The guard gripped Kazuki’s arm, his gloved fingers tightening like a vise. Kazuki’s heart raced as he was dragged from the cell, his mind swirling with plans and possibilities. He had to keep his wits about him. This was his chance to gather information about the Principal and potentially find a way to escape.

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, Kazuki couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. The walls were damp, and the flickering torches cast long, wavering shadows that danced eerily around them. The air was thick with tension, and the distant sound of water dripping echoed like a countdown in his mind.

“Where are you taking me?” Kazuki asked, trying to sound defiant even as his stomach twisted with apprehension.

“To the Principal,” the guard replied curtly, his tone dismissive. “He wants to speak with you. You should feel honored.”

Kazuki remained silent, but inside, his mind was racing. This was an opportunity to gather information, to learn what the Principal was planning. He had to stay sharp and find a way to turn the situation to his advantage.

They arrived at a large, ornate door that looked vastly out of place in the grim surroundings of the dungeon. The guard knocked sharply, and the door swung open to reveal a lavish office that contrasted starkly with the cold, damp corridors outside.

“Enter,” came the Principal’s voice from within, smooth and commanding.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Kazuki stepped inside, his heart pounding. The room was filled with rich mahogany furniture, shelves lined with books, and an air of authority that was almost suffocating. At the center of the room stood the Principal, a tall figure with a commanding presence, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and menace.

“Ah, Kazuki,” he said, a smile creeping across his lips. “Welcome. I’ve been looking forward to our little chat.”

Kazuki squared his shoulders, refusing to show fear. “What do you want from me?”

The Principal motioned for him to take a seat, but Kazuki remained standing. “You’re a clever one, Kazuki. I admire that. But let’s not play games. I’m here to offer you a choice.”

“A choice?” Kazuki raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his tone.

“Yes. You can either join us—the school government—and help us maintain order, or you can continue to resist and face the consequences.”

Kazuki’s fists clenched. “I would never join someone like you. You’re nothing but a tyrant.”

The Principal’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Ah, but it’s not just about you, is it? Your friends are still in the prison. You should think about what’s at stake. If you join us, I can guarantee their safety.”

Kazuki felt a surge of anger. “You think you can manipulate me with threats? You’re wrong. I will fight against your tyranny.”

“Very well,” the Principal replied, his voice cold. “But remember, every choice has consequences. Guards!”

Kazuki’s heart sank as two guards stepped forward, their eyes locked on him. He realized this wasn’t just a conversation; it was a trap. He had to act fast.

Summoning every ounce of his power, Kazuki focused on the space around him. He felt the air shimmer as he warped the immediate area, creating a distortion that flung one of the guards off balance.

“Now!” Kazuki shouted as he dashed toward the window, hoping to escape. But the Principal’s voice stopped him.

“You underestimate the power of the school government, Kazuki. This isn’t over.”