When Alex Watson spoke, the applause ceased, and all eyes turned towards them.
The crowd watched with glee, resembling an audience at a thrilling play.
Indeed, the underdog Omni-Class beating Warrior Class A was a scene everyone was eager to see.
Oscar Mills, with the spotlight on him, looked visibly upset.
He glanced towards Ken Moore, hoping for some intervention.
Yet, Ken's expression was one of tacit approval.
At Santania School, personal matters of students and teachers are largely their own to handle.
Switching classes is simple—only requiring mutual agreement.
Ken had heard about Oscar challenging Alex to a wager during the recruitment event.
You initiated the bet, and now you want to back out because you lost?
From both a moral and logical standpoint, Ken, as the principal, wouldn't step in.
In fact, he'd act if Oscar tried to back out!
Realizing Ken's stance, Oscar understood he couldn't escape this predicament.
His gloomy expression quickly turned into a sneer as he coldly remarked:
"Well, since you've won, congratulations are in order.
"The wager stands, of course. I am not one to break his word. But remember our terms. Even if I agree to their transfer to the Omni-Class, they must want it too. I wouldn't dream of forcing anyone..."
"I want to!" came a voice from behind.
Then, more voices joined in: "I want to as well!"
"Mr. Watson,Can I join the Omni-Class? I want to study under you!"
"Count me in!"
In that instant, Oscar was utterly floored.
He hadn't expected his students would choose to follow Alex, the supposed failure.
He couldn't contain himself.
"Who, who said they're willing? Step forward now!"
Oscar's voice was fierce, his demeanor threatening as he turned to his students.
Everyone saw this, mouths agape.
Didn't you just say you wouldn't force anyone?
How quickly your words change!
So much for pride.
With Oscar's threats hanging in the air, the students of Warrior Class A clammed up, afraid to say another word.
Behind Oscar,, Alex allowed himself a slight, apologetic smile as he addressed the Warrior Class A students:
"Thanks for your goodwill. Sadly, I never aimed to snatch students from Mr. Mills—my goal was merely to have him acknowledge his defeat. Also, the Omni-Class has strict entry criteria, and right now, we're only looking to fill one spot. If anyone is still eager to join, they would have to do so as an auditor, and we have just one opening for that role."
Alex then nodded and smiled gently, acknowledging the support from the students.
The students exchanged glances, their faces reflecting their concern.
Just one auditor spot? That's significantly different from being a full student.
Auditors can't participate in discussions and must sit in the back of the classroom.
They don't receive any direct teaching either.
Even though Alex is known for his effective student development, it's probably his personalized teaching methods, perhaps designed specifically for Wendy Queen.
Staying as an auditor might not be more beneficial than remaining in Warrior Class A.
And crucially, Alex was clear: only one auditor.
What about those not selected if several applied?
Oscar's earlier actions made staying in Warrior Class A seem less than appealing.
The room filled with hesitation as students weighed their options.
Relieved by their indecision, Oscar was about to mock Alex to salvage some pride when a prominent figure from Warrior Class A stepped forward.
"Mr. Watson, could I join the Omni-Class?" It was Santania School's foremost genius, Isabella Roberts!
Her stepping forward stunned everyone.
Oscar was visibly shocked, trembling as he pointed at Isabella: "You… you…"
Isabella didn't even look back at Oscar, instead repeating her question.
"Mr. Watson, may I?" Alex was equally surprised.
He would welcome Isabella to the Omni-Class—her rapid progress would undoubtedly reflect well on his teaching.
She was exactly the kind of student he envisioned in his class.
He nodded, his smile warm: "You can, though I must remind you, we only have a spot for an auditor right now."
Isabella, determined, nodded firmly: "That's fine, I'm okay with auditing!"
Her declaration resonated through the room, leaving an air of awe.
Even Ken looked at Alex with renewed depth.
Isabella Roberts, Santania School's most talented ever, sincerely wanted to join his class—even in a mere auditing capacity—speaking volumes about Alex's unique capabilities.
Alex caught Ken's eye and, seeing his tacit approval, nodded with a smile: "Then, it's settled. Welcome to the Omni-Class, Isabella."
...
This episode reached its conclusion.
Alex' Omni-Class not only clinched the top two spots but also earned rewards from Dean Moore himself.
Alex received a rare seventh-tier technique, while Wendy was granted a Core-Strengthening Pill.
Additionally, Oscar faced institutional sanctions for his public defamation of Alex and Wendy.
Not only was he suspended without pay for a year, but he was also disqualified from this year's Excellence in Teaching awards—a severe setback for him.
As per Santania School's annual tradition, students got a two-day break following the preliminary recruitment tests, giving them a brief period of relaxation before the upcoming six months of intense training.
...
That evening.
At the Roberts family home in Kyoto.
The patriarch, Vincent Roberts, stood abruptly from his table, shocked.
"What did you just say?!"
The whole Roberts family paused, holding their breath, turning their attention to Isabella, seated at the end of the table.
Isabella looked back at her father with a steady, determined gaze and said distinctly: "I said, I've joined the Omni-Class."