Listen to My Advice

Suye turned his head to look at Hote beside him.

That massive body stood rooted to the ground like a water vat, head drooping, drool cascading like a small waterfall, emitting snores like the roar of a magical beast.

Could a Pig Goblin be scared to death just by hearing that? On the other side, Jimmy helplessly poked Hote's waist with his finger.

"Hulu... Huh?" Hote jolted awake, glaring around with bloodshot eyes, then realized he'd fallen asleep, blushed, and chuckled sheepishly.

Niedern didn't mind, saying, "Who saw the Realm Barrier and the Divine Light just now? Raise your hand."

Suye looked around and saw nine classmates raising their hands. Three of his six deskmates were impressive—Pallas, Rolon, and Lake all raised theirs.

Suye wanted to raise his hand too, but noticed that all nine who did had excellent grades, and he'd encountered a bit too much Divine Light himself, so he decided to play it safe and wait for next time.

Niedern stared at Suye.

Suye was puzzled. Why are you looking at me?

Niedern looked away and said slowly, "I know some of you might have doubts about meditation and are afraid to raise your hands, but that's fine—you'll get used to it gradually. Also, the ring on my hand can sense whether anyone has approached the Divine Light."

"That's possible?" Suye thought.

Niedern said, "Alright, let's head back to the classroom together. I have something to announce—about Suye's punishment."

All the students turned to look at Suye curiously, some gloating, some sympathetic.

Horton and a few from the fourth table immediately showed smug smiles.

"Hang in there!" Hote lightly patted Suye's shoulder, but Suye, who was about to stand, slumped back to the ground weakly.

Hote gave an awkward laugh and quickly reached out to pull Suye up.

Jimmy walked over with a smile and said, "Don't be scared. Teacher Niedern is actually a nice guy—he'll probably just give you a minor punishment."

"I think Suye's in for it," whispered Albert nearby.

The group filed back into the classroom. Suye deliberately stayed at the back, and when he finally entered, he didn't return to his seat but stood in front of the Magic Blackboard, facing all the students.

Horton and his crew snickered quietly, but their voices were much softer than before, drawing a few stifled laughs from nearby students.

Suye wore a completely indifferent expression, the classic look of a poor student.

Niedern cleared his throat and said, "In light of student Suye being late on the very first day of school, an act of extreme misconduct that violates the spirit of Plato Academy, I hereby announce that for the coming year, before school ends each day, he must seek out each subject teacher to collect the day's review material and the next day's preview material, write it on the blackboard, and remind his classmates. Suye."

Suye immediately said, "I accept Teacher Niedern's punishment. I guarantee I'll complete the task every day and never be late again."

"Good. Go write it."

Suye picked up the Goose Feather Magic Pen, stood in place, and began writing on the blackboard.

Crooked Greek Script appeared on the board, drawing laughter from many students.

At first, Niedern frowned slightly, but soon noticed that although Suye's writing was poor, every stroke was steady, and he nodded lightly.

Clumsy effort is better than clever indulgence.

Before long, Suye had written all the preview material for the next day's classes on the blackboard.

After finishing, Suye stared at it for a good while and couldn't help nodding to himself.

A few students couldn't hold back their laughter again.

"Go back to your seat," Niedern said.

"Thank you, Teacher!" Suye returned with a grin.

But a few of the better-performing students looked at Suye thoughtfully.

As soon as Suye sat down, he received a Magic Letter from his top-student deskmate, Lake.

"Was that punishment your idea, or Teacher Niedern's?"

"Niedern's, of course," Suye replied quickly.

"Then could you let me take that opportunity instead?" Lake's second letter arrived soon after.

"What kind of person do you take me for, Suye? How could I let you suffer punishment in my place? Am I the type to sell out my Comrade for myself? Rest assured, as long as I, Suye, am here, I'll never let you face such punishment! You ranked second last semester, beaten by Rolon—you can't waste time like this. Take my advice, stop overthinking, put your time into studying, and catch up to Rolon. Keep it up!"

"..." Lake's reply was just a line of dots.

Hote asked quietly, "I just remembered—you went to the teacher's office earlier for this?"

"Yeah."

Just then, the dismissal bell rang.

Many students were eager to leave, but Niedern's words shattered their dreams.

"We're adding half a class today."

The students looked despairing.

Niedern continued, "As per tradition, every Second Year New Student on their First Day must answer a question, then each table will discuss it. Now, everyone open your Magic Book to the page where I sent the letter. After I ask the question, you have three seconds to write down your answer and send it to me. That means, the moment I ask, write whatever first comes to mind. Even if it's not an answer, even if it's a curse word. Understood?"

"Understood..." the students replied weakly.

A cold smile suddenly appeared on Niedern's face. "Now for the key point: if anyone fails to give an answer within three seconds, you'll fail this year outright! Even if you earn a Silver Medal, even if you become dean, you'll still fail this year."

For some reason, a chill ran through the students. Teacher Niedern rarely made threats.

"I know some of you are clinging to hope, but let me tell you—nine years ago, a noble genius warrior failed because he was one second late in completing the task. His grandfather couldn't tolerate that stain on the family name and came to the academy to make a scene. That grandfather was a Saint Realm Warrior. As for the outcome, you can guess—he became food for the Sea Demon Fountain."

Suye's expression shifted as he suddenly remembered that the pool and its sculpture group were just decoration; the core within was a demonized Sea Magic Beast.

"Stay far away from that pool from now on..." A chill ran down Suye's spine.

Niedern swept his gaze across the class and asked, "Do you understand now?"

"Yes." This time, the response was far louder than before.

"Did you not eat? I can't hear you."

"YES!" the students roared.

Suye had no choice but to join in, and even the usually quiet noble Rolon spoke up, though Pallas still kept her mouth shut.

"Good! Now everyone focus. After I ask the question, I'll count. When I reach three, it's over!"

The classroom atmosphere grew tense as everyone stared at the Magic Book before them.

"Alright, here's the question: Plato the Dean orders you to climb Mount Olympus. What do you do? One! Two..."

Almost all the students dared not overthink and wrote their answers immediately, sending them off.

When Suye heard the question, he froze for a moment, because two thoughts surfaced in his mind almost simultaneously. But then he realized his first thought was too radical, so he chose to answer with the second.

"Find a way to climb." After writing it down, Suye sent it at once.