The morning sun barely filtered through the academy's tall windows as Mila walked down the corridor, her white hair catching the light. She had been enjoying a quiet start, teaching her Class F students, when a stern voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Mila! Headmistress wants to see you immediately."
Mila froze. "Headmistress? Now?" She glanced around, noticing students staring curiously from doorways, whispering behind their hands.
She adjusted her bag and walked swiftly to the headmistress's office. The polished floors reflected her careful steps. Inside, the office was warm, lined with shelves of old books and scrolls. The headmistress, a tall woman with neatly tied hair, looked up from her papers.
"Mila," the headmistress said, her tone formal but calm. "Please, come in."
Mila stepped forward. "Yes, Headmistress?"
The headmistress gestured toward a visitor waiting by the far side of the room. A man stood there, tall, composed, and with an aura that hinted at someone of considerable skill, though nothing about him screamed danger.
"This is one of the seven sages," the headmistress explained, her tone neutral. "He wished to speak with you regarding… teaching matters."
Mila blinked, measuring her words. "Teaching matters?"
The sage's gaze landed on her. "I heard a new teacher had arrived," he said, voice even. "I wanted to confirm if your methods were… suitable for the academy's students."
Mila nodded politely. "I see. So you're here to observe me, then?"
"Not exactly," the sage replied. "I propose a friendly match. A duel. No students. Just to gauge skills. Nothing formal."
Mila raised an eyebrow. "A duel?"
"Yes," he said simply. "Just to see your approach and technique. It is scheduled three days from now, in a controlled area."
Mila allowed a small smile to form, keeping her thoughts hidden. "Understood," she said. "Three days it is."
The headmistress, unaware of the undercurrent of tension between the two, spoke again. "Remember, Mila, the academy expects proper conduct at all times. No accidents."
Mila nodded. "Of course, Headmistress."
As she left the office, her mind churned not with worry, but with curiosity. Three days, she thought. Time enough to test herself a little… quietly.
She adjusted her steps and walked down the corridor, blending with the students, keeping her true power hidden as always. Mila smiled faintly to herself. After all, nobody here knew what she was truly capable of.