The Freshman Tournament has begun, yet Zhong Shenxiu has not come to check in even once. Nor has he visited the library; nobody knows what he is so busy with.

While other classes had teachers leading the way, Class Four had to rely entirely on themselves. Questions about venue numbers, match schedules, and contest rules all had to be sought out by the students themselves.

Even so, Wayne and the others never complained about Zhong Shenxiu, because they knew their homeroom teacher was no ordinary person, and this must be his way of encouraging them to be self-reliant!

The “Freshman Tournament” utilized an elimination format. Perhaps taking into account the gap between these noble-backed classes, who got in through connections, and those classes admitted purely on merit, the early rounds were segregated. Only in the finals could they potentially meet!

When the competition officially kicked off, the students of Class Four did not disappoint, winning their first match with ease—a complete victory that shocked many observers!

It was through this match that Wayne and the others realized they had genuinely become stronger than before, and not just by a little bit!

Despite winning, not a single one of them became arrogant, because their time in the “Damp Forest” had taught them the value of remaining humble in victory and resilient in defeat!

After each match, the group would hold a debriefing session to summarize the strengths and weaknesses revealed during the competition. Because an outside perspective is clearer, the others would share what they observed and any insights they had, allowing individuals to quickly identify their weak points.

Unity is strength. Though lacking tactical guidance from a teacher, this group continuously improved through this method. Several matches later, they continued to advance smoothly!

Setting aside how they prepared for the upcoming rounds, the school administrators had been paying close attention to Class Four from the start. They were unexpectedly delighted by this group. In just over a month, the students of Class Four had all become remarkably strong, looking capable enough to challenge the regular classes!

Moreover, these administrators witnessed the students' hard work outside of class and finally understood why so many parents had come to present “Thank You Banners.” If their own children had shown such progress, they would have done the same!

“It seems Teacher Zhong’s ability is truly extraordinary,” the Vice Principal remarked with feeling.

Hearing the Vice Principal say this, the one most pleased was Director Leander, as he was the one who hired Zhong Shenxiu and had strongly recommended him to the leadership!

“Director Leander truly has eyes like a beacon!” another director praised.

“Not at all, not at all!” Leander’s mouth stretched into a grin as wide as a Goubuli steamed bun.

“Should we now consider having Teacher Zhong take on some of the senior students?” the Vice Principal inquired with deep meaning.

The prior hesitation to let Zhong Shenxiu teach advanced students stemmed from uncertainty about his capability, but the current situation proved that fear was unfounded. Zhong Shenxiu’s talent far exceeded their imagination. Who else could transform these pampered noble children so completely in such a short time? Absolutely no one!

To reserve such a capable teacher for just a few freshmen seemed a terrible waste. If Zhong Shenxiu could help cultivate several seed-level contestants capable of contending in the “Academy Ranking Tournament,” that would be ideal!

This was precisely why the Vice Principal was so eager to raise the issue. The “Academy Ranking Tournament” was drawing near, and the results would directly determine their eligibility for the nationally organized “Royal Grand Competition”!

This was a matter of the utmost importance. The “Homebound Magic and Martial Academy,” since its founding, had apparently never once participated in the “Royal Grand Competition.” For such a large institution, this wasn't just an unfulfilled dream; it was a source of shame!

Now that Heaven had finally blessed them with such an outstanding teacher, it would be a profound disservice to themselves not to utilize him fully!

The other administrators unanimously agreed with the Vice Principal’s proposal, as they too yearned for the day the academy could compete in the “Royal Grand Competition.” That success would bring them personal glory and significantly elevate their status!

Although the decision was unanimous, a new problem immediately surfaced: which class should Zhong Shenxiu teach?

This was harder to decide because they all knew Zhong Shenxiu rarely held formal classes. They couldn't possibly expect the senior students, who were highly ambitious, to spend their days in self-study sessions!

Furthermore, promising students were scattered across various classes. It would be wonderful if these elites could be gathered together under Zhong Shenxiu’s sole guidance!

However, this presented significant difficulties. Putting aside whether the students would agree to switch classes, the sheer difference in their professions was a hurdle. Mages and Swordsmen followed entirely different curricula!

After a period of discussion and research, the group actually devised a rather clever solution: establishing a new “Virtual Class” to be managed by Zhong Shenxiu.

This so-called “Virtual Class” would be a class undisclosed to the public. Although it would have its own dedicated classroom, it would have no fixed roster of students.

