I liked to think of myself as a puzzle—they could keep trying, but they’d never figure me out.

Just like right now. 

I was in the principal's office, sitting on her luxurious, velvet blue sofa with my combat teacher beside me and my principal sitting across from me, a frown pulling on her wrinkles. She had fiery red, shoulder-length hair, wide emerald eyes, and pale, white skin.

She probably hates the sun.

She crossed her right leg over the left one and twined her fingers on top of her knee, looking as formal and strong as she could be, but I could see her trembling. Anyone would tremble if they got a glance at what I did to my teacher.

My former teacher's sandy hair was dyed with his blood. He leaned his head against the couch, probably unconscious. His eyes were swollen shut, but his left eye had blood dripping slowly on his white pants.

That stain won't be coming out anytime soon.

His right lower cheek had a nasty cut continuing across his nose towards the other side of his face. His lips busted open, and his jaw shape was messed up. His nose was also broken; it looked like it was inside his face. I had completely changed his face shape, and I no longer recall what he looked like moments ago when I first met him.

“As I was saying, Principal Guldfey, I would like to become the professor for his class. As you can see, I am more fitted for the job than anyone here,” I explained to the principal.

“Why are you so interested in becoming the professor for that class?” She asked me, glancing at the so-called teacher next to me with heavy disappointment.

“Well, I'm really good at combat, and I have seen many students fight, so I'm afraid one day they won’t be ready if a war were to erupt. I believe it would be wise if I could teach the students, as well as the new teacher, for the combat training, for when I leave. This way, we can ensure the preservation of the future of the kingdom.”

The principal eyed me with disdain, “according to the school rule book, a teacher is allowed to be replaced by a student only if they can beat them. Which hasn't happened in six hundred years.” I roll my eyes at her. 

I have heard this way too many times.

“But I'll permit you. If I hear any complaints, I'll kick you out of this school, “ she threatened me.

2

I smirked and got up, “Thank you so much for entrusting me,” I said and gave her a wink, which seemed to make her more furious. I walked toward the elaborate white door, my hand closing around the cold, gold handle, but I didn't turn it.

“Oh, if I were you, I would report him to the Dealer.”

“Why?”

I didn't turn around; instead, I opened the door, “he’s lost his card.” After that, I walked out and shut the door behind me, letting the weight of my words sink in.