My spirit animal is a F–Rank gecko-Chapter 49: Back to the past (10)

(Elaine POV)

Elaine nervously tapped her foot multiple times.

Her shaky hands clutched a thick stack of papers. She’d been waiting outside the headmaster’s office for three hours now—ever since her scheduled meeting time.

But due to some "unexpected visit," her appointment kept getting delayed. And delayed. And delayed.

She checked the clock again and frowned.

Three hours. Three whole hours.

She sighed heavily.

"This is so nerve-wracking..."

Sweat beaded on her forehead just thinking about stepping inside. But then she remembered the news footage, The first-year massacre, the body bags of all 380 students, and the crying parents.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing her heart to slow.

It’s okay... This is all for the first years after all...

THUD.

The office door suddenly slammed open, making Elaine jump.

She accidentally let go of her papers. They scattered across the marble floor like frightened birds.

"Oh shit!" She dropped to her knees, scrambling to gather them, until she heard the headmaster laugh.

He was deep in conversation with someone inside, speaking like they were old friends reuniting.

"Yeah, yeah. Now get going to your dorm—I’ll carefully consider your request!" The headmaster’s voice boomed with enthusiasm.

A girl’s voice answered smoothly.

"Thank you, sir. I truly appreciate you taking the time to meet with me."

She stepped outside.

Elaine’s eyes went wide.

Standing just outside the headmaster’s office was Meryl.

Her competitor for the student council president spot.

The Class-A student who’d scored straight A’s across the board. The one with long, wavy blonde hair tied in a perfect ponytail and striking maroon eyes that seemed to glow with confidence.

Meryl glanced down at Elaine that’s still on her knees, seeing all the papers scattered everywhere make her smirked.

Their eyes locked. And both of them glared at eachother.

Then Meryl deliberately walked across the scattered papers, her heels leaving creases, and let out a cocky scoff as she passed.

That bitch!

Elaine’s blood boiled. But she forced her expression neutral when she noticed the headmaster standing in the doorway.

He had short white hair and a thick white beard, wearing an impeccably sophisticated outfit. His very presence radiated intimidation.

And he was staring at Elaine with a thoroughly unimpressed look.

"You may come in now." His voice was flat. He turned and walked back inside without offering to help.

Elaine’s heart pounded. That sharp gaze had pierced right through her.

It’s okay, Elaine... She repeated her mantra, taking an even deeper breath. For... the first years!

She forced a smile, gathered the last of her papers, and stood on shaky legs.

She hesitated at the door—then pushed it open.

---

The room was draped in darkness. Curtains pulled tight, blocking every sliver of sunlight. The only illumination came from a massive fire crackling in a marble chimney.

Antiques filled every corner.

Shelves lined with ancient pots, mysterious dragons engraved on their surfaces. Clan banners hung from the walls like trophies. Strange statues of weeping women clutched their hands out in silent prayer.

Wow...

"So. You came to see me?"

Elaine flinched. The headmaster had already settled into his chair while she’d been gawking like a tourist.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and gathered every ounce of courage.

"Yes, sir. If you don’t mind my intrusion, I’ve come to discuss the future of Bondspire."

The headmaster raised an eyebrow.

"Future, you say..." He stroked his beard, studying her.

Then his chest began to glow a bright indigo that illuminated the dark room.

Particles swirled and collided, forming something massive. A white snake materialized, easily as long as his wide desk, coiling into existence with an eerie grace.

"Szzzz..." Its red eyes locked onto Elaine.

She met its gaze, trying desperately to remain composed. But those glowing red eyes, that unblinking stare made her sweat dripped down her neck.

The old man noticed her trembling.

"Come, my child. Have a seat."

He twirled his finger, and the snake’s tail moved—pulling a chair out for her.

"Szzzz..." The sound seemed to say: Sit down.

Elaine reluctantly walked forward and lowered herself into the chair.

The headmaster glanced at the papers in her lap.

"What do you have there?" He pointed.

"Oh, this? It’s all the supporting information for my request."

"Request?" He tilted his head.

Elaine nodded firmly.

"Yes, sir. I’m sure you’re well aware of the recent rampage the Brokers caused on our school. I’m here with a solution to prevent—"

He held up a hand, cutting her off.

"My apologies, Ms...." He squinted, as if searching for her name.

Does he... not know who I am?

"Elaine."

"Right. My apologies, Ms. Elaine, for interrupting. But I’m on a bit of a time crunch, so I’d appreciate it if we could cut to the chase."

What? But you took your sweet time with Meryl. You even laughed with her.

"Of course." Elaine kept her composure. "I’m here to request the school funding for the protective dome recently developed by the scientist in Tatharen."

The headmaster raised an eyebrow, still unimpressed.

"Funding? So what I’m hearing is that you want the school to pay for the most expensive technology ever created just so you can win the election?"

Elaine flinched.

"It’s not like that! I genuinely believe that installing the protective dome over our school will prevent future attacks and keep our students safe!"

The old man’s eyes widened slightly at her sudden burst of confidence.

In his eyes, Elaine was nothing more than an ant, unworthy of his precious time. But seeing her honest passion for student safety? That gave him a pause.

"The Tatharen Dome, also known as XCE-Staras, costs roughly 600 to 700 billion bosan. That’s a fortune, even for Bondspire. Are you certain this plan of yours will work?"

A slight smirk tugged at his lips.

Elaine nodded confidently.

"Of course. This is the most advanced technology the human brain has ever created." She smiled genuinely now. The nervousness had faded. This was too important to fail.

She continued speaking, and the headmaster listened.

"It can withstand countless nuclear attacks. They even say if the Stone Titan himself struck the dome, he’d shatter before it would even crack!"

By the time Elaine finished presenting her case, they were on even ground. No more looking down. No more fear.

The headmaster nodded slowly.

"Great. Very good. I agree that your plan has merit." He paused. "Unfortunately, the school cannot cover the full expense. The most we could offer is 400 billion bosan."

Elaine’s eyes lit up. She mentally celebrated.

"Thank you, sir! That’s more than enough. I’m extremely grateful for your support."

The headmaster smiled and extended his hand.

She shook it firmly and bowed her head in thanks before leaving.

---

After Elaine exited, the headmaster sighed heavily.

He glanced at the papers scattered across his desk, it has Elaine’s and Meryl’s file, side by side.

He genuinely couldn’t decide who to support.

"Szzzz?" His albino snake tilted its head, noticing its owner’s conflicted expression.

It slithered closer and wrapped its tail around him in a gentle hug.

"Thank you, Snowy. I knew I could always count on you."

"Szzzz."

The headmaster looked at the two files again.

"What do you think, Snowy? Should we help the red team... or the blue team?"

Snowy studied the papers. Then, deliberately, it pointed its tail at Meryl’s file.

The headmaster laughed loudly and patted the snake’s head.

"HAHA! Yeah... you know me so well."