Chapter 61
Skipping a few CP posts, Su Bei finally clicked into one thread. It was already very late, and after reading this post, he planned to go to sleep.
["Don't think too highly of your companions..." I smell the scent of a knife!]
[ChosenKnifeEaterNo.0: Does everyone still remember this line? It was said by Su Bei to Mo Xiaotian shortly after the beginning of this chapter's manga.
Aaaaaaah, this short sentence made me think of so many things!!!
Personally, I think the "companion" in this line refers to Su Bei himself. He doesn't consider himself a good person, yet he was moved by Mo Xiaotian's sincerity, so he said this to warn him, and also to warn himself.
Based on this plot, I feel there might be content in the future where Su Bei, burdened by fate, is forced to go against everyone.
Sorry, Su Bei, but it smells so good. Any artists willing to write this? I'm handing you the pen!]
[No.1: OP... you said it so well!]
[No.2: OP... you said it so well!]
[No.3: OP... you said it so well!]
[No.4: Hahahahaha, save Su Bei! Someone next door even said he's the owner of those white shoes.]
[No.5 replying to No.4:
Doesn't that connect perfectly with the main post? Because he's actually a "Black Flash" spy planted in the Endless Ability Academy, that's why he said something like that to Mo Xiaotian. He'll betray them sooner or later. Damn! So logical!]
[No.6: What you said upstairs is really logical!]
[No.7: I believe it.]
[No.8: Gotta say, Su Bei being a spy kinda fits his character.]
[No.9: But would "Black Flash" really send someone so important to their Ability to the enemy as a spy? That's fate we're talking about!]
[…]
[No.27 replying to No.9:
I also think, is it possible that the "companion" Su Bei mentioned isn't himself but someone else in the protagonist group? He already saw through [Destiny Gear] that there's a spy in the group, so he warned Mo Xiaotian like that?]
[No.28 replying to No.27:
What you said makes so much sense too.]
[No.29: Everyone's imagination is so wild!]
[No.30: Am I the only one who doesn't want a spy in the protagonist group? They're all good kids!]
[No.31: Su Bei might not be a spy; that feels too easy to guess.]
[…]
[No.55: I saw someone say this line is actually about Su Bei's own experience. Are we overthinking it?]
[ChosenKnifeEaterNo.56 (OP) replying to No.55:
That smells good too!]
[No.57: More knives, please!]
[No.58: I admit I just want to see a cynical guy burdened with heavy fate.]
[No.59: Seeing everyone as twisted as me makes me feel relieved!]
The content of this post was quite interesting. For a remark he made half in sentiment and half deliberately, the readers came up with multiple interpretations. Some of them even Su Bei hadn't thought of.
This was undoubtedly good news for him. The more they speculated, the more options he had to respond.
After the monthly exam, probably because of the team battles, the school mercifully gave everyone a few days off. The next class was on Monday, so there were a full five days of rest.
The next afternoon, everyone who participated in the individual battles on the last day, including Zhou Renjie, was called to an empty classroom.
When Su Bei arrived, everyone else was already there. It wasn't that he was late; he just got delayed a bit on the way.
On his way, Su Bei ran into Zhao Xiaoyu, who was returning from a run and heading to the cafeteria. Zhao Xiaoyu was truly sharp. Seeing Su Bei appear on this path to the teaching building, which was unusual for him, she immediately realized the school might have something for him.
Feeling they were at least somewhat acquainted now, she approached and asked what he was up to. Su Bei had some guesses about the purpose of this trip but knew he couldn't tell her. So he simply said it might be related to class assignments.
This delay naturally made him arrive a bit later than the others.
Upon entering the spacious music classroom, Su Bei immediately assessed the situation. The students all looked a bit curious, suggesting the teacher hadn't yet explained why they were called.
When their eyes met, many nodded at him. Su Bei was surprised to realize that among the top ten, he actually had pretty good rapport?!
Even the coldest Feng Lan and the most hostile Zhou Renjie didn't seem to hold much animosity toward him.
This gave Su Bei a strange feeling. He hadn't taken the social butterfly route, had he?
