[Chapter 6 Comment]
[SnowApathie: Mhh interesting, is your only supernatural power Illusions? And are your illusions on the level of reality warping?]
Theo glanced at the question and was glad to see another person engaging with the novel. He replied, "My previous power mainly involved illusions and reality manipulation. In this world, my power is related to the Toon Demon.
"I haven't fully explored my power yet, but it seems that the Toon Demon can enhance my illusion ability. I'm not sure how powerful it can become, but so far, I haven't encountered any issues while utilizing my power.
"As for whether my illusions reach the level of reality warping, I would say yes. If you mean manipulating, controlling, distorting, and altering reality, then my illusions incorporate elements of reality. As they say, it's hard to discern a lie when it's mixed with the truth... even more so when the entire thing is the truth."
After answering the question, Theo arrived at a set of double doors. He glanced at the plaque hanging on the door, which read "Principal."
Theo knocked on the door, curious about what the principal wanted. "This is Theodore Griffith."
"Come in," came the response.
Theo opened the door and entered the room, finding the principal, Victoria, immersed in her work at her desk.
"What can I help you with?" Theo asked calmly.
Victoria smiled, though her expression held a hint of darkness. "It seems you've done a remarkable job humbling your students."
"It's nothing. They are exceptionally talented and proud. Despite everything I did, they won't be easily broken. But I'll do my best to ensure they're fine," Theo replied.
Victoria nodded. "I know you're capable. However, be careful not to push your students too hard. They come from different realities, and any problems that arise from their backers could jeopardize the academy. We might have to shut it down."
"I understand. I have no intention of destroying the school," Theo assured her.
"Since you understand, I have nothing more to say. Besides, I'm not here to reprimand you. There is actually another issue..." Victoria typed a few things on her Lumina, projecting a screen in the air for Theo to read.
"Hmm?" Theo furrowed his eyebrows.
"This is from Lancelot's parents. He is a young knight from the Sword and Magic Realm, the first son of Duke Drakeheart.
"He has informed us about Lancelot's problem. It seems he has neglected his magic training and focused solely on his sword. Duke Drakeheart wants Lancelot to master both swordsmanship and magic, just as he does."
"So, they're asking us to handle this problem? Shouldn't he have had a tutor before? And why did he abandon his magic training?" Theo inquired.
Victoria leaned back in her chair and raised her hand, causing a blue particle to emerge from her palm. "Magic power, mana, qi, or whatever names other realities use... here, we call it Essence. Lancelot is talented in both swordsmanship and magic. The essence within him is substantial.
"However, he is unable to control it due to a traumatic incident. His fire magic almost burned down the entire mansion, endangering his sister and mother. Though they were unharmed, it led Lancelot to abandon his magic training."
Theo pondered for a moment. "So, the key is for him to overcome his trauma... That's easier said than done."
"Yes, I know. I just want you to work towards that goal if possible. It would leave a favorable impression on us if you can manage it," Victoria stated.
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises," Theo agreed. "If that's all, I'll return to my class."
"There is one more matter. Aurora Faewillow. She needs help urgently. She is skilled in archery, nature-based magic, and animal communication.
"However, her family informed us that Aurora is being targeted by an organization..." Victoria paused when she noticed Theo's annoyed expression. He didn't even bother to conceal it. "There's no need to be so annoyed."
"I don't particularly enjoy getting involved in things I shouldn't be involved in," Theo sighed. "I already have enough problems, you see."
"I understand. That's why this request is simpler than you might have thought. They only want you to protect her during her time at the academy."
"Is that all?" Theo frowned.
"Yes, that's all. Since you're a teacher, protecting your students is part of your responsibilities, isn't it? Moreover, you'll receive a record for this, which will serve as a bonus. Unlike a regular academy, our bonuses can range from money to artifacts that can aid in your growth. I'm sure you'd be interested in that too, right?"
Theo considered it for a moment and nodded. "Alright, I can agree to that. It's just... protecting her sounds a bit dull."
"Huh?" Victoria raised an eyebrow.
Theo followed up with a request. "By the way, since this academy is connected to numerous worlds, can we use that to our advantage and have practical classes?"
"Certainly," Victoria confirmed without hesitation.
