I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!

The moment they stepped out into the clearing, the babies gasped in unison. A tall waterfall spilled down over smooth gray stone, its mist shimmering in the sunlight and making tiny rainbows float across the air. The ground nearby was soft with meadow grass, dotted with wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. Cool, flat rocks surrounded the pool at the base, perfect for little feet to climb and sit on.

Alina's own eyes lit up at the sight, but before she could admire for long, Dante's cold voice carried over the sound of rushing water.

"We will first go through elements training," he said, his crimson gaze sweeping over the children like a commander reviewing soldiers. "After that, you will have freedom to play around here. Then we will move on to another spot."

The babies, who had just been lively with excitement, quieted quickly at his tone. Some shuffled nervously, others perked up with anticipation.

Alina, sensing their unease, clapped her hands with a warm smile. "Alright, everyone, let's make a line! Teacher will help you get ready."

Drake puffed his chest proudly as he stomped into place, his wings twitching. Luna trotted forward in wolf form before shifting back into a girl, folding her arms like she was ready to prove herself. Boo spun once in midair before flopping down dramatically into the line, while Rocky shuffled over hesitantly, clutching his little hands together. Sable quietly joined at the edge, his eyes following Alina with trust, and Kelpie couldn't stop glancing at the water as though it was calling to him. Vlad Jr. stood with aristocratic grace, fixing his little cape as if about to duel someone, while Felix flicked his silver hair, fox-like mischief glinting in his red eyes.

The spray from the waterfall misted gently over the meadow, catching sunlight in little rainbows, while Dante stood before the children like a dark shadow against the brightness. His voice was strong and sure, each word carrying a seriousness that made even the most restless baby listen.

"Elements are the foundation of your power," he said, his crimson gaze sweeping over them one by one. "They are not toys. They are not meant for idle play. They are life itself, breath, flame, water, stone, shadow, spirit. To control them, you must first learn to feel them inside you. They are bound to your heartbeat, to your will. If you cannot command yourself, you cannot command your element."

The babies shifted where they stood, their eyes wide. Drake's wings twitched with excitement, Luna clenched her fists in determination, and even Boo—who usually floated about without a care—stood straighter, as if the gravity in Dante's words pulled him still.

"Close your eyes," Dante instructed. "Breathe. Find the spark inside you. Do not force it. Let it answer."

Alina stood nearby, her heart racing with awe as she watched. Babies bathed in a faint glow of their own elements made her eyes wide with wonder.

Luna glowed with a silvery light, and droplets of water circled Kelpie's palms, shining like liquid jewels. Drake's body crackled faintly with golden sparks. Rocky trembled but slowly let his body harden into stone, his skin taking on the shimmer of granite.

Sable's shadows danced timidly at first, curling protectively around his feet until Dante's gaze steadied him, and then they rose like soft ribbons in the air. Felix's fox-red eyes glimmered as a faint breeze stirred around his silver hair, the hint of illusion shifting faintly in the air around him. Vlad Jr., calm and elegant, let his aura flare just enough for his crimson eyes to glow like rubies, a dignified pulse of vampiric energy that was steady and controlled. And Lucien glowed faintly with crimson light that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.

Alina pressed her hand over her chest, unable to tear her gaze away.

"Remember this feeling," Dante said finally, his deep voice filling the hush. "This is your core. Train it. Protect it. Respect it. It is not play. It is who you are."

The glow slowly dimmed as the children opened their eyes, panting softly as if they had run a great distance. Some looked proud, others uncertain, but all of them were shining in Alina's eyes.

Dante's voice carried over the meadow, deep and calm, echoing slightly against the cliffs and the soft roar of the waterfall.

"You all have strong elements," he said, his crimson gaze sweeping slowly across the line of children, each of them still glowing faintly from their earlier release of power. "But strength without control is nothing. A wild flame burns everything around it. A raging river drowns even those it wishes to protect. A stone without balance will crumble. Shadows can suffocate if they are not guided. Even light, if uncontrolled, will blind."

The babies shifted, listening with wide eyes. Some clutched their fists tighter, some stared at their glowing hands, others looked at Dante with awe and just a little fear.

"You must train," Dante continued, his tone sharpening like steel. "Day by day. Breath by breath. The more you control your element, the more it will become a part of you."

"We understand!!!" the babies shouted together, their little voices rising in unison. Dante's eyes flashed with quiet satisfaction as they turned toward Alina.

She had taught them well. When he spoke, they listened without a sound, so different from the last time when Miss Clara had been their teacher. Back then, they never even gave him proper attention, always running and playing while he tried to speak.

He liked this change. He liked this improvement.

Dante spoke again. "You all have to find your own place. No groups this time. Each one of you must sit alone and do meditation for at least twenty minutes."

The babies blinked at him in surprise. Meditation? No chasing, no racing, no games? Their little faces shifted between confusion and curiosity.

Alina tilted her head slightly, her own curiosity piqued. She had heard of meditation, of course, but the way Dante said it, with such gravity, made it feel like more than just sitting quietly.