Chapter 202: Chapter 202: Picnic

Lana sensed the misunderstanding almost instantly.

She gently withdrew her hands from Christina’s hold, her movements slow and non-confrontational, as if afraid that even a sudden breath might escalate things.

“There’s no need to get worked up,” she murmured softly, her voice calm like still water.

“I’m not refusing anything. I have plenty of talismans. We don’t need to fight over this. Whether now or later, I’m willing to sell them either way.”

The words hung in the air for a heartbeat.

Christina and Tyler froze, their expressions stiffening before dawning realization washed over their faces.

The aggressive bids they had carried just moments ago melted into visible embarrassment.

Christina’s lips curved into an awkward smile, while Tyler rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze darting away.

“Ah… that’s… we misunderstood,” Christina laughed dryly. “Sorry about that.”

“Yeah, that was on us,” Tyler added quickly, nodding in apology. “We didn’t mean to…”

Their words trailed off as they scrambled for excuses, muttering about schedules and urgent matters. Without lingering any longer, they left in opposite directions, footsteps hurried and uncoordinated.

Lana released a long breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

’If they were truly sincere about buying talismans,’ she thought, her eyes narrowing slightly, ’they would’ve proposed starting the bidding immediately.’

What she didn’t know was that Christina and Tyler had already assumed she was out of stock, fully convinced that Lana would approach them herself once she had more talismans in hand.

When Lana returned to the classroom, she immediately felt it.

Dozens of gazes landed on her at once.

The air felt heavier, thick with curiosity and poorly concealed anticipation. She slowed her steps, brows knitting together in confusion.

’Why is everyone staring at me like that…?’

Perched comfortably on her shoulder, Mr. Crow leaned closer, his feathers brushing against her neck.

“They heard everything,” he chuckled under his breath.

“Every single word. While you were outside talking to Christina and Tyler, your classmates were practically pressing their ears to the walls. Now they’re waiting for you to talk about those talismans you own.”

Lana blinked, realization dawning on her face.

“Oh… so that’s how it is.”

She straightened her posture and nodded faintly. “I’ll give everyone their respective talismans later.”

Before the murmurs could grow louder, Tyler suddenly stepped forward. He cleared his throat and introduced himself, then swept his gaze across the room.

“Everyone,” he called out, “release your mystic energy.”

One by one, waves of energy surged into the air. Auras shimmered visibly, pressure rippling through the classroom.

Every single student present displayed A-rank mystic energy without exception, even Quinn.

Lana’s eyes flickered briefly in surprise.

Tyler turned toward her, his gaze sharp yet expectant. “Your turn.”

Without hesitation, Lana snapped her fingers.

A golden glow bloomed at the tip of her index finger, warm and radiant, casting soft light across her calm face. The energy was dense, refined, and unmistakably powerful.

Tyler’s eyes lit up.

He nodded with deep satisfaction before dramatically pointing at Lana, as if presenting a priceless treasure. “Look at her. This is what you call a model student.”

He swept his arm toward the rest of the class: Betty, Layla, Fay, Quinn, Wade, and Richard.

“She has already reached yellow mystic energy. Compared to her, you all look like country bumpkins fumbling in the dark.”

The classroom went dead silent.

“Students like her,” Tyler continued enthusiastically, “are true geniuses!”

Once unleashed, his praise became unstoppable. He exalted Lana to the heavens, comparing her diligence, talent, and potential to rare phenomena. The words poured endlessly, one compliment after another.

Lana felt heat creep up her neck.

’This is… too much.’

On her shoulder, Mr. Crow burst into laughter. “This guy is hilarious!”

“Shut up,” Lana muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes as she waited desperately for it to end.

It didn’t.

Tyler continued for nearly an entire lecture, praising her as the most hardworking student he had ever encountered. By the time he finally stopped, the class was almost over.

Lana wished she could dig a hole and disappear into it.

She glanced at her classmates. They were smiling, but the smiles were stiff, polite, and painfully fake. Her chest tightened, and she immediately looked away.

’I can’t look at them right now…’

Tyler, completely oblivious to her embarrassment, wrapped up his monologue and left.

The moment he stepped out, Betty, Fay, Layla, Wade, and Richard exchanged looks before gathering around Lana’s desk.

She offered them an awkward smile.

They returned it, identical to the fake ones from earlier.

Wade plopped down directly in front of her and grinned. “Honestly, my ears almost fell off. I thought the lecture would never end.”

Fay tapped Wade’s shoulder sympathetically before turning to Lana. “Don’t gang up on her. After all, she’s heaven’s gift to us earthlings.”

Betty nodded solemnly. “Indeed. A masterpiece crafted by the heavens.”

She leaned down, fingers threading through Lana’s black hair, twirling a strand before gently pinching her cheek. “Such a beauty should be cherished.”

Layla refused to be left behind. She grabbed Lana’s hand dramatically. “Truly, you’re the eighth wonder of the world.”

Lana carefully pulled her hand free, laughing awkwardly. “Whatever you all went through just now, it wasn’t my fault.”

Richard chuckled from the side. “We endured nearly two hours of praise. You should compensate us.”

The others nodded in unison.

Lana sighed inwardly. ’They scared me half to death… I thought they were about to bully me.’

“What do you want?” she asked, grinning helplessly.

Richard immediately pulled out his phone and displayed a poster. On the screen was a glossy poster advertising a scenic location.

Realization struck her instantly.

Wade spoke calmly, “The entire mystic department is going on an unofficial trip. We’re inviting you. You don’t get to say no.”

“This is collective compensation,” Richard added cheerfully.

Lana exhaled slowly. ’They really know how to blackmail people.’

“We’ll take that as a yes,” Richard continued. “Two days from now. We leave at 4 a.m., exit the city, and reach the location by 6 a.m. Two days and one night.”

Lana opened her mouth to protest…

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