CHAPTER 45: DISCIPLE CULTIVATION SYSTEM CH45 JEALOUSY PT2.

Okay, he might not have fully thought this plan through because the moment he made eye contact with Trish, all his confidence disappeared, completely melted by her horrific expression.

She was calm, but her eyes were cold.

Nothing showed anger or so much as malice—and exactly because of that, it was horrific.

The system’s emotional meter was already skyrocketing to *murder*, and the worst part was that it was directed at both him and Val.

"Val should be the one to be thrown under the bus", was his thought process—until he realized that would be clearly hypocritical of him.

"What’s up, my precious student?"

Making sure Val didn’t let go of him, he joyfully made his way to Trish, whose emotionless eyes merely observed his movement.

Once he was near and waving at her, he realized she was now examining his body.

First was his neck, where Val had her arms wrapped around, then his waist, where her legs clung. Then came his shoulder, where she had placed her head.

Every part was marked by her and completely memorized as reference for the future.

"Oh, Trish—"

"I’m well, teacher."

Interrupting him, she put on a fake smile, keeping him out of her sight and only watching Val, who further shrank back under her terrifying gaze.

"She’s going to kill me."

That was what Val was thinking.

She had been warned *lots* of times—very explicitly.

Every morning Val woke up to her roommate Trish, she was told to never, ever go near the man called Art.

For every warning, Val nodded in both acceptance and obedience.

She had made up her mind to avoid crossing paths with him—and now here she was, in her full glory, stationed on the young man’s back with no way to excuse herself.

Forget being kidnapped—she already suspected Trish might murder her in her sleep.

"It’s all your fault."

Pinching Art on the back, she whispered. The young man, subjected to her abuse, groaned in pain.

"...Well, that’s good to hear."

"Really?"

Trish, for a moment, lost her coldness, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Even if she wanted nothing more than to cut off the parts of his body making contact with Val, she still enjoyed his voice—though her enjoyment grew somewhat concerned as she noted the bandages on his arms.

"Teacher, did you get hurt?"

"Ah... yes. Someone tried attacking me, and the lady on my back saved me."

"Oh..."

Trish’s cold exterior completely cracked as she began to wonder if she had misunderstood everything.

"Is that why she’s also hurt and on your back?"

"Yes!" Both Art and Val nodded in unison, leading her on.

"Oh."

Disappointed that she no longer had any reason to get rid of Valerie, she sighed, full of dejection, and stretched her hand past Art’s neck toward her.

"Let me carry you. You’ll being an inconvenience."

Art froze in surprise—she didn’t even try to hide her disdain—while Valerie, on the other hand, loosened her hold around Art, only to be grabbed by Trish and tossed over her shoulder.

"Sit still. You’re heavy enough to make this more unpleasant."

"Yes, ma’am."

Completely tamed by her, Val responded, her head hanging low over Trish’s shoulders in sheer embarrassment at the position she was being carried in.

"If that’s all, you can leave her to me, Teach. I promise to take very good care of her."

"I doubt it"

Smiling, Art thought to himself but nodded nonetheless.

Val was scared as heck and was already looking for any opportunity to get out of there.

"Teacher."

Right as he was about to take a step to leave, Trish called, prompting him to stop.

Her coldness had disappeared somewhat as a smile bloomed on her lips.

"The rank games are approaching."

"Yes."

"I was wondering..."

Growing somewhat flustered, she bit her lip, her head lowering in shyness.

"What is it, Trish?"

Seeing she had paused, Art’s expression took on a stern and hardened look.

Even if he didn’t like it, she was his disciple, and it seemed something was troubling her—so the least he could do was encourage her to speak up.

"...I... want to know how to use *intent*."

"Oh."

It seemed his awe-inspiring awakening during his fight with Grim had motivated her enough to ask him.

Well, since he was such an honorable teacher, he didn’t mind teaching her.

"You don’t have to comply. I won’t force you if you think I’m unworthy."

Continuing in a much more depressed voice, her shoulders grew tense. Even Val—who had initially chosen not to take interest in their conversation—couldn’t help but be surprised by how meek Trish had suddenly become.

They’d been roommates for almost two weeks now (since it was an academic policy for all students to share a dorm with a partner).

During that time, this was the first time Val had seen Trish appear so vulnerable.

The crazy swordswoman was either training intensely early in the morning or cultivating late at night.

At midday, when classes were done, she usually shut herself in her room to study until she came out for something to eat.

She was always monotone and robotic, as if she lived only to be perfect. But since Val was so afraid of her, she had decided to ignore it and live her own life. Now, seeing her so vulnerable... she couldn’t help but grow curious about Trish’s situation.

Why did she live to perfect herself? And how was Art able to tame her?*

"Hey now."

Crouching and grabbing hold of her shoulder, Art—with one of his usual charming smiles—gently soothed her tense posture.

"Whether you’re unworthy or not doesn’t matter. You made a request, so I’ll help you—like the generous teacher that I am."

Trish blushed once more, while Val rolled her eyes at how uncalled-for some of Art’s words were.

"After the rank games—and once you’re well-rested—come find me. I’ll prepare the best lesson for you."

"Thank you so much, Teach."

Full of joy, she spoke with affection, soon waving at Art as he left the building.

Once his figure had completely disappeared, her smile died as quickly as it had come as she glanced at Val—full of hate.

Tsk... You’re lucky I’m in a good mood.

Thinking to herself, she carried Val like a bag up the stairs and back to their dorm room.