The crucial moment

The professor was at the front of the classroom giving his last lecture to all the students. It had been an enjoyable and productive week for everyone. That was also the case for Ben since Zachary didn't give him any problems, not even any nametag insults. Zachary must've feared Miyuki refusing to follow through with the date had he done so.

The professor smiled with satisfaction. To various degrees, most of the students had improved their motivational speaking ability. Observing growth in students was the thing he enjoyed the most about his job. Now, he would see how much they've grown. He wrapped up and it was time for the end of seminar speeches.

Each student either composed or chose a famous short speech and would recite it in front of the class. Afterward, there would be a short period where everyone provided feedback.

The first ones up were Miyuki and Zachary. Everyone expected them to be the best since they had the most experience. By allowing them to act first, the professor hoped their speeches could serve as goals for the students to aspire to.

Miyuki gave a cute speech espousing the beauties of Japanese gardens. This light topic showed how motivational speaking was a general skill that someone could apply to any area of communication. As long as you wanted to get a point across, motivational speaking could help you do it.

Zachary went up next. He gave a determined speech about the need for higher civilian oversight for national security. It was full of anti-terrorism ravings.

The topic wasn't to everyone's appetite, but even Ben had to admit it was a powerful speech that attracted each person's attention. 'Scumbag Steve over there has a way with words. This must be how those poison punch cult leaders get their start…'

The professor complimented the speech in front of the class. He thought that Zachary was his best teaching assistant at applying the material. Even though Zachary's level wasn't quite at a professional standard, it was above that of a student.

Afterward, the students gave their speeches. Some of them created their own, and others used famous speeches from public figures. Ben was the last in line. Zachary had arranged this on purpose.

He knew the other students would be nervous and focused on their own speeches. So Zachary made it so they would finish and relax before Ben went up, allowing them to enjoy him make a mockery of himself.

Ben's turn would soon be up. Miyuki looked over at him and chewed on her lip in worry. She never expected him to win. She only wanted Zachary to leave him alone for the week, which he did so far. You could say she reached her goal. So there was no point in Ben giving a speech since this seminar didn't give credits or grades anyway. "Benjamin-san…" she said. "You don't have to speak…It's fine."

Ben saw her concern and felt warmth inside. This girl sure was the thoughtful type. Still, how could he not go up? Of course he would! "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll be looking forward to our date."

At that confident response, Miyuki cocked her head in confusion. She didn't see how it was possible for Ben to give a better speech than Zachary. Zachary was the best speaker here, even better than her. It was obvious that Ben only began public speaking a week ago. He was so nervous then. He couldn't even say his name!

At best, he'd be able to finish a speech today without anxiety destroying him. She rationalized that Ben must have been trying to ease her worries. 'Benjamin-san is the stubborn type,' Miyuki thought. Even though he knew it would be hopeless, Ben still ran into the danger, like a samurai charging into a hail of bullets. Miyuki's evaluation of Ben rose a level. She became curious about him.

Ben didn't fail to notice Miyuki's change. Well, the system made it hard to overlook it.

[Target's current attraction level: curious]

The last student before Ben finished her speech. Soon, it would be Ben's turn.

Zachary told the professor about this contest and he was reluctant to agree at first. He found it unprofessional for a teaching assistant to compete against a student, but Zachary convinced him. Zachary said Ben issued the challenge to create a difficult goal to motivate himself to work hard, so Zachary was doing his duty to help a student.

That was how Zachary used motivational speaking to deceive his own teacher. He even felt the professor should've been proud.

Miyuki also verified that Ben issued the challenge and asked the professor to judge. Since it was a self-imposed challenge by Ben to motivate himself, the professor couldn't deny it. Of course, he didn't know Miyuki would go on a date with the winner. Otherwise, he wouldn't agree to become a pimp.

The professor wasn't the only one who knew about the contest. Zachary approached several students and convinced them to spread the rumor of the bet to everyone in class. Since Ben had the balls to challenge him, Zachary wanted to make sure Ben was humiliated to the max.

*Step* *Step* Ben walked to the front of the classroom. It was time to show the results of his efforts.

When Miyuki saw no notes in his hands, only a bottle of water, her eyebrows wrinkled. It wasn't necessary to memorize the material. That was much more difficult! That's why no one had done so. Not even her or Zachary. Yet, it appeared this was Ben's plan? Miyuki bit her nails in worry.

The professor's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.

Zachary beamed a huge grin. 'This idiot was already going to suffer, but he's even asking for death! Wonderful!'

Ben didn't miss Zachary's scorn. He put on an icy smile himself. 'You just wait. You're about to get brutilated…Then, I'm going to use your pain as coal in my furnace of ambition…'

Everyone gave Ben strange glances. He was rubbing his hands together like an evil scientist cooking up a nefarious plot.

*Cough* In any case, the room became silent. Ben worked hard for this moment. 'It won't go like last time. I'm ready.' He licked his lips in preparation to speak and looked around at everyone.

Then...he felt the gazes of each person on his body like a piercing needle…

*Thump* *Thump*

It appeared again--crippling anxiety.