Sloob pondered for a moment longer, ultimately deciding that reporting the matter to the institute's leadership was the proper course of action; at least this way, if anything untoward occurred, he would bear no responsibility.

He found a student to supervise in his stead and then hurried toward the Principal's office.

Once he departed, it was inevitable that the students would slack off, stopping their work to start gossiping.

"Hey, what do you think Angelia went off to do?" Student A whispered, glancing in the direction Sloob had left to ensure their teacher truly was gone.

"How would I know? Angelia barely speaks to us normally. But I'm really curious about that little boy. Who is he? He looks pretty arrogant! Did you guys see Angelia's expression just now?" Student B said, brimming with curiosity.

"Tch, why are you so curious about a little boy! I say, that little girl is the real deal. Haven't you heard? She dared to challenge Harrison in the cafeteria!"

"That's just a rumor! I bet someone completely made it up!"

"I know about that, I know!" Hearing this, Student C leaned in. "I was eating in the cafeteria that day and witnessed the entire thing firsthand. You won't believe it—that little girl actually grabbed Harrison's wrist and made him apologize. And the most unbelievable part? Harrison actually apologized!"

"Stop messing around. Have you forgotten who Harrison is? He'd apologize to a little girl? I'd sooner believe a toad would grow hair than believe that story!"

"I'm seriously not lying to you; I saw it with my own eyes that day. I swear on my life, if I'm lying, I'm a pig!" Student C put on an expression pleading for belief.

"Speaking of which, Angelia seems to treat that little girl incredibly well, even bringing her to class. I wonder who she is?"

"..." The crowd resumed their discussion, circling around Robin.

Meanwhile, Sloob, having rushed to the Principal's office, was severely frustrated to find the Principal absent. Upon inquiring, he learned the Principal was holding a meeting with the leadership in the conference room, one that had been going on for hours and showed no sign of ending soon!

Sloob finally decided to wait a while; if necessary, he would return later.

Inside the conference room, the Principal of "Slubus Demon-Martial Arts Academy," Gaguida, wore a look of sheer delight. Despite having held the meeting for several hours, there was not a trace of fatigue on his face. It seemed true what they said: happiness invigorates a person!

The reason for Gaguida's elation was a single matter: their academy had once again secured the hosting rights for this year's "Academy Ranking Tournament."

This was a boon that promised both fame and fortune—not only would it advertise their academy, but it would also bring in considerable revenue.

The hosting rights for the "Academy Ranking Tournament" were decided by a lottery, though not every academy qualified to enter the draw. Only those ranked in the top five were eligible.

Gaguida had been fortunate; in the morning's drawing, he had hit the jackpot, securing the right to host the "Academy Ranking Tournament." Thus, upon his return to the academy, he immediately convened this urgent meeting to discuss the relevant arrangements!

Most matters had already been approved; they were now in the final stage of tidying up loose ends.

"Heh heh, I imagine that fellow, Leander, must be absolutely furious right now. His academy hasn't drawn the hosting rights in ages!" Vice Principal Lowry remarked with a smile.

The Leander he mentioned was none other than the Principal of "Zhenshixun Demon-Martial Arts Academy."

It had to be said that Leander was incredibly unlucky; in over a decade, he hadn't drawn the right to host even once, while the other academies had drawn it several times, to varying degrees.

It seemed truly perverse; even by rotation, it should have been his academy's turn, yet they consistently failed to draw it, no matter where Leander stood in the drawing order!

One couldn't blame society for bad luck; Leander's luck was just that rotten, forcing him to suffer the bitter pill in silence!

"Principal, who should we invite as our special guest this time?" Discipline Director Wesley inquired.

"Hmm—" Gaguida assumed a contemplative pose.

"Principal, I heard that Elena, the Special Grade Teacher from 'Shut-in Demon-Martial Arts Academy,' has returned to Gulu City. Should we perhaps invite her? Rumor has it she's here specifically to scout for students with special talents. If one of our students were accepted by a renowned institution like 'Shut-in Demon-Martial Arts Academy,' it would be a great honor for our institute," added Dean of Students Vincent.

"Are you talking about Elena, Old Danny's daughter?" Vice Principal Lowry asked.

"Yes, in Gulu City, I believe Elena is the only Special Grade Teacher who has made it to such a major academy!" Vincent stated.

"That girl, she didn't even bother to stop by my office when she arrived!" Lowry chuckled, and seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, he quickly explained, "Her father, Old Danny, and I have been close friends for many years."

(Lowry, Old Danny, and Donald were old friends, a trio that could be called the "Iron Triangle," having grown up together.)

"Ah, in that case, Elena absolutely must be invited! Lowry, this will have to be a personal mission for you; none of us have your connections!" Gaguida laughed after speaking.

"That's no problem. I'm sure that girl Lina will give her Uncle some face!" Lowry readily agreed.

"Make sure you put in a good word for us then, and try to secure a few more special talent students for our academy!" Gaguida added with a smile.

"Heh heh, I never thought our Principal would resort to pulling strings through me, hah~" Lowry laughed, and everyone joined in the merriment.

After the laughter subsided, Lowry continued, "I know Lina; she is very rigorous in her work, and it's not as simple as me pulling strings! However, I'm sure Angelia from our academy will definitely be specially recruited!"

"Speaking of which, Angelia is already a third-year student. This should be her last time participating in the 'Academy Ranking Tournament,' right?" Gaguida murmured.

"Yes, not only is Angelia about to graduate, but so is Harrison. Losing two capable ace players at once—I wonder if our academy will be squeezed out of the top five in the next 'Academy Ranking Tournament'?" Lowry voiced a note of concern for the future.

"It seems we must leverage the influence of hosting this 'Academy Ranking Tournament' to expand our new student recruitment efforts. We need to strive to find another powerhouse talent like Angelia! Furthermore, we absolutely cannot let gifted students flow into other academies; we must win them over, even if we have to subsidize them!"

"Principal, on that note, I have something I need to report to you!" Just then, Discipline Director Wesley suddenly interjected.

"What is it?"

"It seems Harrison injured his wrist. It hasn't healed yet!"