The student council member furrowed his brow and stepped out of the training hall, only to see several teachers approaching. Among them, sporting a small mustache, was Bryce's mentor, Huang Yong. The student council member cleared his throat and forced a smile, "Good morning, teachers."
The teachers nodded back with friendly smiles, one of them asking, "Is the hall open yet? We'd like to go in and secure a good spot."
The council member stepped aside, "It's open, please go ahead, teachers."
As Huang Yong stepped forward, the council member raised an arm to stop him. Huang Yong's face immediately soured, "What's the meaning of this?"
"Teacher Huang, the mentors of the deathmatch participants are not allowed to watch. It's not appropriate for you to enter," the council member said diplomatically.
Huang Yong snorted, "What's inappropriate about it? With so many teachers present, are you worried I'll break the rules? Besides, you're a student, and I'm a teacher. Since when do students dictate what teachers can do?" With a dismissive push, he brushed past the council member and made to enter.
Suddenly, a gust of wind struck him. Huang Yong was taken aback—someone had dared to strike a teacher within the academy! Though surprised, he reacted quickly, slapping away the fist aimed at his face, then turned to face his assailant with fury.
Standing before him was a tall, rugged student—He Hao!
Huang Yong bellowed, "Insolence! Since when do students raise their fists to teachers? Have you no respect?"
He Hao spat to the side with disdain, "Respect is for those who follow the rules. Even if the Heavenly Emperor himself came, I'd still strike down anyone who disobeys."
Huang Yong pointed at He Hao, "You insolent child, which class are you from? Who is your mentor? I'll make sure you're disciplined today!"
He Hao laughed heartily, "Sure, if you dare limit your Yuan Force to 'Intermediate,' I'll gladly see this through to the end!"
"You!" Huang Yong was left speechless. He could easily discipline an 'Intermediate' level student, but if he had to limit his own Yuan Force to that level, the outcome would be uncertain. And as a teacher, winning or losing would both reflect poorly on him.
At that moment, a female student chimed in, "He Hao, you should show some respect to Teacher Huang. He's been sponsored by someone recently, and his Yuan Force has advanced leaps and bounds into the 'Tongxuan' realm. If you miss today, he could easily beat you with one arm tied behind his back."
This was Su Jiu, He Hao's partner. She approached with a grin, "By the way, Teacher Huang, it's the Luo family sponsoring you, isn't it? No wonder you're so eager to push into the hall despite knowing the rules. Sucking up to your benefactor, I see. If I had such a sponsor, I'd do the same. Right, He Hao?"
Huang Yong's face turned from red to purple with embarrassment, especially as the other teachers looked his way. Feeling unable to save face, he huffed, "I don't have time for this nonsense," and stormed off.
Su Jiu winked at He Hao as they prepared to enter the hall when a voice chuckled, "I've long heard that students of the Hundred Battles Academy are exceptionally bold. Today, I see it's true. To think you'd even drive away your own teachers—such fearless calves."
He Hao looked up to see a group of people walking in, the speaker a refined middle-aged man surrounded by individuals of wealth and status.
He Hao frowned, ready to retort, but Su Jiu quickly tugged at him, whispering, "That's Lu Cheng, the Minister of Education, and those with him are businessmen and officials from the city. We can't afford to offend them, so watch your words."
Lu Cheng's companion, with a teasing tone, added, "Minister Lu, it seems your educational policies need some revision. At the very least, you should ensure that future generations understand the importance of respecting their teachers."
Before Lu Cheng could respond, another voice rang out, "Respecting teachers is certainly important, but it also depends on who the teacher is. If we stress respect for those lacking in character, isn't that foolish?"
The crowd turned to see another group approaching, all dressed in military uniforms—members of the Surface Exploration Corps. The young man who spoke had a commanding presence, with thick eyebrows and a square face.
Lu Cheng smiled, "Ah, it's Colonel Liang Jian, Victor's right-hand man."
He Hao squinted slightly, murmuring, "I didn't expect Colonel Liang to be here. He's a mech pilot of 'Blaze,' and my idol!"
Su Jiu looked at him in surprise, "You have idols?"
Then, observing the two groups, she whispered, "Lu Cheng has connections with the Luo family. It's said he became the Minister of Education with Lionel's support. He's here on behalf of the Luo family. Both he and Lionel are part of the 'Conservative Faction.' The Surface Exploration Corps is known as the 'Radical Faction.' It seems today's match on the surface is between two freshmen, but in reality, it's a clash between the 'Conservatives' and the 'Radicals.'"
He Hao nodded slightly, "Since the Behemoth Catastrophe, the 'Conservatives' have opposed surface exploration, claiming it draws the Behemoths' attention and could bring disaster to the underground cities. They're content with their comfort and refuse to leave their comfort zone. They don't realize that without regular surface exploration and clearing nearby Behemoths, even without surface activities, the Behemoths will eventually come knocking."
Su Jiu said softly, "They were already above others before the disaster. With only a hundred years to live, they prefer to enjoy the present rather than take risks. It's too much to expect them to venture to the surface like Victor."
He Hao glanced at her, "Su Jiu, you've become corrupted."
"You're talking nonsense," she retorted.
As they spoke, Colonel Liang raised his hand, his smile broad, "Minister Lu, please, after you."
Lu Cheng chuckled, "It's just a small match, yet it has drawn Colonel Liang's attention. Quite surprising."
Liang Jian stated plainly, "Ethan is a talent our commander has high hopes for. He's on a mission today and couldn't come. I've just returned from a mission and am on leave, so I brought a few old friends to join the excitement and cheer for Ethan. At the same time, we'll help maintain order at the academy, ensuring today's match is fair and just, and prevent any interference or meddling."
With that, the Colonel glanced meaningfully at Lu Cheng's entourage. Lu Cheng, caught off guard by Liang Jian's directness, replied with displeasure, "Colonel Liang, are you suggesting that we would interfere?"
Liang Jian laughed heartily, "Minister Lu, I'm a straightforward man. Don't take it to heart. Shall we go and find a good spot to enjoy the match?"
He signaled, and the members of the Surface Exploration Corps marched into the hall with unified steps.