Chapter 26: The Ignored Battle

In the center of the grand hall, the students of the Almither Academy’s Psionic Department were too absorbed in the rising murmur of discussion to hear Zhang Wen’s conversation with the two beautiful young women, nor did they notice the laughter of Captain Raymo the Hawk. Lacking experience, they were growing increasingly flustered amidst the rising noise. “What should we do?” They exchanged glances, all silently asking the same question.

The main psionic representative’s crushing defeat—this was a situation that had never occurred in the past dozen years of rivalry between Almither Academy and Themis Academy! Facing what might be the biggest crisis since the founding of the Psionic Department, all the students turned their eyes toward Robert, who had always considered himself the natural leader of the Psionic Department’s delegation.

Unfortunately, they soon realized they could not rely on this seemingly confident instructor. Luther’s defeat had left Robert dazed and disoriented. All he could do now was mutter to himself, “This is impossible,” as if he had forgotten how to do anything else.

“Go help Luther up first,” said Linoah, who was undoubtedly the calmest among the Psionic Department’s instructors. With a soft sigh, she patted one of the students on the back and gestured toward Luther, who was still lying on the ground.

“Oh!” The students, having found a new source of guidance, quickly rushed forward and helped Luther to his feet.

Linoah stepped forward to examine him and found that although Luther looked alarming, he had not actually been injured—only momentarily stunned by a mental shock.

“Well then.” After checking Luther’s condition, Linoah sighed again and prepared to step forward and say a few words to salvage the awkward situation. The banquet’s contest had certainly ended in a crushing defeat for Almither Academy, but she still understood the principle of losing the battle without losing one’s dignity.

Besides, the banquet was merely a “warm-up match.” Understanding the strength of Themis Academy’s secret ace could actually be beneficial for Almither Academy’s upcoming official competitions. As long as they could get through tonight, most people still believed that Almither Academy’s Psionic Department was clearly superior to Themis Academy’s.

Unfortunately, it seemed even fate refused to grant Almither Academy a graceful exit. Just as Linoah stepped out from the crowd and was about to speak, she was stopped in her tracks by the sight of Robert suddenly leaping up again, his mind already on the verge of collapse.

“This is impossible! You must have used trickery! I don’t believe it! How could you possibly have found such a little girl just this year? Did you bring her in from another academy?!” Robert shouted furiously, completely ignoring the horrified looks from everyone around him.

Linoah, who had just stepped out of the crowd, was left standing there, both ashamed and helpless, glaring at the hysterical Robert.

“What an idiot…” Even Zhang Wen, who had just clashed with Robert, couldn’t help shaking his head at Robert’s clownish behavior.

Robert’s outburst tonight would not only disgrace Almither Academy but also ruin his own career—this much was evident from the furious and shocked expression on Governor Temiso’s face.

“Haha, it’s quite normal for Instructor Robert to have such doubts. To be honest, even I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I met Sailing. However, Sailing is indeed a freshman who joined Themis Academy this year. I can personally vouch for that,” said Governor Kalayan, who had just won a decisive victory. His tone was unusually kind, with not even a hint of mockery toward Robert, despite the smile on his face.

Yet, anyone with a keen eye could see that Kalayan’s restrained demeanor was, in itself, the greatest mockery of Robert, Themis Academy, and especially Temiso. Because not only had they lost the match, but now they had also lost their composure.

After hearing Kalayan’s words, the hysterical Robert still wanted to press further. However, the furious glances from everyone around him suddenly brought him back to his senses. His face turned pale, and his earlier bravado deflated like a popped balloon. He awkwardly lingered for a moment before fleeing back to the Psionic Department’s delegation like a man escaping for his life.

The other instructors in the Psionic Department instinctively distanced themselves from Robert, but they exchanged glances and hesitated, none daring to step forward to salvage the now-irreparable situation.

It takes great effort to build a century-long reputation for a school, but it can be destroyed in an instant. The Psionic Department instructors present could all see that Almither Academy’s century-old honor was now in grave danger. Yet, none of them believed they had the ability to turn the tide, let alone the courage to bear the responsibility for doing so.

