775
"This word is 'apple.' Repeat after me-"
Sharron stood on the little platform, teaching the dozen or so children below. Though young, she possessed considerable authority and learning, and within a week, she had won the recognition of all the adults in town.
Although this was the Southern Continent, not one of the children below dared doze off. All of them watched her and the blackboard with bright, attentive eyes.
Sharron was fairly satisfied with the job she had secured for herself. The building sheltered her from the elements, and educating children was respectable work that was not too tiring. Although there were few students, the lessons were short, and the contribution counted for somewhat less than physical labor outside, Sharron liked it. Besides teaching them to read and write, she could also teach these children the Temperance Faction's principles of restraining desire and living frugally.
...Educating children was a good thing. The Temperance Angel had never said this was forbidden, anyway. Sharron felt a little vindicated.
The children recited the word together in their young voices. Satisfied, Sharron was about to continue when the ground suddenly shook violently. An enormous column of water erupted from the well in the town square, reaching three to five meters high and still rising.
"..." Sharron's eyes widened. The next moment, she abruptly realized something and waved a hand. The scattered stones and timber nearby all flew up, instantly sealing the gushing well tight.
But it was no use at all. Just two seconds later, the ground around the well suddenly split open. Vast quantities of groundwater burst from the cracks, their considerable force instantly flooding the entire square and surging toward the surrounding homes!
Danger!
The desks and chairs in the classroom immediately flew up and assembled into a huge raft,