In the tradition of mutual visits between Almissus Academy and Themis Academy, the visiting delegation typically stays at the host academy for about ten days. Of course, these ten days cannot be entirely devoted to combat between the students of both delegations. Although the specific arrangements vary depending on the leading teachers of the visiting delegation, the general schedule remains fairly consistent.
For instance, the first day of the visit is usually a rest day. The members of the visiting delegation will tour the host academy to assess the changes in the host’s strength over the past year based on what they observe. The second day after the delegation’s arrival is dedicated to warming up and familiarizing themselves with the competition venue.
The primary purpose of these inter-academy visits is to showcase each other’s strengths. The teaching facilities of an academy are naturally a significant component of its overall strength. Therefore, the annual competitions between Almissus Academy and Themis Academy are held in different training halls. Even students who participated in the previous year’s visit will find themselves in a completely different environment when they return to the host academy the following year.
Each training hall is built for different purposes, varying in size, layout, and lighting conditions. For example, a training hall designed for speed-based martial artists will be relatively spacious and equipped with numerous “obstacles” to train the students’ reaction abilities.
In competitions, if the strength disparity between the two sides is significant, these environmental factors play a minimal role. However, in a closely matched contest, the environment can often determine the outcome.
In previous years, for the martial arts department of Almissus Academy, the second day’s venue familiarization was merely a formality. However, this year was entirely different. The Spring Water Technique combat skills practiced by Zack and his peers include many moves that can only unleash their full potential when combined with the environment. In other words, leveraging the environment effectively is crucial for Zack and his team to secure victory in this year’s competition.
As the only martial arts instructor in the Almissus Academy delegation, Zhang Wen naturally took on the responsibility. He woke up early, roused his four students, and prepared to lead them in familiarizing themselves with this year’s competition venue.
However, what Zhang Wen didn’t know was that his bold declaration the previous night at the No. 3 training hall on the back mountain, where he boasted in front of Chief Instructor Gelt and numerous students that he would “completely crush Themis Academy’s martial arts department,” had already spread throughout Themis Academy by the next morning.
Honestly, most of the faculty and students at Themis Academy didn’t react with anger upon hearing Zhang Wen’s audacious claim. Instead, they initially thought they might be hallucinating due to exhaustion.
Almissus Academy! The academy whose martial arts department is infamous across the empire for its poor performance, actually claiming to defeat Themis Academy, whose martial arts department consistently ranks in the top five in the empire, and even talking about “crushing” them? Could there be a more laughable joke in the world?
After confirming that they hadn’t misheard, their expressions still weren’t of anger but rather of uproarious laughter or gleeful mockery, shaking their heads in pity: “That poor Almissus Academy instructor must have gone mad from some kind of shock!”
Indeed, anyone with a sound mind wouldn’t dare to claim that they could lead Almissus Academy’s pitiful martial arts department to crush Themis Academy!
Thus, the rumor that the martial arts department’s leading instructor from Almissus Academy had gone mad from shock quickly spread alongside the earlier gossip. As a result, when Zhang Wen woke up that morning, he noticed that the hotel staff were giving him strange looks.
However, Zhang Wen soon understood why the hotel staff were looking at him so oddly.
Shortly after Zhang Wen woke up his four students, Chief Instructor Katerina of the spellcasting department stormed into Zhang Wen’s room with Irina in tow.
When Irina heard Zhang Wen’s bold declaration in the training hall the previous night, she was so stunned that she didn’t immediately consider the consequences of his actions. After returning to her hotel room, Irina slept until dawn, only to suddenly realize the gravity of the situation. As soon as she came to her senses, she urgently reported everything that had happened the previous night to her mentor, Chief Instructor Katerina of the spellcasting department.
This led to the scene of Katerina, shocked by Irina’s account, angrily barging into Zhang Wen’s room.
However, the sight of the two spellcasting instructors storming into Zhang Wen’s room only drew more peculiar looks from the hotel staff.
Although Irina is known as the “Iron Maiden” at Almissus Academy, this doesn’t mean she lacks beauty. In fact, when Irina first entered Almissus Academy over a decade ago, she was widely recognized as a cold beauty.
Even now, as she approaches her thirties, Irina’s figure and appearance remain as striking as ever. In fact, with age, her beauty has matured from youthful innocence to a more alluring charm, her fully ripened body even more enticing than when she first joined the academy.
If judged solely on appearance, Irina could almost rival Lenora, though the two are quite different. However, Irina looks down on any man who approaches her.
Irina’s attitude towards suitors is one of cold mockery, showing no regard for their self-esteem. Almost every man who has shown even the slightest interest in her has been humiliated by her. This led to a sharp decline in her popularity at the academy after Lenora’s arrival, earning her the nickname “The Eternal Iron Maiden.”
However, the staff at Themis Academy’s hotel were unaware of Irina’s peculiar temperament and her reputation at Almissus Academy. To them, a woman like Irina, who is both unmarried and strikingly beautiful, having a secret affair with a male teacher seemed entirely plausible!