Minute by minute, the smile on Governor Kalayan’s face grew wider and more uncontrollable. To be honest, even before arriving on the planet Casares, Kalayan had anticipated that Themis Academy’s Psionic Department would finally have its moment of glory this year. But he had never expected that they would push Almither Academy to the very edge of a cliff! If these fools couldn’t come up with a proper way to save face soon, in just a few more minutes, Almither Academy’s glory would become history.

Let alone continuing to compete with Themis Academy for the favor of Princess Sophia, they might even lose the very right to be considered its equal! In the Empire, a school without reputation was like a lazy man with all his limbs intact—despised and looked down upon.

“This won’t do! If things keep going like this, the academy is finished!” Suddenly, Carrie, who had been silently standing behind Zhang Wen, stood up and whispered.

Seeing the serious expression on Carrie’s face, Amyris immediately understood what the highly responsible student council president intended to do. She grabbed Carrie’s arm in alarm. “Carrie Senior, what are you planning to do?”

“Do I really need to explain? If we don’t do something…” Carrie began, but was interrupted by Amyris.

“But haven’t you noticed that even Teacher Linoah and the others are staying silent? What can you possibly do besides making a fool of yourself? Carrie Senior, I don’t want to see you doing something reckless!” Amyris frowned deeply.

“I know. I understand everything you’re saying.” Carrie gently nodded, her face lighting up with a pure, radiant smile that made those around her feel ashamed of themselves. “But even if going now only earns their ridicule, I still can’t just stand here and watch. Amyris, being defeated isn’t scary. What’s truly terrifying is losing the courage to face your opponent and already admitting defeat in your heart.”

Carrie’s words not only stunned Amyris, who had been blocking her path, but also deeply moved Zhang Wen, who had been observing the two girls.

Losing isn’t scary—what’s scary is giving up. Zhang Wen never imagined that these words, once spoken by a teacher he deeply respected on Earth and which he had always carried in his heart as a motto, would now be echoed by a teenage girl who hadn’t even come of age yet!

Regardless of Zhang Wen’s previous opinions of Carrie, at this moment, the determination and courage radiating from her delicate frame profoundly moved him.

“Wait!” Zhang Wen quickly reached out and stopped Carrie.

“Teacher Zhang, are you going to stop me too?” Carrie asked with a gentle smile, stubbornly staring at him.

“No. Saving the academy’s honor isn’t your responsibility yet.” Zhang Wen shook his head at Carrie.

“But I…” Carrie opened her mouth in disappointment, ready to argue, but was interrupted by Zhang Wen’s hand.

“In the past, our Martial Arts Department has always relied on the Psionic Department’s support… It seems today is the day we repay that debt.” Zhang Wen’s lips curved upward again. By the time he finished speaking, he had already taken several steps toward the center of the hall.

As Zhang Wen pushed through the crowd and appeared in the center of the grand hall, every guest present turned their astonished gazes toward him.

“What’s going on? Who is this guy? Why is he wearing Almither Academy’s uniform?”

“He looks like a representative instructor from the Martial Arts Department.”

“What? The Martial Arts Department? What’s he doing here now? Doesn’t he think Almither Academy has already embarrassed itself enough today?”

“Sigh! Who knows? Anyway, I think Almither Academy is finished this year!”

With his Spring Water Technique at the second stage, Zhang Wen could clearly hear every whisper in the hall. Obviously, although everyone was hoping for a savior to rescue Almither Academy’s crumbling reputation, not a single person welcomed his arrival. A decade of weakness had already caused the guests to look down on Almither Academy’s Martial Arts Department.

If the guests had to choose between “Zhang Wen came to save Almither Academy” and “he came here to gloat,” more than 99% of them would毫不犹豫地 choose the latter!

However, Zhang Wen was a man who never wavered once he made a decision. He would never change his mind just because of some idle gossip from outsiders. On the contrary, the pessimism and malicious assumptions of the guests only made him more eager to see their shocked expressions after he succeeded.

Governor Kalayan easily recognized Zhang Wen from his uniform. Naturally, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity to further humiliate Governor Temiso.

