First Act 22: Into the Climax 5

"Hello, everyone! Did you miss me?" The principal's whimsical voice rang out, breaking the silence that had settled over the gathering of students. 

However, rather than receiving the warm welcome she may have hoped for, eyes rolled, and scoffs resounded through the crowd. 

Even some of the professors couldn't help but smack their heads in resigned realization, fully aware that the principal had plunged headfirst into her usual theatrics once again.

Defensive positions were assumed as lightning crackled near the dungeon's entrance. 

The anticipation had everyone on edge, but the spectacle of the principal emerging from the smoke left them more surprised than prepared. 

If only she had informed them beforehand, they could have spared themselves the surprise.

"Hehehe, I know you guys are all excited, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Now, everybody line up!"