In the following days, neither Irina nor any other members of the Mind Arts Division appeared before Zhang Wen again. It wasn’t until the spaceship landed at the Casares Spaceport that Zhang Wen saw the Mind Arts group once more, this time in the main hall of the spacecraft.
As Zhang Wen entered the hall with several students from the Physical Arts Division, most of the Mind Arts instructors were gathered together, whispering anxiously. From their uneasy expressions, it was clear their discussion likely revolved around Governor Temiso’s fury. Meanwhile, Katerina and Irina stood alone in a corner of the hall, expressionless, gazing out the window.
When Zhang Wen appeared, Irina shot him a quick glance filled with hatred. But almost immediately, she turned her gaze back to the window, as if nothing had happened.
In the following days, neither Irina nor anyone else from the Mind Arts Department appeared before Zhang Wen again. It wasn’t until the spaceship landed at the Casares Spaceport that Zhang Wen finally saw the group from the Mind Arts Department in the ship’s lobby.
When Zhang Wen entered the lobby with several students from the Physical Arts Department, most of the instructors from the Mind Arts Department were gathered together, whispering among themselves. Their anxious expressions made it clear that their discussion was likely related to Governor Temiso’s wrath. Meanwhile, Katerina and Irina stood alone in a corner of the lobby, expressionlessly gazing out the window.
Only when Zhang Wen appeared did Irina briefly glance at him with a look full of hatred. But almost immediately, she turned her gaze back to the window as if nothing had happened.
Not long after, everyone in the lobby felt the spaceship shudder slightly. Those familiar with interstellar travel immediately knew that the ship had landed. As the hatch opened, the crowd in the lobby began to surge forward.
“Let’s go,” Zhang Wen said with a smile, waving to the four students behind him as they stepped onto the soil of Casares.
In previous years, when the Almythos delegation returned from the planet Fira, Governor Temiso would personally come to the spaceport to welcome them. Under the fluttering governor’s flag, he would escort the triumphant representatives of the Mind Arts Department back to Almythos Academy in grand style. However, this year, the governor’s office merely sent a deputy, who, after offering a few words of consolation, hurriedly left.
“Hey! Why is it that when the Mind Arts Department wins, the governor himself comes to welcome them with a motorcade, but when we win, we get nothing? This is so unfair!” Zax finally couldn’t hold back his frustration, loudly complaining to his companions as they boarded a swift beast-drawn carriage they had hailed from the roadside.
While on Fira, Zax had often fantasized about the enthusiastic cheers he would receive upon returning to Casares. But the reality was far from his imagination!
“There’s nothing we can do about it. After all, the Mind Arts Department is Almythos’ ace. Even if they lost the match, Governor Temiso couldn’t let them lose face,” Cloud explained with a shrug.
“Hmph! So they care about the Mind Arts Department’s reputation but not ours? When we lost in previous years, those bastards from the Mind Arts Department never missed a chance to laugh at us. Now that we’ve finally won once… Oh! Amelie, I’m not talking about you,” Zax suddenly remembered that Amelie was also from the Mind Arts Department and quickly apologized with a wave of his hand.
“It’s fine. I’ve never laughed at the seniors from the Physical Arts Department. Even if you want to get back at someone, it’s not my turn,” Amelie said nonchalantly, waving her hand and lowering her head again.
“Hmm…” Listening to the conversation between Amelie and Zax, Xiao Xi suddenly put on the airs of a wise old man, stroking his non-existent beard with a thoughtful expression. “Long Legs, why have you been so downcast and preoccupied the whole trip? What’s on your mind?”
“I was thinking that the Mind Arts Department hasn’t lost to Themis in almost twenty years. This time, they lost so badly. I wonder if Katerina, who led the team, will…” Amelie sighed.
“Katerina? Why bring her up?” Xiao Xi had even less fondness for Katerina and Irina than Zhang Wen did.
“Katerina was my mentor when I first entered Almythos Academy,” Amelie said, sneaking a glance at Zhang Wen.
“A mentor, huh…” Xiao Xi sighed, having nothing more to say. He, too, had a deep impression of his own mentor. Even now, he often thought of that gentle and beautiful older sister.
“Katerina should be fine,” Zhang Wen said with a smile. “After all, the Mind Arts Department of Almythos has reached its current status under her leadership. Moreover, Katerina is the last remaining disciple of Headmaster Jackfleet. Even if the governor doesn’t care about her, he has to consider the headmaster’s face. I don’t think Governor Temiso will make a big deal out of this.”
“Mm!” Zhang Wen’s analysis reassured Amelie. She gave him a grateful smile and nodded slightly.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, look!” The carriage had only just quieted down when the driver in front suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
“What’s going on?” The driver’s excited shout startled everyone.
Zax reflexively jumped up and pulled open the curtain beside the carriage.
In the next moment, Zax froze as if struck by a petrification spell. Cloud, Amelie, Xiao Xi… one by one, the people in the carriage leaned out to look, and all were rendered speechless by what they saw.
On both sides of the road leading to the city center of Casares, every few meters stood a person wearing the uniform of Almythos Academy’s Physical Arts Department, holding a Casares bagpipe. These people, men and women, young and old, were arranged in pairs along the street like an honor guard in a welcoming ceremony, stretching as far as the eye could see.
As Zax’s carriage reached the center of the procession, the two middle-aged men at the front immediately raised their bagpipes to their lips and played the “Triumphal Ode” with all their might.
One hundred and twenty years ago, Casares was just a small village on this planet. The native inhabitants distrusted the imperial soldiers who had come from afar. However, when the village was suddenly attacked, one hundred and sixty-four imperial soldiers bravely faced the tide of ferocious beasts to protect the hundreds of women and children in the village.
These imperial soldiers fought valiantly, holding out until the nearest imperial patrol fleet arrived. By then, only twenty-one of them remained! When these twenty-one bloodied soldiers reappeared outside the village walls, the people of Casares finally gave them a heartfelt cheer.
Bezahe, known as the “Saint of Music” in the empire, happened to be on that rescue patrol ship and witnessed the scene. With tears in his eyes, he composed what is widely regarded as his most stirring masterpiece in just a few days—the “Triumphal Ode.”
The “Triumphal Ode” is Bezahe’s immortal masterpiece and the eternal pride of Casares. Only when welcoming heroes whom all Casares people genuinely recognize do they play this piece, which represents the spirit of Casares!
