Chapter 149

Emma and Bob, both exemplary campers at Leroy, were assigned to Charon Military School's top class. Each class had designated training areas on the field. Class One students lined up by height, girls in front, boys behind.

"You guys achieved the highest scores in this batch!" the instructor announced, his starry eyes firm beneath his black camouflage uniform. "Remember these words always! Our slogan: 'Never back down, never give up!'"

The students roared the slogan in unison: "Never back down, never give up!" The instructor, clearly pleased with their enthusiasm, nodded. He believed they possessed the potential for greatness.

"Who is Emma?" he asked.

Emma stepped forward. "I am, sir!"

The instructor, recognizing her as a martial artist, ordered, "You, run ten laps around the field!"

"Yes, sir!" Emma replied, immediately turning to begin her run. The instructor nodded, satisfied. He'd heard rumors of an exceptional Class One student—an internationally renowned doctor who'd defeated the national boxing champion. While talented students were often arrogant, the school discouraged individualism. He'd intended to humble Emma; instead, her discipline confirmed her promise.

Twenty minutes later, Emma, panting slightly but standing tall, reported, "Sir, I've completed the run."

The instructor, admiring her strength and will, declared, "Good! Strong physique, strong will! From today, you are the class monitor!" He then addressed the other students, "Everyone, learn from Emma. Understand?"

"Yes, sir!" they responded.

After dismissal, Lane called out, "Emma! Over here!"

Emma approached. "How was training? Tired?"

"Not bad," Lane replied. "But you're amazing! You became class monitor!"

Emma smiled, and they headed to the canteen for dinner. Bob joined them. "Mind if we join you?" he asked.

Lane, nearly choking at the sight of her "prince charming," stammered, "No, no! Of course not!"

Bob smiled and sat opposite Emma. The three had bonded at summer camp; their reunion at Charon felt fated.

"Today's training was intense," Bob commented. "Eat up. We can rest after class."

"Yes, yes," Lane agreed, delighted to dine with Bob.

Emma, however, was somewhat distracted. Seeing Bob reminded her of Liam; she wondered what he was doing.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted. "Help! Ambulance! Someone fainted!"

Emma and Lane saw a student lying on the ground, pale and green-faced.

"What happened?" Emma asked.

A fellow student explained anxiously, "He said he felt dizzy and exhausted after training. He just collapsed."

Emma examined the student. "He's suffering from heatstroke. Lack of ventilation caused him to faint."

"What should we do?" the student asked.

Emma explained, "Heatstroke symptoms vary. Logically, he needs hospital care," adding this to discourage imitation. She then promptly pinched his upper lip, splashed cold water on him, and performed CPR.

The student soon regained consciousness. "You saved me?" he asked gratefully.

Emma responded calmly, "You're fine now. But rest in the infirmary for a few days, just to be safe."

"Okay! Thank you, thank you!" he said.

Emma realized a crowd had gathered, many having heard of the exceptional new student. To their surprise, she was both talented and beautiful.

Erza Burnson pushed through the crowd, exclaiming, "Miss, that was incredible! Do you have a boyfriend?"

Emma, accustomed to handsome men after spending time with Liam, replied, "I'm married, thank you."

Erza was stunned. "What? You're in school! Why are you married?"

Emma, slightly impatient, reiterated, "Yes, I am taken."

Lane chimed in, "Yes, Miss Wilson is taken, and has countless admirers! Don't waste your time; you're not her type."

Erza despaired, lamenting to Bob, "What do I do? This is the first time a girl has rejected me! She used marriage as an excuse!" Bob remained silent, knowing it wasn't an excuse. The Hall family's knowledge of Liam and Emma's marriage was unspoken, but widely known. This knowledge only deepened Bob's pensive expression.

That night, exhausted from training, Emma fell asleep during a video call with Liam. Liam, captivated by her peaceful sleep, kept the call active all night, even taking a screenshot for his wallpaper.

The next day, the instructor commended Emma for her actions in the canteen. He added, "But as class monitor, avoid overconfidence. Work harder, and set a good example. Can you do that?"

"Yes, sir!" Emma responded firmly.

The instructor nodded, then addressed the class, "Today marks the start of our formal training!"