To my surprise, Angelia had already stepped off the platform. Her slight movement toward the exit made her intention perfectly clear: she was forfeiting the match!

Good heavens, how could this be?

The entire arena erupted in commotion once more; no one had anticipated such an ending.

Leng Xiangxue, especially, had not expected the situation to devolve this way. She knew perfectly well that Angelia still possessed the strength to continue fighting. The final move, in particular, had been far too bizarre—it must have been some kind of strange, esoteric technique.

Leng Xiangxue understood that if Angelia used that move again, she might still fail to decipher it. In that case, the only loser would be herself!

If that were true, then what was the reason for her sudden decision?

She couldn't fathom it; Leng Xiangxue simply could not understand! To give up a match she could clearly win—what was Angelia thinking? Did she look down on her? Or was she perhaps pitying her?

"Wait a moment!" Leng Xiangxue cried out suddenly, unable to accept such an outcome!

Angelia turned back, her gaze perfectly placid, her tone even flatter than her eyes: "What is it?"

This was the first time the two had exchanged words, and it was under such bizarre circumstances!

"Why?" Leng Xiangxue stared directly at Angelia, demanding a reasonable explanation.

"No reason!" After speaking, Angelia walked away without looking back, leaving a bewildered Leng Xiangxue behind.

For Angelia, continuing the match held no meaning. Even if she won in the end, it wouldn't bring her any joy! Through this match, Angelia had recognized her own shortcomings. She did not want to win using the "Butterfly Step"; that was not what she desired! What she urgently needed to do now was find a quiet place to reflect on this battle, establish a clear future goal, and become stronger than she was now!

Because of Angelia’s withdrawal, Leng Xiangxue was declared the winner, yet she couldn't manage a single smile, biting her scarlet lips instead.

"Angelia, I will remember that name!" Leng Xiangxue vowed silently. Since they were both students at the same academy, she wouldn't struggle to find Angelia again. If you choose to evade now, I will seek you out later.

The audience did not disperse just because the match ended. Instead, they were engaged in animated discussion—speculating about whether the two might have suffered mutual destruction if they had fought to the very end, debating the mysteries behind their techniques, and pondering the hidden significance of such an abrupt conclusion.

Solomon's mood mirrored that of the general audience; he, too, had been profoundly shaken by the contest.

He felt his blood churning, as if something deep within his soul was stirring restlessly!

"Laurent, what did you think of that match?" Solomon suddenly asked Laurent, who was staring off into space beside him.

Laurent snapped back to attention and glanced at Solomon. Unable to find adequate words to describe the shock he felt, he simply stated: "Incredible. Both of them were magnificent!" He realized the gap between himself and Angelia was widening, and amidst his awe, a slight sense of loss settled upon him.

"I always used to think women weren't suited to be Swordsmen," Solomon remarked with deep feeling, "but after watching today, I realize I was profoundly, ridiculously wrong."

Laurent offered no reply, instead watching the retreating figure of the woman in white. That woman had truly stunned him; to fight Angelia to such a standstill—who was she? She didn't seem like a citizen of the Winter Moon Empire.

The Grand Academy was truly a place teeming with masters. In just a day or two, Laurent had already encountered several freshmen whose strength rivaled his own—an unthinkable occurrence back in 'Gulu City'!

Time passed slowly, and the two fell into a brief silence.

"Right, how was your match?" Solomon asked, having focused on watching the main event instead of cheering for Laurent.

"It's done. I won," Laurent paused before adding, "My opponent wasn't nearly as skilled." If his rival had possessed the strength of Angelia or Leng Xiangxue, he suspected he might still be locked in a desperate struggle, or perhaps already defeated.

It seems this year's contest against the 'Dripping Dry Magic Academy' won't be so suffocating, Solomon mused. Every year, the 'Shut-In Magic Academy' was suppressed by the Dripping Dry Academy, primarily due to having fewer top-tier talents. But this year, the tide might finally be turning!

"Brother Solomon, I suddenly remembered something you might find interesting!" Laurent spoke up abruptly, as if a thought had just struck him.

"What is it?" Solomon retrieved his focus.

"My sister mentioned that the school leadership might be appointing those two children to lead a new class. The students selected for this class will be drawn from every grade—only those with exceptional strength will qualify for lessons there," Laurent’s explanation was cut short by Solomon’s gasp.

"What?" Solomon’s eyes widened, barely believing what he heard.

"My sister told me. The leaders are still discussing it, so I’m not certain if it will actually happen."

"Are you serious? Did Professor Elena tell you this personally?" Solomon grabbed Laurent’s arm.

Perhaps startled by Solomon's intensity, Laurent simply nodded without speaking.

Solomon shot to his feet with a whoosh and turned to leave!

"Brother Solomon, where are you going?" Laurent asked, surprised.

"I'm going to ask Professor Elena for the specifics!" Solomon exclaimed, utterly energized. He desperately wanted Zhong Shenxiu to instruct him, or at least clarify the methodology behind the training!

Meanwhile, observing from a distance, Zhong Shenxiu, knowing the remaining matches held little interest, said to Robin, "Robin, let’s head back!" Robin nodded, a knowing smile gracing his face as he stayed close to Zhong Shenxiu.

Just as the pair began to walk away, a voice called from afar: "Teacher Zhong, wait a moment!"

It was Director Leander, hurrying toward them.

"What is it?" Zhong Shenxiu asked the slightly breathless Leander.

"We have a few things we need to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?" Leander’s smile was somewhat obsequious, his tone edged with pleading.