The driver of Zhang Wen’s carriage deliberately slowed the carriage down. As the carriage passed each person, they would excitedly play their bagpipes. Those behind the carriage formed two orderly columns, following closely like royal guards escorting a king.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, I’m also a graduate of the 27th class of Almythos Academy’s Physical Arts Department. It’s a pity I can’t play the bagpipes, or I’d be down there playing to welcome you too! But as it is, I’m basking in your glory!” The driver, his face glowing with excitement, turned back and shouted into the carriage.
From Casares Spaceport to Almythos Academy, the streets were filled with the stirring melody of the “Triumphal Ode.” The triumphant Physical Arts Department may not have received a governor’s honor guard, but they were welcomed by the entire city!
Zax leaned almost entirely out of the carriage, waving frantically to the crowds on both sides of the street. Cloud clenched his fists tightly, his handsome face flushed red. Amelie, overwhelmed with emotion, buried her face in Zhang Wen’s shoulder and burst into tears.
All the hardships of joining Zhang Wen’s class, the humiliation suffered at Themis Academy… it was all worth it for this moment!
The procession escorted Zhang Wen’s carriage all the way to the gates of Almythos Academy. As Zhang Wen and his group stepped out of the carriage, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer.
Many young girls boldly threw down their bagpipes and ran up to hug Zax and Cloud, planting kisses on them. Several girls from Almythos Academy, their eyes red with envy, joined in. The two young men, still overwhelmed with excitement, found themselves surrounded by girls and quickly became victims of their enthusiasm. Their faces and necks were covered in kisses, and their clothes were disheveled.
Meanwhile, Amelie and Xiao Xi paid no attention to Zax and Cloud’s cries for help. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the girls, they snickered and slipped into Almythos Academy right behind Zhang Wen.
While the Physical Arts Department was enjoying the cheers of the crowd, on another road leading from the spaceport to Almythos Academy, two mind-driven vehicles quietly entered the academy’s back gate. In front of the grand first training center of Almythos Academy’s Mind Arts Department, the two vehicles stopped. Representatives of the Mind Arts Department’s instructors stepped out of the cars.
The first training center of the Mind Arts Department was not far from the main gate of Almythos Academy. Standing outside the training hall, the group could clearly hear the cheers coming from the academy’s entrance.
“Hmph! Those guys from the Physical Arts Department got lucky and won a match, and now they’re acting all high and mighty,” a male instructor who was the last to step out of the mind-driven vehicle frowned and spat in the direction of the academy’s main gate.
“Enough, Gulato. We all saw the circumstances under which the Physical Arts Department won the match. They deserve the title of Almythos Academy’s representatives and the cheers they’re receiving,” Katerina said calmly, glancing at the male instructor before quickly entering the training hall.
“He’s right. We should actually be grateful to those guys from the Physical Arts Department! Thankfully, they drew everyone to the main gate. Otherwise, if people saw us in this state, it would be truly humiliating! The century-old reputation of Almythos Academy’s Mind Arts Department might really be ruined!” Gulato, having been scolded, sneered and stared at Katerina’s back, muttering sarcastically to his companions.
Irina, who was following closely behind Katerina, seemed to hear the comments behind her. She suddenly turned around, her gaze sweeping over Gulato with intensity.
“Oh! So scary! ‘Saintess’ is still as formidable as ever,” Gulato pretended to be frightened, eliciting a few light chuckles from the other Mind Arts Department instructors around him.
“Irina really thinks she’s the natural successor to the position of Head Instructor of the Mind Arts Department. Katerina hasn’t even resigned yet, and she’s already starting to discipline her subordinates. You all should be careful!” The laughter of the instructors around him pleased Gulato, and he continued to mutter sarcastically as they all entered the first training center of the Mind Arts Department.
In the meeting room on the second floor of the training center, the instructors of Almythos Academy’s Mind Arts Department had already gathered. Almost every instructor who could be present at Almythos Academy that day attended the meeting.
On the faces of these instructors, who were known for their pride, there was not a trace of arrogance. Most of them wore expressions of solemnity and anxiety. However, a few among them, despite their anxiety, seemed to carry a hint of hidden excitement.
Soon, the door to the meeting room opened, and the six instructors from the Mind Arts Department who had led the expedition to Fira entered. At the forefront was Katerina, the Head Instructor of Almythos Academy’s Mind Arts Department.
“Head Instructor Katerina,” the dozens of Mind Arts Department instructors present stood up and respectfully saluted her.
“Mm. Sit down,” Katerina maintained the authority of the Head Instructor of the Mind Arts Department. However, she seemed to completely ignore the barely concealed sneers on the faces of a few instructors.
Irina sat down beside Katerina with a cold gaze. Irina could clearly feel that the people who usually flattered and fawned over her and Katerina, as if they wanted to become dogs circling around them, were now looking at her with mocking eyes.
Their mocking gazes were almost unbearable for Irina. She felt as if she could hear a voice in her ear repeating over and over, “Kill them! Kill them!”
Irina clenched her fists tightly, using all her strength to suppress the impulse rising from within.
After everyone had taken their seats, the meeting room fell silent for a moment. Then, an instructor sitting in the first seat to Katerina’s left, opposite Irina, stood up.
He was a male instructor around fifty years old, wearing the uniform of Almythos Academy’s Mind Arts Department without any additional adornments. His neatly combed two-inch short hair gave an immediate impression of his strict, efficient, and undoubtedly arrogant personality.
“Let’s go,” Zhang Wen smiled, waving to the four students behind him before stepping onto the soil of Casares once more.
Normally, when the Almeyth delegation returned from the planet Fira, Governor Temiso would personally greet them at the spaceport. Under the fluttering governor’s banner, the victorious Mind Arts representatives would be escorted back to Almeyth Academy in a grand procession. But this year, the governor’s office had only sent a reluctant aide, who offered a few brief words of greeting before hurrying off.
In the following days, neither Irina nor anyone else from the Mind Arts Department appeared before Zhang Wen again. It wasn’t until the spaceship landed at the Caceres Spaceport that Zhang Wen finally saw the Mind Arts group once more in the ship’s hall.
When Zhang Wen entered the hall with several students from the Physical Arts Department, most of the Mind Arts instructors were gathered together, whispering among themselves. From their uneasy expressions, it was clear that their discussion was likely related to Governor Temiso’s wrath. Meanwhile, Katerina and Irina stood alone in a corner of the hall, expressionlessly gazing out the window.
