The classroom door opened from time to time, students stepping in with lighthearted strides as easy chatter filled the air.
Some pretended to read, while secretly eavesdropping on the conversation at the back row.
“I turned them down. I don’t think we’re suitable for them.”
Lan Qi nodded as he answered.
“...”
Huperion fell silent for now.
Over the past few days, Lan Qi had been moving in and out of the most noticeable dormitory on the first floor. Inevitably, passing students noticed his door number, and soon it became common knowledge.
She had already heard him mention before that he lived in Dorm 101.
Word was, whenever visitors came seeking him out, Lan Qi would always ask their opinion of his companion, Huperion.
Most of the time, their expressions betrayed hesitation.Even those who readily accepted him only did so with the condition: if Lan Qi joins, then we’ll accept Huperion as well.
Lan Qi rejected them all on the spot.
It was Princess Vivian who, after running into Huperion by chance, told her this.
Since Lan Qi had spoken those strange words last time, her relationship with Vivian had, amidst awkwardness, grown somewhat more harmonious.
They could not return to the closeness of childhood, but Vivian had begun making small concessions, while Huperion had become less suspicious of everyone.
“Actually, you didn’t have to do that…”
Huperion looked at him and spoke softly.
This recent Shadow Realm challenge had vaulted them straight from Iron-rank challengers to Bronze-rank—and they were already close to Silver.
Since the Southern Continent’s Shadow Realm Management Association could hardly calculate such an outrageous raid process, they awarded Lan Qi and Huperion a promotion score at 95% of the maximum rating for that Fourth-Tier Shadow Realm.
Moreover, since they had defeated two cultists, they collected an additional 650 pounds in bounty when filing their promotion paperwork.
But the benefits of this Shadow Realm run didn’t stop there.
According to academy rules, if a student belonged to a team, Shadow Realm challenges would also grant team points.
Team points determined the resources allocated by the school: team funding, exclusive facilities, eligibility to apply for team activity leave, and extra academic credit for high-difficulty missions.
That 95% contribution score from a Tier Four challenge was enormous—practically equivalent to an entire team’s effort.
For teams already looking to recruit new members, Lan Qi was a prime candidate: a freshman who carried a huge amount of unallocated points, and a powerhouse at that.
“If they don’t respect my companion, then I won’t consider joining them. No need to make them uncomfortable or let you suffer in the long run.”
Lan Qi shrugged as he spoke.
What he valued most in joining a team was harmony and respect. If even the bare minimum of respect toward Huperion was lacking, there was no point in suffering through it.
“Lan Qi… thank you.”
The thing Huperion felt most from Lan Qi was respect.
This simple sincerity was precious beyond words.
“But if we can’t find a team, it seems the only option is to form our own. Otherwise we can’t take on high-difficulty academy missions, and we’ll miss out on activities, perks, and holidays that should have been ours.”
Lan Qi glanced at her expression and understood instantly.
It seemed Huperion still had no suitors—aside from that ill-intentioned fellow, Count Modan Gassigus’s son.
If possible, Lan Qi would rather not form a team. The two of them should devote their spare energy to their entrepreneurial plans, not to running a team.
“Alright.”
Huperion nodded.
She knew that what Lan Qi really wanted were legitimate team holidays for skipping class, and the real-world missions that granted practical credits.
His goal was clear: skip as many classes as possible—without ever slacking off or falling into mediocrity.
As the two discussed, a female voice suddenly drifted in from the aisle beside them.
“If you don’t have a suitable team, you can always join the Student Management Committee.”
That proud yet melodious voice—Lan Qi recognized it instantly.
He and Huperion turned their heads, and sure enough, there stood Princess Vivian, arms crossed.
Though she belonged to the neighboring class, it seemed she had come specifically to find Huperion.
“What’s that?” Lan Qi asked curiously.
“Since the academy has many teams, naturally there must be a student body to manage them.”
Vivian sat down on a chair by the aisle, explaining.
Class-hopping during breaks was extremely common in this school. Sometimes, students even attended classes they weren’t assigned to.
“The committee mostly handles coordinating between teams, resolving conflicts, and other such chores. But the benefits are on par with—or even better than—those of official teams.”
“Most importantly, the chairman is a fair and upright man. No one can use the committee for personal gain or to discriminate against others. Whether human or demon folk, as long as you have talent, he will value you.”
Clearly, Vivian respected the chairman herself, which was why she recommended the committee to Lan Qi.
Still, since the committee had to handle disputes between teams and various campus conflicts, careless handling could easily land someone in the infirmary for a month.
That was why few newcomers were willing to join.
Vivian worried she had made the wrong suggestion—Lan Qi didn’t seem like the sort who enjoyed conflict.
But then—
Lan Qi’s eyes lit up instantly, as if he had discovered a new continent!
“How is that a chore? I’m best at resolving conflicts and disputes!”
He grinned with confidence, almost looking eager to demonstrate right then and there.
“Keeping the campus running smoothly and helping classmates live in harmony—that’s our duty! Huperion, let’s go check it out after class!”
“...”
Vivian stared at Lan Qi, and slowly a chill crept over her.
She had seen him in action before—in the Shadow Realm of the Demon Academy.
Whenever this guy smiled so brightly, the seriousness of the situation defied description.
Vivian quickly stood and turned away, feeling as though she had just unleashed disaster.
She had only meant to recommend a safe place where Huperion could experience normal student life.
But now it seemed she might have just altered the entire future of Ikerite Academy.
If Lan Qi truly joined the Student Management Committee, the chairman would gain a fearsome new lieutenant.
With Lan Qi mediating disputes—
He might not be able to make everyone happy.
But he could easily ensure that nobody was happy!