Chapter 8: What Happened In The Principal's Office

The principal's astonishment was clear in the way her eyes widened as Richard effortlessly shattered her katana. Reacting quickly, she executed a backwards flip, creating distance between them and the scattered remains of her weapon, now strewn near the office window. Her composed demeanor faltered as she stammered, her words gave off a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "H-how... How on earth did you manage to shatter the entire blade like that?"

Richard waved off her reaction dismissively. "Come on, let's not blow this out of proportion. It was just a regular katana."

However, the principal cut him off before he could continue, her tone serious. "Except, Richard, that wasn't just any ordinary katana. That blade was crafted from the core of the King Rank monster Keelsik. And under normal circumstances, even an exceptional student like you would never have been able to break it, let alone shatter it with your bare hands." Her eyes gazed into his, a mixture of suprise and fear playing in their depths.

She continued, her tone unchanging as she explained, "Even if you were a high-ranking Esper, that blade should have, at the very least, left a small cut on your hand. But look at it, it's perfectly unharmed." Her eyes were fixed on his hand, her expression a mix of fascination and caution.

As Richard elegantly rose from the couch, his composed exterior belied the whirlwind of thoughts within. "Damm it, that was unexpected," he mused inwardly, a hint of frustration mingling with his calm façade. "I was slightly caught off guard by the way she suddenly put the Katana under my jaw. I had to react, better safe than sorry, right?"

Earlier executing a swift decision, he applied absolute calculation manipulation on both his hand and the blade, resulting in its shattering. During his collected demeanor, a thread of uncertainty took root. "Tho it was for my safety, it might have been the wrong move."

Richard attempted to downplay his shattering of the katana with a nonchalant tone. "Oh, come on, Miss Pale Moon. It's just me, Richard Blackthorn, also known as the 'King'. Naturally, showing off such an ability is just normal." His words carried a mix of self-assuredness and humor.

With a seamless grace, the principal produced yet another katana seemingly out of thin air. Leaning slightly forward, taking a stance ready to draw the blade, the principal's gaze held a mix of acknowledgment and curiosity. "Richard, I'm well aware of how exceptional you are. But what you just displayed, it goes beyond that. Logically speaking, the Richard I know couldn't possess such power. So, I'll ask once more: who are you?" Her tone carried a blend of uncertainty and seriousness.

As Richard maintained his outward composure, his thoughts raced in a flurry. "Oh, crap, this is taking a turn for the worse, and fast," he muttered to himself. "I need to rein this situation in, can't let things spiral out of control here." His inner monologue carried a sense of urgency and seriousness.

Richard's lips twitched into a wry smile as he thought to himself. "An average Esper wouldn't stand a chance facing off against Pale Moon, not even some top-tier Espers. But here's the thing – I'm the author, and this world is my creation. Handling Pale Moon, even with my eyes closed, shouldn't be a problem." His thoughts echowed with confidence.

With a self-assured grin, Richard began to stride purposefully toward the principal, who stood near the edge of the office. Her voice was firm, carrying an air of finality, as she stated, "Fine, you've chosen your fate."

As her eyes ignited with a vivid blue light, she tightened her grip on the hilt, swiftly drawing the blade with remarkable speed. Her movement transformed into a deadly charge, driven by an intent to end him this time. The blade's velocity was such that it seemed to shatter the very sound barrier as it closed in on Richard's neck. In a hair's breadth, the blade neared its target.

However, Richard's voice, sudden and commanding, intervened. "Rion," he uttered. The principal halted the blade's motion just as it was about to reach him, freezing in place.

The principal's hand and the blade trembled slightly, a mixture of surprise and unease could be seen on her face. "How do you know that name?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion.

Richard's grin widened as he advanced towards her, with confidence in his every step. Her own movements grew hesitant, her legs gave off a visible tremor. "Stay back!" she warned, her voice edged with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She continued to retreat until her back met the wall at the office's edge.

Suddenly, Richard's hand collided with the wall, landing just inches away from her. The force of the impact seemed to echo a subtle threat, a clear display of his control over the situation.

Richard's other hand gently cradled her chin, tilting her head upward. Their eyes locked in an intense gaze, her flustered expression meeting his determined one. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, his voice a low, compelling murmur. "You want to save him, don't you? You'll listen to me, then." There was a charged intensity to his words.

After a moment of hesitation, she sighed, her resolve warring with her unease. "Fine," she reluctantly conceded, her voice carrying a hint of begrudging acceptance.

Moments later, we find Richard strolling down the corridor from the principal's office. Along the way, he came across the eagerly waiting twin bodyguards. Luna's curiosity got the better of her, prompting her to ask why he had paid a visit to the principal's office and what transpired inside.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Richard replied in a casual tone, "Oh, you know, Luna, just had a lovely chat with the principal. Nothing much." He couldn't help but chuckle at her inquisitive expression.

Luella, standing nearby, though over the nature of their conversation, her thoughts taking an amusing turn. "Could it be...? Nah, no way." She mused, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Don't tell me he's into older women. Will he come after me and my sister next?" Her mind wandered into unexpected territories.

Abruptly, Richard turned to face his bodyguards, their proximity a surprise. Luella's flustered expression caught his attention, her words making him raise an eyebrow. "Young master, I don't think it's right for you to do that," she stammered, a telltale blush spreading across her cheeks.

Richard's internal thoughts swirled with suprise. "What on earth is her problem? is there something on my face?"

Meanwhile, in the heavily damaged principal's office, the aftermath of her powerful move left the room in ruins, furniture scattered and wreckage everywhere. She looked around at the chaotic scene, her face wore a slight flush, a mixture of frustration and puzzlement, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind. "Richard... just who the heck are you?"