Chapter 316: Why Should I Tell You?

Haruto's voice sounded so calm, as if he were explaining something trivial. However, to Kim Jisoo, the answer felt like a subtle insult. Kim Jisoo bit her lip, trying to suppress the anger that was beginning to boil within her.

Kim Jisoo knew very well that she was not an ordinary student. She had spent years studying various types of plants—from healing herbs to deadly poisonous ones. Every night, Kim Jisoo read thick books filled with intricate notes about different plant species.

Kim Jisoo also spent time in the laboratory, testing the effects of combinations of various plants. However, despite all her efforts, she still fell short against Haruto, who didn’t even seem like someone with a deep interest in plants.

Of course, Kim Jisoo was unaware that Haruto had an advantage that could not be matched by ordinary hard work. Two of Haruto's clones, which had independent consciousness, had done various tasks that built Haruto's experience and knowledge about plants.

The first clone, Obito, was responsible for managing a secret plantation filled with rare plants. Clone Obito had spent years caring for those plants, understanding their growth patterns, and mastering techniques to maximize yields.

The second clone, Ino, served as a researcher. Clone Ino experimented with various plant combinations, creating potions and pills with unique effects.

From this research, Haruto not only understood various types of plants but also knew how to mix them to create specific effects—something that even senior students had not fully mastered.

Moreover, not all the plants Haruto found were from his own efforts. Some of them he acquired in more... unconventional ways. During the competition, Haruto encountered five other students who were also collecting plants.

However, instead of competing honestly, Haruto used his skills to steal their storage bags. In this way, the number of plants Haruto had increased drastically in a short time.

"Do you want to know?"

Haruto's voice broke the silence again. This time, he stared directly at Kim Jisoo, as if challenging her to dig deeper.

Kim Jisoo nodded firmly. Her eyes were filled with determination.

"Why should I tell you?"

That answer made Kim Jisoo's face tense up instantly. Her breath caught, and for a moment, she just stared at Haruto with an expression of disbelief.

Silence.

Only the sound of the wind blowing and the rustling of leaves could be heard between them.

Kim Jisoo finally let out a long sigh. Her face flushed slightly, not from embarrassment, but from the frustration she was holding back. After a few seconds, Kim Jisoo averted her gaze, looking up at the daytime sky.

"Then, I will find out your secret on my own."

Kim Jisoo's tone was firm, full of determination. After saying that, she turned and walked away, leaving Haruto standing silently, watching her retreating figure.

Haruto said nothing. He simply stood in place, observing Kim Jisoo as she slowly disappeared into the distance.

‘That girl will never find it out...’ Haruto thought to himself before finally sighing and stepping toward his classroom.

...

...

...

When Haruto arrived in the classroom, the atmosphere inside felt so quiet. Not a single student was in sight, except for a woman standing near the teacher's desk.

Lina.

Haruto's homeroom teacher.

The woman had long green hair that flowed softly down her back. Her bright green eyes looked at Haruto with an expression that was hard to read. A slight smile graced her face, making her appear gentle yet still authoritative.