Only when Zhang Wen appeared did Irina briefly glance at him with a look full of hatred. But then, as if nothing had happened, she turned her gaze back to the window.
Not long after, everyone in the hall felt the spaceship suddenly shake. Those familiar with interstellar travel immediately knew that the ship had landed. As the hatch opened, the crowd in the hall began to surge forward.
“Let’s go,” Zhang Wen said with a smile, waving to the four students behind him as they stepped onto the soil of Caceres.
In previous years, when the Almythius delegation returned from the planet Fira, Governor Temiso would personally come to the spaceport to welcome them. Under the fluttering governor’s flag, the triumphant Mind Arts representatives would be escorted back to Almythius Academy in grand style. But this year, the governor’s office merely sent a deputy, who, after offering a few words of consolation, quickly departed.
“Hey! Why is it that when the Mind Arts Department wins, they get the governor’s personal welcome and a motorcade, but when we win, we get nothing? This is so unfair!” Zax, who had hailed a swift beast-drawn carriage from the roadside, couldn’t help but loudly complain to his companions.
While on Fira, Zax had often fantasized about the warm cheers he would receive upon returning to Caceres. But the reality was far from his imagination!
“It can’t be helped. After all, the Mind Arts Department is Almythius’ ace. Even if they lose, Governor Temiso can’t let them lose face,” Cloud explained with a shrug.
“Hmph! So they care about the Mind Arts Department’s reputation, but not ours? When we lost in previous years, those Mind Arts jerks never missed a chance to laugh at us. Now that we’ve finally won once… Oh! Amelie, I’m not talking about you,” Zax suddenly remembered that Amelie, who was sitting beside him, was also from the Mind Arts Department, and he quickly apologized.
“It’s fine. I’ve never laughed at the Physical Arts seniors. Even if you want to retaliate, it’s not my turn,” Amelie said indifferently, waving her hand and lowering her head again.
“Hmm…” Listening to the conversation between Amelie and Zax, Xiao Xi suddenly put on the air of a wise old man, stroking his chin as if he had a beard. “Long-legged girl, why have you been so downcast and worried all this time? What’s on your mind?”
“I’m thinking that it’s been almost twenty years since the Mind Arts Department lost a match against Themisto. This time, they lost so badly. I wonder if Katerina, the team leader, will…” Amelie sighed.
“Katerina? Why bring her up?” Xiao Xi had even less fondness for Katerina and Irina than Zhang Wen did.
“Katerina was my mentor when I first entered Almythius Academy,” Amelie said, glancing at Zhang Wen.
“Mentor, huh…” Xiao Xi sighed, having nothing more to say. He, too, had a deep impression of his own mentor. Even now, he often thought of that gentle and beautiful older sister.
“Katerina should be fine,” Zhang Wen said with a smile. “After all, it was under her leadership that Almythius’ Mind Arts Department reached where it is today. Moreover, Katerina is the last remaining disciple of Headmaster Jackfleet. Even if the governor doesn’t care about her, he has to consider the headmaster’s face. I don’t think Governor Temiso will make a big deal out of this.”
“Mm!” Zhang Wen’s analysis reassured Amelie. She smiled gratefully at him and nodded slightly.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, look!” The carriage had only just quieted down when the driver suddenly exclaimed in excitement.
“What’s going on?” The driver’s loud shout startled everyone.
Zax reflexively jumped up and pulled open the curtain by the carriage window.
In the next moment, Zax froze as if petrified. Cloud, Amelie, Xiao Xi… one by one, the people in the carriage leaned out to look, and all were struck speechless by what they saw.
On both sides of the road leading to Caceres city, every few meters stood a person wearing the Almythius Physical Arts Department uniform, holding a Caceres bagpipe. These people, men and women of all ages, were lined up like an honor guard, two by two along the street, stretching as far as the eye could see.
As Zax’s carriage reached the center of the procession, the two middle-aged men at the front immediately raised their bagpipes to their lips and played the “Triumphal Ode” with all their might.
One hundred and twenty years ago, Caceres was just a small village on this planet. The native inhabitants distrusted the imperial soldiers who had come from afar. However, when the village was suddenly attacked, one hundred and sixty-four imperial soldiers bravely faced the oncoming horde of beasts to protect the hundreds of women and children in the village.
These soldiers fought valiantly, holding out until the nearest imperial patrol fleet arrived. By then, only twenty-one of them remained! When these twenty-one bloodied survivors reappeared outside the village walls, the people of Caceres finally gave them a heartfelt cheer.
And it so happened that Bezaher, known as the “Saint of Music” in the empire, was on that rescue patrol ship and witnessed this scene. With tears in his eyes, Bezaher composed what is widely regarded as his most stirring masterpiece in just a few days—the “Triumphal Ode.”
The Triumphal Ode is Bezaher’s immortal masterpiece and the eternal pride of Caceres. Only when welcoming heroes whom all Caceres people genuinely recognize do they play this piece, which represents the spirit of Caceres!
The driver of Zhang Wen’s carriage deliberately slowed the carriage’s pace. As the carriage passed each person, they would excitedly play their bagpipes. Those behind the carriage automatically formed two columns, following closely like a king’s guard.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, I’m also a Physical Arts student from the 27th class of Almythius Academy. It’s a pity I can’t play the bagpipes, or I’d be down there playing to welcome you! But as it is, I’m basking in your glory!” The carriage driver, his face glowing with excitement, turned back and shouted into the carriage.
From Caceres Spaceport to Almythius Academy, the streets were filled with the stirring melody of the Triumphal Ode. The triumphant Physical Arts Department didn’t receive a governor’s honor guard, but they were welcomed by the entire city!
Zax leaned almost entirely out of the carriage, waving frantically to the crowds on both sides of the street. Cloud clenched his fists tightly, his handsome face flushed red. Amelie, overwhelmed with emotion, buried her face in Zhang Wen’s shoulder and wept openly.
All the hardships of joining Zhang Wen’s class, the humiliation suffered at Themisto Academy… it was all worth it for this moment!
The procession escorted Zhang Wen’s carriage all the way to the gates of Almythius Academy. As Zhang Wen and his group stepped out of the carriage, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer.
Many young girls boldly threw down their bagpipes and ran up to hug Zax and Cloud, planting kisses on them. Several Almythius girls, their eyes red with envy, joined in. The two young men, still overwhelmed with excitement, found themselves surrounded by girls and quickly became victims of their enthusiasm. Their faces and necks were covered in kisses, and their clothes were disheveled.
