Chapter 12: A Short Talk with Instructor Sylvia
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"WHAT!!?" The students exclaimed simultaneously.
"Your telling me that this whole time— that arrogant bastard was Theon!!?" The bald student who Theon had humiliated said.
"When did Theon become this handsome!" A female student said.
"Can someone really change this much in two days?" Another asked.
Even the teacher looked shocked, but that only lasted a very short moment before she returned to her usual demeanor.
It was safe to say that she was surprised by Theon’s sudden change in appearance as well.
She was fond of Theon. Incredibly so at that. Weakest in the class, always bullied and yet, still stayed bright about everything. She took notice of that, and stepped in once in a while.
Because of that, she and Theon had developed a sort of mentor-student relationship.
Whenever he had a problem about her lessons, he would seek her aid. Sometimes she even helped training him by sparring with him.
She didn’t like the idea of getting close to a student, yet somehow, against all expectations, she found herself growing attached to him.
When she found out that Theon had not been present in her class the first time, she sought after his roommates and questioned them about his whereabouts.
When they said that they hadn’t seen him also, she began to worry and it only grew when he was still missing during her second class.
’I will have to speak to him after I have dismissed the rest of the students.’ she thought wistfully while staring at Theon’s calm expression, despite all the attention on him.
"That’s enough!" The lecture suddenly said softly, but firm. Her words echoed round the hall causing a wave of silence. All the students could instantly tell when their instructor had become serious.
"And Theon, it’s good to have you back." She directed her gaze at Theon. "You missed two days of lectures, so I will assign someone to update you on what occured within that time. Is that okay?"
Theon nodded quietly, but for a brief moment he felt uncomfortable under her gaze.
It wasn’t out of suspicion, but out of the genuine concern that radiated from her gaze whenever she looked at him.
A type he hadn’t experienced in a very long time. free𝑤ebnovel.com
"Good, now that we are done with the attendance, let’s move on to today’s announcement." Her tone shifted to something more serious. "I’m sure by now, you all have already heard about the student rankings?"
The students all nodded, some whispering to each other on what they’ve heard about the topic.
’Student rankings huh? I think I heard some students discussing about something like that on my way here.’ Theon pondered.
"Since you all already know about it, then are you also aware that the students ranking events is scheduled to take place two weeks from now?" She continued.
The lecture hall immediately erupted with murmurs.
"The students ranking event might be one of the biggest events that are usually held in Starlight academy." One student said proudly.
"Yes! And it’s also a chance to gain respect and recognition." Another said, his face filled with excitement.
"But why are they doing it this early. Usually, it’s supposed to take place in two months time." Another one pondered quietly.
Theon listened in on all these conversations and was quite amazed by how the school’s ranking system worked.
It felt like it had been created to show the difference between higher students with a higher Essence purity, and those who were unfortunately blessed with the Gray purity.
Quite ironic really.
"Now that you all have been informed about what is to come, I would advice that you use these next two weeks to train yourselves. Absorb as much essence as you can before that period of time and try to reach each of your resonance threshold." The female instructor continued softly.
"And of course, as your personal Instructor, I will oversee that you all go through certain training at an assigned period of time. These rankings are really important, especially to First years such as yourselves.
If you are able to secure a good rank, then the rest of the school year would be filled with benefits, however—" she paused slightly, her gaze drifting towards Theon at the back.
"If you end up getting a low rank, I assure you your life in the academy would just become a living hell." She said sternly.
Her words instantly raised waves of doubt and fear among the students. After all, how could students with Gray purities even aim to achieve a high rank. It was nothing more than a pipe dream.
"Not to worry," the instructor said calmly upon noticing the students distress. "As I said before, even though most of you are F ranks, you will most definitely stand a chance of achieving an average rank as long as you are able to breakthrough or reach your resonance threshold."
"With that being said, I think that should be all for today. Starting tomorrow morning, we begin training." She said.
"Class dismissed."
The students immediately began walking out of the hall in groups and pairs. Their discussions mainly focused around their training scheduled for tomorrow. freёwebnovel.com
Theon joined the crowd as well, but just as he was about to step out of the hall—
"Theon!" The instructor called out calmly. "Wait behind, I want to talk to you."
Theon hesitated, but then went over to where the instructor stood.
They both stood silently, till the last student walked out of the hall. The instructor’s focus immediately shifted to Theon.
"How’ve you been?" She said softly.
"I have been doing well, Miss Sylvia." He said, bowing his head slightly.
Yes, that was his Instructor’s name, Sylvia Valemont. An S rank Resonant assigned to this year’s set of Gray purity Resonants.
Usually, instructors who are assigned to Gray purity students are usually withing the range of C to B rank Resonants.
It was extremely weird that an S rank was assigned to them.
"You were missing for two days—" her voice suddenly dropped, becoming noticeably cold. "What happened? Did anyone try hurting you again?"
Theon kept his head lowered, but he had a light smile on his face. He could tell that Miss Sylvia was greatly concerned about Theon.
But still.
’I can’t just tell her what happened. I have my own plans, and I don’t want her messing them up.’
"Nothing happened," Theon chuckled nervously, trying his best to communicate with her the way the old Theon would.
"I just tried to take an F-Rank mission, but ended up lost on my way back. I’m truly sorry if I caused you any amount of worry." He bowed his head slightly once more.
"I see," Miss Sylvia squinted her eyes slightly.
She studied Theon’s whole demeanor, but nothing seemed out of place. He was still as nervous and shy as ever, and as usual, he always kept his head lowered when talking to her.
She sighed softly. "Fine, you should’ve at least tried to communicate with me. I would’ve brought you back to the academy."
"Sorry," Theon scratched his hair awkwardly. "I didn’t want to stress you. I know you are usually very busy. Coming to rescue me from such a minor issue would just inconvenience you."
Sylvia looked at him knowingly. ’This boy is always talking about inconveniencing me and not trying to stress me. Sometimes, I feel like he forgets I’m an S-rank resonant.’ She sighed quietly.
"So—" she placed her hand on his head. "What’s with the new look?"
"Ahhh, this?" Theon pulled part of his hair. "Just felt like trying something new." He smiled.
Sylvia stared blankly at him for a moment, visibly caught of guard by the sudden smile.
"You should keep this look," she ruffled his hair softly. "It fits you." She smiled.
Theon stared back, a hint of red briefly showing on his cheek. This wasn’t an act.
He didn’t want to admit it, but Sylvia’s appearance was simply stunning. He had never seen anyone on earth that had come close to her level of beauty. Even those top tier models.
And when she smiled— well, it was safe to say she could make any man bend to her will with just that gesture.
"Thank you." He replied softly, finally snapping out of his daze.
"Well then, you should get going to your next class." She gently pulled her arm away from his head. "I wouldn’t want you to miss a class because of me."
"Of course." Theon smiled. "Thank you— for being concerned about my well being."
He didn’t just say those words. He actually meant it from the depths of his heart. It was hard to come by people who cared about Resonants with no talent, like him.
Even in his past life— with all the talent he had. He never saw anyone that truly cared about him. Those who showed care only wanted to take advantage of his talent, and that was it.
Theon immediately began walking away without waiting for her reply. ’At least my first act was able to fool her.’ he smirked. ’Looks like that one week I used learning acting wasn’t completely useless after all.’
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