Chapter 218: Strategy Class
Before the students, Professor Langga stood tall— radiating charisma, confidence, and authority.
Among all the professors in Gyakarta Academy, he easily ranked in the top three most admired.
Not only because of his handsome looks, but also because of the achievements of the students he guided.
It was no surprise he was chosen to teach Strategy Class, one of the most important courses in the academy.
"What is strategy?" Langga asked, his deep voice echoing across the room.
Almost the entire class raised their hands, eager to answer.
Scanning the room, Langga’s gaze stopped at Revan, the class monitor of Class S.
"Revan, what do you think?"
Revan and the other students lowered their hands.
Then, the vampire boy calmly replied, "Strategy is a plan to achieve a goal by making the best use of what we have."
Langga nodded, clearly pleased. "Exactly. Now, for the next question— each of you was assigned to this class based on your main advisor’s recommendation, right? So, why do you think they suggested you join?"
Again, many hands shot up.
Langga pointed at a boy sitting a seat away from Revan. "What about you, Miki?"
"Professor, as far as I know, I was placed here because I’m part of Class S. But for the others... probably because they’re heirs, future leaders of their clans or families."
From his seat, Gara instinctively scanned the room. He didn’t know most of them, but from their posture, attire, and bearing, it was obvious they came from noble or influential families.
"Half correct," Langga replied, raising a thumb in approval. "Anyone want to add to that? Why are all Class S students placed in this class?"
This time, only two hands went up.
"Vania, let’s hear your answer."
The girl sitting between Revan and Miki answered confidently, "Because Class S students are trained to become leaders, those who stand at the frontlines to protect the borders."
Langga nodded approvingly. "Right. Class S consists of the ten best students of their year. Whether they come from powerful families or not, each of them is destined to lead."
Hearing the praise, Vania puffed out her chest, pride glowing on her face.
Langga continued, "So then, what’s the common point between both answers?"
The class replied in unison, "Leaders!"
"Exactly. That’s the essence of Strategy Class, leadership. In a team, a strategist doesn’t always have to be the captain. But a captain must be able to formulate, read, and understand strategies."
Langga continued his lecture, elaborating on the connection between leadership and strategic thinking.
Meanwhile, from his seat, Gara —who was initially intrigued by the class— was now struggling to keep his eyes open.
To him, this sounded no different from the endless Leadership Training sessions he’d attended before— back in school, college, and even during work.
His mind began to drift, wandering aimlessly as he fought off sleep.
It was the second time he’d listened to one of Langga’s lengthy explanations... and the second time it nearly knocked him out cold.
Noticing Gara’s reddened eyes and watery gaze, Madha reached into his small cotton pouch and pulled out a bottle of water.
"Want some Niskara tea?" he whispered, his breath tickling Gara’s ear— just enough to chase away a bit of the drowsiness.
Gara nodded and lowered himself slightly, trying to sneak a sip without drawing attention.
Unfortunately, up front, Professor Langga had already noticed him— his gaze flicking toward Gara more than once.
When Langga finally caught sight of Gara drinking tea in the middle of his lecture, the professor nearly chuckled. That kind of boldness deserved a thumbs-up.
"Gara," Langga called out.
"Cough!" Gara choked, quickly covering his mouth. Some of the tea he hadn’t swallowed yet splattered out.
Beside him, Madha swiftly tucked the bottle back into his bag and handed Gara a handkerchief.
"Y-Yes, Professor?" Gara answered, now using the handkerchief to cover his mouth instead.
Langga smiled knowingly. "So, tell me— what’s the first thing a leader must do?"
"Uh... Get to know his teammates?" Gara guessed randomly.
Laughter rippled through the entire class.
"Setting team goals, Gara," Andine whispered, "Professor Langga literally just explained that."
Gara shot Langga a sharp look.
You sly fox. You’re testing me on purpose, huh? he grumbled internally, conveniently forgetting he was the one not paying attention.
"Not entirely wrong," Langga replied, eyes smiling warmly at him.
Ugh! He’s not even correcting me, he’s being nice about it. What is this, supportive parenting? Is he trying to raise me like one of those modern parents who never scold their kids? Maybe he should try that on his own child, not me— I’m already an adult!
Then it hit him. Wait... his own child...
Gara nearly ruffled his own hair in frustration but stopped when he remembered he was still in class.
For some reason, he felt embarrassed— despite the argument happening entirely inside his head.
From the podium, Langga caught the subtle change in Gara’s expression.
He found it... adorable.
Still, no one noticed where the professor’s attention truly was; outwardly, he continued teaching as calm as ever.
"Since we’ve been discussing leadership since the start of this class, it’s time we put it into practice. First step: forming teams."
Sheets of paper floated from the podium, landing neatly on each student’s desk.
"That," Langga explained, "is your team. For the entire semester, these will be your partners."
A full-semester team assignment was a big deal. The room instantly filled with the rustle of paper as students scanned for their names, eager —or anxious— to see who they’d be stuck with.
Gara found his own name quickly.
"Great..." he muttered sarcasticly under his breath.
Madha, Fian, and Andine immediately turned toward him. They’d clearly seen his team list—
and the names beside it.
And they weren’t the only ones. From the front row, Vania suddenly shot up from her seat.
"Professor! I refuse to be in the same team as Gara!"
All eyes turned to her. A few beastfolk students exchanged knowing looks, aware of the tension between Vania and the two human boys in Class S: Madha and Gara.
As for Gara himself, he wasn’t angry. In fact, he was barely holding back a smirk. Finally, something we can agree on. I don’t want to team up with you either.
...