Shivering, Su Bei quickly dismissed this absurd thought and continued observing. There weren't many teachers in the room, just four in total: the director of education and the homeroom teachers of Classes A, D, and F, which happened to be the classes of the top ten.
The director of education looked calm, and the homeroom teachers of Classes A and D seemed in good spirits. Understandably so—having their students in the top ten, how could they not be happy?
Meng Huai, however, inexplicably had a sour expression and even glared at Su Bei when he looked over. The other Class F students weren't surprised, probably having been glared at on their way in.
Seeing everyone present, the director wasted no time and got straight to the point: "We called you here to discuss the monthly exam.
First, regarding the team battle results, our final decision is that Jiang Tianming's group takes first place.
Although you all participated in the final rescue operation, Jiang Tianming's group had more members involved."
First place? Hearing the team battle results, Jiang Tianming and the others showed delighted expressions.
Lan Subing was also thrilled. With this achievement, she could brag to her parents back home. But the director's next words made her smile fade: "There's an award ceremony on Monday. Don't forget to come to the auditorium at 7:30 sharp to prepare."
The director had no time to care about the socially anxious student's mood and continued: "Many of you were involved in yesterday's team battle crisis, so you should understand that some people have set their sights on you."
This was true, and everyone had some awareness of it. "Black Flash" infiltrating the Different Space was clearly targeting the first-year students, and among them, the most "valuable" were undoubtedly the top-ranking students.
Since the school was aware of this, they would surely take action. The students were curious about what measures the school would implement.
As expected, the director explained the school's response: "For your safety and the academy's own considerations, we’ve decided not to announce the rankings and to start Class S early, including all top ten students in it."
Not announcing the rankings was mainly because Jiang Tianming defeating Si Zhaohua was, to outsiders, quite shocking. If "Black Flash" found out, they would surely target him heavily. Not announcing was for Jiang Tianming's protection.
Knowing they might not understand Class S, she took a sip of water and continued: "Class S takes in fifteen students each year, usually starting after the first semester's final exams, followed by winter break training, after which five are dismissed. But due to the current special circumstances, you need to start training early."
Hearing this, the students showed varied expressions, but all were visibly excited. Class S was like an urban legend to them—heard of but never seen. Now that they could join Class S, especially the protagonist group, it felt truly unbelievable.
The director scanned their expressions, nodded with satisfaction, and after giving them a carrot, delivered a stick without hesitation: "Let me be clear, Class S students receive significant protection and resources, but they also bear corresponding responsibilities."
She didn't specify what the responsibilities were but announced the penalty: "If you fail to meet Class S requirements, you’ll be Dismissed.
Although the fixed Dismissed quota is five, that doesn’t mean only five are Dismissed each year. In fact, your seniors’ Class S ended with only five students; the other ten were all Dismissed."
Hearing " Dismissed," everyone’s expressions grew serious. Though Dismissed likely meant only leaving Class S, not the school, it was still bad enough. If nothing else, their pride wouldn’t survive it.
"You don’t need to worry about being targeted by those people after leaving Class S; they won’t care about those kicked out," she said confidently. "Similarly, if you choose not to join Class S, you’ll also be ignored by them."
The director had every right to be confident. In the past, aside from mission-related losses, no Class S member had ever died due to enemy targeting, thanks to the academy’s robust protection.
Because of this, the Endless Ability Academy would never let someone leave or not join Class S just to cover for them. Their protection for Class S was reliable, and such tricks would only hinder a student’s growth.
She looked at them: "So, anyone choosing not to join? If you don’t, you’ll be assigned to Class A. Class A has great resources too, with far less danger."
She added candidly: "For students without much ambition, I personally think this is a pretty good choice."
Yet no one raised their hand. Having worked so hard to get here, who didn’t have some ambition?
Even those who felt their strength might not suffice and might get Dismissed later couldn’t bring themselves to refuse at the start.
Clearly used to no one opting out, the director shook her head with a hint of regret.
She didn’t know how many of them would be Dismissed or lose their lives during missions. All she could say was, the moment they made their choice, everything might have already been set in stone.
Setting aside unnecessary sentiments, she turned to Meng Huai: "Xiao Meng, your turn to say a few words." Seeing their puzzled looks, she smiled and explained: "Xiao Meng will be your homeroom teacher moving forward.