“Governor Temiso, isn’t this also one of your Almither Academy instructors? Why didn’t you mention this instructor when you introduced the delegation members earlier?” Governor Kalayan said with a deliberate smile, practically dragging the already furious Temiso to stand before Zhang Wen.

After knocking Temiso down with one punch, Kalayan was now ready to kick him while he was down! Having been rivals with Temiso for over a decade, Kalayan had never felt this exhilarated in his life!

“This is Zhang Wen, the leader of the Martial Arts Department at Almither Academy.” Governor Temiso forced a smile and introduced Zhang Wen’s name.

“Zhang Wen? I think I’ve heard that name somewhere… Oh right! Governor Temiso, wasn’t it this Zhang Wen who saved your life during that assassination attempt last time?” Governor Kalayan was clearly delighted with Zhang Wen’s identity. A savior of Temiso’s life—this was an unexpected bonus for him.

“That’s correct.” Temiso nodded stiffly once more.

“That’s wonderful. Zhang Wen, you missed quite a show earlier, but no worries—I’ll introduce you to some of Themis Academy’s young talents.” Governor Kalayan warmly led Zhang Wen toward the four representatives from Themis Academy.

“Thank you for your kindness, Governor. But introductions won’t be necessary. I’ve already met everyone from Themis Academy at the beginning of the banquet. Isn’t that right, Instructor Lashty, and… Sailing?” Zhang Wen smiled at Governor Kalayan and then turned to greet Sailing and the others.

“Teacher Zhang, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Instructor Lashty said politely, but her eyes carried a mocking glint. Anyone who saw her expression could easily guess her thoughts: *This fool still dares to smile when he’s about to die.*

“Well then, greetings are done. Your Excellencies, and everyone from Themis Academy, perhaps we should now get to the main event.” After shaking hands with the four representatives from Themis, Zhang Wen immediately dropped another bombshell.

Although everyone expected Zhang Wen, the representative of Almither Academy’s Martial Arts Department, to challenge Themis Academy upon meeting them, no one expected him to be so blunt!

“I watched the match between Sailing and Luther earlier. It was indeed an impressive fight. Our Luther was clearly no match for Miss Sailing…” Zhang Wen’s words, spoken with a smile, nearly made the nobles of Casares curse aloud.

Which side is this guy on? Isn’t he helping Themis Academy humiliate his own teammate?! The guests in the hall were filled with righteous indignation. But Zhang Wen soon changed the subject.

“…However, as far as I understand, the competition between our Almither Academy and your school isn’t just a simple exchange visit. It also involves the question of which academy Sophia the Crown Princess will choose to attend. Am I right?” Zhang Wen paused briefly but continued smiling before Themis Academy could respond. “Since the true purpose of this competition is to determine which academy can provide Sophia with better education, shouldn’t we be comparing the ability of the two academies to educate their students, rather than which school was luckier in finding a prodigy?”

As Zhang Wen finished speaking, Governor Temiso’s previously furious expression softened, and the guests who had just been cursing him in their hearts couldn’t help but silently cheer for him.

Indeed, Zhang Wen’s words struck the nail on the head, directly pointing out the biggest flaw in Themis Academy’s recent victory—it was solely due to the presence of “Sailing”!

In other words, without Sailing, Themis Academy’s Psionic Department would still be no match for Almither Academy. If a student as talented as Sailing existed, then it wouldn’t even matter if it were Themis Academy—any unknown academy could defeat Almither Academy in a match.

“Haha, Teacher Zhang does make a valid point. However, the ability to recruit talented students is also part of an academy’s teaching strength. Moreover, students’ innate talents naturally vary. If we follow Teacher Zhang’s logic, would we have to deliberately discard talented students and use average ones instead?” This time, the speaker was the male instructor from Themis Academy’s Martial Arts Department. Zhang Wen had learned his name—Enklay—at the arena.

Among the instructors from Themis Academy present at the banquet, Enklay was the one who hadn’t fought at the arena. That was precisely why he could attend the banquet tonight—the higher-ranking instructors who should have been present were all injured and unable to appear for a few days.

