Any Excuse Will Do

Rihan's consciousness slowly returned to his body, and the darkness that he'd experienced before began to fade. He felt something tapping his head gently, trying to wake him up.

Back in the Instructor Office, Miss Shurong's room

"Umm…" he moaned, "I feel… dizzy."

His eyelids fluttered open and the first thing that greeted him was the eyes of the woman standing beside him.

"Miss Shurong?"

She smiled and nodded.

"So first you didn't pay attention in class, and now you dare to be sleeping during my lecture!?" she scolded.

"Wait, I can explai-" Rihan tried to say but then quickly realized how silly it sounded as soon as he opened his mouth. His brain wasn't functioning properly at all right now. His body is still trying to adapt to the new soul inside of him after all.

Suddenly, Miss Shurong raised her hand above her hands and it came crashing down onto Rihan's face. Sensing this, Rihan without thinking quickly mustered his strength and dodge the attack while jumping backwards.

Miss Shurong's eyes widened as she realized that she had just missed her target. She had definitely aimed to strike at the forehead, but she missed her mark.

Although she didn't use her true strength against Rihan, she is still considered an Elite in the whole of Irricester Mountain Range.

Even the most powerful fighters around her ranks would be scared of her attacks what more a new student that just entered the Institute.

It doesn't matter if he has awakened his core or not, even the strongest student will surely fear for their life when faced with such power.

If one were to look deeper into his movements, one'll realize that the quick dodge from Rihan wasn't done on instinct alone. Instead, it seemed like he already knew where Miss Shurong would aim.

This could only mean two things: either he saw through her intentions somehow, or he had the ability to do it.

Miss Shurong narrowed her gaze upon the boy who stood across from her. Her lips curled upwards slightly. A small part of her wanted to see him suffer some sort of punishment because of his actions earlier.

Sensing this, Rihan quickly apologized profusely, "I am sorry, Miss." Rihan apologized and bowed.

However, Miss Shurong simply shook her head lightly.

"No need," she said softly. Then suddenly, she reached out toward Rihan. As expected, Rihan stepped back reflexively once again.

"No, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting you to get away so easily. You were supposed to be an insignificant weakling."

"Oh-", Rihan thought about what Miss Shurong had said and quickly understood his situation. So basically, saying 'it's fine' meant that there are no hard feelings?

But why did she have to mention anything about me being weak though?

"Did I really return back to the time when I am still alive?" he wondered, in disbelief.

He slowly remembered the time he died—the moment when he lost everything, including himself. All those memories flashed before his eyes and he couldn't help but shudder.

Miss Shurong's eyes narrowed as her gaze fell upon her student.

"You seem to be-" Miss Shurong was about to inquire but was cut off by Sung Li waking up from his trance. The commotion must have woken him up since. He looks around while he rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"What happened here?" Sung Li asked curiously.

Rihan sensing an opportunity immediately took advantage of the distraction provided by Sung Li and came up with an excuse. He decided to play the dumb card, which was probably the best move considering the circumstances.

"I'm terribly sorry!" Rihan exclaimed loudly enough for everyone present to hear clearly, "But please don't punish us any further, Miss Shurong! If possible!"

Rihan turned towards Miss Shurong, begging desperately. In response, Miss Shurong looked at him coldly.

"Huh?!" Sung Li exclaimed in shock.

"Sung Li!" Rihan turned to look at him, "Are you okay!?"

"I'm alright, but…why do I feel so tir-?"

"I think I understand," Rihan interjected, "Oh my! My brother! You must've fainted due to the Cow's Fever!"

"What Cow's Fever? You're the Cow her-" Sung Li felt indignant but was cut off again as Rihan delivered a blow to his stomach.

"Oufff…" Sung Li groaned.

"Shut up, just do what I say if you want to get out of here alive," Rihan whispered.

"Huh…?" Sung Li look at Rihan with a confused face before his eye fell on Miss Shurong, finally understanding the situation. He took a deep breath and nodded in agreement.

"Ooooh, that…the Cow's Fever! Argh! My head, my tummy…" He decided to play along with whatever story Rihan came up with.

After all, it wouldn't hurt too much compared to getting punished with Miss Shurong's unending lecture.

Rihan was glad that he agreed, for it meant that he would have an easier time escaping.

At the next moment, as quickly as he stood, he bow respectfully before Miss Shurong and spoke in a trembling voice, "Miss Shurong, it looks like we can't delay any longer. I will bring Sung Li to the infirmary. Please excuse us."

Miss Shurong stared at him, her eyes burning with fury.

"You were trying to run away, weren't you?" she asked, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Rihan froze.

"I don't know how to answer this, Miss. But, I was only thinking of saving my friend's life."

Behind Sung Li acting was on full display now. His face grew pale and his lips trembled with fear.

He kept glancing at Rihan, hoping that the latter would come up with another way out of the predicament they found themselves in.

"Don't lie to me," Miss Shurong said with a snarl.

Sung Li looked at Rihan with pleading eyes, begging for help.

"This brat…" Rihan thought to himself.

He knew that they would never win against an Elite fighter, even if he was alone. But this guy is really putting his dignity on the line.

He has to act fast.

Miss Shurong remained silent for a few seconds. She then gave a light nod.

Rihan rub his head and knew that Miss Shurong is only trying to teach them a lesson because they were slacking in class. He was about to apologize again when Miss Shurong cut in.

"I'll let you two go for now but if you dared to slack off again then you shall pay for it. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" they both answered in unison.

"Fine, go ahead." She replied curtly, "Now, get out of my sight," she commanded.

They looked at each other and bowed their heads again before they left the room, feeling like they had just received a lifetime of punishment.

Miss Shurong looked at their retreating backs until they disappeared from view then she raised her palm and brought it down.

She instantly showed an expression of deep contemplation. A smile spread across her face.

"Interesting… I can't wait to see how things turn out."