[Chapter 16 Comment]
[Xinhuan: Let's go! What stupid action will Gareth do next? Enough to get him potentially fired?]
[Adam_Balch_7324: He seems to be one of those people who's sense of entitlement and inability to see past ones title is detrimental]
The tension between Gareth and Theo reached its peak. Gareth struggled to control his anger, resulting in a few seconds of silence. Meanwhile, Theo took the opportunity to communicate with his readers internally, contemplating the situation.
"Well, I won't disclose my plans for dealing with him. Besides, I enjoy dealing with people who make foolish actions like this. They're easier to read than hidden enemies with grand schemes to kill me," Theo mused inwardly, responding to Xinhuan's comment.
He then proceeded to address the second comment. "Ah, you're new here. Welcome. And yes, I agree... Being a noble in another world might be great, but Gareth shouldn't forget that I possess a Royal Grade Demon. In my world, there are only 56 people who have such a demon. So, my existence should be more special than that of a mere noble," Theo explained confidently.
Taking a deep breath, Theo chose to provoke Gareth once again. He spoke with a cold tone, asking, "I've heard from one of my students that you've been quite mean to them. Is that true?"
Gareth's eyes widened, realizing that one of the students had informed on him. However, he didn't seem ashamed and boldly acknowledged it. "I'm merely guiding them to focus on things other than wasting their time on unachievable goals. From that perspective, they should be grateful to me. In the future, they'll realize that what they're doing is wrong. As a teacher, it's my duty to correct them as soon as possible."
Shaking his head helplessly, Theo remarked, "In that case, I have to tell you that you're not fit to be a teacher. You should find another job that suits you. How about that? Am I being a good teacher? I'm telling you this so that you don't waste your time here, spouting nonsense."
Gareth's anger intensified, and he looked as if he wanted to punch Theo. Meanwhile, Mia thoroughly enjoyed the exchange, whispering to herself, "Looks like things are about to escalate."
Gareth retorted, "You're the one unqualified to be a teacher. Ask your students if they think you're suitable!"
Without hesitation, Gareth turned to the students he had convinced earlier and asked, "Isn't that right?"
His gaze focused on Avalon, Li Wei, and Haruka.
Li Wei remained composed and expressed his opinion, "I don't concern myself with conflicts between teachers. I have one principle in life: to get stronger, one must strive to improve every single day. Their results come from their daily efforts. I enrolled in this school to learn how to become stronger, so I hope that my teacher can guide me, whoever it may be."
Haruka remained silent, while Avalon voiced his dissatisfaction, saying, "I believe the situation has taken a wrong turn. As a knight, I entered this school to proudly stand as the knight who defeats opponents fairly. However, the only thing I've learned from Teacher Theo is a minor trick and his advice to learn from it to avoid future defeat."
Avalon's dissatisfaction with Theo's teaching style became evident.
Theo observed Avalon's expression carefully before asking, "Is that truly your opinion, Avalon?"
"Yes, Teacher. I apologize for my rude remark. However, as a knight, I feel compelled to address this matter directly with you instead of discussing it behind your back," Avalon responded respectfully.
"I believe you're mistaken, Avalon," Lancelot suddenly interjected, coming to Theo's defense.
"What do you mean, Lancelot?" Avalon frowned.
"You say you've only learned a minor trick, but you're completely wrong. He has been communicating with us as a teacher. It's just that you fail to understand it," Lancelot gritted his teeth, realizing the many lessons he had learned during their mission together.
Initially, he hadn't grasped the significance, but as he recalled the moments when Theo fought alongside them, he realized that Theo possessed a profound mastery of his techniques. If they paid close attention, they would find valuable lessons hidden within.
"This is interesting," Theo remarked with a smile.
"What's interesting about it? Are you enjoying the fact that your students are fighting among themselves?" Gareth exclaimed, frustrated. Lancelot was one of the talented individuals in the class, and Gareth had intended to discourage their conflict. He wouldn't have bothered if it were Maya or someone he looked down upon.
Theo tilted his head in confusion. "There's nothing wrong with a little competition. It brings people closer together. So, there's no harm in a friendly spar."
"You're insane!"
"It appears that you favor those three students, Teacher Gareth," Theo smirked. "In that case, we'll have three other students challenge them. I'm planning another mission soon, and since I took four students last time, I'll take three this time."
"Are you serious?" Avalon was taken aback.
