This is unusual

The classroom buzzed with energy as I made my way back to my seat. The hum of voices around me was almost deafening everyone was talking about the magic test, about my rank, about me.

I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes in the room, and I wanted nothing more than to melt into the floor.

I slid into my seat, avoiding eye contact with anyone. My heart was still racing, though whether it was from the test itself or the aftermath, I wasn't sure.

"So," came a sly voice from my right, "how'd you cheat?"

I turned, blinking in surprise. The vampire girl sitting next to me had leaned in, her crimson eyes glinting with curiosity.

"What?" I asked, startled.

She grinned, showing just a hint of her fangs. "I mean, come on. A rank A? At our age? Either you cheated, or you're some kind of magical prodigy."

I opened my mouth to respond but found myself at a loss for words. Cheating? That wasn't even possible with the crystal. But the alternative that I might actually be some kind of prodigy felt just as absurd.

"I didn't cheat," I muttered, crossing my arms defensively.

"Hmm." She leaned back in her chair, studying me like I was some kind of puzzle. "Alright, I'll believe you. For now."

Before I could retort, I caught a glimpse of Xyra Eldarion out of the corner of my eye. She was glaring at me, her icy blue gaze sharp enough to pierce steel. My stomach churned.

She hates me. She definitely remembers everything.

The vampire girl noticed my discomfort and followed my gaze. "Ah," she said with a knowing smirk. "So you've caught the princess's attention. Lucky you."

"Lucky?" I hissed, my voice low. "She looks like she wants to kill me!"

"She probably does," the girl said cheerfully. "But hey, if someone like her notices you, it means you're worth noticing."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. This was not how I wanted my first day to go.

"Anyway," the girl continued, her tone casual, "I'm Nyla. Nyla Duskthorn. Since we're seatmates, we might as well be friends, right?"

I lifted my head, surprised. "You… want to be friends with me?"

"Why not?" She shrugged. "You seem interesting. And honestly, I could use an ally. This school is full of people who either want to fight you or step on you, and I prefer neither."

"Well, okay then," I said, managing a small smile. "I'm Ren Khasar. Nice to meet you, Nyla."

"Likewise," she said, extending a hand. I shook it, feeling a bit of the tension in my chest ease. Maybe having a friend here wouldn't be so bad.

"So, Ren," Nyla said, leaning closer. "What's your deal? Where'd you learn magic like that?"

Before I could answer, the classroom door swung open with a loud creak, silencing the chatter instantly.

Professor Serathis strode back in, followed closely by a tall, imposing man with broad shoulders and a sharp, angular face.

His hair was a silvery white, and his piercing green eyes swept over the room with an air of authority. He wore a long, dark robe embroidered with intricate gold patterns, and every step he took seemed to command respect.

The principal.

"Students," Professor Serathis announced, her voice firm, "this is Principal Alaric Thornshade."

Principal Thornshade nodded curtly before his gaze landed on me. I felt like a mouse under the scrutiny of a hawk.

"Ren Khasar," he said, his deep voice resonating through the room. "Step forward."

My heart sank.

What now?

With a nervous glance at Nyla, who gave me an encouraging nod, I rose from my seat and walked to the front of the class. Every step felt heavier than the last, and I could feel the stares of my classmates boring into my back.

Principal Thornshade gestured to the crystal. "I understand you achieved a rank A during the test," he said. "I need you to demonstrate this for me. Now."

My stomach twisted in knots. Why is this happening?

As I placed my hand on the crystal, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind. Why was I so strong? Was it the training with Valeria? The countless hours of practice with my red flames? Or was there something else, something I didn't understand yet?

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let the flames flow. This time, I was careful to hold back just a little, ensuring I didn't accidentally overwhelm the crystal.

The familiar warmth spread through my fingers, and the crystal began to glow.

Red and orange light filled the room, growing brighter and brighter until, once again, the letter "A" appeared in shimmering gold.

The room was silent again. Can they not do taht it's stressing me out for god sake.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Principal Thornshade staring at the crystal, his expression unreadable.

He remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. Why is it so shocking, I was sure I was not that strong since Elira and Valeria keeped beating me so easily.

"This is… unusual," he said, his tone carefully measured. "A rank A at your age is virtually unheard of. Most students do not reach this level until college or even later."

He turned to Professor Serathis. "Ensure that she is properly monitored and challenged. Someone of her potential must not be wasted."

Professor Serathis nodded, her expression tight. "Of course, Principal Thornshade."

I stood there, feeling both proud and deeply uneasy. My rank was a big deal too big, apparently.

"Return to your seat," the principal said, his tone dismissive.

I obeyed, my legs shaky as I made my way back to Nyla. She looked at me with wide, amused eyes.

"Well," she said, grinning, "looks like you just became the most interesting person in this school."

I sighed, slumping into my chair. This is going to be a long year. Please don't make stay like this forever.