How to Get a teacher

Rule #65: If someone says no, just keep asking until they give up.

The moment class ended, I had one mission—find a teacher.

I needed to train. Fast.

So, like any rational person, I went straight to the smartest person I knew.

Step 1: Ask the Genius

Selene Ithaca, heir of Athena, was seated at one of the study tables in the library, her golden whip coiled neatly at her side. She was reading something ridiculously ancient, probably written in blood by some long-dead philosopher.

She barely looked up when I approached.

I pulled up a chair, flashing my best grin. "Hey, best friend."

"No," she said immediately.

I blinked. "I didn't even ask anything yet."

She turned a page. "Whatever it is, no."

I leaned forward, clasping my hands. "You wound me, Selene. I came to you in my time of need."

Her eyes flicked up, unimpressed. "Let me guess. You need training?"

I gasped dramatically. "How did you know?"

She sighed. "Kael. I know you. You have no combat skills, and the Holy Knights will eat you alive in the ranking trial."

"Right?! Which is why I need you to—"

"No."

I pouted. "Come on. You're smart. You can teach me how to outthink my enemies."

"True."

"And predict all their moves."

"Also true."

I grinned. "So you'll help?"

She finally looked me dead in the eyes. "No."

I groaned, flopping onto the table. "Selene. Why must you hurt me like this?"

"Because I enjoy it."

"Fair. But, hear me out—"

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "If you really want to learn how to fight, go to Orion."

I blinked. "Orion?"

She nodded. "He's the best swordsman in the academy."

I grinned. "Where is he?"

She smirked. "Private training hall."

I shot up from my seat. "I gotta go."

Selene leaned back, watching me dash out of the library. "This will be entertaining."

Step 2: Find the Best Fighter

The private training hall was a restricted area—which, in my defense, was a really bad way to keep me out.

I slipped past the barriers, ducked under a floating staircase, and casually strolled through the hall like I belonged there.

And then, there he was.

Orion Aetos.

The leader of the Holy Knights. The prodigy of Olympus Academy. The heir of Zeus.

And currently? My last hope.

He was in the middle of a flawless training session, moving through sword forms with terrifying precision. His blade sliced through the air like lightning, every motion controlled, every strike powerful.

I leaned against the wall, watching him for a moment.

Then, with my most charming grin, I called out—

"Hey, buddy! Wanna train me?"

Orion didn't even pause.

"No."

I sighed, stepping closer. "Come on, Orion. Be my savior."

"No."

"Pretty please?"

He slashed his sword through the air, finishing his form before finally turning to me.

His golden eyes narrowed. "You do realize I have no reason to help you."

I nodded. "Correct."

"And that you are insufferable."

I grinned. "Also correct."

He exhaled through his nose, clearly already done with me. "Leave."

I clutched my chest dramatically. "You wound me, Holy Knight."

"Kael."

I blinked innocently. "Yes, my dear Orion?"

His jaw ticked.

"I am going to give you a five-second head start before I throw you out of window."

I crossed my arms. "That's fair."

I did not leave.

Step 3: Be Annoying

If there was one thing I was good at, it was not taking no for an answer.

Thus began Operation: Irritate Orion Until He Gives Up.

Day 1: The Classic Approach

I followed him everywhere.

"Orion, train me."

"No."

"Train me."

"No."

"Train me."

Orion grabbed his sword, looked at me, and actually considered murder.

Day 2: The Meal-Time Attack

He sat down for breakfast. I sat across from him.

"Good morning, best friend."

He stared at me. "Kael."

I took a bite of my pancakes. "So, about that training—"

Orion stood up and left.

I followed.

Day 3: The Bathroom Ambush

Orion entered the training hall's private washroom.

I knocked. "Hey, buddy. You in there?"

Silence.

I knocked again. "Listen. I know you're pretending I don't exist, but—"

The door swung open.

Orion's glare could have shattered mountains.

I smiled. "So about that training—"

He slammed the door shut.

Day 4: The Midnight Attack

Orion's dorm. 2 AM.

I knocked.

No answer.

I knocked again.

Still nothing.

So naturally, I picked the lock, walked in, and shook him awake.

Orion groaned. "What… the HELL are you doing?"

I grinned. "Training time."

He stared at me, processing his life choices.

Then, very slowly, he turned and tried to go back to sleep.

I shook him again.

"Orion."

No response.

I poked his cheek.

Still nothing.

I poked him again.

His hand shot out, grabbed my wrist, and threw me across the room.

I crashed into the floor, groaning. "Ow."

Orion exhaled deeply. "Leave. Me. Alone."

I did not.

Step 4: The Public Embarrassment Play

Day 5.

Orion walked through the Academy courtyard, completely ignoring me.

So, naturally, I did the only logical thing.

I latched onto his leg.

Orion stopped walking.

The entire courtyard stared.

"Kael," Orion said slowly. "Let go."

I clung tighter. "Train me."

"No."

I tightened my grip. "Orion, please."

He started walking anyway, dragging me across the courtyard.

I yelled dramatically.

"MY ONLY FRIEND, BETRAYED ME! WHY, ORION?! WHY?!"

Students stopped to watch.

Felix, heir of Zeus, laughed out loud.

Ajax Rho, heir of Ares, almost fell over.

Selene sat on a bench, casually sipping tea. "This is the best day of my life."

Orion's jaw twitched.

I clung harder.

"I'LL DIE WITHOUT YOU."

"KAEL."

"I HAVE A FAMILY TO FEED."

"You do NOT."

"MY CHILDREN, ORION."

"YOU DON'T HAVE CHILDREN."

I grabbed his other leg.

Orion dragged me through the courtyard like I was a stubborn cat refusing to go to the vet.

And then—

He stopped.

His entire body tensed.

Slowly, painfully, he exhaled.

Then, through gritted teeth—

"Fine."

I froze.

"…What?"

He turned, glaring down at me. "Fine. I'll train you."

I let go immediately.

Then, I stood up, dusted myself off, and grinned.

"See? That wasn't so hard."

Orion looked like he regretted everything.

Selene smirked. "You've made a terrible mistake."

Felix, Ajax, and half the Academy were still laughing.

Orion groaned, rubbing his temples. "You are the most annoying person I have ever met."

I clapped him on the shoulder. "And you're gonna regret this every day of your life."

Orion sighed.

Training was about to begin.

And I was so ready.