A crisp, cheerful voice rang out from behind the door. For some reason, it instantly made you like its owner—it carried such a dependable warmth.

The door swung fully open. A girl about my height stepped out. Seeing me standing dumbly outside, she naturally broke into a radiant smile. A playful strand of wheat-colored hair lay flat on her forehead.

"Hurry in! We'll start the class meeting once everyone's gathered."

"Well, let me introduce myself. I'm Xingye, the acting head of Class 136. Nice to meet you!"

She took the initiative, grabbing my free hand—the one not holding my bag—and led me into the classroom. She smoothly shut the iron door behind us.

The moment I stepped in and came into view, the noisy chatter instantly died down. It was as if soundproof glass had sealed the room, freezing the air itself.

Nearly every classmate turned their gaze toward me, boys and girls alike. From their eyes, I read astonishment, admiration, and a trace of envy—but all positive. Not a hint of jealousy anywhere.

Back in middle school, I sometimes drew this attention, but I always spotted at least a flicker of negativity. Here? None.

Wasn't it strange that not one person showed jealousy?

Subconsciously, I tightened my grip on my handbag. Inside, I'd prepared several Runic Spells as backup, some even enhanced by Thousand Feather Sister. They'd handle any emergency.

The atmosphere grew stranger. I was coiled tight, ready to react—when they suddenly burst out.

"Whoa! Such a cute girl is actually in our class? Pinch me—I must be dreaming!"

"She's that girl from this morning! Her back view was adorable, but her face is even prettier!"

"A classmate this cute... I really want to be friends..."

"Someone as amazing as you might just become my girlfriend..."

I'd braced for trouble, but hearing their words made me nearly stumble.

What? Just compliments? I thought something serious would happen! All that worry for nothing. Hmph!

Besides, I've heard this stuff so often—I don't blush at all.

Not even... a little...

"Oh dear, why's your face so red? Feeling unwell? Should we get the nurse?" Xingye had tried leading me to a seat but got swarmed by the excited crowd. Trapped, she shot me an apologetic look while waving everyone back to clear a path. That's when she noticed my flushed cheeks.

"I... I'm... fine... no... problem... Call me... Wu..." As I answered, I realized I was stammering again, my voice shrinking to a whisper.

"Wu? Can I call you that? Are you really okay?" Xingye didn't believe me. My face burned crimson, my weak tone making me seem timid—and that was unacceptable!

I remembered Father's teachings: never show weakness before those weaker or in need. Right now, I was their only support. I was a girl, yes—but first, a proud Demon Hunter. Protecting them was our duty.

But if I was their support... where was mine?

Thousand Feather Sister's dangerously alluring expression from last night flooded my mind, drowning out everything else. Only one thought remained: she was trustworthy. Everyone else...

Dazed, I barely heard Xingye's words. But her vigorous shaking of my arm snapped me back.

"Ah, sorry, Xingye. I zoned out." I gently pried her hand off my arm. For just a flash, I caught her fleeting expression—disappointed.

Why did Xingye touching my arm spark such strong discomfort? Like biting into Sichuan peppercorns in your favorite dish.

Puzzled but obeying the feeling, I pushed her hand away and stepped back instantly.