"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. That kick won't cripple you, but if you dare touch me again…"

Arnold winced, sweat beading on his forehead as he endured the pain. Felicia felt a surge of satisfaction.

The trailing women approached, their concerned expressions evident. "Mr. Lawson, what's wrong? Are you unwell?"

Arnold couldn't confess. Gritting his teeth, he slowly rose, attempting to appear unfazed. "I'm fine," he strained.

Returning to the bus was impossible. The vice principal consulted villagers for directions, leading them toward a vehicle-accessible road. Unwilling to spend the night in the mountains, they followed Felicia.

She confidently led the way. After a half-hour's walk, as twilight settled, a picturesque village appeared at the mountain's foot. The sounds of insects and birds mingled with cooking fires, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Felicia paused, taking it all in. Arnold and the women caught up, poised to offer sarcastic remarks, but fell silent, shocked by the sight.

The college had warned them Alverton was impoverished and lacked infrastructure. They expected desolation, but this was no vacation.

Instead, they found a village of white walls, gray eaves adorned with dark wooden beams and elegant roofs, the tiles arranged with pleasing harmony. It was serene and beautiful, a paradise.

Arnold's surprise was evident. He glanced at Felicia, sensing familiarity, as if this were her home. The women stared, wide-eyed.

"They said this place was poor! That there were no roads?"

"Holy cow! Is this really Alverton? I thought we were at a resort! It's so pretty!"

"The architecture is unique! It's not an ordinary village—more like an undiscovered ancient town!"

"It's nice, but what's the point? It's remote, poor, and full of bumpkins! If not for the college, I wouldn't be here!" This was Olivia Adler, whose family owned the second-largest catering company in Khogend. Her air of superiority was palpable. Her words, weighted by privilege, stung those from more modest backgrounds, leaving them awkward and discontented, but speechless.

Arnold glared, annoyed by the noise. Looking up, he saw Felicia descending toward the village. Feeling the lingering pain, he gritted his teeth and followed. She'd dared to kick him. He'd ensure she faced consequences!

The mayor, Charles West, uninformed of the college's visit, communicated with them upon their arrival, learning of the training program and quickly arranging for villagers to prepare their homes.

Felicia approached a quaint courtyard, a smile illuminating her face. "Nana!" she called.

An elderly woman weaving a bamboo basket looked up. Recognizing Felicia, she dropped the basket and rushed toward her. "Licia! Is it really you? You've come back!"