"Who did it, step forward." Karis's voice was flat, without any rise or fall. His expression remained unchanged. Yet as his gaze swept over the class, everyone felt a weight in their hearts. Even students who hadn't directly participated felt a chill run down their spines.

"Graffitiing insulting words on school-owned desks... and it's highly likely targeted at a specific classmate..." Karis knew this desk set was practically Tilisha's 'exclusive seat'. No one wanted to sit under the teacher's nose, away from the crowd, except Tilisha.

"Do you know what you're doing? Are you truly aware you're students of Coleman Academy?" Karis's tone wasn't harsh, yet this measured voice echoed in Aerin and her cronies' minds. They couldn't lift their gazes to meet his eyes.

Karis knew these arrogant noble sons and daughters didn't need his special lessons. 'Others' would teach them. If they didn't change this first year, Coleman Academy would eliminate them without hesitation.

"Is this how you treat classmates?" Karis lightly tapped the seemingly intact chair's back. It collapsed with a crack.

The classroom air grew even heavier.

Aerin cursed Tilisha endlessly in her heart.

That hateful wild Divine Maiden wasn't as harmless as she seemed. She'd deliberately hinted she'd attend class tomorrow, luring Aerin into continuing the pranks—to show the teacher the bullying scene.

Worse, the teacher might think Tilisha skipped class today because of bullying.

An extra sin!

That golden-haired bitch's mind was far from innocent. She didn't report to the teacher; she guided him to discover the problem, making him her ally. A scheming bitch with deep ulterior motives!

Yet Aerin couldn't show her resentment openly. That'd be like driving a self-destruct truck.

"If you don't want to learn, fine. Don't disturb those who do." Karis's words confirmed it—he'd linked Tilisha's absence to bullying. His voice turned several degrees colder.

"Damaging school property can be fixed. The academy won't trouble you over it. We're not short of money. Mischief is just youthful energy."

"But if you block students who want to learn..."

*Slammed!* Karis dropped the book onto the lectern, tone flat. "Leave my class. I won't teach a student like you."

Karis, a battle-hardened veteran, silenced the arrogant Divine Maiden students with ease. They didn't dare breathe loudly.

"Sorry, Teacher Karis. I was delayed and am late." A voice came from the door. Tilisha stood there, small worn pouch on her back. She tilted her head at the silent class, seemingly puzzled by the strange atmosphere.

"Tilisha?" Surprise flickered in Karis's eyes. He sized her up, confirmed she was fine, then nodded. His tone softened slightly.

"It's fine. Just be careful next time."

"Mm, I disturbed your class."

"No, we haven't started yet."

Tilisha returned to her seat, glancing at the collapsed chair and graffiti-covered desk.

"Replace the desk set."

"No need. Just the chair. I'll clean the desk later." Tilisha moved the broken chair aside, sat on a new one, completely unaffected by the scribbles.

"Mm." Karis nodded, admiration in his gaze. He realized something else: this child had been bullied before. That's why she stayed so calm.

"I won't pursue this matter." Karis spoke solemnly. He wouldn't have let it go if Tilisha seemed hurt.

"I don't want to know who did it. The culprit must clean this desk after class. If next lesson, I see even a trace of paint left..." Karis pushed up his glasses. His gaze, sharp through thick lenses, glinted. "I'll find you out."

Aerin's followers turned to her silently, seeking guidance—or something else. Aerin lowered her head, gripping her pen tightly.

"No need, Teacher Karis. I'll wipe it." Tilisha said softly, unconcerned.

"No, you can't." Karis's tone was firm. "Whoever painted it cleans it. You don't worry."

"After class, leave immediately. Don't linger."

"But..."

"That's an order."

"...I understand." Tilisha lowered her gaze slightly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.