The next morning, David was summoned to the principal's office.
The room carried a faint, sweet scent—something between old paper and polished wood—that settled the nerves almost against one's will. Sunlight filtered through half-drawn curtains, resting quietly on shelves lined with books David didn't recognize. They weren't textbooks or academic journals, but older volumes, their spines worn, their titles faded, as though they belonged to a different era altogether.
Behind the desk sat the principal, a calm, composed man with gentle eyes and an unsettling stillness. There was an ease to him—an intelligence that didn't announce itself. David sensed it immediately. This was not a man impressed by talent; this was a man accustomed to it.
" You sent for me, sir," David said, settling into one of the chairs opposite the desk.
"Yes," the principal replied evenly. He paused, fingers interlaced. "But we'll wait for the others."
The door opened again. Two students entered alongside a teacher. She leaned in, whispered something to the principal, then exited without a glance back.
The principal straightened."All right. I've called you here in light of the upcoming inter-school science competition. After careful consideration, the school has decided that the three of you will be working together."
David's expression shifted instantly.
"Excuse me, sir," he said, unable to stop himself. "I prefer working alone. In fact, I work best that way."
The principal regarded him for a moment, neither surprised nor offended.
"Unfortunately," he said calmly, "that will not be an option."
David frowned. "With respect, sir, teamwork in this case is unnecessary. I don't see how—"
"You will be working alongside Ethan and Noah," the principal interrupted gently. "And while you are undoubtedly exceptional, you must understand the value—and necessity—of cooperation."
"They'll slow me down," David said flatly.
Ethan shifted in his seat. Noah said nothing.
"Perhaps," the principal replied. "Or perhaps they'll challenge you. Ethan, for instance, is a remarkable scientist. Unlike you, David, he doesn't specialize in a single discipline—he excels across them."
David glanced briefly at Ethan, unimpressed.
The principal continued, "You'll also attend a short session after school with your assigned mentor. Think of it as refinement. Even the sharpest minds benefit from a little polishing."
There was no argument left to make.
"You're dismissed," the principal said.
Outside the office, David stopped abruptly, turning to face the other two.
"Let's be clear," he said coolly. "Don't distract me. If you want, you can stay in the background while I handle the work."
He didn't wait for a response.
As David walked away, Ethan exhaled sharply.
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Ethan muttered.
Noah watched David's retreating figure, his expression unreadable.
"Someone who hasn't been wrong yet," he said quietly.