Full Marks

Coming to his senses, Allen heard Flag showering Albert with endless praise, "Mr. Albert is just too cool! He's got such slick magic tricks and throws a mean punch..." Looking over at Potter, he saw him nodding in total agreement, clearly having joined the ranks of Albert's fanboys. There were plenty of classmates just like them, and Allen couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy; it was just too easy for his big brother to complete the tasks the system had just assigned.

"Aren't we going to play basketball? If we don't go now, class will start." No sooner had Allen finished speaking than Flag shouted, "Oh, my basketball!" and turned to sprint back to retrieve it.

Allen and Harry exchanged a look and burst into laughter; there was truly nothing like shared hardship to forge a friendship.

Break time always passes much faster than class time. The math teacher was a short, middle-aged man with fair skin, small eyes, and a voice that couldn't be described as anything but thin. Dressed in a red cotton jacket, he gave everyone a stern warning the moment he stepped through the door.

"The pleasant holiday is over. I wonder how much knowledge is left in those little heads of yours. We're going to have a pop quiz now to see where you stand." As he spoke, he waved the test papers in his hand.

It was completely unexpected, and the classroom was filled with groans. Unlike the "happy education" approach of the other teachers, this math teacher was a total sadist, always finding new ways to force them to improve their grades.

Math was a real tormentor; one slight slip and all the previous work was for nothing. The classroom was a portrait of human nature: some were scratching their heads in confusion, like Flag; others were glancing left and right, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone else's answers, like Moken; some were buried in their work, pausing only to think, suggesting Harry's math wasn't half bad; and then there were those who finished all the questions with fluid speed and were still carefully checking their work—Allen was the standout among them.

"Alright, time's up. The first person in each row, collect the papers." Ignoring the wails from the room, the respectable yet terrifying math teacher graded them on the spot, scolding as he went. For instance, right now!

"Ugh! Dudley, what is inside your brain? Six points! I have never taught students as poor as you!" He started by berating Dudley, but soon moved on to indiscriminate attacks.

"Oh? Student Allen Harris has shown great improvement—full marks!" The sudden sharp tone pulled many daydreaming students back to reality. The teacher flipped the paper over and over, checking it carefully. "Full marks, impeccable. Both the handwriting and the problem-solving process are perfect. This shows that Allen Harris must have put in a lot of effort. You lot shouldn't waste your time day after day; the role model is right beside you..."

Invincible Scholar System: Warm reminder: You have gained the recognition of three teachers. You still need the admiration of 21 more students. Time remaining until task deadline: 13 hours and 14 minutes.

It had only been one class since the task was issued, yet the timer for this sudden mission had started at midnight. It was fortunate there was still time, or he would have had to give up.

The ringing of the bell for the end of class let many students breathe a sigh of relief. The teacher hadn't graded their papers, so they had dodged a bullet—at least they hadn't been pointed at and scolded. Once class was over, they were full of life and vigor again!

"I will test you again next Monday. Anyone who fails will have to copy every formula and definition in the textbook." As expected of a devilish teacher, he still had a trick up his sleeve.

Until school let out for the morning, Allen hadn't found an opportunity to show off his brilliance and win the admiration of his classmates. While eating in the cafeteria at noon, Allen was sullen and anxious, but even the usually cheerful Flag was silent. Seeing his two friends in such low spirits, Harry fell silent as well.

"Allen, you're just too amazing. I'm the one who's miserable; I'm definitely doomed next week," Flag said, taking a fierce bite of his sandwich and speaking with his mouth full.

"Harry, your grades are pretty good. I don't think I'll ever reach Allen's level in this lifetime. If I could be like you, I'd be satisfied," Flag added.

Harry scratched his head, not knowing how to comfort Flag.

"Don't be discouraged. I can tutor you this week; maybe you won't get scolded next week." As a former excellent teacher, Allen noted that helping the struggling was his specialty.

"Really? Thank you so much, Allen!" Flag said gratefully.

"Allen, can I listen in too?" Harry asked, eyes wide with envy.

"Of course, you're both my friends. But what time would be best?" Allen agreed immediately.

"Harry, Allen, I remember neither of you joined the school's extracurricular activities. Why don't we use that time? Let's talk to Mrs. Kelly; she'll definitely agree," Flag suggested, offering a feasible plan.

"Good, let's use that time. Now, let's cheer up and go explore the campus." Allen wanted to take the opportunity to familiarize himself with the school environment.

This good idea was met with unanimous approval from Harry and Flag. Ah, childhood—worries are like dark clouds; blown by a fresh breeze, they come quickly and go just as fast.

Passing the school auditorium, they heard upbeat music coming from inside. At the entrance, a large crowd of students of all heights were craning their necks, pushing and shoving to get a look.

"What's happening? Shall we go see?" The highly curious Flag immediately pushed Harry and Allen into the throng.

They saw a large stage with a massive promotional board as a backdrop, painted with blue skies, white clouds, colorful balloons, and happy children playing various instruments on a green lawn.

On both sides of the stage were pianos, accordions, saxophones, and other instruments.

On stage, a little brown-haired girl with two braids was singing a nursery rhyme, her voice crisp and very pleasant to the ear.

In the front row of the audience, five teachers sat watching the girl's performance intently, some scribbling notes on scorecards.

To the right of the stage was a line of students, seemingly waiting to sign up and prepare for their own performances.

"It's the preliminary round of the school talent show," Flag said with certainty. "The school holds this activity every year. Last year, my clown act even won third prize!" Flag said, looking quite proud of himself.

"Only an idiot would dress up as a clown," a very punchable voice rang out from behind them.