Now, this woman’s superior had stormed into a male teacher’s room early in the morning with her in tow… What could have happened last night? It didn’t take much imagination to guess.
Honestly, this wasn’t just the assumption of the hotel staff. Even Zack, who was unaware of the previous night’s events, couldn’t help but gape in surprise when he saw Katerina and Irina burst into Zhang Wen’s room.
“Wow! Instructor Zhang is really something! Not only does Instructor Lenora have a thing for him, but even the ‘Iron Maiden’ has fallen into his hands? That means the two most famous cold beauty instructors at our academy are…” Zack whispered in awe, expressing his boundless admiration for Zhang Wen.
As a result, Cloud, who was equally clueless, nodded in agreement, while Xiaoxi and Amelie both blushed deeply.
While Zack and Cloud were whispering and giggling about Zhang Wen’s gossip, Katerina had already stormed into Zhang Wen’s room and angrily exclaimed, “Instructor Zhang Wen!”
Seeing Irina behind Katerina, Zhang Wen naturally understood that Katerina had come to confront him about the previous night’s events at the training hall. However, having just changed into his uniform, Zhang Wen stopped and feigned ignorance, asking, “Instructor Katerina, what brings you here?”
“Don’t you know what you’ve done?” Katerina coldly glared at Zhang Wen, making a statement that only deepened the misunderstanding, and signaled Irina to close the door.
As the proud Chief Instructor of Almissus Academy’s spellcasting department, Katerina values her and the academy’s reputation above all else. She certainly didn’t want the students to witness her argument with Zhang Wen.
Bang!
The door to Zhang Wen’s room was slammed shut by Irina. Outside, the four students exchanged glances and then, without hesitation, pressed their ears against the door, including Xiaoxi and Amelie, whose faces were still flushed with embarrassment.
However, to the frustration and disappointment of the gossip-loving students, the door of Themis Academy’s hotel was of excellent quality. Through the thick wooden door, only occasional louder words from the conversation inside reached their ears.
“What do I know?” Inside, Zhang Wen continued to smile faintly as he countered.
“Instructor Zhang Wen, stop pretending! Irina has already told me everything about last night!” Katerina struggled to contain her anger.
“Oh! So it’s about last night. What, has Chief Instructor Katerina brought Instructor Irina here to apologize to me? That’s unnecessary.” Zhang Wen casually waved his hand.
“Apologize to you? Have you lost your mind?!” Irina couldn’t help but shout.
This time, even through the thick door, the four students outside clearly heard Irina’s shrill voice. They immediately perked up their ears, trying even harder to eavesdrop on the situation inside.
“Irina, mind your manners! Don’t act like a brute from the martial arts department!” After Irina’s outburst, it was Katerina who spoke next. She shot her star pupil a disapproving glance, reprimanding Irina while also taking a jab at Zhang Wen.
“Yes!” Irina, who never dared to breathe heavily in front of Katerina, immediately lowered her head and stood silently by Katerina’s side.
“Instructor Zhang Wen, I can’t fathom what you were thinking! I explicitly warned you not to leave your room. Yet you ignored everyone’s advice! Did you seek anyone’s approval before making those statements to Gelt last night? Do you even realize the consequences of your actions? If Themis Academy cuts ties with Almissus because of your words, how will you take responsibility? You’re tarnishing Almissus Academy’s reputation, do you understand?” Katerina coldly stared at Zhang Wen, speaking in an unyielding tone.
Zhang Wen gazed at Katerina’s stern face for a long time, and the anger that had been extinguished the previous night gradually reignited within him.
“Oh, so I’m seeking personal glory and tarnishing the academy’s reputation…” Zhang Wen couldn’t help but laugh. “Instructor Katerina, how much do you actually know about what happened last night?”
“I know enough! Don’t try to weasel your way out of this!”
“Is that so? Then, what does Instructor Katerina plan to do about it?”
Zhang Wen spoke with a smile, his tone gentle. The furious Katerina and Irina failed to detect the mockery hidden in Zhang Wen’s light-hearted tone. Or rather, their arrogance blinded them to the fact that Zhang Wen’s gentle tone didn’t signify remorse but rather a deep disdain for their self-righteousness!
Zhang Wen’s “cooperative” attitude took Irina by surprise and left her deeply disappointed.
In Irina’s mind, martial arts instructors and men were always the objects of her deepest hatred. As a combination of both, Zhang Wen was naturally one of the people Irina despised the most. And as the only martial arts instructor from Almissus Academy on the planet Fila, Zhang Wen had removed the “one of” and become the person Irina loathed the most!
However, last night in the training hall, Irina had made a complete fool of herself in front of Zhang Wen. She had brought two instructors from Themis Academy to “rescue” Zhang Wen, only to find that he didn’t need her help at all! Instead, she had been the one who ended up looking like a clown.
