I'm a proper student; I only take nine kinds of potions every day.

Chapter 36: Cooperation and Enemies

The bell rang, signaling the end of chemistry class. Professor Mons, while packing up his lecture notes, called out to Evan, who was about to leave the classroom.

"Come here, Arkham."

The old man glanced at him over his glasses, his gaze no longer filled with scrutiny and doubt, but with a rare hint of approval.

"Good form, Arkham."

Ivan gave a polite smile, his teeth white and even.

"Your recognition has given me confidence and direction for my efforts, Professor."

The old man nodded slightly, put the chalk back into the wooden box on the podium, and made a soft sound.

"Take care of yourself. Don't hang out with those guys who don't care about their studies."

He paused for a moment, his gaze falling directly on Evan's face through the lower half of his reading glasses.

"For a student like you, studying is your only way out."

Ivan lowered his head, his tone sincere.

"Thank you for your guidance, Professor."

After that came German, math, and biology lessons.

After four lessons, Evan appeared confident and composed.

Compared to the self-conscious student who used to cower in the last corner and only stand up when called upon, he was a completely different person.

The other students in the classroom began to whisper among themselves.

How come this guy has changed so much?

While everyone was discussing it, Evan casually rolled up his sleeves when he went up to the podium to answer a math question.

At that instant, several pairs of eyes below narrowed simultaneously.

Ivan's forearm, which was previously covered in copper-red rashes, is now as smooth as ever.

His skin was clean and firm, and the muscle lines of his forearms were clearly visible in the sunlight. There was not a trace of the ridicule that had once made the whole class laugh at him.

"This guy's French pimples...are they cured?"

In the second row by the window, a young man with a neatly parted hairstyle squinted his eyes slightly.

Morales.

One of the few middle-class students in the class who still manages to study quietly.

His father was a well-known physician in Bolton, and his family was well-off. Under his father's arrangement, he also wanted to become a doctor.

This Mr. Morales has been keeping an eye on Ivan recently.

It wasn't out of sympathy, but because he had heard from his father that a new drug called "Magic Bullet" had recently appeared in the hospital, specifically for treating syphilis.

The cost of a full course of treatment was enough to cover six months' rent for his father's clinic.

So when he learned that the poor student in his class had also contracted syphilis, he kept a close eye on him.

The results of his observation shocked him.

He answered Professor Mons's question calmly and confidently.

One man fought back against the bullying of LeBron and Thomson's fraternity, beating four burly men so badly they ran away with their heads in their hands.

In just one week, he transformed from a dazed, thin, and haggard young man into a bright-eyed and healthy young man.

And now, his syphilis has actually been cured.

"Could it be...?"

Morales' pen paused on the draft paper, the ink spreading into a small black blotch.

"Has this guy really become that gangster's plaything?"

He had heard some rumors from the lower classes.

Those gang leaders, for the sake of excitement, spare neither men nor women.

Even more shameless young people will actively sell their bodies for money.

"Could LeBang's situation really be related to him?"

"Otherwise, where would he get the money to use magic bullets?"

Morales' heart skipped a beat.

He learned of LeBon's death the next day.

Both families live on Federal Avenue in the Back Bay area and are neighbors in the same community.

On the night of the incident, his father, acting as a private doctor, went to help with the treatment.

When my father returned, he said that the death was extremely gruesome and occurred without any warning.

"Keep your distance."

Morales drew a conclusion in his mind.

"The most dangerous are those academically gifted but mischievous kids."

Biology class ended in the morning.

As always, Professor Pulis packed up his lecture notes, did not speak to any students, and quietly walked out of the classroom.

Ivan packed his schoolbag beforehand and followed.

"Professor, may I ask you a few questions?"

Priss slowed his pace and glanced at him sideways.

Behind the glasses, a pair of light blue eyes swept across the scene indifferently, without any emotional fluctuation.

Let's talk as we walk.

The two walked side by side toward the cafeteria.

When the students in the corridor saw Priss, they all automatically made way for him, and no one dared to go up and greet him.

Ivan lowered his voice.

"Professor, I didn't mean to do what happened Friday night."

Pulis remained standing, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

"I'm cursed. I inexplicably messed with the Gus gang."

"The tram was delayed. Bird droppings landed on me. I tripped on flat ground. I lost my temper and ended up kicking the tenant out."

"It wasn't until afterwards that I realized it wasn't just ordinary bad luck."

Pris responded with a soft "hmm," his tone devoid of emotion.

