The makeshift team-building lunch ended in a subtle, awkward atmosphere.
Only a few greasy stains and some cold crusts remained in the pizza box, looking much like how Ange felt right now—emptied out and then forcefully filled up again, yet still not quite right inside.
She clapped her hands to draw the attention of the three students, doing her best to put on the air of a teacher, even though she suspected she might be the most unreliable mentor in history.
“All right. You probably already know this, but as your teacher, there are some basic principles I still need to emphasize one more time.”
Ange cleared her throat, her gaze sweeping over her three very different students.
“Remember, almost all Demons have ways to survive without hurting people or causing harm. They can absorb free-floating energy from the environment, or form some sort of Symbiotic Contract with other living beings. As for us Demon Hunters, especially those officially recognized by the Academy, our targets have always been those Demons who cross the No Harm Principle. Never, ever forget this.”
Her tone was unusually stern, carrying the weight of the former First Demon Hunter.
It was a rule she clung to after countless battles and sacrifices, and also what set her apart from those who only hunted for power or bounty.
“Tomorrow’s the official start of the new semester. Stay sharp, get up early, and don’t be late,” she added in the end.
“Yes, Teacher!” Ingrid immediately responded, standing ramrod straight.
“Got it.” Sakika nodded, her expression unchanged.
“Hmph, as if you need to say it.” Huayin was as tsundere as ever.
The three students dispersed for now, with Ingrid and Sakika heading back to their own rooms. However, for Ange, the real trial was just beginning.
She had barely stepped back into her room, not even catching her breath yet, when her phone vibrated in her pocket. A message from Miss Huayin popped up on the screen.
Ange sighed, resigned, and tapped it open.
Huayin: Do you remember what I said before? Ange?
Ange: …Go ahead. (attached: sweating emoji)
Huayin: Since I can’t marry the one I love, you have to become the one I love!
Ange: I… I’ll do my best… (attached: white flag surrender emoji)
Huayin: Starting tomorrow, ditch that ill-fitting trench coat! Don’t you feel stifled? The chest area doesn’t fit at all! It looks uncomfortable just watching you!
Ange glanced down at the slightly worn black trench coat she was wearing, which was indeed rather tight in certain places, her face growing hot.
Ange: Uh… this is from six years ago. Maybe I… my body… got a bit bigger… (attached: awkward head-scratching emoji)
Huayin: I don’t care! Just go back to your hot pants and black stockings combo! It’s nice to look at!
Ange: I sent them to the Logistics Department at the Academy to be washed…
Huayin: Why don’t you wash them yourself?
Ange: I don’t know how… I’m afraid I’ll ruin them…
Huayin: What a dummy! When you get them back, I’ll teach you how to wash them! Stockings and underwear can’t be washed carelessly!
Ange: Okay… (cute.jpg)
Huayin: Also! Remember to trim your toenails! Otherwise, you’ll rip your stockings sooner or later!
Ange: But don’t you think this length is just fine? (attached: blurry photo of her foot, attempting to prove the nail length was moderate)
Huayin: I said trim them! (angry emoji)
Ange: All right, all right, I’ll trim them, right now. Anything else? Please instruct me… (humble.jpg)
After a brief silence, the phone vibrated again, and the words that popped up on the screen made Ange’s face flush bright red; she nearly tossed her phone across the room.
Huayin: Trim down below too.
Ange: D-Down below? Where??? (playing dumb.jpg)
Huayin: Do I really have to spell it out? Just take off your pants and look at your panties, you’ll know what I mean! (disdain emoji)
Ange: You mean there?! (shocked to the point of blurriness.jpg)
Huayin: That’s right! Thanks to you, I had the “pleasure” of catching a glimpse! For your own sake, please tidy yourself up, okay? It’s so sloppy!
Ange: Got it, got it… (social death.jpg) Anything else?
The conversation seemed to be over for now, but Huayin was clearly still brimming with things to say, and tossed out a new question.
Huayin: How do you feel about Sakika?
Ange: ? You want the truth?
Huayin: Of course!
Ange recalled her lightning-fast duel with Sakika—the precision, the speed, that silent, deadly Draw Slash.
Ange: If you took her Draw Slash head-on, you’d be 100% dead.
Huayin: I wouldn’t necessarily die! The Phoenix isn’t that easy to kill. (angry bird emoji) But I get your point. You think she’s stronger than me, right?
Ange: Uh… I didn’t say that… (tactical retreat.jpg)
Huayin: Enough, that’s exactly what you mean! Just wait, I’ll get stronger than her!
Even through the screen, Ange could feel that indomitable fighting spirit. Before she could reply, another message from Huayin popped up.
Huayin: Also, since your Magic Mark already acted up today, how about taking us to the Heixi to pick up a commission tonight?
Ange: No way! Absolutely not! The semester starts tomorrow. If I sneak you all out for work tonight, we’ll get disciplined for sure! (scared hand-wave.jpg)
Huayin: Tch, coward! (disdain.jpg)
Ange: Sorry… (pitiful.jpg)
There was a brief pause before the phone vibrated again. This time, the question nearly made Ange choke on her own spit.
Huayin: Was it fun in the bathroom?
Ange: …Do you really have to ask that?
Huayin: I have the right to ask.
Staring at the screen, Ange’s face alternated between red and white. In the end, she gave up and tapped out her reply.
Ange: Ugh, fine, yes, it was great. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have come out, right… (giving up.jpg)
Huayin: Pervert! Degenerate! Never mind… you’d better get used to it soon.
Ange: I’ll try, Miss Huayin~
Putting down her phone, Ange let out a long, deep breath, feeling as if she’d just survived a fierce battle—mentally and physically drained. She stared up at the ceiling, eyes empty.
Get used to it? How could anyone possibly get used to something like this…
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