Those who hadn’t lived through this battle would never grasp what truly unfolded within it.
The despair of untouchable foes, the triumph of perfect teamwork, the thrill of shattering personal limits—only the dozen or so who chose to fight could feel these. And because of that, they understood exactly what their teacher had done.
They’d vaguely sensed his deliberate holds and calculated movements were all part of a plan.
But such thoughts could only be voiced when he returned.
Still, this battle left a deep mark on the young students’ hearts.
“Young Master…”
“Big Black, use the family’s connections to investigate him.”
“And after that, what do you intend to…”
“Relax. My heart isn’t as thick-skinned as yours. I’m just… slightly interested.”
“Young Master…”
Big Black sighed helplessly and followed Maxfield away.
Elsewhere, Empty City stood in the school restroom. He didn’t wash the bloody gashes on his face with water. Instead, he simply brushed his hand over them. Like magic, the wounds vanished without a trace, as if they’d never existed.
“Seeing this only confirms it—everything was the teacher’s plan.”
“I’d love to argue, but this is the boys’ restroom, you know?”
The reflection in the mirror revealed who stood behind him. Was she oblivious, or simply careless? Cheng Zhihui, class monitor of Grade 2, Class C, stood boldly inside the boys’ restroom.
“No worries. It’s class time, and this place is far from the main building. Barely anyone comes here. It won’t affect me.”
“No… I’m worried for myself.”
“Did the teacher say anything?”
“Nothing at all!”
Empty City awkwardly splashed water on his face. He knew it was true, but he needed to calm down. Truthfully, he feared someone might see this scene and tell Night Zero—that was his real concern. Cheng Zhihui’s cluelessness left him exasperated.
“Good. I’ve officially accepted the teacher since earlier.”
“I’m glad you approve… but can we talk somewhere else?”
Empty City glanced at the door handle behind the girl. It seemed locked. His tense shoulders finally relaxed.
“No need. I have training soon. I only came to clear up a few doubts.”
“Ask away.”
Empty City rubbed his temples. His earlier actions had exposed too much—the glitchy ability, the leaked intel, and now this restroom display. Cheng Zhihui’s suspicions were confirmed.
“All those challenges were the teacher’s plan. Testing our strength while boosting it. Even the final victory was his design. Am I right?”
“You’re overthinking. If your teacher were that amazing, would he even be teaching here?”
Empty City shot back instantly, his tone leaving no room for debate.
“Hmph…”
Such a blunt rejection caught Cheng Zhihui off guard. Were all her guesses wrong? Was it all coincidence? As doubt crept in, Empty City yawned and shrugged.
“But… you only need to know this much. My apology at noon was sincere. And from now on, I’ll teach you all seriously.”
The truth didn’t matter anymore. Chasing it here didn’t matter either.
Hearing this, a faint smile curved the girl’s lips.
“Then, as our teacher, you’ll surely pass on everything you know to us.”
“Of course.”
He sensed the hidden meaning in her words but forced himself to stay calm. He really knew nothing!
Afterward, Cheng Zhihui, failing to extract the intel she wanted, revealed her true purpose: the noon bet. She’d feared her gamble would make the playful students demand something outrageous. Instead, they’d forgiven her. Their only request? For him to teach properly.
Yeah… just teach well.
“Teacher… shouldn’t you listen to some student suggestions too?”
“No. That’s the one thing I absolutely refuse!”
His righteous tone made it sound like an impossible demand.
Well, for Empty City, it was something he’d never do in his lifetime.
Namely…
“It’s just cross-dressing once. So stingy.”
Cheng Zhihui pouted. Most of the class had proposed it. She hadn’t joined in… but honestly, the image was weirdly amusing. Picturing the new teacher in a plaid skirt and makeup, lecturing from the podium—it felt oddly harmonious?
If Empty City knew her thoughts, he’d swear never to teach her properly again.
Later, Empty City didn’t return to class. He’d taught enough; whether they grasped it was up to them. He trusted the absent students had their own judgment. He left the remaining time for them to digest.
Yet, though he had a perfect excuse to skip class, Night Zero was still in session… This frustrated Empty City, who’d wanted to find him after class. He couldn’t force an early dismissal. Glancing at the hallway clock, he hesitated, then decided to head back to his room for a nap.
Or rather, to sort out his thoughts.
Today felt more eventful than the past five years combined—a satisfying yet surreal weight settled on him.
