April 1, 2013, Monday
6:00 AM
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The sports uniform clinging to my body felt foreign. It had been a long time since I last wore something so normative.
A teacher.
Yet behind the glass, I still saw the face of a hunter.
Clara stood beside me, dressed similarly but in a formal version suitable for a school health officer—complete with a clipboard and a smile that almost seemed convincing.
"You look quite charming, darling," I said with a smile as thin as a razor blade.
Clara chuckled softly, then kissed my forehead gently.
"Are you ready~?"
I touched her cheek. "I can't wait," I whispered.
"The files?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Clara nodded slowly, her teasing smile intact as always.
"All set. Fake documents, internship certificates, even recommendations from the city's Education Department. Everything is covered~."
I took a short breath. "According to the data I gathered, they usually start recommending students for overseas jobs around this month... about a month before graduation."
Clara looked at me with sparkling eyes. "I can't wait to see you as a gym teacher... even if it's just temporary~."
"Hah... what's so interesting about that," I replied coldly.
We had already divided our roles clearly.
Me, the physical education teacher.
Clara, the school nurse.
Our target was one: infiltrate Secondary School 0071, a low-cost institution where those living in poverty studied.
The tuition there was virtually nonexistent.
You could continue your studies without spending a single penny—as long as you gave 'positive reviews' online. A suspicious system. Too ideal to be true.
Based on my analysis, 70% of human trafficking victims we were tracking came from this school. Could the school staff also be involved?
We left riding an old black motorcycle—on purpose, to match our cover as interns from ordinary families. A luxury car would only draw attention.
Clara sat behind me, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist throughout the ride. Though the morning air was chilly, we remained silent, letting the sound of the aging engine accompany our thoughts, which were already hard at work.
At 9:16 AM, we arrived.
The simple school gate was made of wood, appearing fragile yet unassuming. Only one security guard stood watch, looking tired and indifferent.
Students roamed around as usual.
Some sat in the canteen gossiping.
Others confessed their feelings in the hallways.
And some looked far too mature for their age.
Clara hugged my arm.
I nodded slightly, then stepped into the administration office.
"Hello, I'm the intern teacher recommended by Mr. Danis from the City Education Department," I said while showing Clara's documents.
"Is this the right school? Public School 0071?"
Inside, we were greeted by two people. An elderly man with graying hair—I recognized him as Mr. Staf, the principal here.
And a middle-aged woman who appeared friendly but looked overly exhausted—Ms. Nur, the administrative staff.
"Yes, correct. This is the school," Mr. Staf replied with a smile.
"Luckily, we've been short on teaching staff lately. Many have resigned," Ms. Nur added.
Clara turned her head slightly. "Why did they resign, Ma'am?"
"They said the students… are too unruly," Mr. Staf answered with a sigh.
"Yeah, many couldn't handle teaching here," Ms. Nur chimed in, her voice light, but burdened.
Mr. Staf looked at us alternately, then smiled.
"I hope you'll settle in well. Teaching here might be tough, but... it could be a valuable experience."
He extended his hand, shaking ours warmly.
"Even though the students... well, they're like that... I still believe they have a future."
His smile felt sincere. But for some reason, it only made me more cautious.
We were invited to sit down. Clara and I accepted a small snack—warm tea and moist cakes likely bought from the school canteen. Then they began explaining the basics of discipline rules, class schedules, and classroom assignments.
I listened only as much as necessary.
My mind was already in the classroom I would teach.
My eyes traced the school layout shown to us.
My instincts began reading the atmosphere of the old building.
After the pleasantries ended, I stood up and straightened my uniform.
"Alright, I'll introduce myself to the class," I said.
With slow steps, I made my way toward the first classroom.
Silent, yet filled with hidden intentions.
Today, the hunt begins.
And everything that seems ordinary... will soon change.