After the day when they received their rewards. Luis and Alicia didn't have any interactions with Olivia other than the class.
She neither apologized nor did she pester them to become her disciple. It was good in a way, otherwise it would have been annoying.
When Luis heard Olivia's announcement about the month-end examination, he instantly remembered the entire plot of that event.
However, he didn't intend to share the information with the students about it. He would support them, but only to some extent. If they wanted to obtain merit points, they would have to work hard themselves.
Besides, other than the exam. He has another thing to focus on.
'I wonder if that attack will happen, or will there be some changes in the real world?'
'Since those two are already here, it shouldn't be much different from the plot. However, Alex wasn't in the limelight this time. So, they might not follow the orders and change their target.'
'Hmm... If their target is only Alex. I won't interfere. But if they planned to do something stupid. I won't let them go,' Luis thought with a calm expression.
He turned to Ben and was about to ask what he wanted to ask from him before.
Right then, he heard the discussion of his classmates. Especially, someone's analysis that made him interested.
'She is smart! I wonder who she is?!'
Curious, Luis couldn't help but walk over in their direction.
---
"Can I have your name, classmate?"
"I am Maki Shidou." the brown-haired girl said with a small blush.
Alicia frowned but didn't say anything about it. Because she knew that Luis was very handsome. So, it's normal for ordinary girls to feel shy when talking to him.
She is fine, as long as they appreciate him from afar. If some bitches still try to approach him, she doesn't mind teaching them a cold lesson.
"So, it's Miss Maki!" Luis nodded with a smile.
Maki was about to tell him to not be so formal with her and that it was okay to just call her by her name. However, when she saw Alicia's glaring eyes were on her. She swallowed back her words.
Luis ignored the nervous expression on Maki's face and turned to look at the girl beside her.
"What about you, classmate?"
At the same time, when Maki gave her analysis, this girl also agreed with her and also gave her opinion.
"I-I am Lyza Kent."
"Miss Lyza it is." Luis nodded, then observed the two of them simultaneously.
The surrounding students stood there in silence, waiting for Luis to continue speaking.
"I heard your analysis and I quite agree with it. Although I can help my classmates and will do for sure if needed." He lied with a sincere expression.
Soon, more and more enthusiastic students joined in the discussion and, for obvious reasons. Maki became some sort of leader, and Lyza, as their vice leader.
***
"Why did you do that before?" asked Alicia as she glanced back at Ben, who was waking few meters behind them.
"You mean my conversation with Maki and Lyza?" Luis glanced at her, then grinned. "What? Don't tell me you are jealous?"
"No." Alicia snorted. "I was just confused by your actions. You asked for their names and left after encouraging them a little. I can't understand your purpose."
Luis' steps halted as he said with a serious expression. "How about you supply me some oxygen and I answer your query?"
Alicia's expression darkened and five ice swords appeared around her, levitating in the air.
"Hold your blades, lady! I was just joking, okay?!" Luis said with a nervous expression.
"Hmph," Alicia knew that he was just pretending. He had many ways to deal with her attack. If he doesn't want to, she can't hurt him with this kind of attack. Upon thinking of this, her intent to get stronger became even firmer.
Seeing her pouting, Luis didn't tease her further.
"The answer to your question is simple. As you can see, those two girls are very smart. After my affirmation of them before, if they don't mess up, they can get the favour of other students from the class. It's not a problem for her to be their leader and make a faction, composing those students."
"... There's no way your simple words can have such an exaggerated effect, right?" Alicia asked in disbelief. She even forgot about her previous displeasure.
"Hehe, it seems you still don't have a clear understanding about the academy, Alicia." Luis smiled and started walking, matching her pace. Then continued. "Answer me something. Would you be willing to create a faction and lead them if those students came to you?"
"No way! I don't have time for such things." Her answer was direct.
Luis nodded. "Yes, and the same can be applied to other top students. None of them has time to care about other students when they, themselves, are in the process of growing."
"The top students can get resources with their ability and talent. However, the other students can't do the same. Although, the academy provides the students with many opportunities to obtain resources and get stronger."
"A student with a normal talent still can't grow much with his effort alone. This is the reason, creating and joining factions can help those struggling students obtain the resources and benefits in a more efficient manner."
"The second and third years already have many factions. Normally, the normal first students either join the already established factions led by seniors or the ambitious ones create their own factions."
"The students from our class haven't joined or created any faction yet."
"I'm not bragging, but what do you think will happen when the top student shows affirmation of a normal student for her ability?"
Alicia narrowed her eyes and then nodded in realization. "They are bound to get curious about her. If she is indeed smart and does have the ability. She can get the other students' support and create a faction."
"Bingo!" Luis looked at her with a faint smile.
"This still doesn't explain why you want her to create a faction?" Alicia asked.
"Having our classmates create a faction and then joining it is still better than them joining other factions. For example, what do you think will happen if a student from our class joins a faction made by another class?"
"Ah, I see." Alicia nodded. "In that situation, he will be in a difficult situation of having to choose between his faction and his class. After all, the month-end exams are competitions between classes."
"Yes, and that is why I bet on those two. Now, we can only wait and see if they can live up to my expectations."