"so what?"

Evan continued, his tone becoming more earnest.

"I've taken all the medications you prescribed on time. I feel like my vision and perception are incredibly good at night, even clearer than during the day."

He paused for a moment, then changed the subject.

"As for side effects... I hate the sun a bit, and my eyes seem to have become a little nearsighted."

After listening, Pulis calmly gave a soft "hmm." The light from the hallway chandelier reflected off his glasses.

"Do you want to continue taking your medication?"

He paused.

"Does your master allow it?"

Ivan looked serious.

"My master said you're not our enemy. He also said to eat if you want, since I'm pretty resistant to drugs anyway."

Pris's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

"Yes. This is a win-win collaboration."

Evan hummed in agreement, took a deep breath, and asked the question he really wanted to ask.

"Professor, do you know who cursed me?"

"This can't just be left like this. I almost died several times that night."

Priss lowered his head, his gaze falling on Evan's face through his glasses, and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Have you become a demon hunter apprentice?"

Ivan shook his head truthfully.

He was unsure of Pris's true level.

A vampire who can silently penetrate a window and draw blood under the moonlight is definitely not as simple as the biology professor on the surface.

Lying to this kind of person could cost you your life if you get caught.

Pris nodded.

"Then I advise you not to get involved in this matter right now."

Ivan resolutely took half a step forward.

"It's okay, let me know first."

"Otherwise, without a clear direction, I feel like I'm facing enemies wherever I go."

"At this rate, I won't even be able to take my medicine in peace."

Pris glanced at Ivan's dark and stubborn eyes.

"Botte Alcott".

He uttered a name.

Evan's heart skipped a beat.

Botte Alcott.

He was familiar with the name.

A third-year law student with excellent grades.

He has an average appearance, but surprisingly, he is popular with women.

In this era, there are not many girls who can go to university, and those who can get into a prestigious university are extremely rare. Generally, they are either from well-connected families or have outstanding abilities.

Female students make up only eight percent of the total student body at the University of Sages, and they are scattered across various colleges, each surrounded by suitors.

Alcott, however, was often accompanied by several young and beautiful girls, who would enter and leave the library and cafes in groups.

More importantly, he founded the Phoenix Brotherhood.

I heard that if you join this fraternity, you can learn a lot of "special knowledge" and easily win over the girl you like.

This made the Phoenix Brotherhood quite famous among the students of the University of the Wise, and its influence was widespread.

Ivan snapped out of his daze.

LeBon, Thomson, and those guys who joined in bullying him.

Thomson is already a full member of the Phoenix Brotherhood.

Meanwhile, LeBong and others seem to have been vying for membership.

"It seems that bullying me is their initiation test."

Evan frowned slightly.

The truth behind that farce was deeper than he had previously thought.

Pulis didn't say anything more, and then changed the subject.

"Go eat first. Come to my office this afternoon to pick up your medicine."

The two walked into the cafeteria together.

Lunch was still fifteen cents: black bread, bean soup, milk, and a small boiled egg.

On Pulis's plate was a plate of fried fish and vegetables, enough for two Ivans to eat.

After finishing his meal, Priss, as usual, only ate a few bites before getting up and leaving.

Without making a sound, Evan mixed the other person's remaining food together, put it into his old cookie box, and prepared to take it back for dinner that afternoon.

The food cost twenty cents, and not a single meal could be wasted.

After lunch break, Evan went to Pris's office as agreed.

The laboratory was dimly lit as always.

Priss took five thumb-sized glass bottles from the drawer. The bottles were sealed with wax and contained a familiar dark red liquid.

"Still take it after sunset, one bottle a day."

Priss pushed the bottle toward Ivan, speaking as usual.

Evan took the bottles and carefully put them into the inside pocket of his jacket.

"Thank you, Professor."

He gave a slight bow, turned and left the laboratory.

The oak door closed behind him.

His footsteps faded into the distance in the corridor, swallowed up by the corner at the end of the stairs.

In the laboratory, the female assistant emerged from the shadows next to the locker.

"This kid is quite sensible." Her voice was low and flat.

"Should we still send Eltin?"

Pris did not answer immediately.

He stood in front of the lab bench and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the surface.

Then he nodded.

"go."

He looked up, and a dark light flashed in his light blue eyes behind his glasses.

"I can sense that he's absorbing the Demon Hunter traits."

"To prevent any accidents, we need to completely captivate Eldin."