Meanwhile, Amelie and Xiao Xi paid no heed to Zax and Cloud’s cries for help. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the girls, they sneaked into Almythius Academy right behind Zhang Wen.
While the Physical Arts Department was enjoying the cheers of the crowd, on another road leading from the spaceport to Almythius Academy, two mind-powered vehicles quietly entered the academy’s back gate. In front of the magnificent Almythius Mind Arts First Training Center, the two vehicles stopped, and the Mind Arts Department’s instructor representatives stepped out.
The Mind Arts First Training Center wasn’t far from Almythius Academy’s main gate. Standing outside the training hall, the group could clearly hear the cheers coming from the academy’s entrance.
“Hmph! Those Physical Arts guys got lucky and won a match, and now they’re acting all high and mighty,” a male instructor who was the last to step out of the mind-powered vehicle frowned and spat in the direction of the academy’s main gate.
“Enough, Gulardo. You saw the circumstances under which the Physical Arts Department won. They deserve the title of Almythius Academy’s representatives and are worthy of such a welcome,” Katerina said calmly, glancing at the male instructor before quickly entering the training hall.
“He’s right. We should actually be grateful to those Physical Arts guys! Fortunately, they drew everyone to the main gate. Otherwise, if people saw us in this state, it would be truly humiliating! The century-old reputation of Almythius’ Mind Arts Department might really be ruined!” Gulardo, having been scolded, sneered and stared at Katerina’s back, muttering sarcastically to his companions.
Irina, who was following Katerina, seemed to hear the comments behind her and suddenly turned around, her gaze sweeping over Gulardo with intensity.
“Oh! So scary! ‘Saintess’ is still as fierce as ever,” Gulardo pretended to be frightened, eliciting a few light laughs from the other Mind Arts instructors.
“Irina really thinks she’s the natural successor to the next Mind Arts head instructor. Katerina hasn’t even resigned yet, and she’s already starting to discipline her subordinates. You all should be careful!” Gulardo’s sarcastic remarks, accompanied by the laughter of the other instructors, satisfied him as they all entered the Mind Arts First Training Center.
In the conference room on the second floor of the training center, the instructors of Almythius’ Mind Arts Department had already gathered. Almost every instructor who could be present at Almythius Academy that day attended the meeting.
On the faces of these instructors, who were known for their pride, there was no trace of arrogance. Most of them wore expressions of solemnity and anxiety. However, a few seemed to carry a hint of hidden excitement amidst their anxiety.
Soon, the conference room door opened, and the six Mind Arts instructors who had led the expedition to Fira entered. At the forefront was Katerina, the head instructor of Almythius’ Mind Arts Department.
“Head Instructor Katerina,” the dozens of Mind Arts instructors present stood up and respectfully greeted her.
“Mm. Sit down,” Katerina maintained the authority of the Mind Arts head instructor. However, she seemed to completely ignore the barely concealed sneers on the faces of a few instructors.
Irina sat down beside Katerina with a cold gaze. Irina could clearly feel that those who usually flattered and fawned over her and Katerina, as if they wanted to become dogs circling around them, were now looking at her with mocking eyes.
Their mocking gazes were almost unbearable for Irina. She felt as if a voice in her ear was repeatedly saying, “Kill them! Kill them!”
Irina clenched her fists tightly, using all her strength to resist the impulse rising from within.
After everyone was seated, the conference room fell silent for a moment. Then, an instructor sitting in the first seat to Katerina’s left, opposite Irina, stood up.
He was a male instructor in his fifties, wearing the Almythius Mind Arts Department uniform without any additional adornments. His neatly combed two-inch short hair gave an immediate impression of his disciplined, efficient, and undoubtedly arrogant personality.
Back on Fira, Zack had imagined how warmly they would be welcomed upon their return to Casares. But reality had fallen far short of his dreams.
In the following days, neither Irina nor anyone else from the Mind Arts Department appeared before Zhang Wen again. It wasn’t until the spaceship landed at the Caceres Spaceport that Zhang Wen finally saw the Mind Arts group once more in the ship’s lobby.
When Zhang Wen entered the lobby with several students from the Physical Arts Department, most of the Mind Arts instructors were huddled together, whispering among themselves. Their anxious expressions made it clear that their discussion was likely related to Governor Temiso’s wrath. Meanwhile, Katerina and Irina stood alone in a corner of the lobby, expressionlessly gazing out the window.
It was only when Zhang Wen appeared that Irina shot him a fleeting glance filled with hatred. But just as quickly, she turned her gaze back to the window as if nothing had happened.
Not long after, everyone in the lobby felt the spaceship shudder slightly. Those familiar with interstellar travel immediately knew that the ship had landed. As the hatch opened, the crowd gathered in the lobby began to surge forward.
“Let’s go,” Zhang Wen said with a smile, waving to the four students behind him as they stepped onto the soil of Caceres.
In previous years, when the Almythius delegation returned from the planet Fira, Governor Temiso would personally come to the spaceport to welcome them. Under the fluttering governor’s flag, he would escort the triumphant Mind Arts representatives back to Almythius Academy in a grand procession. However, this year, the governor’s office only sent a deputy, who, after offering a few words of consolation, hurriedly left.
“Hey! Why is it that when the Mind Arts Department wins, they get the governor’s personal welcome and a motorcade, but when we win, we get nothing? This is so unfair!” Zax finally couldn’t hold back his frustration, loudly complaining to his companions as they boarded a swift beast-drawn carriage they had hailed from the roadside.
While on Fira, Zax had often fantasized about the enthusiastic cheers he would receive upon returning to Caceres. But the reality was far from his imagination!
“It can’t be helped. After all, the Mind Arts Department is Almythius’ ace. Even if they lost the competition, Governor Temiso couldn’t let them lose face,” Cloud explained with a shrug.
“Hmph! So they care about the Mind Arts Department’s reputation but not ours? When we lost in previous years, those jerks from the Mind Arts Department never missed a chance to laugh at us. Now that we’ve finally won once… Oh! Amelie, I’m not talking about you,” Zax suddenly remembered that Amelie was also from the Mind Arts Department and quickly apologized with a wave of his hand.
“It’s fine. I’ve never laughed at the seniors from the Physical Arts Department. Even if you want to get back at them, it’s not my turn,” Amelie said nonchalantly, waving her hand and then lowering her head.