Being humiliated in front of the person she despised and looked down upon the most was an unbearable disgrace for anyone. For someone as prideful as Irina, the unspoken humiliation was almost driving her mad.
Honestly, before coming to Zhang Wen’s room, Irina had fervently hoped that Zhang Wen’s personality was as defiant as he had appeared the previous night. She wished he would stubbornly refuse to admit his mistake and openly argue with Katerina!
After all, before coming to reprimand Zhang Wen, Katerina had made up her mind. She could no longer tolerate Zhang Wen’s antics! So if Zhang Wen still refused to yield this time, she was prepared to overstep her authority and remove this “unstable element” from the delegation!
This way, Irina could witness Katerina harshly disciplining Zhang Wen and take the opportunity to avenge the humiliation she had suffered the previous night! She even fantasized about how she would mercilessly humiliate Zhang Wen upon their return to Almissus Academy, making him cower at her feet like a pitiful worm!
For example, the first day after the delegation’s arrival is typically a day of rest. The visiting members tour the host academy first, using their observations to evaluate the host’s overall strength over the past year. The second day is dedicated to warming up and familiarizing themselves with the competition venue.
In fact, the sole purpose of these academy exchanges is to showcase strength. Naturally, the training facilities of an academy are an important part of its overall strength. Therefore, Almace Academy and Themis Academy hold their annual competitions in different training halls each year. Even students who participated in the previous year’s exchange will find themselves facing a completely different environment when they return the following year.
Each training hall is built for a specific purpose, and their sizes, layouts, and lighting conditions vary greatly. For example, a training hall designed for speed-type martial artists will be relatively spacious, with various “obstacles” placed inside to train the students’ reflexes.
In competitions, if the two sides are vastly mismatched in strength, these environmental factors naturally have little impact. However, in a closely matched contest, the environment often becomes the deciding factor in the outcome.
In previous years, for Almace Academy’s martial arts department, the second day’s venue familiarization was merely a formality. However, this year was entirely different. The Spring Water Combat Technique practiced by Zack and his companions included many moves that could only fully demonstrate their power when combined with the environment. In other words, the ability to utilize the environment effectively would be key to Zack and his companions’ victory in this year’s competition.
As the sole martial arts instructor in Almace Academy’s delegation, Zhang Wen naturally took it upon himself. He got up early in the morning, woke up his four students one by one, and prepared to lead them in familiarizing themselves with this year’s competition venue.
However, what Zhang Wen did not know was that the bold declaration he had made the previous evening at Training Hall No. 3 of Themis Academy, in front of Chief Instructor Gelt and many students—that he would “completely crush the martial arts department of Themis Academy”—had already spread throughout Themis Academy the very next morning.
Frankly speaking, when most of Themis Academy’s teachers and students first heard Zhang Wen’s bold words, their first reaction was not anger, but rather confusion over whether they had misheard due to exhaustion.
Almace Academy? The very same Almace Academy whose martial arts department was notoriously weak throughout the empire, actually claiming to defeat Themis Academy, whose martial arts department ranked firmly within the top five in the empire? Was there a more ridiculous joke in the world?
Soon, after confirming for a second time that they had indeed heard correctly, their expressions still did not turn to anger, but rather to uncontrollable laughter or expressions of mock sympathy as they shook their heads in exaggerated pity: That poor, delusional Almace Academy instructor must have gone mad from some kind of trauma!
Indeed, no one with a normal mind would ever dare to claim they could lead Almace Academy’s pitiful martial arts department to crush Themis Academy!
In the tradition of mutual visits between Almicus Academy and Themis Academy, the visiting delegation typically stays at the host academy for about ten days. Of course, these ten days cannot be entirely devoted to combat between the students of both delegations. Although the specific arrangements vary each time depending on the leading teachers of the visiting delegation, the general schedule remains quite consistent.
For instance, the first day of the visit is usually a rest day. Members of the visiting delegation will tour the host academy to assess the changes in the host’s strength over the past year. The second day is reserved for warm-up and familiarization with the competition venue.
The primary purpose of these inter-academy visits is to showcase each other’s strengths. The teaching facilities of an academy are a crucial part of its overall strength, so the annual competitions between Almicus Academy and Themis Academy are held in different training halls. Even students who participated in the previous year’s visit will face a completely different environment when they return to the host academy the following year.
Each training hall is built for different purposes, varying in size, layout, and lighting. For example, a training hall designed for speed-based martial artists will be relatively spacious and equipped with numerous “obstacles” to train students’ reaction abilities.
In competitions, if the strength disparity between the two sides is significant, these environmental factors play a minimal role. However, in a closely matched contest, the environment can often determine the outcome.
In previous years, for the martial arts department of Almicus Academy, the second day’s venue familiarization was merely a formality. However, this year is entirely different. The Spring Water Technique combat skills practiced by Zack and others include many moves that can only unleash their full potential when combined with the environment. Thus, leveraging the environment is crucial for Zack and his team to secure victory in this year’s competition.
