetic camaraderie.
Seeing their practical combat instructor was her savior, Hysteria immediately grew excited, enthusiastically waving at Milian, clearly having forgotten how she'd once troubled her.
Milian returned a strained smile.
It wasn't that she held a grudge—quite the opposite. She rather liked Hysteria now. Her awkwardness stemmed entirely from nerves.
Usually, the practical combat class was the responsibility of the homeroom teacher. But with Ken's sudden disappearance, Gust being an unapproachable master-level mage, and no other teachers available, the job inexplicably fell to her—a novice.
Come on, Milian, you've got this!
Facing a sea of expectant eyes, Milian silently cheered herself on.
But soon, the class atmosphere started spiraling out of control.
Linen, sharp-eyed as always, noticed her awkwardness. Stepping forward, he gently patted Milian's shoulder in reassurance.
"Don't be nervous, Teacher Milian. It's your first time teaching, right? It's fine—it's our first practical class too."
Milian froze briefly, then nodded stiffly, feeling even more uncomfortable.
"They're…first-timers too?"
Linen's comforting words only made her anxiety spike higher.
As he returned to the group, satisfied he'd comforted her, Milian's expression grew complicated.
Wait—I'm the teacher here! Linen, isn't your attitude a bit…?
Please let the rest of this lesson be smooth sailing!
Collecting herself, she continued:
"Everyone, as you can guess from the name, practical combat means groups will—"
"Will be rearranged to balance numbers?"
Linda, previously bored, suddenly perked up.
"Teacher Millan, my group has too many members. I'd like to join Linen's group!"
"Actually, I meant—"
"If you don't object, I'm going!"
Lifting her skirt slightly, Linda eagerly approached Linen, ignoring his disdainful gaze.
"Huh?! I never agreed to let you join our group! Why are you so practiced at this anyway?"
Hysteria snapped irritably.
"That's because Linen and I share a deep connection. Isn't that right, Linen?"
Linda purposefully straightened her chest. Before Linen could reply, Hysteria felt struck by critical damage, trembling with anger and humiliation.
She's definitely doing it on purpose!
Who cares if they're huge? They'll just slow her down in Arcane combat anyway!
"Miss Linda, control yourself. Let's listen to Teacher Milian first."
Linen calmly pointed towards the podium.
"Yes, please listen first…" Milian pleaded, desperately attempting to regain control over the now animated class.
So, this is what being a teacher really feels like—why does my stomach suddenly hurt so much?
But surely nothing else could go wrong…
"Hahaha! There's no need to wait!"
"Linen Norton! I've been waiting for this combat class for ages! Whoever loses today must bow respectfully every time they see the other!"
Farao charged forward, dramatically pointing at Linen.
"Who the heck wants a Shadow Duel with you? Wait, who are you again?"
Linen squinted in genuine confusion—he truly didn't remember this person at all.
Linda finally understood Farao's plan from earlier.
Eden Academy's practical combat class rules stated that challenges from students with lower scores couldn't be refused, ensuring real-world skills were honed. Farao, already penalized with negative points, could easily challenge Linen, whose scores were positive.
Defeat in front of everyone would indeed damage royal prestige.
But… who cared?
Betting on both sides was foolish. She hadn't placed her bet yet—she'd simply support the winner. Perfect.
"Oh, a duel! Then I'll cheer Linen on!"
Linda jumped closer, her ample chest bouncing provocatively.
Hysteria's crimson eyes widened painfully, veins visible as she clenched her teeth:
"Y-you get away from him, already!"
"Please, everyone, listen first…" Milian was nearly despairing. Her stomach pain intensified, and she seriously considered ending her teaching career immediately to return home and inherit the family business.
"Duel!"
"Go, Linen!"
"Get lost already, you oversized cow!"
Clearly, Milian had completely lost control of the situation. Though she knew it wasn't Linen's fault, she couldn't help quietly blaming him—every disruptive person seemed tied to him, somehow.
This time, Linen couldn't even help her—he looked equally annoyed.
Just as Milian began silently praying for a miracle, a clear and commanding voice echoed through the room.
"Everyone, quiet down!"
[Arcane Transmission]—a technique previously used by Gust—amplified the voice significantly. Surprisingly, it wasn't the anxious Milian who cast it, but Elena, the normally timid girl.
Seeing everyone's eyes turn toward her, Elena showed no trace of her usual shyness. Her expression was gentle yet firm, radiating subtle authority.
She first turned toward Linda:
"I'm the group leader. If you're serious about switching groups, please speak with me later."
Linda shrugged casually. She'd only been messing around anyway.
Then Elena faced Farao:
"Formal procedures are required to challenge someone, Farao. Surely you don't want to lose more credits?"
Farao clicked his tongue in irritation but remained silent.
Finally, she turned to Hysteria:
"Hysteria, sit down!"
"Why are you being weirdly strict with me?" Hysteria grumbled but obediently returned to her spot.
Only after everyone settled down did Elena continue.
"I understand many of you have business with Linen, and your own reasons. But shouldn't you consider the proper time and place—and someone's feelings?"
This student must be an angel!
Milian nearly burst into grateful tears—did her prayers actually reach heaven?
As Milian prepared to seize this moment, Elena took a step closer to Linen, calmly wrapping her arms around his.
"Please consider Linen's feelings carefully!"
Milian's smile vanished instantly.
And back in her seat, Hysteria also found herself suddenly unable to smile anymore.