Chapter 26: Accepting the Punishment

Chapter 26: Accepting the Punishment

"Earning money is indeed useful, but if it affects my studies and cultivation, it’s not worth it. The talent spirits from the altar may not be what I want, and besides, the chance of obtaining a powerful talent is minimal; I can only get ordinary talents. Moreover, many talents cannot directly enhance my strength and require sufficient cultivation and knowledge to transform into greater power."

"So even if I earn money, I will try to minimize the time spent, either by hiring others or collaborating with them."

"As for studying and cultivating..."

Suye used the second class period for a detailed comparative analysis, and ultimately, for the sake of a longer-term future, he gritted his teeth and made an extreme choice.

"For at least the next month, I will give up earning money and cultivating, and instead, focus on learning knowledge intensely, laying a solid foundation, and addressing my weaknesses. After a month, when I have a better understanding of this world, earning money will be twice the result with half the effort. Only long-term benefits are real benefits; any short-term benefit might be a disaster because once accustomed to short-term benefits, one might overlook or even actively abandon long-term benefits."

"I won’t be a rat in a rice bin!"

Suye reread the table and then the text analysis below it, making a formal decision.

Suye knew that even without spending two class periods considering it, he would have made the same choice.

But writing it down was like making a commitment, clarifying subconscious thoughts, giving the brain enough security to be more willing and able to act without any resistance.

After some thought, Suye added another line at the bottom of the page.

"No record means it didn’t happen."

Looking at these words, Suye felt a sense of reflection.

For years, Suye had trusted his mind, valued intuition, and believed himself to be smart and good at thinking. But after repeatedly hitting walls, he changed his approach, no longer relying solely on his brain but recording things comprehensively and analyzing his thoughts through various methods.

As a result, Suye’s understanding of everything reached unprecedented heights, leading to unprecedented changes in his life.

After confirming his decision, Suye continued studying last semester’s mathematics in the morning.

He did not open his textbook or notes but chose a blank sheet of paper, extracting memories and drawing a mind map.

In this process, Suye not only reinforced his memory of mathematical knowledge but also categorized it, clarifying the relationships between different concepts, forming a complete input-to-output process.

However, Suye forgot many points.

Instead of being discouraged, he was pleased because those forgotten points were likely areas where his understanding was insufficient, despite believing he understood them.

Suye went back to review his notes, quickly reading and focusing on the forgotten points.

Then, Suye used the recall extraction method to extract the knowledge points and supplement the mind map.

After several rounds, just before the last class ended, Suye finally completed the full mind map of all knowledge points from last year’s mathematics textbook.

Suye felt as if his brain had been drained, feeling dazed.

But at the same time, he experienced an extraordinary sense of achievement, satisfaction, and joy.

Suye savored this comfortable feeling.

Reinforce the reward.

When...

The bell signaling the end of class rang.

Suye sat in his seat, his gaze blank, his energy depleted.

"Suye, are you okay?" Holt looked at Suye with concern.

"Nothing."

After saying this, Suye mustered his strength, picked up his magic book, and walked out.

"Where are you going?"

"To find the teacher and accept the punishment."

Holt, puzzled and seeing Suye’s state, followed him.

Palos glanced at Suye’s back and continued studying intently.

Suye quickly found the building where the second-year teachers resided, which was divided into several rooms.

He located Niedern’s room, knocked on the door, and politely bowed halfway, saying, "Good day, Teacher."

Niedern looked at Suye in surprise, recalling the morning’s events. He hadn’t expected this student to be so polite, knocking, bowing, and greeting. Compared to Suye, the other students seemed like Northern European barbarians.

"Hmm." Niedern nodded slightly.

Suye, with a face full of remorse, said, "Teacher Niedern, I’ve been feeling guilty about being late this morning all day, unable to concentrate in any class, filled with inner pain..."

"Did hitting Hutton alleviate your pain?" Niedern interrupted Suye, his tone tinged with amusement.

Suye was taken aback, thinking, _Is it appropriate for a teacher to be so sarcastic?_

Pretending not to hear, Suye continued, "So, I decided to punish myself to uphold academic integrity!"

Niedern stared at Suye, even his fake left eye showing confusion.

Suye continued, "Please punish me by having me serve my classmates. I’ve already thought of the punishment measures. Every afternoon before school ends, I will ask the teacher about the key points of today’s lessons and what should be reviewed in the evening. I will also ask about tomorrow’s lessons and what should be previewed. Finally, I will write the content to be reviewed and previewed on the magic blackboard to serve my classmates!"

Niedern watched Suye silently, saying nothing.

After a while, Suye tentatively asked, "The kindest Teacher Niedern in all of Plato’s Academy, what do you think?"

Only then did Niedern ask, "Did you come up with this yourself?"

"Yes, but mainly to punish myself and demonstrate the fairness of Plato's Academy. Otherwise, I wouldn't want to do this." Suye showed a look of helplessness.

Niedern was silent for a moment before asking, "Tell me honestly, did you spend the entire summer vacation studying drama, focusing primarily on acting?"

"Teacher, please believe in your student!" Suye’s gaze was firm.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Niedern's mouth as he nodded and said, "Fine. I agree with this punishment. Let it be for one month. After that, whoever is late will receive the same punishment..."

Suye responded decisively, "Please punish me for at least a year, Teacher! Only then can I remember the lesson deeply, and only then can my classmates see me as a negative example and truly understand the harm of being late."

Niedern stared at Suye for a while longer, then nodded slightly and said, "Since you have such a spirit, I agree."

Suye opened his notebook and said, "Today's class is reviewing last year's content, which is too complex to review, so there's no need to assign any review work. So, may I ask Teacher Niedern, what subjects and content should we preview for tonight? What are the key points?"

Without looking at his magic book, Niedern replied, "Tomorrow I have Basic Magic, Giant Language, and Meditation classes. For Basic Magic, preview Chapter One. The key points include the four elements—earth, fire, water, and air—in the magical world, the characteristics of magic in the four major nations, and the foundational spells of apprentice-level magic..."

Niedern spoke at a steady pace while Suye quickly took notes, soon finishing.

"Thank you, Teacher Niedern. I'll go find the other teachers now."

"Do you not need a magic letter?" Niedern asked.

"The effect of the punishment would be poor!" Suye's answer was unwavering.

Niedern nodded slightly, lost in thought.

"I'll go ask the other teachers who have classes tomorrow. Goodbye, Teacher."

Suye bowed slightly again, then turned and left.

As soon as he stepped out of the office door, he heard Niedern's voice from behind.

"Study less drama in the future!" Niedern's voice carried a hint of cheerfulness.

Suye quickened his pace, thinking to himself, _What happened to the serious yet kind teacher? Where's the seriousness? Where's the kindness?_