Quite a few students gradually gathered outside the classroom.
A large part of the reason was the sudden appearance of Dekan and Cornelia.
When two unrelated bits of gossip came together, it meant there was bound to be something juicy.
Dekan didn't approach the door.
He simply stood off to one side outside, continuing to listen to what was happening in the classroom.
Inside the classroom.
"You went straight to approach one of the most popular new students? That's just like you."
Flata's voice was openly scornful.
He and his two lackeys were gathered around Croix Kuran's desk.
They blocked Croix Kuran's escape route.
He could only say helplessly, "I told you, he came to find me."
"Heh, that's a real knee-slapper. If you hadn't shamelessly gone looking for Dekan, why would he come find a walking disaster like you?"
Croix Kuran lowered his head, seeming unwilling to explain any further.
It must have been because, when Dekan came to see him a couple of days ago, they'd talked by the door for quite a while, and some passing students had seen them.
Flata had probably heard about it from them.
"Are you trying to get him killed, Croix Kuran?"
Flata tapped Croix Kuran's desk lightly, apparently trying to catch his eye and make him look up.
"No, I won't team up with him."
Croix Kuran clenched both fists on the desk and spoke through gritted teeth.
"There are no suitable teammates for you among the upperclassmen, and the strongest new student is out of your reach. So why are you still hanging around the Mage Academy? Waiting for a few more suckers to show up so you can unleash another calamity?"
"I... I'll earn all my credits properly. I won't go to the Shadow World again..."
"Good. You said