"...What a perfectly conducive environment for committing a crime!" The psychology teacher's face lit up with sudden understanding, as she struck her fist into her palm and said, "He really could have rigged a mechanism in the bathroom in advance, set to go off the moment you entered, and you... you're a mechanical fanatic yourself, I've even seen the deadly mechanism designs you submitted to the science fair; for someone like you, pulling out a crossbow or something would be all too reasonable!"
"Very good, you're more insightful than you look," Li Qingming said with rare approval, "This murder was indeed an example of teaching according to one's aptitude. If you want to discuss the details, I'm even willing to delay my bathroom break by two minutes."
"..." The psychology teacher shuddered in place three times before tremblingly lifting her eyes: "I'm starting to see... why nobody likes you."
Li Qingming didn't respond, merely tilting his head upwards as he fiddled with his pocket watch, seemingly still immersed in the custom-tailored murder plot.
On the other hand, for the first time in her life, the psychology teacher felt a passion for understanding a student.
Naturally, even more so, she wanted to burst the bubble of a pretentious offender.
She couldn't resist scooting her chair forward, probing, "But honestly, aren't you trying too hard, like... do you really have to wear a black shirt?"
"Black is relaxing to me; it's also the base color most commonly found in the Secret Realm," he replied.
"You're planning to go to the Secret Realm?"
"The Secret Realm is always seeking me out as well," he said.
"But even counting their whole lives, the odds of city dwellers encountering a Secret Realm outbreak are less than 0.5%."
"That's a very high probability."
"Alright..." the teacher said, then pointed to Li Qingming's pants pocket, "Do you have to keep your hands in your pockets?"
"Left pocket for the watch, the right for weapons. Whether it's checking the time or slaying monsters, I am the fastest."
"...You! You have a weapon in your pocket?"
"Not at present, but I'm always simulating that state."
"...Then... the pocket watch? Isn't using a wristwatch or a smartphone good enough to check the time?"
"That's private."
"Okay, okay, what about the hunched posture?"
"It's the basic stance for sprinting and combat; I need to be ready to strike or be struck at all times."
"But you're at school!"
"Isn't school the place to cultivate good habits?"
"Ah... you... I... I damn..." The psychology teacher took her time, then asked with earnest gravity, "So, is it your dream to become a Vanguard?"
"I never dream," Li Qingming said as naturally as if he were breathing, "but I indeed will become a Vanguard, and I'll ultimately die in some Secret Realm."
"...I understand," the teacher said anxiously, wiping sweat from her forehead, carefully looking at Li Qingming, "For people like you, if you really are one, it must be torture being at school, right?"
"Every moment."
"Then why do you still come to school..." the teacher caught herself midsentence and tapped her head, "Oh right...new regulations require a high school diploma to qualify for Vanguard testing..."
As she was muttering to herself, Li Qingming had already stood up: "Going to the bathroom."
Only then did the psychology teacher realize it, hastily turning back to her desk to grab her pen: "Wait, the crucial question hasn't been asked; I can't complete the report like this."
"Then ask quickly."
"Well, actually just one question." The teacher swallowed hard, softly asking, "Are you sure you're not just running away? Perhaps you're just fearful of socializing, lack confidence, and thus place your hopes in another world."
"No."
"That's not an answer, I need an explanation." The psychology teacher insisted with her pen ready, "The Secret Realm is full of suspicion and despair, the survival rate for normal people is less than 2%, not to mention the dominion that controls and torments everything. Wake up, Li Qingming, it's basically Hell!"
"No, this is Hell," he said.
"What?"
Li Qingming couldn't help but shake his head and look back indifferently:
"It is here that is filled with suspicion and despair.
"In the Secret Realm, everything is fresh.
"Monsters are pure, the overlord is breathtaking, goals are attainable, and the path is clear.
"Not to mention the bizarre rules and thrilling role-playing.
"So, I'm not heading to Hell, but going home.
"This is Hell.
"Do you understand?"
Looking at Li Qingming who appeared nonchalant yet unwaveringly determined.
The psychology teacher nodded on the spot, pen in hand—
"Discharged! Oh no...healthy!"
As she furiously scribbled, she said, "If thinking correctly is the standard, then you are clearly way off, I'm afraid they would have to strap you to a restraint bed; but if coherence is the criterion, Li Qingming, you would be the healthiest one at this school, I wish you an early trip to Hell... oh no, a swift becoming of a Vanguard!"
When she looked up, invigorated, expecting a response.
She saw only a door closing gradually.
She instead smiled slightly.
Indeed.
You've never cared about this evaluation.
Nor have you cared about me.
Weird, why am I smiling?
Have I become the one who was healed?
Is this what they call counter-irritant in psychology?
I've got it! The title for my paper!
Ha ha, I've made it!
This damned school can't contain me anymore!