Chapter 25: Arcane Symposium, Part Five

Professor Zhang's dragon tattoos twist and coil around her arms like they're restless. Like they know some shit's about to go down.

"The thing about those stuffy judges," she says, perching on her desk, "is that they think power has to look a certain way. Clean. Controlled. But here's the secret." She leans forward. "Power is power. Doesn't matter if it comes wrapped in designer robes or dripping in, uh... gyaru glam."

I raise an eyebrow, my platform heels clicking against the floor as I shift my weight.

"So what's the move then? Just tone myself down until I get to the combat part or...?" 

Zhang actually snorts.

"Fuck no. We're gonna make your style work for you." She stands up, rolling her shoulders. "Hit me with your strongest attack spell."

"Uh, what?"

"I want to show you something." 

"You sure about that?" I ask, but I'm so hyped already gathering my power. It rises up inside me, hot pink and ready to throw down.