After an awkward meal under the judgmental gazes of their peers, the trio made their way to their next class—one that, curiously, Melody seemed quite eager to attend.

Then again, after hearing her earlier monologue about the Bloodmend phial back in the dorms, Michael supposed he shouldn't be surprised.

The classroom they entered was dimly lit and muggy, with air that felt several degrees warmer than outside. The moment they stepped in, a pungent stench assaulted their senses—an acrid, sulfurous odor that clung to the back of the throat and made breathing feel like a chore.

So this is what a room full of magical herbs smells like, Michael thought grimly. It wasn't exactly inviting.

The room was arranged in long rows of tables, each one set with a matte-black cauldron and a station filled with labeled ingredients. A quick glance told Michael there were around fifty stations total—meaning they'd likely need to pair up.

"Let's find a seat quickly," Melody said, suddenly taking the initiative. She grabbed Rudy by the arm and began dragging him toward a spot in the front row.

"Huh!? Unhand me, you unchaste woman~" Rudy cried, pulling his arm back dramatically.

The abrupt recoil nearly flung Melody—who was a full head shorter—off balance. She stumbled slightly, clearly stunned by the rejection.

Michael nearly doubled over. His hand shot to his mouth to stifle the fit of laughter building in his chest.

Rudy, meanwhile, looked horrified. He turned to Michael with wide eyes, hands raised defensively.

"Look, man, I didn't touch her—she grabbed me. Maybe she thought I was you or something…"

It was the sheer panic on Rudy's face that undid Michael entirely. The laugh burst out of him, loud and unfiltered, drawing attention from half the class. Students filing in turned toward the commotion, whispering among themselves.

Michael managed to get himself under control just long enough to clap Rudy on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, man. She's just excited for alchemy class," he said between snickers.

Leaning closer, he added in a whisper, "Melody doesn't have many friends—and she doesn't really know how to make them. I know you're not crushing on her or anything, but next time, maybe... don't cause a scene?"

Rudy paused for a moment, then nodded slowly as comprehension dawned. "It all makes sense now…"

Without another word, he turned to Melody, adopting a sheepish expression.

"Sorry about that," he said genuinely. "I reacted on impulse."

Melody's expression softened just a little, and it looked like she was going to accept the apology—until Rudy opened his mouth again.

"I know you don't have any friends besides Michael," he said, beaming as he extended a hand. "So I'd be happy to be your friend."

Melody's smile froze. Her eyes narrowed.

Michael stiffened. The air around him thickened with dread. He could feel the incoming explosion but was too paralyzed with laughter to move—stuck like a deer in spell-light.

"Um, c-could everyone please take their seats…?" came a meek voice from the front of the class, barely audible over the chatter and rising tension.

Michael didn't register the voice. He was too focused on Melody—on the twitch in her eyebrow and the slow, ominous curl of her fingers.

Rudy, you absolute fool, he thought. Run. Run now.

Just as Melody began summoning mana into her palm—no doubt preparing a punishment of nuclear proportions—the woman at the front of the classroom calmly reached into her robe.

From within, she produced a small glass vial filled with a translucent green liquid. Harmless-looking… deceptively so.

Without saying a word, she tossed it casually into the air, aiming for the open space between the front rows and the professor's desk. Then, with precise timing, she plugged her ears with her fingers.

The vial shattered on impact.

A heartbeat later, the room was rocked by a deafening explosion. It sounded like thunder had struck directly inside the classroom. A dense gray smoke erupted outward in thick plumes, blinding the entire front half of the room in seconds.

Screams rang out—though they were barely audible beneath the loud, high-pitched ringing now dominating everyone's ears.

Michael stumbled, disoriented and dazed. His vision was completely obscured, and he couldn't see his hand even when it brushed against his face. His thoughts scrambled.

Are we under attack? Did someone sneak into Arcadia? Who the hell would be bold enough to pull this off? Don't they fear the Headmaster!?

His pulse raced. Panic was inevitable.

But then, just as suddenly as the chaos began, a gust of wind surged through the room. The smoke began to clear, swept away by a controlled breeze. As visibility returned, Michael's gaze snapped toward the source.

A glowing green magic circle hovered in front of a small figure at the front of the class.

Everyone turned to stare—equal parts fearful and confused.

The figure was petite, almost shorter than Melody. Her long brown hair was tied into a tight bun perched atop her head, and oversized round glasses dominated her face. She looked more like a frazzled librarian than a professor.

Yet despite her meek appearance, she radiated danger.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out—not that anyone could hear her anyway, still half-deaf from the explosion.

"Ah, fuck. I messed up again…" she muttered, clicking her tongue in irritation.

Raising a hand, she gestured toward the blackboard behind her. A piece of chalk floated up and began scribbling on its own, writing in smooth, flowing script:

"I am Professor Mia. Please take your seats. Class will begin in a few moments."

The message hung there for several seconds as the class remained frozen in disbelief, still recovering from the blast that had nearly blown their eardrums out.

Professor Mia frowned. With another wave of her hand, the chalk sped across the board again—so fast it began to smoke.

"Your ears will recover. Now hurry up and sit down before I explode another vial."

That did the trick.

Every student in the room, no matter how disoriented, scrambled to their seats as if their lives depended on it.

Michael found himself seated between Rudy—who looked like he'd just seen his life flash before his eyes—and Lilly, the redhead from earlier. His gaze drifted to the professor once more, a subtle unease crawling up his spine.

This woman is dangerous… he thought, swallowing hard.

Maybe even more than Professor Quinn.

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