Chapter 30

"Calculus," Robert said calmly.

When Robert announced his choice, everyone in the room was shocked. They hadn't anticipated it. Calculus was briefly covered in high school, but only superficially. Robert, however, was different. He had participated in numerous math competitions and had been self-teaching advanced mathematics, including calculus, for some time. He was highly knowledgeable.

Even Elysia, though sharp, likely only possessed a rudimentary understanding of calculus.

Everyone considered Robert's choice a stroke of genius. It seemed Elysia might finally be ousted from Class 1.

As everyone waited for Elysia to fail, she remained composed.
He's showing off with calculus like it's a big deal. Oh well, my good student. Just watch how I'm going to beat you! she thought.

Despite Elysia facing Robert, Justin had a gut feeling she would win. He may not have consciously realized it, but his attitude toward her was subtly changing.

"Who will provide the question?" Elysia asked, raising an eyebrow.

One student immediately volunteered, "I'll do it!" He pulled out his phone and searched for a difficult calculus problem. The surrounding students leaned in. Finally, they selected a problem and copied it onto the blackboard.

When the competition began, Elysia didn't pick up her chalk. Everyone stared at her, confused. Is she genuinely unsure? Or is she giving Robert a head start?

Curious, Robert asked, "Aren't you going to answer?"

"I'm giving you a twenty-second head start!" Elysia said confidently.

The crowd was astonished. What the heck! That's so cocky! She only gave Bianca ten seconds, but Robert got twenty! Who does she think she's insulting? Does she even know Robert ranks higher than Bianca? Or does she think Robert is less capable?

Elysia wanted to clarify that she didn't think that way at all. The extra ten seconds were a gift, stemming from their mentor-mentee bond.

Robert's face darkened, and he looked annoyed. He stopped writing on the blackboard and said, "I don't need your head start."

Oh, feisty! Just don't cry when you lose, Elysia thought.

Twenty seconds passed, and they both began writing simultaneously. Initially, both appeared relaxed. But halfway through, Robert's expression soured. He encountered a problem in his calculations. Just as he was about to find his mistake, Elysia put down her chalk, signifying his defeat.

The audience was shocked. They couldn't fully comprehend the solutions on the board, but sensed Elysia had won.

Elysia turned to the student who had provided the question and calmly said, "Time to grade us!"

He quickly compared his phone's answer with the one on the blackboard. Though the steps differed in places, the final answer was the same. Elysia had won.

Silence fell over the room.

Bianca clenched her fists, thinking, How did she win again? Why?

Elysia looked at Bianca and said with a teasing smile, "Don't forget what you promised me. You're even worse than a bad apple Bianca." She returned to her seat.

Bianca trembled, feeling mocked.

The other students also returned to their seats.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. The teacher entered and began the lesson.

Elysia took out paper and continued writing her novel. She reached the part where the protagonists met.

Unconsciously, she pictured the male lead—his deep eyes and sharp features, dressed in a black suit. Wait a minute, this guy… Why is it Zane? Why am I thinking of him? I'm going crazy. Don't get lost in his good looks! she thought, forcibly pushing the image from her mind.

The bell rang, and the school's PA system announced Elysia's summons to the principal's office.

Excitement rippled through the student body. Did Elysia get in trouble? If she's getting a talking-to, that's totally party-worthy!

In the principal's office, Levi leaned back and said, "Elysia, I heard you fell asleep during the Language and Composition exam."

Elysia frowned. Why is he suddenly concerned about my napping in exams? She simply nodded.

"Elysia, you have excellent grades, but exams are serious. I have extra papers for you to complete," Levi said, sliding a stack of papers across the desk.

Elysia flipped through them nonchalantly and raised an eyebrow. "Are these for a Liberal Arts student?"

Levi coughed, explaining sheepishly, "The faculty agreed you should take the Liberal Arts test. Take it seriously. No slacking."

This wasn't his initial plan. The Liberal Arts classes were underperforming. Wayne Fletcher, the department head, believed Elysia's participation could motivate students. If she excelled, her results would be publicized.

If a STEM student like Elysia could ace the Liberal Arts test, it would be a wake-up call for the department, prompting them to improve. It was a way to set a goal and break their complacency.

Elysia tossed the papers onto the desk. "I'm not doing it."

"Elysia, this is a golden opportunity. Are you sure you want to pass it up? Think about it. A good score, and your name's on the Liberal Arts honor roll. That's serious bragging rights," Levi urged.

"I'm good," Elysia said, shrugging.

"Elysia, don't dismiss this. Consider it," Levi coaxed.

Elysia paused. "If I do this, will you do something for me in return?"

"What do you need?" Levi asked.

"I want to switch classes," Elysia said flatly. She was tired of the drama in Class 1. They didn't want her, and she was weary of the games. It was time for a change—less hassle, more peace.

Levi looked confused. "What's wrong with Class 1?"

Elysia wanted to say a lot. They were focused on grades and glory, and she was over it. She couldn't find friendship there. With graduation still far off, she didn't want to waste her time.

"I don't fit in with this class," Elysia declared.

"So where do you want to go?" Levi asked.

Elysia considered it. "I heard Class 6 is the worst."

"Yes," Levi said.

"Then Class 6 it is," Elysia said determinedly.

Levi hesitated. Class 6 was full of slackers. Was Elysia throwing her future away? he wondered.