Fiers Hero Academy wasn’t particularly grand or solemn, nor did it carry historical weight—it had only been open for three years. But one thing was guaranteed: its facilities were the most advanced of the modern era.

As Empty City considered whether to step inside, he suddenly found himself surrounded by a growing crowd of female students.

Of course, he wasn’t delusional enough to think they were here for him.

“Ugh… these boys,” one girl muttered. “Rushing over like love-struck puppies.”

“Wisdom-chan, don’t say that! Girls should stay poised,” another chided.

“Poise?” The first snorted. “Boys just look down on that.”

“Anyway…” A third voice cut in, dreamy. “Teacher Night Zero is *so* beautiful.”

Just as the student said, Night Zero radiated a mature, captivating charm now that she’d returned to teaching.

She was a girl barely twenty, with lustrous, silky hair and amber eyes. Her skin glowed like fine satin—touch it, and you’d never want to let go. Her elegant face carried a sacred, otherworldly grace.

It was the kind of beauty that made strangers turn their heads. And paired with her outfit? A black OL suit hugged her curves, the deep V leaving nothing to the imagination. The skirt covered her hips just so, black stockings ending precisely at her knees—a perfectly sensual silhouette.

Yet this goddess-like figure stood trapped at the center of a swarm of boys.

The surrounding girls mostly voiced mild annoyance at the boys’ behavior, but no outright hostility. Clearly, Night Zero’s image remained flawless even in their eyes. *Still…* Empty City mused, *doesn’t she need my help?*

After a quick scan of the campus layout, he frowned. *Why aren’t these students studying this early? Don’t they know the early hours are precious?* Seeing Night Zero shoot helpless glances through the crowd, Empty City didn’t hesitate. He pushed forward.

“Excuse me—pardon!”

“Don’t block the way! I just fixed my tie!”

“Uncle, stop shoving!”

He itched to punch the “uncle” kid, but rescuing Night Zero came first. Finally breaking through, he caught her flustered eyes lighting up with relief. *Worth it.*

Straightening his rumpled tie, Empty City cleared his throat pointedly.

Silence.

“Who even are you?”

“Move it, dude.”

The boys kept their tone polite—for Night Zero’s sake—but their stares were icy. To them, this young man dressed like a salaryman was just another poser trying to impress their idol. Disgusting.

Night Zero was sacred. After months away on personal leave, her return deserved celebration—not interruption by some stranger.

Empty City met their hostile glares. *Back in my day, I’d have slapped them into next week.* But this was his first teaching job—recommended by Night Zero herself. Starting a fight with students? Unthinkable. He took a breath.

“Can’t you see Teacher Night Zero isn’t feeling well? She just came back from months of rest—for *your* sake. I know you admire her. So show some consideration.”

His righteous words froze the boys mid-protest. Night Zero, however, stared at him in utter bewilderment.

*Months of rest because I was sick?* She felt touched but cringed inwardly. *This is so obviously fake. These kids aren’t that gullible—*

“R-Really?” stammered one boy. “We didn’t know…”

“We’re so sorry, Teacher!”

“How’s your health now?”

A chorus of concerned voices rose. Night Zero’s confusion deepened. *They’re actually buying this?! Why couldn’t I ever trick them like this before?* She didn’t realize her own actions sold the lie: flushed cheeks, leaning slightly against Empty City’s back, eyes darting away like a feverish patient too weak to stand.

Satisfaction warmed Empty City’s chest. “I’ll take Teacher Night Zero to the infirmary now. Step aside. You’d regret delaying her care… for the rest of your lives.”

That last line did the trick. Most boys shuffled back. But one stubborn soul stepped forward.

“Teacher!” He bowed deeply before Night Zero. “Let *me* carry you! I’m the fastest runner in school!”

Night Zero froze, then glanced helplessly at Empty City.

*Is this kid serious? Or aiming for a student-teacher romance?* A sharp, irrational annoyance flared in Empty City’s chest. Ignoring Night Zero’s pleading look, he stepped right up to her.

“Sorry,” he said coolly to the boy, “but I won’t risk Teacher Night Zero’s safety on you.”

Before the boy could retort, Empty City swept Night Zero into a bridal carry.

Her soft body pressed against his chest. The gentle rise of her breath, the warmth of her hips cradled in his arms—it sent his head spinning. *Five years… no, even before that, I barely touched a woman.* He almost didn’t want to let go.

But with dozens of eyes on them, he forced himself to stay composed. Shooting a sharp glare around the crowd, he bolted forward at lightning speed—vanishing into the academy halls with Night Zero in his arms before anyone could react.