A new day began.
Ryden barely staggered into the classroom at the very last second, nursing a brutal hangover.
The first period was History, mainly focused on reviewing American history and analyzing current global trends.
"As you should all be aware, war has already broken out in Europe. Germany has swallowed Austria. Their rise has been far too rapid-so fast that neighboring nations haven't even had time to respond."
The veteran teacher on the podium began spinning his theories again.
With the international situation changing so abruptly, many newspapers were hyping up the European front just to boost sales.
War was always good for headlines.
"Hey, buddy, how'd you sleep last night? Next time you go drinking, remember to invite me!"
Terrence leaned over, clearly fond of alcohol.
He looked energetic, though his back was a bit sore from poor sleep.
"Hey, you drunkard."
Ryden frowned slightly.
"I'm fine."
"No way. A little liquid courage did this to you? Brother, you need to hit the gym. Otherwise, no girl's gonna want to play with you later!"
Terrence finished with a lecherous wink-an expression only men understood.
"Get lost. I'm in great shape. Looks like the semester's almost over. Any plans?"
Ryden felt like he'd been thrown straight back into middle school.
This period was a turning point.
Those with good grades naturally went on to better schools.
Those without either went to trade schools to learn a skill-or straight into work.
Two completely different futures.
"Ugh, I'll probably try for a military academy. It's either work or the service for me. I'm not a genius like you. What about you? Got something lined up?"
Terrence laughed self-deprecatingly, already set on his path.
"I don't know yet. We'll see. Either way, I'm aiming for a doctorate first."
Ryden paused, then added lightly.
"Don't look so down. You can do it. Lunch is on me today."
He patted his best friend's shoulder.
And kept one thought to himself.
And find a girlfriend.
The second period was Chemistry.
Almost every boy in class suddenly perked up.
After all, this class was taught by the most beautiful teacher at Central High.
Even if you didn't listen, just looking was worth it.
Click-clack.
The sound of high heels echoed down the hallway.
The classroom door swung open.
Dia stepped inside, wearing a long blue dress and radiating intellectual elegance.
Even a simple dress couldn't hide her stunning figure.
Every movement carried a composed, refined charm.
The gold-rimmed glasses on her nose gave her the air of a seductive secretary.
Several boys gulped audibly.
"Class, there are only two weeks left until finals. This is the moment that decides your future, so please cherish it."
Her voice was gentle and clear.
"Next, I'll point out key exam topics. Stay focused. I hope every one of you becomes an elite in whatever field you choose."
Her sense of responsibility filled her with goodwill toward her students.
"Teacher! After exams, will you come to the class graduation party?"
A heavy-set boy named Rocca shouted.
No one knew where he got the courage-maybe graduation made people bold.
"No matter how you all perform, I'll attend," Dia replied calmly.
"Then what's your type? We're almost graduated anyway, just tell us!"
With Rocca leading, the other boys joined in.
Dia pushed her glasses up, calm and composed, her mature charm on full display.
"You're all still teenagers. It's normal to think about these things."
She paused.
"But I hope you all strive to become elites."
"How about this-if any of you earn a doctorate in the future, and I'm still unmarried, I'll marry the one who earned it. Deal?"
"OHHH!!!"
"WOW!!!"
"She finally said it!!"
The classroom exploded with wolf-like howls.
Just hearing the dream goddess's standards was enough to excite any boy.
Even Ryden shouted along.
Dia smiled faintly as she watched her students.
In truth, this was an impossible promise.
To earn a doctorate, one would be at least thirty-five.
In the twentieth century, a PhD wasn't something you rushed through-it required years of accumulation and serious research.
These students were fifteen or sixteen.
By the time any of them qualified, she would have long been married.
Even if she weren't, most people married by twenty-five or twenty-six.
Who would wait until forty or fifty?
It was just a beautiful dream.
A white lie.
A small motivational trick.
But Dia overlooked one thing.
The anomaly in the class.
Ryden Hunt.
In terms of ability, he was the closest to that goal.
Given time and opportunity, a doctorate wouldn't be hard.
"So, work hard. Alright-turn to page thirty-eight. Next, we'll study periodic table arrangement formulas."
Seeing their enthusiasm ignite, Dia was genuinely pleased.
When someone was happy, they naturally looked even more beautiful.
As for how much the students actually absorbed?
That was their own problem.
Ring, ring, ring.
Time slipped by as the class admired Dia's face.
Many sighed, lamenting how fast the period had passed.
A middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a beer belly knocked on the door, letter in hand.
From the hallway-
"Is Ryden Hunt here?"
Dia hadn't left yet, so the students remained seated.
Recognizing him, the class answered in unison.
"Good morning, Principal Matt!"
"Yes, good morning. Is student Ryden Hunt present?"
The principal asked again, gripping the letter.
"Principal, I'm here. Is something wrong?"
Ryden was confused.
He hadn't caused trouble lately.
"Haha! A student taught by me-truly the pride of our school!"
Principal Matt patted Ryden's shoulder shamelessly.
In reality, he hadn't taught a single class.
He hadn't even known Ryden existed until moments ago.
The class looked on with silent disdain.
"This is your acceptance letter. You've been admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. You'll enter college directly after graduation. Congratulations!"
The principal grinned.
"And don't forget to tell people you were a student of the great Principal Matt!"
"WHAT?!"
"No way!"
"MIT?!"
"That's a university!"
"How did Ryden get in?!"
"Impossible!"
Rocca's face twisted.
If this were true, Ryden could earn a doctorate quickly.
Which meant-
Dia would have to marry him.
Jealousy burned in his chest, his face dark with resentment as the class erupted around him.