Summonology class finally came to an end.
For most students, it was time to return to the dormitory and enjoy dinner, marking the close of another exhausting day. Simon, however, had been instructed to remain behind in the lecture room.
The members of Group Seven watched him with visible concern.
Even Meilyn, despite maintaining her usual tsundere expression, could not fully hide the unease in her eyes.
Noticing the tense mood, Knox gave a light chuckle.
"Hehe, don't worry, everyone. I didn't sense any anger or hostility from Professor Aaron at all."
The group turned toward him.
"If my guess is correct," Knox continued casually, "what Simon's about to receive is actually the opposite of what you're imagining. In fact, it'll probably be something quite beneficial for him."
Cami, still clearly worried, looked up at Knox.
"You mean… Simon won't get scolded?"
Seeing her anxious expression — like a small, trembling animal — Knox immediately felt the urge to tease.
"Hm… maybe," he said thoughtfully, "Simon will be chained up, stripped of his clothes, and punished with whips."
Cami's eyes widened in horror.
"Or perhaps," Knox added with a straight face, "he'll be forced to stand upside down with his head on the floor."
"Hahh?!" Cami gasped.
"Oh no… Simon's in danger! What should we do?!"
Claudia sighed sharply. "Knox, stop it."
She shot him a glare.
"Look at Cami. She's about to cry."
Knox burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Sorry, sorry. That was a joke."
Cami puffed her cheeks slightly, still shaken.
"My real guess," Knox said more gently, "is that Professor Aaron wants to give Simon some personal instruction."
Rick blinked. "…Eh?"
Meilyn frowned. "What? Are you serious?"
Knox nodded. "I'm one hundred percent sure."
Rick's eyes immediately lit up, curiosity replacing concern.
"Alright, now you've got my attention."
He leaned forward eagerly. "What makes you so sure?"
Cindy quickly joined in, clearly intrigued. "Yeah, Knox. Spill it!"
Knox glanced around theatrically before leaning closer.
"Well…"
He lowered his voice. "It's technically a secret."
The group leaned in.
"But if I had to say… Professor Aaron has been looking for a disciple."
Claudia tilted her head.
"A disciple?"
Knox nodded slightly.
"However, due to certain circumstances, he's been… reluctant."
Rick narrowed his eyes.
"Reluctant?"
Knox hesitated briefly before continuing.
"Don't spread this around, alright?"
Their expressions grew serious.
"Professor Aaron once had a genius student."
A pause.
"But that student… ended up murdering someone."
Silence fell instantly.
"Because of that," Knox finished calmly, "Professor Aaron developed something close to trauma when it came to taking disciples."
Shock rippled across both Group Seven and Group Eight.
No one had expected their seemingly lazy professor to carry such a heavy past.
Sensing the atmosphere sinking, Knox clapped his hands lightly.
"Hehe, don't worry too much."
He smiled.
"Judging by the way Professor Aaron called Simon, it looks like that old wound might finally begin to heal."
Then, brightly:
"Anyway, enough gloomy talk. How about we eat something delicious? I found a very interesting hot pot restaurant!"
Like a switch being flipped, the tension dissolved.
Cindy immediately perked up. "You're right! Let's go!"
Claudia adjusted her hair. "Hm… but we shouldn't waste too much time. After dinner, we still need to review our strategy for tomorrow's presentation."
Merida yawned loudly. "…I'm hungry."
Meanwhile, the members of Team Seven watched from afar with mixed emotions.
They wanted to join. But Simon was absent.
And more importantly…
Their own preparation for tomorrow's presentation was still incomplete.
Noticing the way Group Seven kept glancing toward them, Knox and Cindy exchanged a brief look.
No words were needed. They instantly understood each other.
Knox stepped forward first, a faintly playful smile forming.
"Hm? Meilyn, why are you staring at us like that?"
His tone was light, teasing. "…Are you hungry too?"
Meilyn stiffened.
Knox grinned wider. "If that's the case, how about you all join us~?"
Before Meilyn could respond, Cindy chimed in with exaggerated innocence.
"But…"
She tapped her chin theatrically. "I feel like your group is missing someone."
A deliberate pause.
"Oh right… Simon."
Her lips curved mischievously.
"Looks like you won't be tasting hot pot tonight. Hehe~"
A sharp throb pulsed at Meilyn's forehead.
The two devils had struck perfectly.
"You two…!"
Meilyn snapped, her composure cracking instantly.
"Who said we wanted to eat with you guys?! Hmph!"
She crossed her arms aggressively.
"And don't blame me when our presentation tomorrow turns out better than yours!"
Knox blinked. Then tilted his head.
"…Meilyn, are you still half-asleep?"
His voice carried mock concern.
"Stop daydreaming~"
Meilyn's face twitched violently.
Cindy immediately piled on.
"He's right, Meilyn."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Wake up and stop sleepwalking!"
That was the final spark.
"YOU GUYS!!"
Meilyn exploded.
Knox and Cindy didn't wait.
They bolted.
"Oi, run!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Stop right there!"
Meilyn charged after them in a fury, shouting threats that only fueled Knox and Cindy's laughter.
Meanwhile, the rest of the students could only watch in stunned silence.
"…Are they children?"
"…They're definitely children."
"…Why is this even happening?"
After the chaotic chase finally came to an end, Meilyn returned to her group, breathing heavily.
