"I'm sure you do." She turned back to me, her expression unreadable, a porcelain mask of perfect features. "Your combat performance this morning was abysmal. Technically speaking, you should have been hospitalized."
"Thanks for the review. I'll work on my form next time I'm getting my ass kicked."
"Yet you managed to catch Professor Miller, one of the most talented A-ranks in our country, off guard." She took a step toward me, her movement so smooth it seemed she was gliding across the floor. "Your speech in the common room was supposed to alienate everyone, yet you've somehow gathered followers already. Soomin watches you when you aren't looking. Skylar actually bothers to remember your name. Even Julian seems obsessed with you, though in a less flattering way."
"They're not followers," I corrected, matching her gaze without flinching. "They're assets."
A flicker of something crossed her face, quick as summer lightning. Approval? Amusement? Interest?
