I stared at Francine in disbelief, the words "participate" ringing in my ears like a warning bell.
"You want me to what?"
I managed, aware that everyone in the room was now watching our exchange with varying degrees of interest.
Francine clasped her hands behind her back, her posture perfect as always.
"I'm assembling a team for the Capture the Flag competition against the second years, and I want you to be part of it."
The other students exchanged glances, clearly as surprised by this development as I was. Kaelen's expression shifted from casual disinterest to mild curiosity as he studied me more intently.
"But why?" I asked, genuinely perplexed. "You haven't even seen me fight. You have no idea what my abilities are."
"That's precisely what interests me," Francine replied smoothly. "Your... unexpected solution to the Zagata Theorem demonstrates an analytical mind. Combat isn't merely about power. Strategy often determines the victor."
