Chapter 4
Inside the Principal's Office
Anon entered the room, facing the legendary Principal Jarhead Amoss, founder of Lorgan Academy. The principal had established the academy 44 years ago, having achieved his fifth circle in elemental magic by age 17. Now, he was a formidable seventh-circle ice elemental mage.
The principal smiled at him, a warm and almost unsettling expression.
Anon felt a strange mix of fear and confusion. Usually, every time Anon entered this office, he'd be bound by an ice spell or made to stand frozen in place. So, this uncharacteristic kindness felt suspicious.
"I thought he was going to tear me apart today, but… why is he smiling? Something's definitely off," Anon thought nervously.
"Are you alright, Anon? Nothing happened to you, I hope?" the principal asked, his tone oddly gentle.
Why does he seem so caring? Anon wondered. This is giving me the creeps.
Anon's voice shook as he spoke.
"Sir, please… Are you hurt? Just tell me, I'll call the healers."
The principal glanced up at him, his expression weary and pale.
"Ah… treating you with kindness is such a waste."
He let out a faint sigh.
"You know why I called you here, don't you?"
"I… I don't, sir,"
Anon said, looking away and pretending not to hear.
"How could you make a mistake like this?"
The principal's tone hardened, and his voice filled the room. He stood up, looking directly at Anon.
"You know that the competition starts next month, don't you?"
"Yes," Anon muttered.
"Are you even listening to me?"
the principal asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes," Anon repeated.
The principal leaned forward, his voice calm but firm.
"Look, I know I didn't allow you to compete last year, thinking it might damage the academy's reputation. But this year, I want you to join."
Anon hesitated, glancing away.
"I… I don't know how. My parents won't let me go. Isn't that a problem?"
he said, making an awkward excuse to run away.
"I will talk to your family,"
the principal said with a smile.
(Tch, looks like he's not going to leave me alone today…) Anon thought.
"Then I guess I have to build a team, sir," Anon said.
"Don't worry. Your whole party, including your partners in crime, will go with you," the principal said with a smirk.
Anon gave a half smile.
"That means you're not going to leave us alone today."
"Well, think of it as a punishment for your crimes," the principal said, sitting back down.
"But weren't the third years supposed to participate this year? What will they do?"
Anon asked, curious.
"Hmm," the principal murmured, thinking for a moment.
"That, we will figure out. You don't need to worry about those random things. So..."
He walked up to Anon.
"Just focus on the contest. Win or lose, just come back alive, please."
Then Anon understood what he was trying to say. He nodded his head and left the room.
Outside the Principal's Office
"So, what did the principal say?"
When Anon exited the office, he saw three idols set up with their hands raised.
"What did he say?" Ravena asked, curious.
"Hey, Norman, the Headmaster wants to speak with you."
"What did he want now?" Norman replied.
"I don't know, just go inside, and you'll find out."
After that, he walked into the principal's office.
"What did the principal say?" asked Ravena, filled with curiosity.
"Nothing much, just a bit of a theme," he replied. "He said that this year our team will participate in next month's Crucible tournament."
Gasping in shock, they clutched his collar in disbelief.
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