CHAPTER 172: CHAPTER 172: THE POINT

"Tell me, Mr. Ross. Do you believe in god?"

What... just happened?

Were the thoughts of all the students in Spectacular Mustache Man’s mind right now? Literally just a minute ago, they were talking about how hiring supers for odd and most of the time criminal jobs has still not been outlawed, and how it had something to do with the illusion of control.

But now, all of a sudden, he was asking Riley Ross, their resident autistic, if he believed god.

Of course, while all of them seemed to have a little bit of a problem with this, the boy being questioned didn’t seem to have any problem with it at all.

"I do not know if I believe in god yet, Mr. Spectacular Mustache Man. Or any god for that matter," he answered, not even blinking as he stood up. "But I do believe that there might be an alien race out there in the universe that is incredibly technologically advanced, that they could have biologically engineered the first species on our planet. But I do hope that there is a god."

"...And why is that?" Spectacular Mustache Man squinted, sitting on top of his desk, as he didn’t expect quite an answer from Riley.

"Because then, all of my sins and crimes against everyone and everything would be punished, Mr. Spectacular Mustache Man."

"Oof!" The first to react was Gracey, closing her eyes and pouting her lips while shaking her head.

"The edge, it runs deep," she said while placing her index finger like some sort of injection on her arm. And of course, she was immediately glared at by Hannah.

Spectacular Mustache Man did not seem to mind Riley’s answer, however, and even nodded in agreement. He stared at the other students and then sighed while shaking his head.

"All of you must be wondering why I suddenly asked such a bizarre question. And the reason for that is simple," he said, clearing his throat for his next words. "Because in history, before the supers were hunted down, we were idolized. I am sure I’ve already discussed this with you—it is a cycle with us. We are idolized, and then hunted, and then idolized, and then hunted again. It was really only when Megawoman appeared that there came a sense of balance and stability. Now, where am I going with this?"

Why doesn’t he just get to the point already? —were everyone’s thoughts. Spectacular Mustache Man did say that he was going to teach them actual lessons today instead of just training, but he didn’t actually need to become like a real teacher who just doesn’t get to the point already.

But alas, all the students could do was wait for him to finally be over with his monologue.

"In ancient times, during the time of Bulwark, when there were only a few of our kind thousands of years ago, we were treated as gods. And unfortunately, some of our ancestors liked that and abused that. One even became a king."

Spectacular Mustache Man closed his eyes.

"The world was afraid of what would happen if you removed the law. Because in a way, the normal people have used it as an excuse to... exercise their equality to supers. Of course, I know there are a lot of points that do not make sense—but you have to remember, it is the grandfather of our grandfathers who has passed down this law. And how exactly does Darkday’s website come into play here? Well, for one, they can’t just shut down the website."

"That’s... stupid," Hannah whispered."And the entire thing doesn’t make sense at all."

"Agreed." And Spectacular Mustache Man heard her loud and clear, nodding his head at her words as he walked around the stage. "But it is what it is. Now, I believe we got sidetracked a little there. Let’s return to the concept of hiring supers for a job. How do you think this differs from any other mercenary job? Because that is exactly what it is—mercenary, or in the past, they were called quests."

"Q-quests...?" Gracey’s eyes double in size upon hearing that. She nudged Bella, who had no idea what she was getting excited about. "I... I wish I could’ve lived during that time. I... I would be like a princess."

"Man, shut your Brienne of Tarth looking ass down," Bella whispered. "You’re like fifteen and already six foot something. And you a full-on woman too. What your momma even feed you?"

"I already told you, my dad’s like eight feet."

"E-eight feet...?" Pauline, who was quietly listening on the side, couldn’t help herself anymore and joined in on the conversation. "Is... is that true?"

"Girl, please..." Bella rolled her eyes. "...You believe that shit?"

"I..." V also leaned closer to the group. "I... kinda believe her. She’s unusually tall."

"No, for reals," Gracey whispered. "He’s like... eight—"

"Ahem!"

Before the Baby Crew could continue their random conversation, Spectacular Mustache Man called their attention. It wasn’t just them, however, most of the students were either already lost in their own world or talking to their classmates.

Spectacular Mustache Man couldn’t blame them, he, too, was thinking of how much of the students’ time he had wasted, or any other person who happened to be listening or watching him.

"Okay, it is time for me to get to the point." Spectacular Mustache Man’s voice turned serious. "The fact that you can be hired for odd jobs doesn’t mean that you should automatically do it. While the act of hiring itself is not against the law, the job itself may—"

[All students and faculty members, may I have your attention, please.]

And right as Spectacular Mustache Man was about to get to the point, a loud announcement filled the room and completely drowned his voice. He wanted to say something else before the announcement continued, but it was a little too late.

[Please gather your things and head to the auditorium in a fashionable manner. I repeat, this is for both students and faculty.]

Spectacular Mustache Man and his students stared at each other for a moment before sighing and motioning for them to head out.

"One by one, and don’t rush."

And with that, the students all shrugged and left the room, and the only thing that Spectacular Mustache Man could do was watch them. He was about to step out when the last student headed out, but to his astonishment, the last student didn’t really leave.

"Mr. Ross. What’s wrong?" Spectacular Mustache Man’s mustache slightly wiggled.

"Good work, Mr. Spectacular Mustache Man."

"Oh, I—"

"But I do believe you should have gotten to the point."

And with that, he truly watched the last student step out of the classroom, leaving him there completely stunned.

The students all reached the auditorium after half an hour, and while the rest of the students were all wondering why they were called to the auditorium, Riley was busy doing something.

He was busy staring at the back of Silvie Savelievna’s head.

Now, why would someone from Russia put an order on your life, Megagirl?They did not put any proof of your transgressions, but Darkday One did say there was a large file attached to the order request. I could see what it is now...

...but where is the fun in that?

Everyone was left to their own thoughts, wondering whatever they were wondering. But... not for long. Bulwark stepped onto the stage, and unlike Spectacular Mustache Man,

[I will get to the point...

...someone ordered a hit on one of our students.]

Bulwark immediately got to the point.

"W-what?!"

"T—"

And he didn’t even let any of the students disrupt him at all, the volume of his voice turning louder and drowning the entire auditorium.

[For everyone’s safety, all of the classes for this week. But to some’s dismay, those who had prior permission to leave, or those with a scheduled appointment outside, would have to stay here—and this is non-negotiable.]