Her cheeks were flushed — partly from exhaustion, partly from lingering embarrassment.
"…Unbelievable…"
She muttered while brushing her hair back.
In the end, she chose not to leave.
Instead, she leaned quietly against the wall. Waiting for Simon.
Knox and the others, still chuckling, began heading toward the hot pot restaurant.
"Well then," Knox said cheerfully, "dinner time~"
Cindy stretched lazily. "Hehe… totally worth it."
Then, the four of them headed toward the hot pot restaurant.
Along the way, their conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter surfacing now and then as they exchanged casual remarks about class, assignments, and whatever trivial thoughts crossed their minds.
Without even realizing it—
They had arrived.
As they stepped inside, the small bell above the door jingled brightly.
A young waitress approached them, her expression cheerful and welcoming.
"Welcome! Table for four?"
But the moment her eyes settled on the group—
She froze. Her polite smile faltered, replaced by unmistakable surprise.
No way… isn't that Knox?!
Her heart skipped.
Unbelievable… he's even more handsome up close.
Her gaze flickered toward the others.
And these girls… they must be his group members.
Excitement bubbled uncontrollably in her thoughts.
So the rumors are true… Knox really formed one of the 'strongest' groups.
Every member an ace… and all of them beautiful.
Don't tell me… is this going to turn into one of those dramatic scenes where girls fight over a boy?!
A dangerous pause.
…Wait.
Does he still remember me?
Meanwhile, Knox and the others quickly noticed the strange look on the waitress's face.
Knox blinked. Then recognition struck.
The girl standing before him was someone he knew.
Not just from memory—
But from the novel itself. More importantly, someone he had already met in this world.
Because in the original story, she had once worked as Lorain's maid in Nefthis's mansion.
Knox smiled faintly.
"Esch?"
The waitress jolted.
"Esch Arzel… isn't that you?"
Cindy, Claudia, and Merida immediately turned toward Knox.
He knew her?
Esch's eyes widened.
"Eh?!"
Her voice nearly cracked.
"Young Master… you still remember me?!"
Claudia stiffened.
Young Master?
Her brain short-circuited as an avalanche of wildly inappropriate romance-novel scenarios began forming inside her head.
Knox sighed helplessly.
"Esch… how many times have I told you not to call me that?"
He smiled gently.
"You're not working at Nefthis's mansion anymore."
Then, more lightly:
"Just call me Knox, alright?"
The three girls exchanged confused glances.
Working at Nefthis's mansion?
Knox blinked.
"…Ah, right. I haven't introduced you."
He gestured casually.
"Everyone, this is Esch Arzel."
A small pause.
"You could say she's my childhood friend."
Esch brightened instantly.
"Hello everyone! I'm Esch Arzel — just call me Esch!"
She bowed politely.
"I'm actually a kizen student too, same batch as you all."
Then she laughed softly.
"And if you're wondering how Knox and I know each other… well, a few years ago, I worked as a maid at Madam Nefthis's mansion."
A mischievous smile followed.
"That's where I met Knox and Miss Lorain."
Cindy's eyes sparkled.
"I see!"
She stepped forward energetically.
"My name's Cindy! Let's be friends!"
Claudia bowed politely.
"Claudia Menzies."
Merida gave a small nod.
"…Merida Hugh Ickel."
Esch clapped her hands lightly.
"Oh my, I can't have customers standing here like this."
She gestured inward.
"Please, follow me. Or would you prefer a private room?"
Knox nodded.
"A private room would be great."
"Of course! This way!"
Once seated, the four quickly began discussing what to order.
After a brief debate, they settled on a moderately spicy broth filled generously with meat and vegetables.
Esch took their order and hurried off toward the kitchen.
As silence briefly settled over the table, Claudia smiled faintly.
"What a coincidence, Knox. Meeting your childhood friend here of all places."
Cindy nodded.
"I didn't expect her to have worked at Madam Nefthis's mansion either. She must be working part-time."
Knox leaned back slightly.
"Well… Esch's family circumstances were difficult."
His tone softened.
"But even when we were children, I noticed she had talent as a necromancer."
The girls listened quietly.
"So I mentioned it to Nefthis," Knox continued. "She ended up sponsoring Esch when she enrolled at kizen."
A faint smile crossed his lips.
"…Looks like she's still working hard."
Claudia nodded approvingly.
"Well, just look at Rick. He's always finding ways to earn money too."
Moments later, Esch returned with their hot pot.
Steam rose gently as she arranged everything neatly before excusing herself.
Before long, the four began eating. Conversation naturally shifted. Toward tomorrow's presentation.
Claudia adjusted her posture.
"Our formation is final, correct?"
Knox nodded.
"Yes. Let's review once more."
His voice turned calm and focused.
"Cindy will take the front line, engaging the Cyclops directly. She'll rely on her Spirit Form for both evasion and offensive pressure."
Cindy grinned confidently.
Knox continued.
"I'll deploy my summons to divide its attention while providing support magic to reinforce the team."
He turned slightly.
"Claudia, you'll target the Cyclops's wound zones with poison."
Claudia nodded.
"And Merida…"
Knox's gaze shifted.
"You'll use curses to restrain its movement."
Merida gave a small, lazy nod.
"…Understood."
The discussion continued.
But not even strategy talk could interrupt the steady rhythm of eating.