I Raised the Demon Queen (Now She Won't Leave Me Alone)

When the school announced there would be a mock raid drill, Rhea was ecstatic.

"You mean I get to legally blast people?"

"No," I said, pointing to the flyer. "It's a pretend goblin attack. You're supposed to rescue people, not barbecue them."

She folded her arms and frowned. "What's the point of goblins if I can't barbeque them?"

"Teamwork. Leadership. Problem-solving."

"Lame."

"They said there'd be snacks."

"...Fine. I will protect the snacks."

The morning of the event, the academy field looked like a half-baked festival and a low-budget battlefield had a confused baby. Cardboard goblin cutouts were placed behind hay bales. Smoke pots were set to release colorful clouds. Magic barriers shimmered faintly at the corners of the field.

And of course, there was the "Treasure Tent," otherwise known as the snack station, guarded by one very overworked teacher who was already sweating through his robes.

Rhea showed up wearing a red scarf tied like a cape and a smug grin.