Chapter 40

Ava rushed to Elysia's side, worry etched on her face. "Are you okay?" They had been stunned by the conversation between their homeroom teacher and Elysia, entering the classroom only after her. Inside, a shocking sight greeted them, leaving them uneasy.

Elysia hadn't even been criticized in the office, so why did someone want to attack her upon their return? This was unacceptable. How could anyone lay a finger on such a delicate, beautiful girl?

One boy, seeing Eric, gave a sheepish laugh. "Oh, it's just Eric. I just wanted to teach her a lesson."

"Teach her a lesson?" Eric raised an eyebrow, tightening his grip on the boy's wrist.

The boy's face paled, but he forced a smile. "Eric, come on, have mercy."

"Why? Didn't I say you can't bully her? Your memory's not so great, is it?" Eric replied, his grip tightening.

The boy's wrist was turning white, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Eric was clearly using considerable force.

Realizing pleading was pointless, the boy turned to Elysia. "Please tell Eric to let me go."

Elysia glanced at Grace, lying on the floor, before replying, "Are you going to bully her anymore?"

"No! I swear!" the boy stammered.

Elysia then looked at Eric. "Let him go."

Eric glanced at Elysia, then at Grace, understanding the situation. He forcefully released the boy, his voice menacing. "I don't care what you do to the others, but you lay a finger on her, and you're done for!"

He made it clear: Grace and the others were their problem. But no one could touch Elysia.

Ava now understood; Elysia had been about to be attacked, likely because of Grace.

"Got it!" The boy clutched his sore wrist, forcing a grin.

Grace remained curled on the floor, trembling violently. She'd endured this many times in Class 6: isolation, silent treatment, verbal and physical attacks. She hated Class 6, but never imagined anyone would help her. This help, however, felt like pity, and she didn't want pity.

Elysia bent to help her up. Seeing the fear in Grace's eyes, she reassured her softly, "It's okay now."

Grace finally looked at Elysia. She was stunningly beautiful, beautiful enough to make anyone jealous.

Grace pushed Elysia's hand away, coldly saying, "Thanks." Her tone was devoid of warmth.

Elysia didn't mind; Grace wasn't worth it. But Ava was furious. "What's with your attitude?" she shouted.

Grace ignored her, sitting at a desk.

Ava was even angrier, rolling up her sleeves. Elysia found her impulsive. "Let it go," Elysia urged, tugging on Ava's sleeve.

"I'm standing up for you!" Ava insisted.

"I know, but it's not necessary."

"Elysia, girls like her aren't worth your effort!"

"Exactly, such an ingrate," another classmate chimed in, echoing their sentiments.

Elysia looked at Grace. "Let's end this. No one mentions this again." She led Ava away.

Ava was still sulking.

"Don't be mad," Elysia said gently.

"Why did you help her? Look at her attitude—she's not worth it!" Ava retorted.

"I was there. But why was she being picked on? Do you know?" Elysia asked.

Ava's expression softened. "She transferred from Class 2. Everyone welcomed her at first."

"But she's arrogant; she looks down on everyone. People started to dislike her."

Elysia understood. This was Grace's own doing.

Ava pouted. "You're not allowed to help her again! People like her don't deserve it!"

"Got it," Elysia replied.

"Promise me," Ava insisted.

Elysia suppressed a laugh. It seemed like a first for someone to speak to her like this.

"Okay, I promise. Is that enough?"

Ava finally nodded.

Before afternoon class, the homeroom teacher announced the school's decision: Class 6 was being dissolved. Everyone's spirits plummeted. They would be scattered, facing rejection and isolation. They didn't want this, but improving their scores seemed impossible.

However, Grace was thrilled. The dissolution meant escaping the nightmare of Class 6! Given her grades, she wouldn't end up in a terrible class.

After the teacher left, an eerie silence fell. Then, someone suggested, "Let's petition Principal Levi to not disband Class 6."

"Yes! Let's talk to Levi!" another said.

"I agree! Class 6 can't be disbanded!"

"If Class 6 is disbanded, I'm dropping out!"

"Me too!"

"The competition hasn't even started—why are you giving up?" Elysia's cold voice cut through the tension.

"Because we know our limits," someone retorted.

"You can do it; you just don't want to. You're no worse than anyone else. Prove yourselves," Elysia said.

"Why prove ourselves?"

"Because if you want to keep Class 6, you have to!" Elysia replied.

Everyone was puzzled.

Elysia continued, "The school won't easily backtrack. Face it head-on, don't back down."

"What if we can't? Isn't that a waste of time?"

"Then why even try the petition?" Elysia challenged.

Everyone considered this. Who could guarantee success? To Milton School, Class 6 was a "tumor." A few pleas wouldn't change that. Only Elysia's suggestion of facing it directly seemed promising.

"Elysia's right; we can't back down. It's about improving our grades!" Eric chimed in, shocking everyone.

Ava nodded. "As long as Class 6 isn't disbanded, any effort is worth it!"

"Exactly! We can't do nothing!"

"Let's gamble! We're no worse than anyone else!"

Class 6's spirits soared. They were ready to fight back.

Elysia smiled. She'd achieved her goal. Only a fundamental change in mindset could lead to progress.

Grace watched, seething. She hated Elysia's interference. Wouldn't it be easier to let Class 6 be disbanded? Why interfere?