This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [201]
Babale spoke coldly, crossing her arms as if preparing to summon her familiar.
But before she could finish her incantation, a massive, sturdy, light-yellow rock spine suddenly emerged in her field of vision and slammed into her head.
Thunk.
Her head snapped back, and she collapsed to the ground.
Before her vision blurred entirely, she vaguely heard a single sentence:
"Let's tie her up first…"
When her vision returned, she found herself tightly bound, lying in the central square of a camp.
In front of her, Luo Qing and his companions were busy writing something on a blackboard they'd procured from who-knows-where.
She instinctively wanted to get angry but paused when she heard a quiet voice beside her.
"Lady Babale, you're awake?"
"Hm?"
She turned her head and saw that nearly all members of the Tanit tribe had been bound and gathered in the square.
A commotion stirred among the crowd as they noticed their leader regain consciousness.
Luo Qing, hearing the noise, turned around. Seeing that Babale had woken up, he didn't seem surprised. Clearing his throat, he greeted the crowd with enthusiasm.
"I'm Luo Qing. Greetings to all my dear friends of the Tanit tribe!"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
[Azarig's Frustration +1]
Luo Qing, satisfied with the strong reaction from his audience, nodded approvingly and continued:
"The Akademiya has heard that, due to the harsh desert environment, you folks haven't established a proper education system.
"Grand Sage Azar is deeply concerned about this and has personally instructed us to bring you some warmth and guidance. We're here to help you build a strong learning system, improve your personal character, embrace new ideals, and become model citizens of the new era!"
"Aren't you all excited~?"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
[Azarig's Frustration +1]
[Raizda's Frustration +1]
"Lady Babale… what do we do now?" whispered one of the tribe members, unable to stand Luo Qing's infuriating grin any longer.
Many of them had been minding their own business earlier when Luo Qing and his crew suddenly approached, asking if they wanted to embrace "new ideals" and become "model citizens."
Those who dared to decline were immediately knocked unconscious and tied up. Even when others realized Luo Qing's group had come to pick a fight and tried to resist, they were easily subdued in a few moves, unable to land a single counterattack.
Some even attempted to flee, only to black out before leaving the camp.
Eventually, every member of the Tanit tribe in the camp was captured and dumped in the square together.
"For now, don't act rashly…" Babale whispered.
As someone who had climbed to her position through grit and survival, she understood the value of patience. She would wait for the right moment to take Luo Qing down.
"Yes, Lady Babale…"
Hearing her command, the Tanit tribe members quieted down and turned their attention to Luo Qing.
"To foster a strong learning environment," Luo Qing began, "I'm introducing a new schedule.
"From today onward:
Everyone must wake up at 6 a.m. sharp.
6:15—Morning exercises.
6:45—Breakfast.
8:30 p.m.—Evening exercises.
10:30 p.m.—Lights out.
"Additionally, each of you must write a daily reflection on 'new ideals,' with a minimum of 5,000 words."
By the time he finished, the Tanit tribe, including Babale, was utterly bewildered.
Was this some new form of punishment?
"Well then, if anyone has suggestions, feel free to bring them up! As your teaching director, I'll do my best to accommodate."
"Um…"
Babale raised her hand cautiously.
"I'd like to ask… what exactly are these 'new ideals' and what does it mean to become a 'model citizen'?"
Despite knowing Luo Qing's group was physically superior, Babale decided to bide her time and play along until an opportunity to counterattack presented itself.
"Ah, an excellent question from Student Babale!" Luo Qing gave her a thumbs-up, clearly pleased.
"In short, 'new ideals' mean keeping up with the times here in Teyvat. Let go of outdated traditions, avoid unnecessary scheming, be honest, treat others kindly, and foster unity. To become a 'model citizen' means working together for Sumeru's brighter future!"
"…"
The members of the Tanit tribe weren't the only ones struggling to keep their composure. Even Natalia and Rosalyne from Luo Qing's crew found it hard to suppress their reactions.
What exactly had gotten into him?
Still, recalling how the Harbinger had once described Luo Qing's talents in manipulating minds, they reasoned that this was probably part of some greater plan.
"Excuse me, Luo Qing—"
"Correction: From now on, address me as 'Teaching Director.'" Luo Qing interrupted.
"…"
"Fine… Teaching Director. The tribe still needs to hunt and trade resources to survive. This schedule might…"
"Of course, the schedule is merely a reference. Adjustments can be made as necessary…"
Hearing this, Babale felt a bit relieved. As the tribe leader, she had to ensure the tribe's daily operations continued smoothly. Otherwise, starvation was inevitable in the harsh desert.
But just as she began to relax, Luo Qing added with a grin:
"However! The daily 5,000-word reflection and morning and evening exercises are non-negotiable!"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
"Well then," Luo Qing clapped his hands, "let's start with Step One: learning the morning and evening exercises."
With a thought, the ropes binding the tribe members vanished, reabsorbed into his control.
The sudden freedom startled the Tanit tribe members. Was Luo Qing not worried about them rising up against him?
Even Babale hesitated, debating whether to rally everyone for an attack.
Before she could decide, a man from the back grabbed a weapon from the ground and charged at Luo Qing.
"You've gone too far!"
Before he could reach Luo Qing, a light-yellow rock spine materialized near his abdomen, sending him flying backward. He collapsed in a heap, unconscious and foaming at the mouth.
Everyone froze in place, swallowing nervously as they turned to look at Luo Qing.
Eyes narrowed, he smiled.
"Dear students, I strongly advise against challenging the Teaching Director. The consequences are quite severe~."
---
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