Any student deemed promising would have the right—and it would be completely voluntary—to attend this “Talent” Virtual Class. The school administration would not interfere. These students would remain registered in their original classes, and attending the Virtual Class would be akin to attending a joint seminar.

The advantage of this plan was that it wouldn't breed resentment among the students since participation was entirely voluntary. Moreover, when Zhong Shenxiu was unavailable, these students could return to their regular classes without disrupting their core curriculum!

Of course, this arrangement had a downside: no one knew precisely when Zhong Shenxiu would find time to teach. His movements were unpredictable; often, his actions were based on a sudden whim.

To resolve this, it seemed they would need to negotiate thoroughly with Zhong Shenxiu. If they could somehow pin down his teaching schedule, that would be the best possible outcome.

Let’s return to the “Freshman Tournament.” Wayne and the others had already eliminated all the noble-backed classes matching their own.

The following matches would not be so easy, as their opponents would be students from the regular enrollment tracks!

One day, as Wayne and his group were in the classroom discussing their next opponent, the classroom door suddenly swung open, revealing Zhong Shenxiu and Robin entering together.

Seeing Zhong Shenxiu, the group first paused in surprise, then delight, immediately returning to their seats.

“What are you doing?” Zhong Shenxiu asked flatly. Having spent a month with them in the “Damp Forest,” Zhong Shenxiu no longer kept a stern face toward them.

Wayne and the others now regarded Zhong Shenxiu with more respect than fear; they were beginning to grasp his temperament.

“Teacher Zhong,” Daisy interrupted, standing up first and answering with palpable excitement, “We’ve made it to the finals! We were just discussing our next opponent!”

“The finals?” Zhong Shenxiu blinked. He had heard some murmurs on his way over but hadn't paid much attention due to a lack of interest.

“It’s a competition held among the freshmen!” Daisy quickly clarified.

Before this, she never imagined she could become as strong as she was now, able to defeat so many opponents purely through her own power—many of them boys, too. This was something she would never have dared to dream of before, as she used to be terribly lazy; forget practicing, even walking a few extra steps in daily life felt exhausting!

“Oh?” Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes shifted slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

“When is the next match?” Zhong Shenxiu suddenly asked.

Daisy was thrilled. They were eager for Zhong Shenxiu to see how much they had improved. She quickly relayed the location, time, and opponent for the next bout!

After listening, Zhong Shenxiu offered no further comment. Instead, he turned and left with Robin.

The group in Daisy’s party was accustomed to this and felt nothing unusual, promptly resuming their discussion on their previous topic.

As soon as Macksin left the match arena, she turned to Elina, who was watching from the sidelines, and made a victory sign, a smug smile spreading across her face.

In response, Elina merely smiled silently.

Sometimes she found Macksin exasperating; she was a grown woman acting like a child. Perhaps this behavior was reserved only for her!

“Sister Lina, did you see that? Another easy win. I really think the championship is within reach this time. Even second place would bring a nice reward,” Macksin started chattering again.

Elina rolled her eyes at her, retorting testily, “You’re getting carried away after just a few matches. Be careful you don't run into someone truly formidable who’ll teach you how to lose without even knowing what hit you.”

“No way!” Macksin dismissed the warning, instead grabbing Elina’s hand. “Sister Lina, let’s go celebrate!”

“When you say celebrate, you don’t expect me to foot the bill again, do you?” Elina asked, equally annoyed.

“Sister Lina, you earn such a high salary; treating me to a few meals shouldn't be a problem, right?” Macksin pleaded with a supplicating tone.

Elina couldn't resist her when she pleaded like that and reluctantly gave in again! Thus, the two headed toward the academy gates.

As the saying goes, trouble finds you when you’re not looking. Just as the pair reached the main gate of the academy, they spotted two figures that were both familiar and impossibly so.

Macksin’s expression changed; sensing disaster, she tried to turn away, but a sharp command stopped her: “Girl, you stop right there!”

The person approaching was none other than Macksin’s father, accompanied by her younger brother!

Donald walked over with a dark expression, boiling inside. This girl is getting more headstrong as she gets older, he thought furiously. She quit her job without even discussing it and ran off here alone!

“Dad, you’re here!” Seeing no escape, Macksin braced herself to face him.

“Do you still consider me your father? You made such a major decision without even consulting me! Are you intentionally trying to drive me to an early grave? Just tell me—why…” Donald, who had been speaking in anger, suddenly choked off his words, staring behind Macksin with an expression of utter disbelief.

Following his gaze, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were strolling toward them unhurriedly… To learn what happens next, please log on to [website address]. More chapters available, support the author, and support genuine reading!