However...

"No time!" Zhong Shenxiu replied curtly.

!

Leander had only asked out of habit; he never expected Zhong Shenxiu to answer so directly—it completely broke the expected protocol!

"But, Teacher, could you possibly carve out some time? We truly need to talk," Leander forced a smile. He had gone to great lengths to secure this meeting with Zhong Shenxiu today, specifically to discuss the establishment of the 'Virtual Class'! This matter could not be delayed, as there was no telling when Zhong Shenxiu might appear next!

"No," Zhong Shenxiu answered just as bluntly, cutting off any chance for Leander to speak further as he continued walking with Robin. He wasn't foolish; he could already tell from Leander’s mannerisms that the man wouldn't seek him out without an important agenda!

Leander felt an unprecedented sense of frustration. As a respectable director, he had humbled himself to beg, only to receive such a cold reception. What kind of world was this?

Watching Zhong Shenxiu and Robin move further away, Leander knew he couldn't afford to lose this chance, so he hurried after them again.

"Teacher Zhong, just a moment!"

Zhong Shenxiu remained silent this time, but his expression clearly conveyed: If you keep bothering me, I’ll throw you out! Robin had witnessed this tactic before, so he was surely well-prepared!

Leander was highly perceptive; he recognized Zhong Shenxiu was irritated, which was not a good sign. Thankfully, he had prepared for this. He quickly said, "Teacher Zhong, I have something I wish to present to you!"

Saying this, he pulled a very ancient-looking book from his magic ring. He might not know much else, but he knew Zhong Shenxiu loved reading. This was the perfect way to appeal to his interests!

Zhong Shenxiu paused, his gaze sweeping over the thick volume. A flash of genuine delight crossed his eyes! He accepted the book naturally, flipped through a couple of pages, and immediately stored it in his magic ring. Then, affecting nonchalance, he asked Leander, "What was it you needed?"

Seeing Zhong Shenxiu accept the book, Leander felt a surge of joy, thinking inwardly, Flattery truly works! This wasn't just flattery; it was practically bribery. A director bribing a teacher—what a humiliating position to be in!

Why had that book managed to sway Zhong Shenxiu so immediately? It was a comprehensive account detailing the human geography, races, and various species of this world. Although Zhong Shenxiu had been in this world for nearly a year, he remained largely unfamiliar with many aspects of it. More importantly, this world was filled with treasures that drove Zhong Shenxiu to obsession. By studying this book properly, he could deduce the general distribution of rare artifacts. Then, his acquisition of needed items wouldn't rely on sheer luck but on calculated searching! Furthermore, the book detailed the locations of Dwarves, Elves, Beastmen, and provided descriptions of various continents. This was exactly what Zhong Shenxiu needed—a 'tour guide manual' to reference for his next destination! It was precisely because of this book that Zhong Shenxiu began to integrate into this world, and consequently, this world began to subtly shift because of him—a detail for later chapters!

"Teacher Zhong, we actually have important matters to discuss, or we wouldn't dare take up your time. Could you accompany me?" Leander requested again.

"Lead the way," Zhong Shenxiu stated calmly.

Under Leander's guidance, the group arrived at a small conference room. The room wasn't large, and Leander had already summoned several other administrators. Not wishing to waste time, the school leaders immediately presented the matter they had previously agreed upon.

"Teacher Zhong, do you have any specific requirements?" the Vice Principal asked tactfully, though his true intention was to gauge Zhong Shenxiu's stance.

Zhong Shenxiu disliked beating around the bush. "I don't have that much time," he stated directly.

That single sentence left the administrators speechless for a long moment. What could a kid be so busy with? He always looks quite relaxed, yet the moment we need him, he has no time! Despite their thoughts, they dared not voice them.

"Is there anything else?" Zhong Shenxiu stood up, clearly ready to leave.

Uh! Leander hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to be so swift in his departure; they hadn't even finalized the discussion! Leander, proving himself sharp, quickly diffused the awkward atmosphere. "Teacher Zhong, the book I just gave you is incomplete. There are several other volumes still locked away that I couldn't locate immediately. I will find them and send them over. Could you sacrifice a bit of your valuable time to help us?" This proposal was perfectly crafted—it avoided any feeling of coercion while dangling an irresistible lure. A two-for-one deal!

Zhong Shenxiu fell into silent contemplation. Though he had only glimpsed the book, he understood its immense value. He hadn't realized there were more volumes.

Seeing Zhong Shenxiu considering it, Leander pressed his advantage. "Teacher Zhong, I have many other ancient texts; I have no time to read them, so they are useless just sitting there. I'll send those over to you as well!"

"Fine! I can agree to your request, but I have conditions," Zhong Shenxiu scanned the group.

"What conditions?" Leander quickly pressed.

Zhong Shenxiu then laid out his terms: he would teach as he saw fit without interference, and he would schedule the class times himself, among other stipulations. Leander had already agreed to some of these points previously, but Zhong Shenxiu added a few more clauses. After some back-and-forth negotiation, they settled on an agreement: Zhong Shenxiu would teach this new class a minimum of two lessons per month. While the timing wouldn't be fixed, they would receive prior notification.

Thus, the Virtual Class was officially established! Before leaving, Zhong Shenxiu reminded Leander to prepare those books as soon as possible.

The moment to challenge this world's established concepts had finally arrived. How much shock would Zhong Shenxiu, the 'genius anomaly,' bring to this world? And what changes would he inspire?