As the only martial arts instructor in the Almicus Academy delegation, Zhang Wen naturally took on the responsibility. He woke up early, roused his four students, and prepared to familiarize them with this year’s competition venue.
However, what Zhang Wen didn’t know was that his bold declaration the previous night at the No. 3 training hall in the back mountain, where he vowed to “completely crush the martial arts department of Themis Academy” in front of Chief Instructor Gelt and many students, had already spread throughout Themis Academy by the next morning.
Honestly, most of the faculty and students at Themis Academy, upon hearing Zhang Wen’s audacious statement, didn’t react with anger but rather wondered if they were hallucinating due to exhaustion.
Almicus Academy! The academy whose martial arts department is infamous across the empire, actually claiming to defeat Themis Academy, whose martial arts department consistently ranks in the top five in the empire, and even talking about “crushing” them? Is there a more laughable joke in the world?
Upon confirming that they hadn’t misheard, their expressions still weren’t of anger but of uproarious laughter or schadenfreude, shaking their heads in mock pity: that poor-faced instructor from Almicus Academy must have been driven mad by some trauma!
Indeed, anyone with a sane mind wouldn’t dare to claim leading Almicus Academy’s tragic martial arts department to crush Themis Academy!
Thus, rumors quickly spread that the martial arts department’s leading teacher from Almicus Academy had gone mad due to excessive stress. As a result, when Zhang Wen woke up, he noticed that the hotel staff’s gazes seemed somewhat peculiar.
Soon, Zhang Wen understood why the hotel staff were giving him such strange looks.
Shortly after Zhang Wen woke up his four students, Chief Instructor Katerina of the spellcasting department stormed into his room with Irina in tow.
When Irina heard Zhang Wen’s bold declaration in the training hall the previous night, she was so stunned that she didn’t immediately realize the consequences of his actions. After returning to her hotel room, she slept until dawn, only to suddenly realize the gravity of the situation. Upon waking, she urgently reported everything that had happened to her teacher, Chief Instructor Katerina.
Thus, Katerina, shocked by Irina’s account, angrily barged into Zhang Wen’s room.
However, the sight of the two spellcasting instructors storming into Zhang Wen’s room only added to the peculiar looks he received from the hotel staff.
Although Irina is known as the “Iron Maiden” at Almicus Academy, it doesn’t mean she lacks beauty. In fact, when she first entered Almicus Academy over a decade ago, she was recognized as a cold beauty.
Even now, nearing thirty, Irina’s figure and appearance remain as stunning as ever. In fact, with age, her beauty has matured from youthful innocence to a more alluring charm, her ripe body even more enticing than when she first joined Almicus Academy.
If judged solely on looks, Irina might not be on par with Lenora, but the gap between them isn’t vast. However, Irina utterly disdains any man who approaches her.
Irina treats her suitors with cold sarcasm, utterly disregarding their self-esteem. Almost every man who showed even a slight interest in her has been humiliated by her. Consequently, after Lenora’s arrival, Irina’s popularity plummeted, earning her the nickname “Eternal Iron Maiden.”
However, the staff at Themis Academy’s hotel were unaware of Irina’s peculiar temperament and her reputation at Almicus Academy. To them, a woman like Irina, with a mature body, unmarried, and strikingly beautiful, having an affair with a male teacher seemed entirely plausible!
Now, this woman’s superior stormed into a male teacher’s room early in the morning with her in tow… What could have happened last night? Isn’t it obvious?
Honestly, this thought wasn’t limited to the hotel staff at Themis Academy. Even Zack, unaware of the previous night’s events, was left speechless when he saw Katerina and Irina burst into Zhang Wen’s room.
“Wow! Instructor Zhang is really something! Not only does Lenora have a thing for him, but even the ‘Iron Maiden’ has fallen into his hands? This way, the two most famous cold beauties in our academy…” Zack whispered in awe, expressing his boundless admiration for Zhang Wen.
As a result, Cloud, equally clueless, nodded in agreement, while Xiaoxi and Amilis both blushed deeply.
While Zack and Cloud were whispering and giggling about Zhang Wen’s gossip, Katerina had already stormed into Zhang Wen’s room, angrily exclaiming, “Instructor Zhang Wen!”
Seeing Irina behind Katerina, Zhang Wen naturally understood that Katerina had come to confront him about the previous night’s events in the training hall. However, having just changed into his uniform, Zhang Wen stopped and feigned ignorance, asking, “Instructor Katerina, what brings you here?”
“Don’t you know in your heart?” Katerina coldly glared at Zhang Wen, uttering a phrase that only deepened the misunderstanding, then signaled Irina to close the door.
As the proud Chief Instructor of the spellcasting department at Almicus Academy, Katerina values her and the academy’s reputation above all else. She certainly didn’t want the students to witness her argument with Zhang Wen.
Bang!
The door to Zhang Wen’s room was slammed shut by Irina. The four students outside exchanged glances, then unanimously pressed their ears against the door, including Xiaoxi and Amilis, whose faces were still flushed with embarrassment.