"In that case, please provide a location for a practical class. I don't plan to bring a large group, only four students."
"I'm not sure of your intentions, but it seems you want to emphasize their martial prowess. I don't mind. After all, teachers must be strong enough to protect their students," Victoria said, thinking for a moment before retrieving a paper and handing it to Theo. "How about this? It's located in the Modern Realm. There are indications that a monster from another reality has made a nest there. The military intends to handle it, but if you take on the task, we'll handle the request instead."
"Will it be alright if we wait a week? The rule states that the first week is for mandatory classes," Theo inquired.
"Yes. The military will station their forces there to oversee the situation. One of the academy's purposes is to train a generation capable of combating all monsters in their respective realms. The military will cooperate with us."
"I see. In that case, I'll accept the request," Theo agreed.
"Very well. Who will you bring with you?" Victoria asked.
"That's a secret," Theo replied with a mysterious smile before promptly turning and leaving the room.
Victoria couldn't help but recall her encounter with him at the hospital. That memory filled her mind with the worst possible scenarios. "Please don't tell me... he intends to use that location for... he wouldn't, right?"
Meanwhile, Theo returned to his class and resumed teaching.
"As you may know, each world possesses its own unique energy and terminology. However, to facilitate communication among us, we use the term 'Essence.' Although each world differs, the methods of utilizing and controlling Essence are similar. Hence, we refer to it as Essence," Theo explained, following the prepared guidebook. This served as a foundation that would be further developed based on the data gathered from this class.
Having witnessed his strength firsthand, the students listened attentively, recognizing that their teacher was not only powerful but also someone they could learn a great deal from.
Theo covered the fundamental information, aligning the terminology to prevent confusion during interrealm conversations.
After an extensive two-hour session, Theo concluded the class with an announcement.
"Alright, that will be all for today. I want you all to prepare for our upcoming expedition. I will be selecting four students to accompany me on a mission." Theo projected the mission details onto the board.
[Mission: Spider Nest]
[Difficulty: 2 Stars]
[Description: A spider nest has appeared on Iluma Island. The spider responsible seems to have come from the Spirit World. It is known as the Earth Spider.]
Upon reading the description, Serena, the top student, raised her hand. "Teacher, how will you choose the students? Is it already predetermined, or do we have to pass a test? Can we even refuse the mission?"
"You are free to refuse the mission. However, this is also an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. If you make a good impression, I will award you additional points."
The mention of "additional points" sparked excitement in their eyes.
"Then, who will be chosen to accompany you? It wouldn't be fair if you picked them yourself!" Maya frowned.
"Of course. That's why I'll establish the requirements if you wish to join me," Theo smirked. "And the requirement is..."
Theo paused, leaving the students wondering. However, before they could protest, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the class.
Ding! Dong!
"I don't get paid for overtime," Theo sighed as he closed his Lumina, signaling the end of the class.
"What?!" The students gritted their teeth. "Teacher, how can you end the class on a cliffhanger?"
"That's right. Just tell us already—" Theo didn't wait for them to finish. He had already left the room.
"What's wrong with him?"
The class erupted in frustration, unable to comprehend Theo's actions. Yet, there was nothing they could do since their teacher had already departed.
In the end, they began tidying up their desks, ready to leave.
Only three students—Mia, Aurora, and Li Wei—remained at their desks, still lamenting their fate.
To their surprise, the bell rang once more.
Ding! Dong!
"Huh?" The students were perplexed. The class had supposedly ended a moment ago, yet their clocks showed that it was exactly 2 PM.
The initial bell they had heard turned out to be an illusion, deceiving them into thinking the class was over.
The student who opened the classroom door found a note on the floor.
"This is..." Lucas returned to the class and read the note. "It seems to be a message from the teacher. Those who were fooled by the bells will receive one point deduction. From now on, the four students with the fewest points deducted will join me on the mission."
Silence fell upon the class. They had been tricked once again.
Mia was accustomed to such antics and remained unfazed. Serena, being the top student, had wisely utilized the scheduled class time for further learning. Li Wei's cultivation granted him a sense of time. Thus, only those three had avoided Theo's trickery.
Fierce competition was bound to ensue as the students vied for a spot on the mission.