Chapter 39

Elysia declared, “Miss, grades aren't the only measure of a person's worth. I believe they, like me, have bright futures.”

Her words stunned everyone. It was a revelation. No one had ever acknowledged their potential before. This was the first time they'd heard someone suggest they had a future.

Their families might have wealth, but at Milton School, where grades were paramount, academic performance was everything. These students were accustomed to being called failures, and the idea of a promising future felt distant, almost inconceivable. What was a future, anyway? They had no idea.

They knew that poor performance meant inheriting family wealth and comfortable lives. If Elysia had known their thoughts, she might have said, "Come on, can't you aim higher?"

Their Language and Composition teacher interjected sharply, "Potential? Where exactly? Without good grades, how will they get into college? And yes, they have family connections—they could study abroad. But that's all they have, right?"

The teacher was furious, shocked that the newly transferred Elysia would side with the other students and criticize her. "This class is over!" she exclaimed, tossing her textbook aside and storming out.

Everyone was dumbfounded. She’d actually left?

Shortly afterward, the homeroom teacher arrived and summoned Elysia outside.

The students exchanged worried glances.

"What do you think the homeroom teacher wants with Elysia?" "She's a good student, so it can't be anything serious." "But she just arrived and made the teacher storm out! How is that not a big deal?" "At least she doesn't look down on us," one boy remarked, glancing pointedly at Grace near the door.

Grace, originally in Class 2 but transferred to Class 6 after failing her last exam, had always believed she was different and vowed to return to Class 2. Unfortunately, her recent results were disappointing.

"There's a huge gap between them," someone observed.

Ava, nearby, felt increasingly anxious. Elysia was tougher and more resilient than they were, but she was also exceptionally smart and beautiful. Any criticism directed at Elysia would be unfair! This whole situation was their fault. Ava was determined to protect her friend. She stood and headed for the office.

But instead of finding Elysia being scolded, she found a calm, cordial scene. What was going on? Ava decided to observe before intervening.

Leaning against the wall, she saw Eric approaching. Was he going to confront the homeroom teacher? She quickly pulled him back.

Eric, annoyed by the sudden grip, pulled away upon seeing Ava. "What are you doing?!" he demanded.

"Shh! Let's observe first," Ava whispered, tugging him again. "Behind me—it's about taking turns!"

"No way!" Eric retorted, standing in front of her.

Ava rolled her eyes. They needed to understand the situation. Pressing her ear to the wall, she overheard the following:

The homeroom teacher said, "Elysia, welcome to Class 6. Why did you choose this class? With your grades, Class 1 would have been the obvious choice."

Elysia replied, "Many have said that. Academically, Class 1 is superior. But that atmosphere doesn't suit me. I prefer Class 6. They may not be the most studious, but they're kind and supportive—something lacking in Class 1. Dividing students solely by grades is short-sighted."

The teacher nodded, clearly agreeing. As the homeroom teacher of Class 6, he'd never looked down on his students, and Elysia seemed to share his perspective. However, her primary role was still to learn. He hadn't called her to reprimand her; he needed her help.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Class 6 may be shut down if its performance doesn't improve."

"What can I do?" Elysia asked.

The teacher, impressed by her perceptiveness, explained, "If Class 6's overall ranking improves by the next exam, the school will reconsider."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "We need to raise their grades?"

"Exactly. It won't be easy. I hope you can help."

"Absolutely."

Eric and Ava exchanged glances, silent.

Meanwhile, Class 6 was chaotic. Elysia noticed a girl being bullied by some boys. The girl, plain-looking with glasses and braids, was terrified. Other students watched without intervening, some even laughing. A boy shoved the girl, causing her to hit her head on a desk and bleed. Still, the other students remained passive.

Elysia frowned. "What are you doing?" she asked.

The boys smirked. "Teaching her a lesson!"

"How? Is this your method?" Elysia retorted.

One boy sneered. "None of your business."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "A fight, then?" she asked calmly.

The boys laughed. "Hilarious! You think you can take us on?"

"Even with one hand, you'd lose!" another added.

"Stay out of this, or we'll deal with you too!"

"Oh, really? Who knows who'll win?" Elysia smirked, challenging them.

One boy raised his hand to slap her, but Eric intervened, grabbing his arm. "What do you think you're doing?!" he growled.

(The passage ends abruptly after this point. There is no further coherent text.)