Morning at the Academy of Elegant Malevolence was as majestic as it was ridiculous.
Black bells tolled across the crimson misted courtyard, signaling the start of classes. Students in flowing dark robes walked solemnly while discussing the correct number of syllables in a menacing laugh.
Li Ming walked among them, wearing his own academy-issued uniform — black with gold embroidery and a cape that dramatically fluttered even without wind.
He stared down at it. "Why does this thing move by itself?"
Bai Guo perched on his shoulder, grinning. "Auto-flutter enchantment. Comes free with every villain starter pack."
"I look like a wandering opera singer," Li Ming muttered.
"Correction," Bai Guo said, "you look like royalty. Which, technically, everyone here thinks you are."
Li Ming sighed. "I should correct them."
"You could," Bai Guo said cheerfully, "or you could enjoy free breakfast buffets and the adoration of the morally ambiguous."
Li Ming stared at the bird. "You're evil."
