The morning bell echoed across the academy grounds.
Miss Mila walked into the training hall, arms folded behind her back, her long silver hair glinting faintly in the sunlight that filtered through the glass ceiling.
"Alright, everyone," she said, clapping her hands. "Today, we'll be joining a special assessment arranged by the Sage himself."
The students buzzed in surprise.
"The Sage? Like, the real one?"
"I heard he once destroyed a dungeon by himself!"
"Why's he watching Class F?"
Mila smiled softly, trying to hide her unease.
"Don't overthink it. Just do your best."
Across the field stood the Sage calm, confident, his robes trailing lightly in the wind. His presence alone made the air feel heavier.
"Miss Mila," he greeted. "Would you mind demonstrating some basic combat drills for your students? Let them see what proper magic control looks like."
Mila nodded. "Of course."
Inside, though, she felt something was off. His tone was polite, but his eyes were analyzing her every move.
She stepped into the ring, hands glowing faintly as small sparks danced along her fingertips.
Keep it small. Keep it human, she told herself.
"Flamed" she stopped herself and instead released a basic flame whip, letting it strike the dummy cleanly. The students gasped in awe.
"Excellent form," the Sage said aloud. But under his breath, he whispered a spell. A circle flared beneath the dummy invisible to normal eyes amplifying the next magical output.
"Now, again," he requested.
Mila tilted her head. "Again?"
"Yes. Same power, same motion. For consistency."
She obeyed. The moment her flame touched the circle, a burst of energy erupted, shaking the floor.
The students screamed, stepping back as the fire exploded far beyond her intention.
Mila's eyes widened. "What the?!"
She quickly dispersed the flames, coughing through the smoke.
The Sage waved a hand, dispelling the residual energy, pretending to act surprised. "Remarkable output, Miss Mila. I didn't expect such intensity from a low-tier spell."
Her chest tightened. That wasn't me… Was it?
The Sage smiled faintly. "You handled it well. That will be all for today."
As the students filed out, still chattering in amazement, Mila lingered by the smoking marks on the floor. She pressed a hand against her temple that familiar ache returning again.
"Why does this keep happening…" she murmured.
Up on the balcony, the Sage's eyes glowed faintly as he watched her.
"That wasn't an accident," he muttered to himself.
"Her power reacted to my probe, she really doesn't know what she is."
He turned away, the faintest hint of concern on his face.
"If she ever remembers… the world might not be ready for it."