“Hmm…” Listening to the conversation between Amelie and Zax, Xiao Xi suddenly adopted the demeanor of a wise old man, stroking his chin as if he had a beard. “Long-legged girl, why have you been so downcast and worried the whole trip? What’s on your mind?”
“I was thinking that the Mind Arts Department hasn’t lost to Themis in almost twenty years. This time, they lost so badly. I wonder if Katerina, the team leader, will…” Amelie sighed.
“Katerina? Why are you bringing her up?” Xiao Xi had even less fondness for Katerina and Irina than Zhang Wen did.
“Katerina was my mentor when I first entered Almythius Academy,” Amelie said, sneaking a glance at Zhang Wen.
“Your mentor, huh…” Xiao Xi sighed, having nothing more to say. He, too, had a deep impression of his own mentor. Even now, he often thought of that gentle and beautiful older sister.
“Katerina should be fine,” Zhang Wen said with a smile. “After all, the Almythius Mind Arts Department has reached its current heights under her leadership. Moreover, Katerina is the only remaining disciple of Headmaster Jackfleet. Even if the governor doesn’t care about her, he has to consider the headmaster’s face. I don’t think Governor Temiso will make a big deal out of this.”
“Mm!” Zhang Wen’s analysis reassured Amelie. She gave him a grateful smile and nodded slightly.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, look!” The carriage had only just quieted down when the driver suddenly exclaimed in excitement.
“What’s going on?” The driver’s loud shout startled everyone.
Zax reflexively jumped up and pulled open the curtain by the carriage window.
In the next moment, Zax froze as if he had been petrified. Cloud, Amelie, Xiao Xi… one by one, they leaned out of the carriage, all rendered speechless by what they saw.
On both sides of the road leading to the city of Caceres, every few meters stood a person wearing the Almythius Physical Arts Department uniform and holding a Caceres bagpipe. Men and women, young and old, they lined the streets like an honor guard in a welcoming ceremony, stretching as far as the eye could see.
As Zax’s carriage reached the center of the procession, the two middle-aged men at the front immediately raised their bagpipes to their lips and played the “Triumphal Ode” with all their might.
One hundred and twenty years ago, Caceres was just a small village on this planet. The native inhabitants distrusted the imperial soldiers who had come from afar. However, when the village was suddenly attacked, one hundred and sixty-four imperial soldiers bravely faced the oncoming tide of beasts to protect the hundreds of women and children in the village.
These imperial soldiers fought valiantly, holding out until the nearest imperial patrol fleet arrived. By then, only twenty-one of them remained! When these twenty-one blood-soaked wounded soldiers reappeared outside the village walls, the people of Caceres finally gave them heartfelt cheers.
Bezaher, known as the “Saint of Music” in the empire, happened to be on that rescue patrol ship and witnessed the scene. With tears in his eyes, he composed what is widely regarded as his most stirring masterpiece in just a few days—the “Triumphal Ode.”
The “Triumphal Ode” is Bezaher’s immortal masterpiece and the eternal pride of the people of Caceres. Only when welcoming heroes who have earned the heartfelt recognition of all Caceres citizens do they play this piece, which represents the spirit of the Caceres people!
The driver of Zhang Wen’s carriage deliberately slowed the carriage’s pace. As the carriage passed each person, they would excitedly play their bagpipes. Those behind the carriage formed two orderly columns, following closely like royal guards escorting a king.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, I’m also a graduate of the 27th class of the Almythius Physical Arts Department. It’s a pity I can’t play the bagpipes, or I’d be down there playing to welcome you too! But as it is, I’m basking in your glory!” The carriage driver, his face glowing with excitement, turned back and shouted into the carriage.
From the Caceres Spaceport to Almythius Academy, the streets were filled with the stirring melody of the “Triumphal Ode.” The triumphant Physical Arts Department didn’t receive the governor’s honor guard, but they were welcomed by the entire city!
Zax leaned almost entirely out of the carriage, frantically waving to the crowds on both sides of the street. Cloud clenched his fists tightly, his handsome face flushed red. Amelie, overwhelmed with emotion, clung to Zhang Wen and burst into tears.
All the hardships of joining Zhang Wen’s class, the humiliation suffered at Themis Academy… it was all worth it for this moment!
The procession escorted Zhang Wen’s carriage all the way to the gates of Almythius Academy. As Zhang Wen and his group stepped out of the carriage, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer.
Many young girls boldly threw down their bagpipes and ran up to hug Zax and Cloud, planting kisses on them. Several Almythius Academy girls, their eyes red with envy, joined in. The two young men, still overwhelmed with excitement, found themselves surrounded by girls and quickly became victims of their enthusiasm. Their faces and necks were covered in kisses, and their clothes were disheveled.
Meanwhile, Amelie and Xiao Xi paid no attention to Zax and Cloud’s cries for help. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the girls, they snickered and slipped into Almythius Academy right behind Zhang Wen.
While the Physical Arts Department was enjoying the cheers of the crowd, on another road leading from the spaceport to Almythius Academy, two mind-powered vehicles quietly entered the academy’s back gate. The vehicles stopped in front of the grand Almythius Mind Arts Department’s First Training Center, and the Mind Arts instructors stepped out one by one.
The First Training Center of the Mind Arts Department wasn’t far from the main gate of Almythius Academy. Standing outside the training hall, the group could clearly hear the cheers coming from the front gate.
“Hmph! Those Physical Arts guys got lucky and won a competition, and now they’re acting all high and mighty,” a male instructor who was the last to step out of the mind-powered vehicle frowned and spat in the direction of the main gate.
“Enough, Gulado. You saw the circumstances under which the Physical Arts Department won the competition. They deserve the title of Almythius Academy representatives and are worthy of such cheers,” Katerina said calmly, glancing at the male instructor before quickly entering the training hall.
“He’s right. We should actually be thanking those Physical Arts guys! Fortunately, they drew everyone to the front gate. Otherwise, if people saw us in this state, it would be truly humiliating! The century-old reputation of the Almythius Mind Arts Department might really be ruined!” Gulado, having been scolded, sneered and stared at Katerina’s back, muttering sarcastic remarks to his companions in a self-deprecating tone.
Irina, who was following closely behind Katerina, seemed to hear the comments behind her. She suddenly turned around, her gaze sweeping over Gulado with intensity.
