The door to the lecture hall creaked open, and a hush fell over the room. The usual chatter of students died out as a pair of sleek, leather shoes stepped into view. Standing at the threshold was someone none of them had ever seen before—a man in his early thirties, dressed sharply in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to suggest a mix of professionalism.

"Good morning," he said, his voice smooth but commanding. "I'm Professor Theodore, and starting today, I’ll be taking over this course."