Chapter Thirty: After-Class Tutoring

The other students, unaware of the true circumstances, saw Kevin treating Luo Chen with such warmth and did not look down on him for it. On the contrary, they all marveled at Kevin’s magnanimity and poise. The good-guy reputation that Kevin had painstakingly cultivated at Weston Academy ensured that whatever he did was met with approval.

Looking at that loathsome expression, Luo Chen could barely resist the urge to punch him, but in the end, he managed to restrain his foolish impulse. First of all, he was no match for Kevin, and even if he raised his hand, it would do nothing to change people’s opinions.

So Luo Chen took a deep breath, forcing down his anger. Fine, I should focus on the positive. If it weren’t for this wretch, Nicole wouldn’t have noticed me, nor would I have gained her help.

With that thought, Luo Chen’s mood brightened. “Thank you, Kevin. You’re so ‘kind’ to me—I’ll never forget it.”

Kevin was a bit surprised. He had expected Luo Chen to explode with rage upon seeing him, but unexpectedly Luo Chen could endure so well, revealing nothing. Even Kevin himself couldn’t guess what Luo Chen was thinking at that moment. In the end, he spoke with concern, “Luo Chen, you disappeared for two days after the internship task. I was worried about you. Did anything happen during those two days?”

Luo Chen’s performance in the end-of-month assessment had caught Kevin’s attention. Previously, Luo Chen had been the most ordinary of students, and his absence was inconsequential. But now, Luo Chen had suddenly become exceptional. If he continued this way, today’s resentment might cause trouble in the future. Kevin preferred to nip potential problems in the bud, so he tried to glean useful information from Luo Chen by probing indirectly.

The rest of the students, overhearing this, truly believed Kevin was concerned for Luo Chen, thinking to themselves that his kindness was almost excessive.

Luo Chen shrugged. “What could possibly happen? I was just too scared and ended up running around in a panic, even getting lost in the Forest of Terror. Luckily, I managed to find my way out. Thinking back, it’s really embarrassing. Kevin, I should learn from you—your courage and knightly spirit.”

In truth, both of them knew the reality well. Their conversation was full of veiled barbs, but their mentor, Andrew, genuinely believed they were getting along splendidly. He couldn’t help but be pleased. “Excellent! Everyone should be like Kevin, never isolating a classmate. We must strive for harmony!”

Since Luo Chen had just joined the Combat Arts Class, Andrew had the other students practice on their own and set aside an hour to teach Luo Chen his first lesson—Energy Edge.

Energy Edge was the introductory combat technique for every warrior who had just reached Spirit Level Four. Its purpose was to channel spiritual energy through both hands into a weapon, transforming the energy into a sharp, tangible blade. A weapon imbued with Energy Edge would see its destructive power greatly enhanced.

Though it was an elementary technique, it was not something that could be mastered in just an hour. Andrew couldn’t devote all his time to Luo Chen; many students were waiting for his guidance. After a brief overview of the principles of Energy Edge, he let Luo Chen experience it on his own.

At five in the afternoon, Luo Chen’s first day in the Combat Arts Class came to an end. Andrew gathered the students once more. “Very good. Everyone has worked hard and gets along harmoniously. As your mentor, I’m quite satisfied. And, Ellie, from today onward, I have a task for you!”

Ellie stepped forward. “Yes, Mentor Andrew?”

Andrew continued, “Since Luo Chen is new to the class, his foundation is still weak. As a mentor, I am responsible for teaching every student, but I cannot spend too much time on Luo Chen alone. To help him catch up quickly with his classmates, I’d like you to become his tutor outside of class.”

At this, the class erupted in surprise. Assigning Ellie as Luo Chen’s personal tutor—wasn’t that a bit much? But then they realized Andrew’s intention. It wasn’t favoritism; after all, Andrew was known throughout Weston Academy as ‘Mr. Harmony.’

Andrew was mild-mannered and loved to act as a mediator. Sometimes, disagreements arose among the mentors of classes Four, Five, and Six over teaching methods. As the mentor of all three classes, Andrew would always step in to smooth things over and foster good relations. He was famous for always invoking “harmony” in his speeches, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Harmony.’

Clearly, ‘Mr. Harmony’ had noticed the discord between Ellie and Luo Chen and, true to his nature, wanted to give them opportunities to interact and reconcile.

As class president and Andrew’s star pupil, Ellie excelled in combat arts. Normally, ‘Mr. Harmony’ would have her guide other students during breaks, but appointing her as a special tutor for one person was unprecedented.

Andrew continued, “Of course, Ellie, I know this is a difficult task for you. Everyone’s time is precious, so I won’t force you. But if you accept, I’ll add ten extra points to your graduation evaluation!”

Don’t accept, just don’t accept, nearly every student—especially the boys—silently willed Ellie to refuse.

Ellie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “All right, Mentor Andrew, I accept.”

The academy belle didn’t care about the extra graduation points; she was an outstanding student, and an obedient one at that. Whatever her mentor asked of her, she would try her best to accomplish.

The male students were filled with envy and jealousy. Having Ellie’s guidance outside of class would not only accelerate one’s progress, but also offer the rare opportunity to spend time alone with the school beauty. What luck that wretched Luo Chen had! Their sense of injustice grew ever deeper.