"Teacher, why won’t you face us head-on? Attacking a girl—what kind of skill is that?" one of the nine shouted. Others quickly chimed in, accusing the Combat Instructor of lacking basic fighting integrity…

The Combat Instructor stared at them like they were fools. "What’s the ultimate goal of combat?" he asked.

"To win, obviously," someone replied.

"Exactly. Widening the gap between you and your enemy is key," the Combat Instructor said slowly, pacing as he lectured. "One way is boosting your own Superpower rank to grow stronger. But that’s nearly impossible mid-fight unless you get absurdly lucky—and with your current strength? Forget it." He paused. "The other way? Weakening the enemy. Like when I took out your support member just now. Your power plummeted instantly."

The nine suddenly realized their adrenaline rush had vanished. Facing this instructor, they felt real pressure.

"Still," he added, "I admire you for finding a support member. It saves effort and boosts your team’s strength effortlessly."

Spectators grumbled. If they’d acted faster, that support would’ve been on their team—and they’d have used them better.

The Combat Instructor wasn’t just talking to these nine. His words reached all ninety students. Most found it odd—he was stating obvious truths anyone could figure out. Only the idiots on the field hadn’t caught on…

"By the way," his expression turned weathered, "I fought in the 19th World War. Back then, support personnel decided entire battles." He sighed. "So remember: befriend Superpower users with support abilities."

"Oh, and one last crucial point!" he announced. Every student leaned in, ears pricked. His lessons were finally making sense—this had to be vital.

Instead of wisdom, two bloodcurdling screams tore through the air…

"Walls! Jason!" A tall boy from the group yelled. The two he named had their faces buried in the ground. The Combat Instructor stood beside them, unnoticed.

"What are you doing?! Why attack out of nowhere?" the tall boy demanded.

Spectators frowned. Why strike when they were waiting for his lecture?

"Did you forget…" Lilith, the blonde class rep, spoke up calmly, "…the teacher is still fighting them?" Her reminder jolted everyone’s memory.

"But—" someone started. The Combat Instructor cut in.

"This final point? Use bullshit to lull your opponent—then ambush them." The crowd fell silent. Was this something an S Rank master should say? Shouldn’t combat be honorable?

"Don’t mistake my overwhelming strength for carelessness," he continued. "I’m limiting myself to A Rank power against you. Taking you down won’t be easy." As he spoke, he floored several distracted students. The last two panicked, retreating—and turned their backs on him.

"We’re doomed! We can’t beat him!" one fleeing student gasped to another.

"Didn’t you hear? He’s only using A Rank power! If we fight smart, we can take him down. We just need distance—" He stopped. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Y-you… behind you…"

"Huh? Behind me? Shit!" The student whirled around. The Combat Instructor had ripped a brick from the ground and hurled it at him.

"Flame Dance!" The student activated his Superpower. Fire swirled around his body, forming an airtight shield.

The brick melted on contact. Spectators murmured in awe—truly A Rank power…

Just as he dropped his flames, grinning confidently, a massive fist slammed into his face.

"Never drop your guard mid-fight. And your defense has too many gaps—being blind to the outside world gets you killed." Those were the last words he heard before collapsing.

"Last one… a ranged attacker?" The Combat Instructor eyed the final student. Green energy orbs—thirteen in total—floated around him. "Good. You used your teammates’ time well. You’re the best of them."

"Teacher! You promised to stay at A Rank!" the student panted, sweat dripping as he formed another orb.

"Hmm. I keep my word. But against your Superpower? I’ll have to get serious. Wouldn’t want to embarrass myself." The Combat Instructor narrowed his eyes, tracking the orbs’ paths.

The student knew his thirteen orbs were his only hope. Each packed massive power—the strongest ranged attack at his level if used right.

He watched the instructor’s muscles for tells. But he was just a rookie. A veteran like the Combat Instructor wouldn’t let his movements be read so easily.

So the instructor feigned an opening. The student, nerves frayed, seized the chance and hurled five orbs.

*BOOM!* A crater formed where the instructor stood. Seeing no one, the student looked up—sky was the best escape route. Sure enough, a large object hung above. *Got him!* He launched all remaining orbs in every direction, aiming to hit at least one…

Another explosion echoed. Only shattered rocks rained down.

"Good effort. But too reckless. I just stepped left."

"What?" The student collapsed.

Sharp-eyed spectators realized what the instructor had thrown skyward: a huge chunk of earth ripped from the ground. He’d dug it up, moved, and set the trap—all in seconds. *This teacher is terrifying…*

"First group’s done. Learned a lot, right? Time to get these treated." The Combat Instructor called the school medic. When they arrived, they scolded him for overworking them… and left five behind, grumbling about pending emergencies.

"Teacher… we learned a lot. Can we spar against each other now?" a student asked timidly.

The Combat Instructor just smiled faintly.

"No."