However, to the disappointment of the gossip-loving students, the door of Themis Academy’s hotel was of excellent quality. Through the thick wooden door, only occasional louder words from the conversation inside reached their ears.
“What do I know in my heart?” Inside, Zhang Wen continued to smile faintly, countering.
“Instructor Zhang Wen, there’s no need to pretend! Irina has already told me everything about last night!” Katerina struggled to contain her anger.
“Oh! So it’s about last night. What, Chief Instructor Katerina, are you bringing Irina here to apologize to me? That’s unnecessary.” Zhang Wen waved his hand nonchalantly.
“Apologize to you? Have you lost your mind?!” Irina couldn’t help but shout.
This time, even through the thick door, the four students outside clearly heard Irina’s shrill voice. They all perked up their ears, eagerly trying to eavesdrop on the situation inside.
“Irina, mind your status! Don’t lower yourself to the level of the martial arts department’s barbarians!” After Irina’s outburst, Katerina spoke, casting a displeased glance at her prized student, chastising Irina while also taking a jab at Zhang Wen.
“Yes!” Irina, who never dared to breathe heavily in front of Katerina, immediately bowed her head and stood silently beside Katerina.
“Instructor Zhang Wen, I truly don’t know what you’re thinking! I’ve clearly warned you not to leave your room. Yet you refuse to heed anyone’s advice! Did you seek anyone’s approval before making those statements to Gelt last night? Do you even realize the consequences of your actions? If Themis Academy cuts off visits with Almicus because of your words, how will you take responsibility? You’re tarnishing Almicus Academy’s reputation, understand?” Katerina coldly stared at Zhang Wen, speaking in an uncompromising tone.
Zhang Wen gazed at Katerina’s stern face for a long time, the anger that had been extinguished the previous night gradually reigniting in his heart.
“Oh! I’m seeking personal glory at the expense of the academy’s reputation…” Zhang Wen couldn’t help but laugh. “Instructor Katerina, how much do you really know about last night’s events?”
“I know enough! There’s no need for you to make excuses!”
“Is that so? Then, what does Instructor Katerina plan to do?”
Zhang Wen spoke with a smile, his tone gentle. The enraged Katerina and Irina failed to notice the mockery in Zhang Wen’s light-hearted tone. Or rather, their arrogance blinded them to the fact that Zhang Wen’s gentle tone didn’t signify remorse but deep disdain for their self-righteousness!
Zhang Wen’s “cooperative” attitude greatly surprised Irina, leaving her deeply disappointed.
In Irina’s heart, martial arts instructors and men were always the objects of her deepest hatred. As a combination of both, Zhang Wen naturally became one of Irina’s most detested individuals. And being the only martial arts instructor from Almicus Academy on the planet Fila, Zhang Wen directly removed the “one of” and became Irina’s most detested person!
However, last night in the training hall, Irina ended up making a fool of herself in front of Zhang Wen. She had brought two instructors from Themis Academy to “rescue” Zhang Wen, only to find that Zhang Wen didn’t need her rescue! Instead, she was the one who lost her composure, acting like a clown.
Making a fool of oneself in front of the person one most despises and looks down upon is an unbearable humiliation for anyone. For someone with as much pride as Irina, the unspeakable shame was almost driving her mad.
Honestly, before coming to Zhang Wen’s room, Irina had fervently hoped that Zhang Wen’s personality was as defiant as he had appeared the previous night! It would be best if he refused to admit his mistakes and argued with Katerina face to face!
After all, Katerina had made up her mind before coming to reprimand Zhang Wen. She could no longer tolerate Zhang Wen’s antics! If Zhang Wen still refused to yield, she was prepared to overstep her authority and remove this “unstable element” from the delegation!
This way, Irina could witness Katerina severely reprimanding Zhang Wen and take the opportunity to avenge the humiliation she had suffered the previous night! She even imagined how she would mercilessly humiliate Zhang Wen upon returning to Almicus Academy, making him hang his head in shame, trembling like an ugly insect at her feet!
However, Zhang Wen soon figured out why the hotel staff were looking at him so oddly.
Shortly after he had woken up his four students, Kaelena, the head instructor of the spellcasting department, stormed into Zhang Wen’s room with Irina, clearly furious.
The previous evening, when Irina had first heard Zhang Wen’s outrageous declaration at the training hall, she had been so stunned by his words that she hadn’t even thought about the consequences of his actions at the time. After returning to her room at the hotel and sleeping through the night, she suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. As soon as she came to her senses, Irina immediately rushed to report everything that had happened the previous night to her mentor, Kaelena, the head instructor of the spellcasting department.
This led to the scene of Kaelena, shocked and furious, storming into Zhang Wen’s room with Irina.
However, this scene of the two spellcasting instructors barging into Zhang Wen’s room caught the attention of the hotel staff, earning Zhang Wen even more strange and suspicious glances.