Originally, you’d have shared a teacher with the senior Class S students, but since you’re starting early, Xiao Meng will temporarily take over. He used to teach Class S, so no worries about his teaching. Plus, with so many from Class F, you’ll adapt quickly."
With that, she left the classroom with the others, giving Meng Huai the floor.
So that’s why. Su Bei finally understood why Meng Huai had been so grumpy today. Having read the manga, he knew Meng Huai had slacked off to Class F to avoid teaching Class S.
Now, being forced back to teach Class S, partly because Class F had so many students, no wonder he was annoyed with them!
The others, without Su Bei’s omniscient perspective, were utterly shocked. They never imagined the Class F teacher had previously taught Class S—what a contrast!
After all, many at the school, openly or not, looked down on Class F and, by extension, its teacher.
Who’d have thought he was a hidden master?
Called out by the director, Meng Huai didn’t stand. He lazily spun his chair to face them: "I’ve got nothing much to say. Even if I wanted to intimidate you, I’d wait until tomorrow when all fifteen are here, right?"
Then, ignoring Si Zhaohua and the others, he looked at the Class F students: "You lot, since you won’t give up voluntarily, if you can’t handle my training next—"
He didn’t finish, just drew his thumb across his throat.
The Class F students instantly felt endangered. They did not want Meng Huai’s "care"!
"Teacher, I have a question!" Mo Xiaotian, ever oblivious to the mood, raised his hand. "What was up with those people during the team battle?"
Rare for him, he asked something useful.
Everyone was curious about this but hesitated to ask, fearing it might be inappropriate, especially with Meng Huai’s intimidating scowl.
Only then did they appreciate having a natural like Mo Xiaotian in the group, who could ask their concerns without pressure.
But what they didn’t know was, if anyone should’ve been cautious, it was Mo Xiaotian. After all, he was with "Black Flash." Asking this could seem suspicious.
Sometimes Su Bei thought "Black Flash" chose him as a spy precisely for this. Others asking this might raise suspicion, but with him, it seemed perfectly reasonable.
Perhaps this was a twisted kind of fool’s luck.
Equally curious, Jiang Tianming seized the chance to follow up: "Yeah, teacher, I saw those people had the same tattoo on their necks as the one who killed Sun Ming. Are they the same group?"
Meng Huai gave him a half-smile: "You noticed quite a bit."
But since Jiang Tianming and the others were already targeted, this wasn’t something to hide. After a moment’s thought, Meng Huai answered selectively: "They’re from an Ability organization called ‘Black Flash.’ This group loves capturing naive young Ability users like you for experiments."
His words were oddly reminiscent of "the big bad wolf loves to catch obedient kids to eat," making everyone twitch their mouths.
Meng Huai didn’t find it awkward at all. Seeing their skepticism, he sneered: "Don’t believe me? Try it yourself."
Naturally, no one dared to try. Seeing Meng Huai’s bad mood, they wisely pulled Mo Xiaotian away. Outside the classroom, they gathered in twos and threes.
The team battle was indeed a great bonding tool. Groups that were once at odds were now mingling.
In this context, Zhou Renjie, who hadn’t eased tensions with Jiang Tianming’s group, felt awkward. Looking around, Ai Baozhu was with Lan Subing, Si Zhaohua was with Jiang Tianming, and Feng Lan was beside Su Bei.
After hesitating, Zhou Renjie walked over to Su Bei. Though not close to either, he had no major grudges with them.
His feelings about Su Bei were complex. He valued two things in friends: background and strength.
Jiang Tianming and the others, being orphans from Class F, were entirely outside his friend criteria. Even if they weren’t as weak as he thought, his prejudice was set, and past grudges made reconciliation impossible.
Su Bei was different. When Zhou Renjie first met him, he was with Feng Lan. Anyone with Feng Lan, the young master of the Feng Family, couldn’t be weak, and later events proved it.
Plus, though he hadn’t investigated Su Bei’s background, his demeanor clearly set him apart from poor kids like Jiang Tianming and Wu Mingbai. So even though Su Bei had clashed with him, Zhou Renjie wasn’t too upset.
