The morning sun peeked over the rooftops of Berbeign as Mila strode toward the academy, her new identity feeling almost natural now. Her blue eyes scanned the courtyard, and she caught sight of something that made her pause students from Class S cornering a smaller, trembling Class F student.
Her stride slowed, and her hands curled slightly. "Not on my watch," she muttered under her breath.
Without hesitation, she approached. "Hey!" she called, her voice calm but carrying an authority the bullies hadn't expected.
The S-class students turned, smirking, clearly amused by what they thought was a weak F-rank teacher. "And who are you supposed to be? Their babysitter?" one sneered.
Mila's smile was faint, but cold. "I'm the one making sure people like you don't overstep."
A blur of movement later, and the bullies found themselves tangled in a series of precise maneuvers dodges, holds, and pushes that left them sprawled on the ground, more embarrassed than hurt.
"Get up," Mila said softly. "Now you know better."
The smaller student, wide-eyed, opened their mouth to thank her, but Mila only received a sharp, low, "Get lost," before they hurried away, shoulders hunched and head low. Mila sighed quietly, shaking her head, and returned to her classes as if nothing had happened.
Night fell, and Mila slipped out to a quiet clearing near the academy. The air was cool, and the shadows danced around her as she set up her small practice area. Tonight, she aimed to practice fireballs.
She focused, hands raised, eyes narrowed. Flames flickered and danced at her fingertips, but they sputtered and died out with every attempt. Frustration crept in, and Mila clenched her fists.
Then a strange, insistent urge gripped her a word hovering at the edge of her mind. She fought it, trembling, recalling the chaotic effect of her last uncontrolled power. But the need to speak it was too strong.
"Blagos Endos!" she shouted, voice echoing through the night.
A fireball burst forth, brighter and louder than anything she had intended. The air roared with heat as it spiraled upward, exploding into a mushroom cloud that lit up the forest around her. Birds scattered in alarm, and distant shouts came from the academy students and teachers alike had been awakened by the spectacle.
Mila's eyes widened. "Too much… again…"
She bolted, faster than she ever had, heart pounding, dodging shadows and leaping over obstacles. By the time she reached the school, she had vanished into the darkness, leaving only whispers and awe-struck murmurs behind.
Even from the safety of her dormitory, she could still feel the heat tingling on her skin, and a small, reluctant smile curved her lips. "I can't stop it… but at least I'm learning."