Chapter 25

Hypnosis, huh? I mused, holding back a smile. This man was about to learn the folly of underestimating me. But instead of outright revealing my hand, I decided to play along, letting the scene unfold like a slow-burning drama.

Feigning an enchanted look, I locked my gaze on Bargue's glowing white eyes. Behind me, the class was a chorus of hushed murmurs and giggles, and I could feel their curiosity growing.

"Whoa, is she really being controlled?" one student whispered.

"No way! She's too young for that kind of magic to work," another speculated.

Both Miss Talia and Principal Evora stood frozen, their wide eyes darting between me and Bargue, clearly unsure of how to intervene.

"I want nothing more than your cooperation, kid," Bargue said smugly, pulling out a glowing magic contract. "Just sign this, and everything will be fine. Everyone will be happy."

The class collectively gasped, their eyes darting to me.

"What's on that paper?" a boy whispered.

"Is he trying to make her his apprentice or something?" another wondered aloud.

Instead of acknowledging their speculation, I pouted dramatically and said something completely off-topic.

"But I don't want to sign that right now. I want Mama's homemade pies."

"Huh?" Bargue blinked, clearly thrown off by my response.

Laughter rippled through the class. "Did she just ask for pie?" one student giggled.

Bargue's face twitched as he redoubled his efforts, intensifying the magic in his glowing eyes.

"Just do as I say and sign this contract, okay?" he repeated, trying to maintain his composure.

"But would I get Mama's pies?" I asked, my voice dripping with innocence.

"Yes! I'll get you as many pies as you want!" he snapped, the edge of frustration creeping into his voice.

The class exploded with laughter, several students clapping their hands in delight.

"No! I want Mama's pies," I continued, puffing my cheeks like a stubborn child.

"Fine! I'll get you your mother's pies, okay?"

"No! I want them now!"

Bargue groaned audibly, and some of the kids mimicked him mockingly.

"She's totally messing with him!" one boy whispered, barely holding back his laughter.

"She's fearless!" a girl added, admiration in her tone.

The man scowled as he rummaged through my bag, eventually pulling out my lunchbox. "Here!" he barked, holding it out like a trophy.

I pretended to struggle with the latch, my small fingers fumbling clumsily. "Hmm… I can't open it. Can you help me, please?"

A girl in the back giggled. "She's making him do everything!"

Visibly at his wit's end, Bargue snatched the lunchbox from me and pried it open—

Splat!

A perfectly aimed pie flew out, landing squarely on his face.

The class erupted into chaos. Some students doubled over in laughter, while others clapped and cheered. Miss Talia clutched her chest in shock, while Principal Evora covered her mouth, trying to hide a chuckle.

I giggled, swaying side to side in my chair. "I made Uncle a fool! I made Uncle a fool!" I chanted, savoring the moment.

Bargue stood motionless, pie sliding down his face, as the class continued their uproar.

"This is the best day ever!" a boy declared.

The man sighed deeply, his composure hanging by a thread. "I didn't want to get my hands dirty at work, but..." He raised his hand, a dark look clouding his face. "You leave me no choice, kid!"

Gasps echoed through the room as his hand began to glow faintly.

"She's in trouble now!" one student murmured.

"What is he doing? He wouldn't attack a kid, right?" another whispered nervously.

Bargue swung his glowing hand down in an attempt to knock me unconscious, but I yawned, unimpressed. So slow.

To me, his movements played out in slow motion. Every intention, every twitch of muscle was painfully obvious.

In real time, I sidestepped his attack with the ease of dodging a leaf in the wind.

"He missed?" a boy exclaimed.

"She's amazing!" a girl cheered.

Bargue's face twisted in disbelief. "What the—?!"

Before he could strike again, Principal Evora grabbed his arm, her voice sharp. "Mister Bargue, don't you think that's enough for today? Remember, the children are watching!"

Bargue froze, suddenly aware of the dozens of wide-eyed students staring at him.

"She's right!" one student piped up. "Heroes aren't supposed to hurt kids!"

"Yeah! Isn't he supposed to be a role model?" another added.

Bargue sighed heavily, his magic fading. He turned to me, offering a tight-lipped apology. "I'm sorry, little one. I may have overreacted."

I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "It's okay, Uncle! But next time, don't try to mess with me!"

The class erupted into laughter again, and Bargue, thoroughly humiliated, left the room without another word.

Miss Talia and Principal Evora exchanged relieved glances before addressing the students, trying to calm the lingering excitement.

As for me, I sat back in my seat, content. Lesson learned.