Although Irina was famously known as the “Iron Virgin” at Almace Academy, this certainly did not mean she lacked beauty. In fact, when Irina had first entered Almace Academy over a decade ago, she was already widely recognized as a cold beauty.
Even now, approaching the age of thirty, Irina’s beauty and figure had not faded in the slightest. If anything, with age, her beauty had matured into a more alluring charm, and her body had become even more tempting compared to when she had first entered Almace Academy.
If judged solely by appearance, Irina could easily rival Linoah, or at least be very close to her. However, Irina held all men in contempt, treating any potential suitors with nothing but cold sarcasm, completely disregarding their dignity. Almost every man who had ever shown any interest in Irina had been humiliated and driven away in embarrassment. Because of this, after Linoah appeared, Irina’s popularity at the academy plummeted, and she earned the nickname “Iron Virgin.”
However, the waiters at Themis Academy’s hotel were obviously unaware of Irina’s peculiar temperament or her reputation at Almace Academy. To them, a mature woman like Irina, who was both attractive and unmarried, having an affair with a male instructor was not at all surprising.
Now, her immediate superior, Kaelena, had stormed into a male instructor’s room early in the morning with Irina, clearly furious. What could have possibly happened the previous night? It didn’t even need to be asked.
Honestly, this wasn’t just the hotel staff at Themis Academy thinking along these lines. Even Zack, who was unaware of the previous night’s events, couldn’t help but gape in shock when he saw Kaelena and Irina rushing into Zhang Wen’s room.
“Wow! Teacher Zhang is really something! Not only does Teacher Linoah have a thing for him, but even the ‘Iron Virgin’ has fallen into his hands? So, doesn’t that mean the two most famous cold beauties at our academy…” As he muttered in astonishment, Zack couldn’t help but express his boundless admiration for Zhang Wen in a low voice.
As Zack spoke, the equally clueless Cloud nodded in agreement, while the two girls, Xiao Xi and Amyris, blushed deeply.
And just as Zack and Cloud, the two naive boys, were giggling and whispering about Zhang Wen’s gossip, Kaelena had already stormed into Zhang Wen’s room, shouting angrily.
“Teacher Zhang Wen!”
Seeing Irina following behind Kaelena, Zhang Wen naturally understood that Kaelena had come to confront him about the previous night’s events at the training hall. However, Zhang Wen, who had just finished changing into his uniform, paused and pretended to be puzzled as he asked.
“Head Instructor Kaelena, what brings you here in person?”
“You know perfectly well what you’ve done,” Kaelena coldly glared at Zhang Wen, adding another sentence that only deepened the misunderstanding. She then signaled with her eyes for Irina to close the door.
As the proud head instructor of Almace Academy’s spellcasting department, Kaelena valued her and the academy’s reputation above all else. Naturally, she did not want the students witnessing her argument with Zhang Wen.
Bang!
Irina slammed the door shut behind her. The four students outside exchanged glances, then simultaneously pressed their ears against the door, even Xiao Xi and Amyris, whose faces were still flushed with embarrassment.
However, to the great frustration and disappointment of the four gossip-hungry students, the hotel doors at Themis Academy were of exceptional quality. Through the thick wooden door, they could only occasionally catch a few louder words from the conversation inside.
“What should I know?” Zhang Wen asked calmly, still smiling.
“Teacher Zhang, you don’t need to pretend anymore! Irina has already told me everything about last night!” Kaelena struggled to contain her anger.
“Oh! So it’s about last night. Then, Head Instructor Kaelena, are you here to apologize to me with Irina? If so, you can forget it,” Zhang Wen said indifferently, waving his hand.
“Apologize to you? Have you lost your mind?!” Irina couldn’t help but shout.
This time, even through the thick door, the four students outside clearly heard Irina’s sharp voice. All four immediately perked up their ears, listening even more intently.
“Irina, remember your position! Don’t act like a barbarian from the martial arts department!” After Irina’s outburst, Kaelena spoke next. She gave her favorite student a disapproving glance, scolding Irina while not forgetting to include Zhang Wen in her reprimand.
“Yes!” Irina, who usually dared not even breathe loudly in front of Kaelena, dared not argue with her mentor’s reprimand and immediately lowered her head, standing silently beside Kaelena.
“Teacher Zhang Wen, I simply don’t understand what you were thinking! I had clearly warned you not to leave your room. Yet you refused to listen to anyone’s advice! Did you consult anyone before making those reckless statements to Gelt last night? Do you even realize the consequences of your actions? If Themis Academy decides to end the mutual visits with Almace Academy because of your words, how will you take responsibility for that? You’re disgracing Almace Academy, do you understand?!” Kaelena coldly stared at Zhang Wen and spoke loudly, leaving no room for doubt.
Zhang Wen gazed at Kaelena, the head instructor of the spellcasting department, whose face was filled with righteous indignation. The anger that had been extinguished the previous night gradually reignited in Zhang Wen’s heart.
