Dekan and Cornelia's Wonderful Cooperation

Baron Batchelor shook his neck and straightened his tie once more.

Confirming that the knot was perfectly centered, he flashed a smile at the remaining two.

He seemed to have returned to the gentlemanly demeanor he had displayed at the very beginning.

"So, who shall go next?"

Baron Batchelor asked in a gentle, steady tone, as if nothing had happened just moments ago.

"I will."

Dekan raised his hand without a moment's hesitation.

"Very good."

Baron Batchelor was somewhat surprised that the student had become even more proactive for this new round of the dangerous game.

Usually, after the first round concluded, the remaining students would begin to panic uncontrollably.

Yet, looking at these two, they were not only calm but also confident.

However, the more this was the case, the more interesting Baron Batchelor found it.

He laughed again.

Unexpected changes were often the best seasoning.

To a hunter, the more peculiar the Prey, the more worth it was to capture.

Baron Batchelor picked up another serving tray, walked politely around the edge of the long table, and arrived at Dekan's side.

He lifted his hand gently to remove the silver cloche for Dekan.

It was a dish completely different from the previous one, wafting an alluring aroma with a golden hue and clearly visible, crispy textures.

The roasted meat was wrapped in a layer of flaky crust that glowed faintly under the lamplight.

It seemed the cloche had magic imbued upon it, keeping the food fresh even after being stored for some time.

Dekan resisted the urge to pick up the cloche to analyze and study it, focusing his gaze on the food instead.

He sat up straight, picked up his knife and fork, and began to cut the food at a measured pace.

Each bite he brought to his mouth was small, and he chewed gently.

Hmm, the crust was crispy and layered, the roasted meat inside was tender and juicy, complemented by the sweet fragrance of cheese.

Truly a perfect midnight snack.

The entire process lasted five minutes.

He set down his knife and fork and picked up his napkin to wipe his mouth lightly.

"Not bad."

Dekan leaned back against his chair again and offered his evaluation.

He even felt like pulling out his wallet to give Baron Batchelor a tip.

However, he restrained himself.

Dekan's attitude left Baron Batchelor astonished.

He had never seen a student act so relaxed and at ease in the cooking classroom.

There was not a hint of terror; instead, he acted like a distinguished guest evaluating a chef's skill.

Did I invite him here for a meal?

Is he a true gourmet, or is he missing a few screws in his head?

"Hehehe."

Baron Batchelor couldn't help but chuckle aloud.

Beyond his surprise, he felt a sense of excitement.

This was an extremely novel Prey.

He looked forward to seeing this composed student's expression shift from calm to despair, and then watching him begin to beg for mercy.

He truly wanted to crush that calm look on his face.

"So, what is your answer?"

Baron Batchelor asked, smiling as he glanced sideways at Dekan.

"My answer is—"

"Edible, poisonous, eat, move."

Dekan said, leaning back against his chair and crossing his legs.

"Is that your answer?"

Baron Batchelor furrowed his brows, as if doubting he had heard correctly.

"That's right."

Dekan answered with a blank expression.

This left Baron Batchelor momentarily stunned.

What was the meaning of "Can, poison, eat, move"?

Regardless, none of that had anything to do with the correct answer!

With a level like that, you're still acting so arrogant?

Are you playing me for a fool?

Do you actually not know anything at all?

Now that you're facing death, have you decided to enjoy a meal instead?

Baron Batchelor stared at Dekan; even now, the guy still wore that calm, unruffled look.

He had the distinct feeling that he was being toyed with.

Where is your terror? Where is your despair?

Those are the best seasonings I deserve!

With that look on your face—as if you've finished a fine meal and are looking for a drink—do you really think this is a restaurant?

"Hehehehe, this is the first time I've ever seen a student like you."

Baron Batchelor was furious, yet he was so angry he began to laugh.

"I've decided, I'm going to chew you to pieces! As punishment for failing to satisfy me!"

Accompanied by Baron Batchelor's irritated voice, his neck stretched out once more, and his entire throat area reverted to its monstrous form.

Only this time, he had no desire to admire his prey; he opened his maw and lunged straight at Dekan!

Just then, Cornelia suddenly erupted into action. A heavy hammer appeared in her hands, and she stepped onto the dining table, leaping forward with force to strike down at Baron Batchelor's extended neck.

"Boom!"

The deafening sound, like iron clashing against iron, rang out with startling clarity in the otherwise quiet classroom.

Sparks scattered where Cornelia's warhammer collided with Baron Batchelor's scales, and the faint, acrid scent of a foundry filled the air.

Baron Batchelor's neck was bent at a grotesque angle by Cornelia's blow, and his entire body was sent flying backward.

Cornelia also felt the massive recoil, stomping her feet twice to steady herself, but her eyes revealed a long-suppressed excitement.

Finally, she could let loose and fight.

Only she had understood Dekan's words from just a moment ago.

They meant: "Cornelia, I've poisoned him. When he prepares to eat me, you launch a sneak attack."

At the same time, black mist began to permeate the room.

Dekan had already retreated behind Cornelia and summoned the Ruined Poet.

Baron Batchelor tried to prop himself up, his expression twisted with rage.

He had been at his most vulnerable, and he had been caught by Cornelia's surprise attack.

Beyond the deep, lingering pain branded into his neck, he felt a growing, inexplicable, and intense cramping in his gut.

Yet, he had no time to ponder it, nor did he have the chance to organize a counterattack against Cornelia and Dekan.

As the black mist filled the classroom, the pain inside Baron Batchelor's body suddenly intensified tenfold.

He collapsed to his knees, unable to control himself, and vomited a mouthful of foul blood.

The carpet touched by the blood began to hiss and smoke as if it were being corroded.

He coughed repeatedly, as if trying to hack up his own internal organs, spitting out several small, oddly shaped spikes.

"Aaaaaah!"

"What, what exactly did you do?!"

In shock and fury, Baron Batchelor twisted his neck, letting out a heart-wrenching roar.

This pain was unlike anything he could describe with experience or language; it was a form of continuous torture that transcended the extreme.

He lay on the ground, his body twisting frantically, as if something were trying to tear him apart from the inside out.

"Behave."

Cornelia leaped down from the long table, stepped onto Baron Batchelor's back, and pressed her hammer against his head.

It seemed to make him "calm" down a little.

"Heh."

With a light chuckle, Dekan dragged a chair from the side of the long table.

He placed the chair in front of Baron Batchelor, sat down, and rested his chin on his interlocked fingers.

"You have no right to ask questions. Now, it is my time for interrogation."

Dekan looked down at Baron Batchelor, who was slumped on the floor, a trace of mockery in his expression.