Alex and Kloxo saw off the group of staggering students who had very much enjoyed their night celebrating to its fullest. Alex himself maintained his gaze for far longer, making sure they staggered into the dorm properly before he let his gaze break.

“So Alex. How were your first lessons with kids with double-digit ages?” Kloxo asked, glancing at her junior colleague.

“It was enlightening,” Alex replied with a slight smile.

“Oh, how so?”

“They are all so interesting—a good medley of personalities and goals. I’m sure I can help them grow,” Alex explained as the two began making their way to the teachers living area.

“Yes, they do seem to have a variety of sorts to them. However, the biggest surprise was young Kline. I honestly didn’t know the kid I have barely heard a few words from could do something like that.”

“Agreed. He voiced he wants to be more confident. But for him to find his voice with all those eyes watching him. I gotta say I felt pride. Can only hope he can keep at it,” Alex said, wiping a gleeful tear from his eye.

“He did far better than you did,” Kloxo replied with a chuckle.

“Come now, I wasn’t that bad,” Alex protested.

“Alex…” Kloxo stopped walking to look at him.

“You made up words because you, for some gods forsaken reason, decided to keep using the word orange. Everyone broke down laughing at how crap you were. Seriously blorange?”

“I still won,” Alex replied with a pout.

“Winning by default like that is not something to be proud of.”

“A win is a win.”

“So, professor. What's the plan for the next lessons?” Kloxo asked as they now continued on their way.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Well, I haven’t touched upon magic circles yet,” Alex began.

“Ah yes, half of what you said you’d be teaching. What was the hold up then?”

“I didn’t know who would remain, so I wanted a sure list of students before I sent a letter to the Dark Lady Crozonia.” Kloxo again stopped in her step only to stand gaping at Alex’s casual mention of their ruling empress.

“Why on earth would you need to write to her?”

“Get the kiddos added to my imperial seal. Gonna teach them my unique magic circle system,” Alex replied with one of his signature grins.

“You…” Kloxo’s voice trailed off as she comprehended his words. “You must at least make sure they understand what it will mean to break the seal. If you don’t, I am going to make sure Sloth knows,” her gaze bored a hole into him.

“Run to the head teacher and tattle on me? It is unnecessary; I will ensure they fully understand what will happen should they disobey it. I’ll have you know I take my student safety very seriously,” Alex replied, retreating a step.

“Oh yeah? When you went to get a fresh round of drinks that young miss Daisy told me you threatened to abandon them and leave them in danger if they didn’t do what you said.”

“That snitch!” Alex exclaimed before exhaling an exhausted sigh.

“You must’ve known it was a bluff, right?” Kloxo just nodded.

“Yes, I saw the protective marks you placed on their backs. I pity any fool who would actually try to attack them. How did you get them on them without their knowing?”

“A friendly approving slap to the back after I inspected their clothes for the night out,” Alex answered, wiggling his fingers.

“So, do those kids know what terrifying monsters you are going to make them?”

“Hope not. It’s more fun if they are oblivious to how strong they will become.”

“Oh yes, while I remember that little Bea girl, by the way, said she wished for extra instruction from you. To which the whole lot of them requested me to entreat with you to offer as such to all of them.”

“Hmm,” Alex stroked his short beard in thought, stopping only when an ear-to-ear grin grew on his face. “I can swing that though they will need to assist with the kindergarten class during the week.”

“You are too cruel,” Kloxo said with her own knowing grin.

“Well, this is where we part ways. Have a good weekend. I got to get back to my little tower and my better two-thirds.” With these final words, the two teachers gave a wave of goodbye and parted ways