"Yes, Avalon, Li Wei, and Haruka... You three will be challenged by fellow classmates. If you win, you'll accompany me on the mission. If you lose, the opportunity will go to the victor. However, Serena, Lancelot, Aurora, and Mia cannot participate in this competition!" Theo declared.
"Wait, what?!" Serena reacted, slamming the table in discontent. "How can you do that, Teacher? Why can't I participate?"
The class was dumbfounded. Serena was the top student, so if Gareth were to favor anyone, it would be her. Yet, Serena protested against being excluded. It seemed that she had gained significant benefits from their previous mission.
"That's correct, Teacher. This is unacceptable! Please allow me to participate as well!" Lancelot objected.
"Teacher, I believe my safety is at risk. May I also join you?" Aurora smiled, raising her hand.
The unexpected eagerness from these three surprised everyone. It appeared that there was more to Theo than what met the eye.
"..." The students were shocked. They had never expected such enthusiasm from Serena, Lancelot, and Aurora to go on a mission. Clearly, there was something they couldn't see about Theo.
"Sorry, but this is my decision. I want to give others a chance too. After all, I won't sacrifice a few students for the sake of those who are already ahead," Theo smiled, pointing at Avalon and the others. "You three can seek guidance from me or Teacher Gareth. The challenge will take place next week. So, who will challenge whom?"
The classroom fell into a momentary silence as the students contemplated their options, waiting for someone to step forward. Maya, recalling their earlier discussion, mustered the courage and rose from her seat. "Teacher, let me challenge Avalon."
Witnessing her determination, Jayden also stood up and declared, "I'll challenge Li Wei."
Lastly, Oliver pointed at Haruka. "I'll challenge her."
"Good," Theo smiled. "The six of you will spar next week. Feel free to consult me if you have any concerns."
Theo then turned to Gareth and stated, "That's how it is. It's better to settle it this way."
"You're a fool. If you want to determine who is the better teacher, those three shouldn't seek your guidance, as you might mislead them," Gareth shouted.
"Of course not. Unlike you, who only cares about pride and titles, I care about my students. I won't sacrifice their growth for the sake of determining who's better between us. However, let me warn you, Teacher Gareth..." Theo's expression turned cold.
Gareth trembled slightly as the room's temperature abruptly dropped. He felt as if a blade was pressed against his neck, ready to slice it if he made a wrong move.
Yet, Gareth didn't detect any essence fluctuations, meaning Theo hadn't even used his illusion yet. He wondered what he was experiencing. The feeling was so vivid that he believed he could die at any moment.
Mia watched Gareth's expression and thought, "Seems like Dad is emanating his killing intent. Mom told me that Dad subjected himself to countless tortures to understand the sensations of being burned alive, mercilessly killed, or tortured, all to create illusions that felt painfully real. Alongside his numerous victims, he possesses a killing intent capable of shocking ordinary individuals to death. I suppose he's employing it right now."
Theo glanced at Avalon and the others. "So, what's your decision? Do you accept their challenges? If you decline, you'll lose the opportunity to participate in the mission."
Li Wei glanced at Jayden before turning to Lancelot and the others. He recognized the substantial benefits of going on a mission, far surpassing regular training. That's why Lancelot and the others were so eager. Li Wei wanted to determine whether Theo truly was a good teacher or not. "I understand. I accept Jayden's challenge."
Haruka raised her hand and asked, "I'd like to clarify something. If we join you on a mission, what benefits will we receive?"
"Experience, knowledge, and a few hidden bonuses. I tailor each mission to the participants, so going on a mission with me will undoubtedly be advantageous," Theo explained.
"In that case, I accept Oliver's challenge," Haruka stated firmly.
"And what about you?" Theo turned to Avalon.
Avalon had expressed his dissatisfaction earlier, so it would be impolite to decline the challenge. "I understand. I'll face Maya. However, I must declare this in advance. I won't accept your guidance or ask for it. Due to my code of chivalry, I'll side with Teacher Gareth for the sake of competition. I'll prove to you that being taught here is better than leaving us to self-study for a few days. Whether you remain as our teacher or not is of no concern to me. All I desire is for the teachers to do their best in guiding the students."
"That's acceptable," Theo nodded, looking at Gareth. Since the matter had been resolved, it was time for him to leave. He had provided sufficient reasons for his departure.
"Hmph!" Gareth huffed, believing himself to be the superior teacher.
However, Theo realized that he had gone over the word limit, indicated by the blue panel appearing. He had talked for too long, resulting in a chapter filled only with their discussion.
[Chapter 17 Comment]