Honkai Impact 3rd: Catching the Herrscher of Sentience at the Start

"But why do I feel like something's off?"

Fu Shi took the phone, looked at the group photo, and nodded in satisfaction—but something still felt wrong, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Hehehe... why does it feel like Fu Hua and I are the old married couple, and Fu Shi is our daughter..."

Fu Lin stroked his chin and bluntly voiced his thoughts, only to immediately feel Fu Hua's murderous gaze. He quickly shut his mouth.

Fu Shi (the clown), "..."

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Teresa and Himeko walked over and saw that everyone was getting along fairly well with Fu Lin. They exchanged a silent glance and nodded slightly.

"Alright, after discussing with Himeko, we've decided to let you stay at St. Freya Academy, uh... but!"

Teresa was the first to speak. When she recalled that Kiana and Mei had both said Fu Lin was male, she cast a barely noticeable glance at him and said, "Listen up. Don't let me catch you harboring any improper thoughts about the Valkyries in the academy, or else..."

As she spoke, Teresa raised two fingers and made a "snipping" gesture.

A trace of surprise flashed through Fu Lin's eyes. He had thought they would hand him over to Otto, but unexpectedly, they were allowing him to stay. Hesitant, he asked, "Are you for real? You're letting me stay here for free and not using me as reserve funds?"

"Ridiculous! What kind of person do you take me for?!"

Teresa placed her hands on her hips and stared intently at Fu Lin. Though she wasn't tall, her gaze was filled with authority and pressure, as if to tell him she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

However, when Fu Lin met her gaze without flinching, a wave of guilt welled up inside Teresa.

Unconsciously, she lowered her hands—because, truthfully, that had been her exact thought.

She coughed to cover her unease and quickly steered the conversation back on track.

"Ahem. Wishful thinking! I won't let you stay at St. Freya for free either. Emmm... how much do you know about Honkai history?"

Fu Lin stroked his chin and carefully recalled his knowledge of Honkai. He could only say—not much, but enough. He nodded toward Teresa and replied, "…I know a thing or two."

"Good! Then you'll be in charge of teaching history at this academy. Especially Kiana—she got a zero on her last history test. I have high hopes for you, young man."

Teresa smirked and gave Fu Lin a thumbs-up, internally congratulating herself.

She hadn't expected the history teacher problem to be solved so easily—without even having to pay a salary! This was amazing!

Satisfied, Teresa snapped her fingers and, without giving Fu Lin a chance to react, quickly announced to everyone, "From today on, Fu Lin is the substitute history teacher at St. Freya Academy! And I trust that you'll be able to improve Kiana's grades!"

Fu Lin's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Teresa. He was just an ordinary student, a classmate of Kiana's—how had he suddenly become a history teacher?!

And he had to teach Kiana, that single-celled paramecium? This was a nightmare!

"Wait, can I refuse? And why me, a complete stranger? Wouldn't Celestial Immortal be a better choice?"

Fu Lin tried to resist, but Teresa didn't give him any chance.

"You can't! As for Fu Hua, she's already too busy. We need someone else to exploit—cough, I mean, share the burden."

Teresa crossed her arms. Unpaid labor like this wasn't easy to find, so she spoke decisively, "Remember your current status. You're just a slightly knowledgeable captive. I was kind enough to let you stay, and now I'm even entrusting you with an important position!"

"Besides, you wouldn't want me to send you to my grandpa, would you? So this isn't up to you!"

Fu Lin stared speechlessly at Teresa, feeling as if a million grass-mud horses were galloping through his heart. He never imagined he'd one day be threatened by this short white-haired tyrant.

He turned to look at Fu Shi. If she was willing, she could easily take him away.

Fu Shi noticed his gaze and knew what he was thinking. But she didn't want to leave the old antique just yet, so she gently shook her head.

Seeing this, Fu Lin sighed. Since Fu Shi wanted to stay, he had no choice but to accept the history teacher position.

"Alright, I'll do my best."

He nodded, agreeing to Teresa's terms... not that he had any choice. But surely, he could make some reasonable requests?

Looking at Teresa, he put on a reluctant expression and said,

"But I need some time to prepare. I've never taught history before."

"No problem!" Teresa's eyes brightened as she excitedly said, "Tell me anything you need—except a salary—and I'll fully support you!"

Watching the overly enthusiastic short white-haired girl, Fu Lin's mouth twitched, his eyes full of exasperation. "I'll need some historical materials and a teaching syllabus."

Teresa agreed without hesitation. A teacher did need those things, especially a first-time teacher like Fu Lin.

"That's no problem!"

"I'll have someone prepare them for you! Just focus on your lessons and teach history well!"

"And…" Fu Lin continued, "I'd like some freedom—like being able to come and go from St. Freya Academy."

"Hmm…"

Teresa hesitated, unwilling to agree too quickly. But then she considered Fu Lin's male status—he would need to go out occasionally for men's necessities—so she relented.

"I can grant you some freedom, but you must have a chaperone."

"Alright, I understand."

Fu Lin let out a breath of relief. But when he met Kiana's clear (and intelligent) gaze, he felt a headache coming on. He hesitated before looking toward Teresa again.

"As for Kiana…"