The heavy click of dress shoes against polished floors signaled the arrival of Professor Reynard, the academy's esteemed chemistry instructor.
Tall, lean, and perpetually sharp-eyed, Professor Reynard had a reputation for being one of the more demanding teachers at Vermillion. He wasn't the type to tolerate laziness, nor was he one to let students coast by on status alone. He valued intelligence, effort, and above all else, the ability to think under pressure.
"Good morning, class," he began, setting his materials on the podium with practiced ease. "I trust you've all come prepared."
A faint ripple of tension passed through the room.
Professor Reynard had a habit of calling on students without warning.
And just as expected, he wasted no time.
