Alice chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction.
The classroom was still filling in, but with her arrival, most eyes subtly turned our way. I could practically hear the whispers forming in real-time.
She tilted her head. "So? Any strategy against me yet, little hero?"
I blinked.
"Huh? Sorry—I spaced out. What did you say?"
Her eyes narrowed with a smirk. "Tsk-tsk. Ignoring your professor already? Should I take a few points off your match evaluation for that?"
"Please don't," I sighed. "Can you repeat the question?"
She leaned forward with mock seriousness. "I asked if you have a plan to beat me. But now I want to know what you were thinking about instead. Don't tell me you were daydreaming about Professor Lena again?"
I gave her a deadpan look.
Alice burst into a laugh. "Relax, I'm just teasing." She waved a hand and added, "Anyway, what's your answer?"
"…I'll probably run."
"Smart move. At least you'll last longer that way."