“Oh! So scary! ‘Saintess’ is still as formidable as ever,” Gulado pretended to be frightened, eliciting a few light laughs from the other Mind Arts instructors nearby.
“Irina really thinks of herself as the natural successor to the next Mind Arts Department head instructor. Katerina hasn’t even resigned yet, and she’s already starting to discipline her subordinates. You all should be careful!” The laughter of the instructors around him pleased Gulado, and he continued to mutter sarcastic remarks as they all entered the First Training Center of the Mind Arts Department.
In the meeting room on the second floor of the training center, the instructors of the Almythius Mind Arts Department had already gathered. Almost every instructor who could be present at Almythius Academy that day attended the meeting.
On the faces of these usually proud Almythius Mind Arts instructors, there was no trace of pride. Most of them wore expressions of solemnity and fear. However, a few among them, while fearful, also seemed to carry a hint of hidden excitement.
Soon, the door to the meeting room opened, and the six Mind Arts instructors who had led the expedition to Fira entered. At the forefront was Katerina, the head instructor of the Almythius Mind Arts Department.
“Head Instructor Katerina,” the dozens of Mind Arts instructors present stood up and respectfully saluted her.
“Mm. Sit down,” Katerina maintained the dignity of the head instructor. However, she seemed to completely ignore the barely concealed sneers on the faces of a few instructors.
Irina sat down beside Katerina with a cold gaze. She could clearly feel the mocking stares from those who usually flattered and fawned over her and Katerina, as if they wished they could turn into dogs circling around them.
Their mocking stares were almost unbearable for Irina. She felt as if a voice in her ear was repeating over and over, “Kill them! Kill them!”
Irina clenched her fists tightly, using all her strength to suppress the impulse rising from within.
After everyone had taken their seats, the meeting room fell silent for a moment. Then, an instructor sitting in the first seat to Katerina’s left, directly across from Irina, stood up.
He was a male instructor in his fifties, wearing the Almythius Mind Arts Department uniform without any additional adornments. His neatly combed two-inch short hair gave an immediate impression of strictness, efficiency, and undeniable arrogance.
“Hmph! So concerned about the Mind Arts’ reputation, but they don’t care about us at all! In previous years when we lost, those arrogant Mind Arts bastards never missed a chance to mock us. And now that we finally won once…” Zack suddenly remembered that Amelie, sitting beside him, was also from the Mind Arts Division. He quickly raised his hands in apology. “Ah! Amelie, I didn’t mean you!”
“That’s okay. I’ve never mocked the Physical Arts students before. Even if you want revenge, it wouldn’t be me you should target,” Amelie replied calmly, waving her hand dismissively before lowering her head again.
“Hmm…” Listening to the conversation between Amelie and Zack, Xiao Xi suddenly adopted the posture of a wise old man, stroking his imaginary beard. “Long Legs, why have you been keeping your head down the whole way, looking so worried? What’s on your mind?”
“I’m thinking… the Mind Arts hadn’t lost to the Temple Academy in nearly twenty years. This time, they lost so badly. I wonder what will happen to Professor Katerina, who led the team…” Amelie sighed.
“Katerina? Why bring her up?” Xiao Xi had even less affection for Katerina and her apprentice Irina than Zhang Wen did.
“Professor Katerina was my very first mentor when I entered Almeyth Academy,” Amelie said, sneaking a glance at Zhang Wen.
“My mentor too…” Xiao Xi sighed, falling silent. He also had deep memories of his own first teacher—a gentle and beautiful older girl.
“Professor Katerina will be fine,” Zhang Wen said with a smile. “After all, under her leadership, the Mind Arts Division has reached its current glory. Besides, she’s the last remaining disciple of Principal Jackfryt. Even if the governor doesn’t respect the disciple, he must respect the master. I don’t think Governor Temiso will make a big move this time.”
“Mm!” Zhang Wen’s words eased Amelie’s worries. She gave him a grateful smile and nodded gently.
“Teacher Zhang, look quick!” Not long after the carriage had fallen silent, the driver suddenly shouted from the front.
“What’s going on?” The driver’s excited shout startled everyone.
Zack instinctively jumped up and pulled aside the curtain on the side of the carriage.
The next moment, he froze as if struck by a petrification spell. Claud, Amelie, Xiao Xi—all of them peered out one by one, stunned into silence by the sight before them.
Along both sides of the road leading into downtown Casares, every few meters stood a person dressed in the Physical Arts uniform of Almeyth Academy, holding a Casares windpipe. They ranged in age and gender, lined up in pairs like an honor guard, stretching as far as the eye could see.
As Zack’s carriage reached the center of the formation, the two middle-aged men at the front lifted their windpipes to their mouths and blew the “Ode to Victory” with all their might.
One hundred and twenty years ago, Casares was merely a small village on this planet. The native inhabitants distrusted the distant Empire’s soldiers. Yet during a sudden attack on the village, 164 imperial soldiers bravely faced a tide of monstrous beasts to protect hundreds of women and children. These soldiers fought valiantly until the nearest imperial fleet arrived—but only 21 survived. When these bloodied, wounded survivors reappeared outside the village walls, the people of Casares finally welcomed them with heartfelt cheers.
By chance, Bezah, the Empire’s “Divine Composer,” was aboard the rescue patrol ship and witnessed the scene. Filled with tears, he composed the “Ode to Victory” in just a few days—a piece now recognized as the most stirring masterpiece of his legendary career.
The “Ode to Victory” is Bezah’s immortal work and the eternal pride of Casares. It is played only to welcome heroes whom the people of Casares truly recognize from the heart.
The carriage driver deliberately slowed the beast’s pace. As the carriage passed each person, they joyfully blew their windpipes. Those behind the carriage naturally formed two lines, like royal guards escorting a king, closely following behind.
“Teacher Zhang, I’m also a twenty-seventh batch Physical Arts student from Almeyth Academy. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to play the windpipe. Otherwise, I’d definitely be down there playing to welcome you all! But even like this, I feel like I’m sharing in your glory!” The carriage driver turned his flushed face back to shout into the carriage.
From Casares Spaceport to Almeyth Academy, the streets echoed with the stirring melody of the “Ode to Victory.” The victorious Physical Arts Division didn’t receive a governor’s honor guard, but they were welcomed by the entire city!
