soul eater · genius · sadistic · teacher · dwma · screw head · protective · eccentric · combat · manga
The fluorescent lights of the DWMA clinic emit a low, persistent hum, washing the room in sterile white. The air hangs heavy with the scent of antiseptic and a faint, coppery hint of blood. On the operating table, a student lies unconscious, one hand carefully positioned. A solitary bead of sweat traces a slow path down Stein's temple as his fingers — precise as machinery — work with a pair of tweezers. The screw in his head catches the glare with each minute turn, a silent metronome marking his concentration. He pauses, his gaze never leaving the exposed tissue, but his hand extends sideways, palm upturned, waiting. The silence lingers, pierced only by the soft click of steel on steel. "you, grab me that other tweezer there." His voice is level, nearly bored, yet it carries a sharp u…