Chapter 9: The Secret Practice
The classroom buzzed with energy. Students were still trying to control the seven stars of stardust, their hands weaving patterns in the air as faint glows lingered above them.
Tang Yue stood at the front, her gaze sweeping across the room. Her tone was calm, yet carried the weight of authority:
"I've heard your homeroom teacher, Mr. Xue, mention the importance of the annual assessment. Students who fail to meet the standard will be asked to leave the school. Those with average or excellent results will be reassigned to different classes, and the top-class students will receive special guidance and privileges, giving them a greater advantage when applying to Magic University. This semester, there's absolutely no reason for anyone to slack off,"
A ripple of whispers passed through the students. Some exchanged nervous glances; others clenched their fists with determination.
"Teacher Tang Yue," a male student asked hesitantly, "will you teach the top class after this semester?"
Tang Yue nodded slightly, her voice gentle but firm. "Yes. If nothing unexpected happens, I will be the practical class teacher for the top class once you complete this course. And for those of you who truly excel, I will provide private guidance to strengthen your abilities."
Excited murmurs spread through the room. Several students immediately raised their hands to declare their intentions.
"I will work harder, Teacher Tang Yue! I, Huang Feifeng, will definitely become better!"
"I want to follow you in the future, Teacher Tang Yue!" shouted another.
Han Sen, sitting near the back, kept his posture casual, his hands folded on the desk. His Thunder Magic pulses were stable, yet he made no attempt to release energy or demonstrate even a hint of power.
Beside him, Mo Fan shifted slightly in his seat. His level-one Thunder Magic flickered faintly in his palm, but he controlled himself carefully, keeping it hidden under the guise of inexperience.
Tang Yue's sharp eyes scanned the classroom. She could sense small anomalies—subtle hints of hidden talent—but nothing concrete. For now, all she saw were students at various stages of learning.
"Remember," Tang Yue continued, "once you can fully control the seven stars of stardust, come see me privately. I will provide further guidance to help you improve beyond the class level."
Excited murmurs erupted as students imagined the challenge. Suddenly, a loud howl echoed through the classroom—a mix of excitement and frustration.
"I'm not far from mastering all seven stars! Teacher Tang Yue, wait for me!" one student shouted, standing up proudly.
"How many have you controlled so far?" a classmate asked, peering at him skeptically.
"Two," the student replied without hesitation.
"I have three, and I can crush you!" Huang Feifeng boasted, puffing his chest.
"You only have three? You still dare to show off? I'm almost at four! Don't you understand it gets harder as you advance?" Xu Qinglin chimed in disdainfully.
"Mu Bai already has five stars. If he works hard for three days and rests for two next semester, he will be the first to approach Teacher Tang Yue. Watch and see," Zhao Kunsan added smugly.
"Five stars? How… how is that possible? That's incredible!" a few students whispered.
"I heard the top thunder-type student in Class 7 only has five stars, and he's considered extremely strong."
Han Sen listened quietly, his fingers tapping the desk lightly. He knew he already controlled more than that, but he deliberately kept it hidden. Mo Fan's eyes flicked to him; they shared a silent understanding: revealing their true Thunder Magic now would draw unnecessary attention.
Mu Bai, sitting nearby, felt the stir of admiration from his classmates, but he remained composed, not letting praise cloud his expression. Zhao Kunsan, ever eager to announce feats at the perfect moment, remained ready to intervene if anyone doubted the numbers.
Han Sen leaned back slightly, thinking to himself: Patience. Observation. Let them waste their energy chasing stars. When the right moment comes, they will see the real power of Thunder Magic.
Mo Fan, pretending to fumble with his stardust, whispered quietly, "Let's keep it hidden for now. One misstep and Tang Yue or someone else will notice."
Han Sen nodded subtly, a faint smile forming. One year… after the next Magic Simulator cycle, we'll see who truly controls the stars.
The classroom continued in a mix of excitement, competition, and chatter, unaware that two of its students were far beyond the apparent limits of their current rank, quietly biding their time.