Precisely because of this, Enklay was determined not to let Instructor Lashty steal all the spotlight.

“Instructor Enklay, I think you misunderstood me,” Zhang Wen replied with a smile as soon as Enklay finished speaking. “I never said we should discard talented students. What I meant is that when a prodigy wins, it’s only natural and nothing surprising. But if a non-prodigy defeats someone considered a prodigy, that’s when things become truly meaningful.”

“Oh?” Enklay thought he had caught Zhang Wen in a contradiction and eagerly countered, “Teacher Zhang, are you saying you can use a non-prodigy to defeat Themis Academy’s prodigy?” Enklay smirked, eager to see Zhang Wen stammering for an explanation.

But Zhang Wen showed no sign of needing to explain. In fact, he didn’t even pretend to be modest. He simply smiled and nodded confidently, “More or less, that’s exactly what I meant.”

“Wha… What?!” Zhang Wen’s answer shocked everyone, leaving Enklay momentarily speechless.

“Arrogant nonsense!” The female instructor Lashty sneered coldly with four words.

“Teacher Zhang, this kind of joke is not amusing at all!” Recovering from his shock, Enklay’s expression quickly darkened. Tonight, Themis Academy’s Psionic Department had shone brightly, and Enklay could not tolerate any provocation from Zhang Wen.

“A joke? No, I never joke about serious matters.” Zhang Wen smiled faintly, but his gaze shifted past Enklay to the young student behind him. “This student, I assume, is the talented one selected from your Martial Arts Department?”

“Of course!” Enklay glanced at the student behind him and confidently nodded. Although the student accompanying him to the banquet wasn’t the strongest from Themis Academy’s Martial Arts Department, Enklay was confident that even one student would be more than enough to sweep aside Almither Academy’s weak Martial Arts Department!

Besides, Enklay wasn’t afraid of Zhang Wen pulling any tricks. If Zhang Wen had also brought in a super-talented freshman like Themis Academy, Enklay could easily expose him, and Zhang Wen would end up slapping his own face. No matter what, Enklay believed he had already secured an unbeatable position.

“Excellent.” Zhang Wen smiled and nodded, suddenly turning his gaze to Amyris, who was nearby, and calling out, “Amyris, come here!”

“Huh? Me?” Amyris clearly hadn’t expected Zhang Wen to call her at this moment. She was so startled that she hesitated for a while before hurriedly running to Zhang Wen’s side. Then, the stern gazes from the two governors frightened the poor girl even more. Seeing her expression, even the guests around them couldn’t help frowning.

“Damn it! Could Zhang Wen actually be planning to send Amyris to fight?!” One of the Psionic Department instructors couldn’t help clenching his fist and whispering angrily to his companion. They all knew exactly how capable Amyris was, since she was originally a student from the Psionic Department.

“Well then, I’m sure everyone here doesn’t know her,” Zhang Wen said with a smile, pulling Amyris forward and addressing Enklay. “Because she’s not even a true Martial Arts student. Amyris is a second-year student from Almither Academy’s Psionic Department. She’s one of only three students who chose to take my Martial Arts courses, so she’s also part of our Martial Arts Department’s competition team this year.”

“Enough! Stop joking around!” As soon as Zhang Wen finished introducing Amyris, Enklay exploded in anger. “A Psionic student with martial arts skills no higher than level four—what are you trying to do? Challenging our Themis Academy student with such an opponent is an insult!”

“Haha!” Instead of being provoked, Enklay’s anger only made Zhang Wen smile wider as he shook his finger. “Tsk tsk tsk! Instructor Enklay, you haven’t even heard me finish yet. What I meant to say isn’t that Amyris can defeat your talented student. What I meant is that even with her eyes closed, Amyris can still defeat your talented student!”

It was a shocking, absolutely shocking declaration. For a full minute after Zhang Wen finished speaking, the entire hall fell into complete silence—so quiet that even a pin dropping could be heard! The instructors from Almither Academy’s Psionic Department were stunned, the guests around them were stunned, and even Governors Temiso and Kalayan were stunned by Zhang Wen’s audacious declaration.