Don't Mess with That Dragon-Chapter 760 - 001 Smith

Ring ring ring...

The bell beside the classroom rang, its sound echoing throughout the campus, accompanied by the neat and innocent chorus of "Thank you, teacher" from the young voices inside the classroom building.

Class is over!

Then with a loud noise,

a group of uniformed students darted out of the classroom.

"Be careful, you little rascals. If anyone gets into trouble, I'll make them copy the textbook 100 times..."

Mr. Smith, who was tidying up his teaching materials, grumbled.

But the kids in the classroom had already rushed out the moment the bell signaled the end of class, disappearing completely with a loud noise.

Especially those strong, lean kids, who easily dashed out through the classroom door and headed toward the school gate.

Mr. Smith shook his head, tidied the items on the desk, and headed out with his teaching materials tucked under his arm.

"Truly a bunch of ungrateful little brats. They don't even look at those kids from Central Earth World... It would be better if they didn't just neglect their studies; I really should give them more hours of social practice to teach them about hardships..."

Smith muttered as he walked, lamenting the futility.

"Hey, Smith, would you like to grab a meal together?"

At that moment, a sturdy teacher from the next classroom, a Minotaur, familiarly patted Smith on the shoulder and cheerfully invited him.

"No thanks, I've got no classes this afternoon and stuff to deal with at home. Next time, I'll treat you."

"Alright, but make sure you don't forget!"

After a brief chat, Smith parted ways with the jovial Minotaur teacher at the school gate, heading off in their respective directions.

Arriving at the bus station,

he checked his watch, there seemed to be about 10 minutes before the next bus arrived.

Smith patiently waited at the bus shelter.

In recent years, technological advancements in the Blue Dragon Kingdom have been rapid, with the economy booming and various infrastructure projects being implemented one after another, giving rise to a mature public transportation system within the city.

Various human-powered vehicles that used to be common in cities have begun to be eliminated by the tide of modern development, relocating north to the newly occupied territories on the border, areas undergoing new development where transportation infrastructure isn't yet complete.

The city where Smith resides, though not a major city like the Blue Dragon Kingdom Main City, has modernized relatively early.

Besides public buses, taxis have gradually appeared on the roads, complemented by bustling motorbikes around the streets and alleys, rendering the once ubiquitous human-powered carriages a mere memory from several years ago.

Social development is rapid, lifestyle changes swift, almost overwhelming.

Smith gently closed his eyes, gazing across the road at the towering skyscrapers, breathing in the air filled with civilization, feeling content.

On the spacious road, magic-powered cars were now common, swiftly coming and going.

Sometimes in the busy city center roadways, there's even a traffic jam phenomenon called "congestion," sparking widespread criticism in the newspapers against the newly formed transportation bureau's oversight, and the city planning department's lack of foresight in traffic route design during initial stages, causing quite a stir.

Actually,

as the son of the renowned Magic Academy Scholar, Dr. Siran, Smith's family owns two cars, but to avoid standing out among his fellow teachers, Smith opted not to drive but take public transportation to work.

After all, despite technological advancements, only a minority can afford cars.

Smith understands clearly—what belongs to his father is entirely his father's.

Only what's his is truly his own.

Instead of embracing his identity as the son of a notable figure in the magic science theory community, Smith prefers being a gardener nurturing the Blue Dragon Kingdom's next generation.

This is his own work, a career belonging to him.

Smith treasures this career, refusing any infiltration by ulterior motives.

Toot toot toot...

Before long, a series of honks sounded, an 801 bus approached from afar, slowly stopping as it reached the halt, a hissing sound followed as the door opened.

He boarded the bus,

finding a seat and sitting down.

The bus restarted,

weaving through the city streets.

Through the window, high-rise buildings towered, children with backpacks frolicked down the street after school, playing as they returned home, adults strolling, shopping, rushing after work, elders fanning themselves under the banyan trees... humanity portrayed in various forms.

Regardless of adults or children, faces were marked with peace and ease.

A sense of pride suddenly surged from deep within Smith's heart.

This is the Blue Dragon Kingdom, the peaceful nation painstakingly built by His Highness Austin. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

In stark contrast to the chaotic Central Earth Continent,

the peace and stability here stand out.

He recalled reading the newspaper yesterday, remembered the live report on TV last night.

To the north of the Blue Dragon Kingdom, the Central Earth Continent is in unprecedented turmoil, wars, natural disasters, man-made calamities... leading to an overwhelming influx of refugees fleeing south.

The scenes of tattered-clothed refugees, emaciated children, their apathetic eyes... each deeply moved Smith's heart.

Prompting him to contribute what he could to the charity box run by a street organization this morning,

the tragic images of refugees evoked compassion in the hearts of every Blue Dragon Kingdom citizen.

If it weren't for this great nation, during the chaos in Central Earth, his father's fate would likely be no better,

In times of chaos, human lives are as cheap as grass.

It is this nation that provided his father with shelter, offering them a stable environment so they're not displaced by the chaos.

Smith became lost in thought, until he realized the bus had passed several stops.

The speaker announced "Southwest City Station is next," prompting Smith to regain his senses, stand up from his seat, and exit the vehicle.

Southwest City Station, a relatively affluent neighborhood within the city.

Smith carried his portfolio bag, traveling approximately five minutes until he reached a rather leisurely manor.

Pressing the doorbell,

shortly after, a boy aged twelve or thirteen darted out from within the manor.

"Mr. Smith, welcome back!"

This child is from the countryside, originally from an inconspicuous village in Frandi Duchy's rural areas.

From their conversations, Smith learned York's father was killed by old aristocracy several years ago when Frandi Duchy still existed, leaving him in dire straits.

Later, Blue Dragon Kingdom's army marched forth, vanquished Frandi Duchy, and brought the extensive Frandy region under its rule.

During subsequent rural reforms,

he was rescued from a dire situation by grassroots officials from the Blue Dragon Kingdom.

During this summer break, little York came to the city to take up summer jobs, hoping to earn money before starting middle school to improve his family's living conditions.