Good first impression

The moment I opened the door, a deafening crack split the air, and before I could fully process what was happening, a massive bolt of lightning was hurtling directly toward me.

My body moved on instinct, summoning a shield of red fire that flared to life around me. The flames roared, their heat licking at the air, and the lightning bolt shattered against the barrier in a blinding explosion of sparks.

The room fell silent for a heartbeat, the smell of ozone mixing with the faint scent of singed wood. My pulse hammered in my ears as I lowered my barrier, scanning the classroom.

Standing at the front of the room was the teacher a thin, mousy woman with round glasses perched precariously on her nose.

Her brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, though stray strands escaped in disarray, giving her a frazzled appearance.

She wore a simple gray dress, slightly rumpled, and clutched a stack of papers against her chest like they were a lifeline. Her eyes darted nervously between me and the class, and her voice trembled as she stammered, "S-sorry for that."

My gaze shifted to the source of the attack, a boy lounging at a desk near the window, his chair tipped back at a precarious angle. He had slicked-back blond hair and sharp features that practically screamed troublemaker.

His uniform was disheveled, the tie hanging loosely around his neck, and a smug smirk curled his lips as he regarded me with disdain. Sparks of residual electricity crackled around his fingers, illuminating his dark eyes with a malicious gleam.

"Nice reflexes," he drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "But don't get too comfortable, little girl. This isn't a playground."

The class erupted into murmurs, some students snickering, others glancing nervously between me and the boy. I felt my jaw tighten, heat rising in my chest. Who does this guy think he is?

"Mr. Lareth," the teacher began timidly, wringing her hands. "That was uncalled for—"

"Relax, Miss Faelith," he interrupted, his smirk widening. "Just a little test. Gotta make sure the baby can handle the big kids' table." He turned his gaze back to me, his expression challenging. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if you ran crying back to mommy after this."

I stared at him, my anger bubbling dangerously close to the surface. Deep breaths, Ren. You've handled worse. Don't let this guy get to you.

But then he raised his hand, electricity surging up his arm in bright, crackling arcs. He didn't even give a warning this time just hurled another bolt of lightning straight at me. This one was stronger, brighter, and faster, crackling with a raw intensity that made the air around it hum.

I didn't flinch. My red flames erupted again, forming a barrier that absorbed the impact with a fierce roar. The bolt dissipated, leaving only a faint scorch mark on the floor.

Enough was enough.

"Alright," I said, my voice low but steady, as I raised my hand. A flicker of red flame danced at my fingertips, growing brighter and hotter with each passing second. "You want to play? Fine."

I flicked the flame toward him, a small, precise burst of my magic. It streaked across the room, glowing like molten lava, and struck him square in the chest.

The explosion of heat sent him crashing backward, his chair tipping over as he hit the ground with a heavy thud.

The class erupted into chaos. Gasps and whispers filled the air as students scrambled to get a better view.

Lareth groaned, clutching his chest where the flame had singed his uniform. A red welt was already forming on his skin, and the smell of burnt fabric lingered in the room.

Miss Faelith rushed over to him, her papers scattering in her haste. "Mr. Lareth!" she exclaimed, her voice rising an octave in panic. "Are you alright?"

He coughed, glaring at me with a mixture of pain and fury. "You little—"

"Careful," I said, cutting him off. My voice was calm, but the flames still flickering around me betrayed my simmering anger. "I only used a fraction of my power. Next time, I won't be so gentle."

Miss Faelith turned to me, her face pale. "Miss Khasar," she said, her voice trembling. "Please refrain from... from injuring your classmates."

"Maybe he should refrain from attacking people unprovoked," I shot back, crossing my arms.

Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but she didn't seem to know how to respond. Instead, she turned back to Lareth, helping him to his feet.

The other students stared at me, a mix of fear, awe, and curiosity in their eyes. Some whispered among themselves, while others simply gawked. I could feel the weight of their gazes pressing down on me, but I kept my head high.

"Take your seat, Miss Khasar," Miss Faelith finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I walked to the only empty desk at the back of the room, the students parting like the Red Sea as I passed. Lareth slumped into his seat, shooting daggers at me with his eyes, but I ignored him.

As I sat down, I noticed a girl a few rows ahead turn and give me a small thumbs-up. I wasn't sure if she was being supportive or sarcastic, but I appreciated the gesture nonetheless.

Miss Faelith cleared her throat, attempting to regain control of the room. "A-as I was saying, this is a... very advanced class," she began, her voice shaking slightly. "And I expect all of you to treat each other with respect and professionalism."

I settled into my seat, letting out a slow breath. My hands were still tingling from the residual heat of my magic, and my heart was pounding in my chest.

This was definitely not how I'd envisioned my first day in high school. But if this was the kind of welcome I could expect, I'd have to be ready for anything.

Bring it on, I thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. If they want to test me, they'll find out soon enough that I'm no pushover.