Kong had other reasons for setting such demands on his students besides letting them vent. He wanted them to clearly recognize their shortcomings—this was his first lesson. Next, he’d casually assess their abilities.

Scrolling through the student roster saved on his phone, it wasn’t as detailed as the official file, but at least he could match names to photos.

The girl who’d asked questions that morning was Winniet. She looked very docile, but due to his earlier mistake, she seemed listless in class now. Kong decided to find time to apologize properly. Then there was the Dairy Maiden… Her name was memorable, but what stuck with him most was her ample bust. Recalling the morning incident made him awkward. Though his reason was noble, he couldn’t deny she was still a girl.

“Ah…”

“Scared her off again…”

While reviewing the roster, Kong couldn’t help glancing at them. When Estia noticed his gaze, she shyly clutched her weapon and ran to the other side. Kong slumped slightly, head down, fiddling with his phone again.

Cheng Zhihui… A silver-haired, blue-eyed beauty. She’d called herself a weirdo that morning, even though she was late. But Kong sensed her focus and seriousness in class. She was probably the most dissatisfied with his laziness.

As he thought, Kong observed the girl picking up her sword in the combat room.

All students were talented, but awakening Meta Abilities couldn’t be rushed. Daily basics included swordsmanship, martial arts, marksmanship, even mech operation. Though specialized teachers handled these, Kong saw them as amateurs.

“Uh, teacher, making the target dummies move makes sniping too easy. Try hitting moving targets and predicting their direction. If you’re confident, anticipate the dummy’s next move. Remember, sniper rifle delay is about 0.17 seconds. Don’t underestimate that 0.17 seconds!”

Kong walked behind the students practicing sniping. Unfamiliar with their teacher, he felt a bit awkward but quickly slipped into teaching mode. After speaking, he headed elsewhere, leaving bewildered students.

0.17 seconds… Estia watched his retreating figure, gripping her sniper rifle tighter.

“For Dual Sword Style, improve your flexibility first. Your sword techniques are fine, but your body can’t keep up! And you, yes you—girls should focus on speed. Strength might be innate, but speed can be honed. Especially girls, you have a natural edge in speed over boys.”

“…”

“Well, keep at it.” Kong smiled slightly, then returned to his spot, fiddling with his phone again.

This guy… really teaching properly.

“Hey, stop spacing out. Train hard.”

“Yes!” Cheng Zhihui snapped her gaze back, swinging her sword again—this time focusing on speed.

They all had decent talent. Cheng Zhihui, Estia, even Maxfield who butted heads with him—they all had potential. With proper training, they could become ready assets for Hero Headquarters.

Kong rarely felt this good during class.

But just then, a sharp, grating voice shattered his peace.

Ah… troublesome. It was a bespectacled, slim man—a teacher here, probably teaching third-years.

“Yada yada, if it isn’t Kongcheng Teacher! What a coincidence meeting you here!”

Kong glanced sideways at him, thinking this guy was a bit off in the head.

But… “Let’s make this quick. The combat arena ahead is free. End this fast.”

“Hmmph! Then I’ll show you what a true hero is! Show you who deserves Night Zero!”

“Idiot…”

“What did you say?!”

“Nothing.”

Kong couldn’t be bothered with him anymore. He walked alone to the combat arena. Their loud voices reached the students, who stopped training and watched with interest the fight that had been rumored around school.

Hamlet—a guy who annoyed Maxfield greatly, a creep always clinging to Teacher Night Zero. But… this guy had real skills. His past as a B Rank Hero was well-deserved.

“Go, teacher!!!”

“Go, Teacher Hamlet! You’re the best!!!”

A fan club? Kong watched students on the stands near the arena, holding banners for their teacher. He felt inexplicably embarrassed for them. But seeing his own students eager for a show—or hoping he’d lose—Kong wondered who was more embarrassing right now.

“Estia… Estia!”

“Ah… huh? What is it, Zhihui?”

“N-no… just wondering if you’re too worried about the teacher? Or… do you li—”

“AHHHHHHHH!!!” Cheng Zhihui jumped back, startled by Estia’s sudden shout.

“E-Estia?”

“No no, impossible! I’m just worried about the teacher, yeah, that’s it!” Estia nodded emphatically, but the blush on her cheeks wouldn’t fade. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably. Her voice might lie, but her eyes didn’t—they stayed fixed on Kong.

Hmm… this kid really can’t lie… Cheng Zhihui glanced at Estia beside her, smiling wryly. She also looked forward to seeing what strength this unconventional teacher would show.

However… the final truth deeply shocked everyone present.

Because… it wasn’t even a fight on the same level!