Zack leaned almost entirely out of the carriage, waving frantically at the crowds on both sides. Claud clenched his fists tightly, his handsome face flushed red. Amelie, overcome with emotion, simply burst into tears and threw herself onto Zhang Wen.
All the hardship since joining Zhang Wen’s course, all the humiliation endured at the Temple Academy… every bit of it was worth this moment!
The formation of people escorted Zhang Wen’s carriage all the way to the gates of Almeyth Academy. As they watched Zhang Wen and his companions step down from the carriage, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
Many young girls boldly threw down their windpipes and rushed forward to embrace Zack and Claud, planting kisses on them. Nearby, female students from Almeyth Academy, their eyes red with emotion, eagerly joined in. The two handsome young men, still caught up in their excitement, were suddenly surrounded by a swarm of girls. Before they knew it, their faces and necks were covered in kisses, and their clothes were in complete disarray.
Meanwhile, neither Amelie nor Xiao Xi paid any attention to Zack and Claud’s desperate cries for help. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the girls, Amelie and Xiao Xi quietly followed behind Zhang Wen with smirks, slipping unnoticed into Almeyth Academy.
While the Physical Arts group joyfully basked in the crowd’s cheers, on another road leading from the spaceport to Almeyth Academy, two mind-controlled vehicles silently entered the academy’s back entrance. In front of the opulent First Training Center of the Mind Arts Division, the two vehicles came to a stop. One by one, the Mind Arts instructors stepped out.
The First Training Center wasn’t far from the main entrance of Almeyth Academy. Standing outside the training hall, the group could clearly hear the cheers coming from the front gate.
“Hmph! The Physical Arts bunch got lucky and won once, and now they’re strutting around like they own the place,” muttered a male instructor bitterly, spitting toward the main gate.
“Enough, Gourado. You all saw with your own eyes the conditions under which the Physical Arts won. They deserve the title of Almeyth’s representatives and the cheers they’re receiving,” Katerina said calmly, stepping quickly into the training hall.
“You’re not wrong. We should actually be grateful to the Physical Arts for drawing everyone to the front gate! Otherwise, if people saw us returning like a bunch of defeated dogs, it would be even more humiliating. The century-old reputation of the Almeyth Mind Arts might truly be ruined forever!” Gourado sneered, his voice laced with sarcasm as he shot a glance at Katerina’s back.
Irina, walking right behind Katerina, suddenly turned her head, her eyes flashing dangerously at Gourado.
“Oh! How scary! The ‘Holy Nun’ is still as formidable as ever,” Gourado mockingly pretended to be frightened, prompting a few quiet chuckles from the other Mind Arts instructors nearby.
“Irina really thinks she’s the natural successor to the Mind Arts’ chief instructor. And here she is, already trying to discipline her subordinates before Katerina has even resigned! You all better watch out,” Gourado continued, clearly enjoying the laughter of his fellow instructors as they all stepped into the First Training Center.
Inside the second-floor meeting room of the training center, the Mind Arts instructors of Almeyth Academy had already gathered. Nearly every instructor who could be present on campus that day attended the meeting.
The faces of these instructors, usually known for their pride, now showed no trace of it. Most bore expressions of solemnity and anxiety. Yet among them, a few wore expressions that hinted at a strange, barely concealed excitement.
Soon, the meeting room doors opened, and the six Mind Arts instructors who had led the mission to Fira entered. At the front, naturally, was Katerina, the chief instructor of the Mind Arts Division at Almeyth Academy.
“Chief Instructor Katerina,” the dozens of Mind Arts instructors stood respectfully as one, bowing to Katerina.
“Hmm. Please sit,” Katerina maintained her dignified demeanor as chief instructor. Yet she seemed completely unaware of the barely concealed smirks on the faces of a few instructors below.
Irina sat down beside Katerina, her gaze icy. She could clearly feel the mocking stares from those who used to fawn over her and Katerina, practically begging to be their loyal dogs.
The mocking gazes were almost unbearable for Irina. She could almost hear a voice in her ears, repeating over and over: “Kill them! Kill them!”
Irina clenched her fists tightly, using every ounce of strength to suppress the rising impulse from deep within.
Once everyone was seated, the meeting room fell into a brief silence. Then, an instructor sitting in the first seat to Katerina’s left—the one directly opposite Irina—stood up.
He was a man in his early fifties, dressed in the uniform of the Mind Arts Division at Almeyth Academy, with no unnecessary decorations. His neatly combed two-inch short hair immediately conveyed his strict, efficient, and undeniably arrogant personality.
Besides Eleana, all the other instructors in the conference room immediately turned their natural gazes toward the old instructor. No one seemed surprised that the veteran instructor spoke before Katerina.
The veteran instructor’s name was Schmier, who had been teaching in the Almishas School of Psychic Arts for over thirty years. Whether in terms of prestige, seniority, or ability, Schmier was undeniably the second-in-command to Katerina. In fact, many instructors believed that even compared to Katerina, Schmier was no less capable.
In reality, twenty-five years ago, when Principal Jackfret officially stepped down from his position as the Head Instructor of the Almishas School of Psychic Arts to become the school’s principal, nearly everyone assumed that Schmier would be the one to succeed him as Head Instructor. However, no one expected that Katerina would suddenly emerge and snatch the position that Schmier had longed for.
When Principal Jackfret announced that the relatively young Katerina would become the Head Instructor, the Psychic Arts Department was thrown into an uproar. Various unspeakable rumors almost forced Katerina to resign voluntarily.
Fortunately, Katerina happened to encounter a visiting delegation from the Temis School at that time. In the competition that year, Katerina won two consecutive matches with a total score of ten to zero, sweeping the Temis School of Psychic Arts, which had been known together with Almishas as the “Southern Twin Stars.”
These two major victories established Almishas’ unshakable dominance in the south and quickly silenced all the malicious rumors against Katerina within the school.
“Hey! Twenty-five years ago, Katerina secured her position as Head Instructor because of the Temis School of Psychic Arts. Now she’s fallen again because of them. It’s truly poetic justice,” several middle-aged instructors who had experienced those events twenty years ago said with schadenfreude as they saw Schmier stand up.
Since Katerina became the Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department, although Almishas’ prestige had reached its peak, Katerina always favored young talents. Many instructors who were around her age or even more senior had long been discontented and were eager for Katerina to step down.
“Katerina, you suddenly gathered everyone here as soon as you returned to the school. What’s the matter?” Schmier’s words, after standing up, were as concise and arrogant as his personality.