In fact, he couldn’t afford to be. Si Zhaohua and Ai Baozhu no longer disliked Jiang Tianming’s group, so what could he do? He needed at least one person in Class S to talk to…
Thinking this, Zhou Renjie tentatively asked: "What were you guys talking about?"
Hearing him, they turned. Feng Lan hadn’t noticed him approach, while Su Bei had but didn’t want to engage.
But since Zhou Renjie spoke, ignoring him would be rude. Su Bei answered concisely: "Talking about ‘Black Flash.’"
He wasn’t lying; there was no need. They had indeed been discussing the "Black Flash" organization.
Like Si Zhaohua, as a young master, or even higher, Feng Lan knew some things about "Black Flash."
According to Feng Lan, "Black Flash" had indeed developed some things. Though low-key on the surface, they controlled many commercial channels to sell their researched items. One was a potion to boost Mental Energy, used by many Ability users. It was pricey but effective.
Feng Lan knew this because his family had considered getting it for him. But he refused, preferring to improve his Mental Energy on his own.
Thinking they were condemning the organization, Zhou Renjie chimed in: "This ‘Black Flash’ is too brazen. When I get home, I’ll make sure my parents catch them!"
Hearing this, Su Bei lost interest in the conversation. He’d raised the topic to gather useful info, not to hear empty boasts.
"Tch!" Wu Mingbai, not far off, overheard and scoffed but said nothing, turning to leave.
This only angered Zhou Renjie more. He snapped: "What’s that supposed to mean? Ha, you don’t think my family can’t do it, do you? Don’t judge great families with your slum perspective!"
"Enough," Si Zhaohua said coolly, unable to stand his friend being left alone. "Let’s go back to the dorm."
His invitation instantly dispelled Zhou Renjie’s anger. He flashed a fawning smile: "Coming, let’s go!"
Si Zhaohua nodded at Su Bei and left quickly with Zhou Renjie.
On the way, he sighed. He and Zhou Renjie had known each other for nearly a decade, classmates since elementary school. Though he initially didn’t want to bother with the clingy Zhou Renjie, some bond had formed over the years.
But because of this, Si Zhaohua knew all too well how unlikeable he was.
He’d overheard their talk. While discussing "Black Flash," Jiang Tianming analyzed their motives, Wu Mingbai reviewed team battle mistakes, Mu Tieren discussed school measures, Feng Lan shared what he knew, Lan Subing researched the enemy, Ai Baozhu loaded up on defensive items, Mo Xiaotian asked around curiously, and Su Bei planned to avoid risks.
Only Zhou Renjie believed the Zhou family could handle "Black Flash."
What could he say?
Zhou Renjie wasn’t clueless. "Black Flash" openly opposed the Endless Ability Academy; anyone with sense could see they weren’t easily dealt with.
And Zhou Renjie was no fool. In regular school exams, he often ranked in the top ten.
But his upbringing, steeped in family supremacy, made it impossible for him to admit his family’s limits.
Though Si Zhaohua knew many branch family kids were brainwashed this way, and it wasn’t Zhou Renjie’s fault, his unpopularity wasn’t others’ fault either.
"I didn’t realize Si Zhaohua had ‘male mom’ potential," Su Bei remarked, seeing he’d deliberately taken Zhou Renjie away to spare him.
Feng Lan blinked, puzzled: "Male… mom?"
"Means someone who takes care of others," Su Bei replied without hesitation, deadpan. The term roughly meant that, though it was often used teasingly.
Lan Subing gave a strange look. Besides Su Bei, she was the only one who’d heard the term before.
Before Feng Lan could speak, Ai Baozhu, still nearby, nodded approvingly: "You’re right, that’s his personality."
Though Si Zhaohua seemed aloof and unapproachable, Ai Baozhu knew he was soft-hearted. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tolerated Zhou Renjie, who clearly approached them with ulterior motives. This trait allowed him to accept her. Ai Baozhu knew she wasn’t the easiest to get along with, but she wasn’t ashamed. Her family spoiled her, and a bit of pride was only fair.
Back at the dorm, Su Bei thought for a moment and opened the forum.
It’d been a while since he used the "Prophet" account. Time to use today’s info to boost its reputation.