“Oh! I’m disgracing the academy for seeking personal glory…” Zhang Wen couldn’t help but laugh. “Head Instructor Kaelena, exactly how much do you know about what happened last night?”
“I know more than enough! You don’t need to try to defend yourself!”
“Is that so? Then what does Head Instructor Kaelena plan to do?”
Zhang Wen smiled as he spoke, his tone gentle and soft. The furious Kaelena and Irina failed to notice the mockery hidden within Zhang Wen’s casual tone. Or perhaps, their arrogance blinded them to the fact that Zhang Wen’s gentle tone did not signify remorse, but rather deep contempt for those who assumed they were always right!
Zhang Wen’s cooperative attitude greatly surprised Irina and left her deeply disappointed.
In Irina’s mind, martial arts instructors and men were the two things she hated most. As a combination of both, Zhang Wen naturally became one of Irina’s most detested people. Moreover, on the planet Fira, as the only martial arts instructor from Almace Academy, Zhang Wen had completely removed the “one of” and upgraded to become Irina’s most hated person!
However, the previous evening at the training hall, Irina had made a complete fool of herself in front of Zhang Wen. She had gone to “rescue” Zhang Wen with two instructors from Themis Academy, only to find that Zhang Wen didn’t need her help at all! As a result, she had acted like a clown, losing her composure completely.
Being humiliated in front of the person she most despised and looked down upon was already an unbearable shame for anyone. But for Irina, who had an extremely strong sense of pride, the unspeakable humiliation was almost driving her mad.
Frankly speaking, before coming to Zhang Wen’s room, Irina had strongly hoped that Zhang Wen’s personality was indeed as rebellious as he had shown the previous night! She wished for him to stubbornly refuse to admit fault and even argue with Kaelena face-to-face!
You see, before coming to scold Zhang Wen this time, Kaelena had already made up her mind. She absolutely could no longer tolerate Zhang Wen’s reckless behavior! Therefore, if Zhang Wen still refused to yield this time, she would even risk overstepping her authority to remove Zhang Wen, this “unstable factor,” from the delegation!
This way, Irina could witness Kaelena severely punishing Zhang Wen, and she could also take this opportunity to retaliate for the humiliation she had suffered the previous day! In fact, Irina had already imagined how she would return to Almace Academy and mercilessly humiliate Zhang Wen, who had made a grave mistake, making him unable to hold his head up high, crawling like a disgusting insect at her feet, trembling in fear!
However, now Irina could only look at Zhang Wen with deep disappointment and disdain. Men were indeed nothing but foolish creatures who bullied the weak and feared the strong, she thought with a cold sneer.
Compared to Irina’s disappointment, Katerina’s attitude toward Zhang Wen was quite satisfactory. Although Katerina had already prepared to contact Principal Jackfleet and request the immediate removal of Zhang Wen’s position, having Zhang Wen himself submit willingly was undoubtedly a more pleasing outcome.
“Hmm… although you did say some inappropriate things to Chief Instructor Gelt yesterday, the other party was clearly at fault first,” Katerina slightly softened her tone, yet still maintained an air of unquestionable authority. “I think if you apologize to Chief Instructor Gelt and resign from your position as the representative instructor of the martial arts division, Thamis Academy won’t want to escalate this incident.”
As Katerina continued to dictate matters on her own, Zhang Wen gradually struggled to control his expression.
“Let me apologize? And resign from my position as the representative instructor?” When Zhang Wen spoke these words, even a fool could see the contempt hidden behind his smile.
“Mr. Zhang Wen!” Katerina assumed that Zhang Wen’s change in expression was merely out of stubbornness over pride. She sternly shouted, attempting to overwhelm him with her authority.
“…Are you dreaming?” Zhang Wen completely ignored Katerina’s shout and continued speaking as he pleased.
“Enough!” Katerina finally shouted in exasperation.
Hearing the familiar two-word mantra echoing again in the small inn room, Zhang Wen couldn’t help but lift the corners of his mouth.
“It seems you haven’t the slightest remorse,” Katerina coldly furrowed her brow, her tone now tinged with impatience. “In that case, I believe you are no longer suitable to continue serving as the representative instructor of the martial arts division at Almeythys Academy. I will personally report this to Principal Jackfleet!”
As Katerina spoke, she glanced at Irina. Without hesitation, Irina pulled out the communicator and handed it over, desperately bowing her head to hide the almost uncontrollable smile on her lips from Katerina. However, her burning gaze remained fixed on Katerina’s hand.
Irina was filled with anticipation, waiting eagerly for the moment when Katerina would connect the call to Principal Jackfleet, who would then personally inform Zhang Wen that he had been removed from his position as the representative instructor of the martial arts division at Almeythys Academy—the moment when Zhang Wen’s face would surely display shock and despair!
What an idiot, Zhang Wen really dared to confront Teacher Katerina head-on. Haha! Katerina was Principal Jackfleet’s most trusted student! What an idiot! Couldn’t he just bow his head to Teacher Katerina? At least then, he could retain his teaching position after returning. Now… with just one phone call, this guy would be finished for good! Irina clenched her fist, her body trembling slightly from excitement.