Katerina also slowly stood up. She looked at Schmier and then swept her gaze across all the instructors present. The previously murmuring instructors immediately fell silent.
“Everyone knows that this trip to Temis School ended in a devastating defeat,” Katerina said calmly. “This defeat was not due to our students’ lack of effort, nor was it because our Psychic Arts Department at Almishas lacked strength. This failure was caused by the judgment error of the instructor team on this trip, especially me, Liricia Katerina. Therefore, I am willing to take full responsibility for this defeat and resign from my position as Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department at Almishas.”
“What?” As soon as Katerina finished speaking, the conference room, filled with over a hundred Psychic Arts instructors, erupted like a volcanic explosion.
Just like when Katerina first took over the position of Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department, no one had expected her to suddenly announce her resignation now!
True, the Psychic Arts Department had indeed suffered a crushing defeat. Katerina’s authority within the department had been greatly affected by leading the expedition to Temis. However, Katerina had served as the Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department at Almishas for twenty years, elevating the department to its current status.
Even the instructors who were most disdainful of Katerina did not believe that a mere defeat could shake her position within the department! Yet, at this very moment, Katerina took full responsibility for the defeat and announced her resignation.
“Teacher?!” Elyna, who had kept her head down since entering the hall, shouted out in shock toward Katerina.
“Head Instructor Katerina, won’t you reconsider?” Many young instructors tried to dissuade Katerina, but more instructors did not attempt to persuade her and instead began whispering among themselves.
Anxiety, confusion, excitement, tension… various emotions brewed in the hearts of the Psychic Arts instructors. The chaos in the conference room did not subside with the passage of time but instead intensified.
“Silence! What kind of disorderly conduct is this?” Katerina suddenly slammed the table with a stern expression. The chaotic instructors immediately quieted down.
“Katerina, although I also think you are no longer suitable to continue as Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department, shouldn’t you wait a bit before resigning?” Schmier, who had remained standing after rising, suddenly furrowed his brow and said.
Because the conference room had suddenly fallen silent, Schmier’s words reached the ears of every Psychic Arts instructor present.
“Schmier, how dare you speak to Katerina like that?” Elyna almost spat out each word from her throat.
“How I speak is none of your business,” Schmier glanced at Elyna and his arrogant gaze returned to Katerina.
“Damn, damn, damn…” Elyna lowered her head deeply, her face flushed with anger, murmuring like a curse.
The several instructors sitting next to Elyna assumed that the “damn” she cursed was directed at Schmier standing opposite. However, no one could have guessed that the person appearing in Elyna’s mind at this moment was someone completely unrelated to this meeting.
“Zhang Wen…” After countless murmurs of “damn,” Elyna finally whispered the name she hated the most, a voice so soft that no one could possibly hear it.
If it weren’t for Zhang Wen’s reckless actions at Temis School, how could Katerina and Elyna herself have been humiliated before Governor Temiso? If it weren’t for Zhang Wen and that cursed Body Arts team’s ridiculous victory, how could Katerina have been forced to resign to preserve the dignity of the Psychic Arts Department? How could Elyna endure such humiliation in front of the Psychic Arts instructors?
All of this was that bastard’s fault! Why was fate so unfair? How could such an incompetent fool enjoy everyone’s cheers at the school’s main gate while she had to endure scorn in this conference room?
These thoughts flooding Elyna’s mind had already driven her into a jealous rage. But what infuriated Elyna the most was not just these. Every time she recalled the scene from a few days ago on the spaceship returning to Casares, a flame rising from the depths of her heart seemed ready to burn Elyna to ashes!
She was clearly a ten-rank power expert, yet when facing Zhang Wen’s blatant threats and humiliation, she had actually fled after enduring it all! And furthermore…
Why hadn’t she killed that bastard on the spot back then? Elyna clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms, her legs under the table twisting together with all her might. Only the pain of her body could slightly ease the humiliation in Elyna’s heart.
“Katerina, you should understand the current situation. Principal Jackfret left for the imperial capital for recuperation two days ago due to a sudden heart attack. If you also resign as Head Instructor, what kind of chaos will it bring to the Psychic Arts Department?”
Even in the days when Katerina’s authority was at its peak, the arrogant Schmier had little respect for this “Head Instructor of Psychic Arts.” After Katerina proposed her resignation, Schmier was even less courteous, treating her like an ordinary junior.
“Teacher Schmier, your words are too harsh. Katerina’s resignation is for the reputation of the Psychic Arts Department. Since Katerina has already said she is willing to take full responsibility for the defeat, if we still nitpick…” A few young instructors couldn’t bear Schmier’s aggressive attitude any longer.
“Hmph! What do you mean by nitpicking? If Katerina resigns now, who will become the new Head Instructor of the Psychic Arts Department? Do we have to wait half a year until Principal Jackfret recovers and returns to choose a new Head Instructor? During that half year, the prestigious Almishas School of Psychic Arts would be without a Head Instructor, won’t that make everyone laugh at us?” Several middle-aged instructors immediately responded with sarcastic laughter.
“Enough! Stop arguing!” Katerina’s single sentence made both sides of the argument shut their mouths again. Then, Katerina exchanged a glance with Schmier and coldly said, “Teacher Schmier, my resignation letter was already submitted to Principal Jackfret on the way back to Casares. Whether to approve my resignation or decide when I should leave, the decision lies with Principal Jackfret. What is most beneficial for Almishas School, Principal Jackfret naturally knows.”
After speaking to Schmier, Katerina shifted her gaze from him and swept it over everyone in the conference room.
“My resignation is being announced today, not to seek your opinions or require your approval,” she said coldly before standing up and leaving the conference room directly.
“What nonsense! She acts as if she’s done a great service to the school by resigning!” Several middle-aged instructors who had long been dissatisfied with Katerina were momentarily stunned by her sudden outburst but soon resumed their mocking and schadenfreude.
“Teacher Schmier, what do you think? If Principal Jackfret approves Katerina’s resignation this time, who will be the next Head Instructor?” A few opportunistic middle-aged instructors smiled flatteringly and approached Schmier to inquire.
Unfortunately, Schmier, who had just been sharply rebuked by Katerina, had no patience to entertain the flattery of his colleagues. With a cold snort and a furious expression, he turned and left.
As soon as Katerina and Schmier left, most of the others followed. Soon, only about a dozen young instructors remained in the conference room, still anxiously discussing the situation.
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