The next day, as Loko and Shilufei headed to the classroom building, they noticed the bulletin board had gained quite a few new postings.

Most were about the student council elections. The posters from last week had already been replaced.

Each grade was fighting its own battle—Haya locked in fierce competition against Francois and Augustine’s campaign teams.

Passing students barely glanced at the board.

To them, anyone who’d vote based solely on posters wouldn’t have made it into this elite academy.

Inside the classroom, Loko and Shilufei took their usual back-row seats. This afternoon, Loko dared not zone out or yawn.

Unexpectedly, Flora entered holding a stack of papers. After handing one to each student, she returned to the podium and spoke in her youthful voice:

"Today, we’re selecting students with talent and interest in alchemy to be my lab assistants. Only two spots for now. This test has no right answers—just write what you think."

Loko looked down at her paper.

It was no bigger than a standard book page. No name fields, no instructions—just two questions:

[1. Write your understanding of alchemy.]

[2. Describe the most basic potion-brewing process. Be as detailed as possible.]

Loko’s head spun.

She might’ve fumbled through Question 1, but Question 2? Total blank.

She’d barely read alchemy books and wasn’t interested.

Glancing sideways, she saw Shilufei already bent over her desk, writing diligently.

From the podium, Flora scanned the class. Her eyes landed on Loko—gripping her pen tightly, expression tense, yet not a single word written. Flora smiled and walked over.

She glanced at nearby papers along the way. None impressed her.

But when she reached Loko’s side and saw Shilufei’s answers—the focused intensity in her writing—Flora’s eyes lit up.

*This girl, who seems close to Loko, actually grasps alchemy.*

Flora forgot why she’d come. She stood on tiptoe, peering at Shilufei’s paper, nodding repeatedly.

Other students stole glances, envy flickering in their eyes.

*Teacher Flora didn’t even pause at my desk… but lingers at Shilufei’s, looking pleased. She’s definitely getting a spot.*

In this world, alchemists were highly sought-after. Even basic stamina-recovery potions fetched fortunes from nobles.

Beyond stamina and mana potions, alchemists crafted countless specialized brews.

Stable production meant wealth, fame, status.

For combat-shy youths, alchemy was a lifeline.

And in a field demanding rare talent and years of experience? Learning under a master was the fastest path.

No wonder everyone coveted these assistant roles.

Now certain Shilufei had one spot, they fought desperately for the last.

Shilufei set down her pen and looked up—Flora was right beside her.

Those big eyes shone with genuine admiration.

Shilufei felt her earlier resentment soften.

"Not bad," Flora said, pointing to a line. "But here’s a slight issue: temperature is critical in brewing. Herbs dissolve at different temps. Separating them isn’t optional—it’s necessary. A tiny shift can ruin an ingredient, spoiling the whole potion."

"And when mixing base liquids? Heat is required. Only sufficient warmth lets them react properly."

Flora spoke earnestly. Shilufei listened intently.

Afterward, Flora lifted Shilufei’s paper.

"I’ll use this as the model example."

She stepped around Shilufei and approached Loko.

Loko’s paper… aside from neat handwriting, pure nonsense. The textbook anti-example next to Shilufei’s.

Flora reached for it. Loko instinctively shielded the sheet, face flushed.

"Teacher… I… I’m not done yet."

"I know. Hand it over anyway."

Nearby students sneered inwardly.

*She yawned last class, earned the teacher’s glare—definitely becoming the negative example.*

"But I haven’t finished…"

"Then don’t bother submitting it."

Flora huffed, withdrew her hand, and returned to the podium.

"I’ve seen all your papers. No need to collect them. I’ll announce the two who passed."

The room fell silent, every face tense.

"First position: Shilufei."

No surprise. Flora’s favoritism had been obvious.

Yet Flora’s gaze stayed fixed on that corner.

"Second lab assistant: Loko."

Stunned silence shattered the room—even Loko froze in disbelief.

Only Shilufei looked thoughtful.

She understood now.

Flora’s correction centered on *temperature*.

And Loko’s family ability? Extreme thermal sensitivity.

If temperature control was truly that vital in alchemy… Loko wasn’t just qualified—she was a rare genius.

A flicker of envy stirred in Shilufei.

*Loko’s ability sounds ordinary… but in practice? Useful everywhere—combat, alchemy… everything.*

Whispers erupted.

"This makes zero sense! Did Loko bribe her?"

"But why? She dozes in class, hates alchemy—why chase this role?"

No one knew. Loko remained dazed.

*If I just behave quietly… I’d escape that succubus-brat teacher…*

*So why…*

*Why won’t she just leave me alone?!*