Yet at that moment, Zhang Wen’s voice interrupted Irina’s imagined vision of Zhang Wen’s miserable future.
“There’s no need to report to Principal Jackfleet.” Zhang Wen smiled faintly, his voice betraying not the slightest panic.
“What? Are you scared now? Too bad, it’s too late for anything you say now!” Irina sneered, losing her composure. Every time she saw Zhang Wen’s defiant smile, for some reason, her inner fury flared up like oil poured onto fire. Right now, she wished she could rush over and personally pin him to the ground, making him lick the soles of her shoes!
“Scared? What are you talking about? I’m just disappointed!” Zhang Wen shook his head coldly, watching as Katerina input her telepathic energy into the communicator, showing no sign of trying to stop her.
“As an instructor at Almeythys Academy, when our students were kidnapped, you didn’t investigate. When our instructors were pranked by students from Thamis Academy, you still didn’t investigate. I rescued the students myself, yet I have to endure condemnation from my own people. Now? Just because you fear severing ties with the other side, you intend to force me to apologize to the guilty party? Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!”
After Zhang Wen’s words, Katerina’s face had already turned dark with fury, the communicator in her hand creaking from the pressure. As the head instructor of the telepathic division at Almeythys Academy, when had she ever endured such mockery in her life?
Zhang Wen’s words were practically accusing her to her face, calling her and the telepathic instructors cowards. Wasn’t that precisely the very word Katerina had once used to describe those martial arts instructors? She never could have imagined that one day, a fearless martial arts instructor would throw that very word back at her.
What infuriated Katerina most was that, faced with Zhang Wen’s accusations, she was unable to refute him! Irina had never told her beforehand that students from Thamis Academy had kidnapped Zhang Wen’s student!
Seeing Katerina’s expression, Irina realized that a large portion of the head instructor’s anger had already shifted toward her. The immense fear made Irina’s face pale.
Fortunately, Katerina’s next words slightly eased Irina’s anxiety.
“Zhang Wen, don’t try to talk your way out with clever words! The telepathic division has never feared Thamis Academy! Ultimately, it was your reckless boasting and impossible claims that forced me to take this action!”
Katerina declared self-righteously. Although Irina’s concealment angered her greatly, in Katerina’s eyes, Zhang Wen, this unconventional martial arts instructor, was the true source of trouble. No matter what, since she had already decided to remove this trouble, she would not easily change her mind.
“Hello?” Finally, the voice of Principal Jackfleet’s aide came through the communicator in Katerina’s hand.
“Oh? Mr. Kyle? Is Principal Jackfleet available? …What? The governor Themisto? …I’m sorry for disturbing Principal Jackfleet at this hour. However, I have an important matter to report to him. Please call him for me.” As Katerina spoke, she coldly glanced at Zhang Wen and walked into the bathroom with the communicator, closing the door behind her.
Hearing the muffled voices through the bathroom door, Irina felt as if she had just devoured a big scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day—refreshed from head to toe!
“Zhang Wen, it’s not too late to admit defeat. You don’t stand a chance going against Teacher Katerina!” Irina said mockingly, casting a glance at Zhang Wen with the smugness of a victor.
“That’s quite a serious accusation. I must admit, I haven’t quite figured out what you plan to do with me,” Zhang Wen lightly smiled at Irina, asking with calm indifference.
“Mr. Zhang Wen, you truly are at ease!” Irina laughed gleefully. “Do you really think that if Teacher Katerina asks you to resign from your position as the representative instructor of the delegation, that’s the end of it? How ridiculous! Do you think Teacher Katerina would ever allow someone like you to continue serving as an instructor at the academy?”
“Is that so? Unfortunately, I am a martial arts instructor. No matter how far Katerina’s authority extends, she has no jurisdiction over personnel matters within the martial arts division.”
“Haha! Mr. Zhang Wen, surely you’re not pinning your hopes on that fool, Xin·Clare? Do you think if Teacher Katerina requests Principal Jackfleet to dismiss you, Xin Clare would plead on your behalf? He’d be more than happy to see you expelled from the martial arts division! However… if you beg me, I might be willing to put in a good word for you with Teacher Katerina, perhaps allowing you to retain your position as an instructor.”
Irina licked her lips, smiling at Zhang Wen as if offering charity.
At the final moment, this woman could no longer contain herself and finally revealed her true nature. Ever since the night before at the training hall, Zhang Wen had vaguely sensed that everything Irina had done and said was never truly for the sake of the academy’s honor, as she claimed on the surface.
From the expression on Irina’s face, it was clear that everything she had done was merely to humiliate Zhang Wen and satisfy her own twisted desires!
However, even now, Zhang Wen still couldn’t understand where this woman had drawn such immense confidence from, having always believed herself destined to win from the very beginning.
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