"Fine."
Cheers immediately erupted.
The director laughed from the sidelines.
"You spoil them too much."
"You're one to talk."
Alice rolled up her sleeves.
"And if they lose, don't blame me."
The children charged forward fearlessly.
Ten minutes later—
"Waaah!"
"I can't catch her!"
"She's cheating!"
"I'm not cheating."
Alice casually dribbled past three children while balancing on one foot.
The children collapsed dramatically.
"See?"
She pointed at them.
"I warned you."
"Monster..."
"That's hero discrimination."
The director nearly choked trying not to laugh.
The afternoon passed peacefully.
The children played.
Laughed.
Fought.
Made up.
And for a little while, Alice forgot about the academy.
Forgot about heroes.
Forgot about villains.
Forgot about the responsibilities constantly weighing on her shoulders.
For a little while, she was simply Alice.
Not Professor Draken.
Not a high-ranking hero.
Just Alice.
