“Suit yourselves,” the instructor said, yet another gesture to dismiss the two from the class. He was mostly unconcerned with the minor scuffle. It served the student right to openly and foolishly attack a demon that outclassed him. “I said nothing about not getting hurt. I train soldiers, not pansies. Just because they won’t die, doesn’t mean they won’t be harmed by themselves or by one another when I dictate the terms of their lesson. A controlled environment isn’t always a<i>safe</i>environment. I know you won’t take offense to this, but to them—first years with little combat experience—you are . . . OP. Anyways, Head Master’s orders, though I wouldn’t mind seeing a Demon Lord in action.” He explained before directing the class to the heart of the arena.<br/><br/>“I suppose it’s for the best I learn from you.” Mina settled into one of the seats on the outskirts and pulled out her phone. “Clash Royale.” She smiled brightly, showing Syn as she began.<br/><br/>The class began and she barely lifted her eyes from the game, even when demons attacked one another viciously and witches and warlocks went head to head. The former Commander of the White Guard promised pain, and the witches and warlocks got it in spades. No one came away unscathed, with the exception of Mina who had her feet kicked up when the bell dismissed the class. They moaned and groaned, sluggishly moving toward the locker rooms to ready themselves for lunch. Though she was thoroughly absorbed in the game, where the lights and sounds captivated her, she did get up and make her way to the boy’s locker room door where she would wait for Oliver. Mina was leaning against the wall with her nose gleaming from the flashing lights of her phone when a redhead approached her.<br/><br/>“Mina, are you coming to lunch?” She asked.<br/><br/>Lifting her head, her brows rose to see who was speaking to her. “Gwen. Long time, no speak.” Mina smirked, aloof as usual despite speaking to the most popular girl in their class. They used to be friends, many years ago when Mina cared about her reputation and her own success, when she was social and less . . . prickly. “I’m starving, so yeah. I’m coming to lunch.”<br/><br/>“The girls and I would love to catch up.” Gwen smiled, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. “I’ll save you a spot.” She said, giving a lingering look toward the Demon Lord.<br/><br/>“Awesome.” Mina wasn’t a complete idiot. She knew that the only reason Gwen was asking her to sit with her at lunch was because of<i>who</i>she had summoned. She had no plans of sitting with Queen Gwendolyn Chase and her Gaggle of Girls. Instead she continued to wait for Oliver, who arrived mere seconds after, wincing while he slipped into his jacket.<i>Bruised ribs.</i><br/><br/>“What was Gwen saying?” He asked curiously.<br/><br/>“She wanted me to tell you how much she loves you and wants to marry you,” Mina smirked, poking him in his side. She giggled as he cringed. “Strangely enough, she wanted me to sit with her, catch up with the girls or some bullshit.”<br/><br/>“You should.” Oliver muttered as he walked alongside her.<br/><br/>“Excuse me? I would rather—“<br/><br/>“You should. People are already talking about how you and your demon think you’re better than everyone else, so you might as well start hanging out with the people who think the same.”<br/><br/>“Hey, Oli.” Mina said pausing, her expression falling . . . hurt almost. He had that same look in his eyes, that cold callousness. “You know I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I would never . . .”<br/><br/>“No, Mina, I’m sorry. I’m way out of line. I don’t . . . know where that came from. It’s been a long day. Getting shit kicked out of you puts a damper on the mood, ya know.” He smiled weakly, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m going to skip out on lunch, so sit with them. It can’t hurt to catch up with them. Plus, I want to hear all about how vapid and superficial their lives are. Text me later, alright?”<br/><br/>“Okay . . . I hope you feel better. Come over later if you want me to heal you.” Mina offered as she watched him walk away. She sighed and headed in the direction of the dining hall.