Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Chapter 27: Artificial Monsters [ 1 ]

The same day Lucas ditched Professor Theo.

In the tranquil confines of Miss Lillian's private chamber, Professor Theo and Miss Lillian engaged in a conversation that held the potential to shape a young cadet's future.

"Miss Lillian, please try to understand; this boy is a genius," Professor Theo implored, his eyes earnest. "Is there no other way he can come to [Research Department]?"

Miss Lillian, with a calm demeanour that matched her reputation as an unyielding administrator, replied, "Professor Theo, I already told you it's impossible to switch from Hero Course to [the Research Department], and you already know it."

The professor's face fell with realization. He indeed knew the strict regulations regarding course changes, but in his enthusiasm for Lucas's potential, he had momentarily forgotten these constraints.

Seeing the look on Professor Theo's face, Miss Lillian asked the inevitable question, her curiosity piqued. "Why do you want Lucas so much in [Research Department] any way? He does have some qualities, but I don't think he is the scholarly type."

Professor Theo paused, considering his words carefully, and then he answered her candidly. "Miss Lillian, every year in my first lecture to the first-year class, I pose a question. No one can answer it. Why? Because it's a three-year class portion. Yet, Lucas is the only one who has ever answered it."

Miss Lillian's shock was not solely due to Lucas's answer but because Professor Theo had used a portion of the third-year curriculum on a first-year student.

"Professor Theo, did you use a portion of the third-year curriculum on a first-year student?" she inquired, her voice a mix of astonishment and concern.

"Yes, I did," he admitted with a hint of embarrassment. "But this year was different; I kept changing it every year so that senior students couldn't inform the new students of the content in advance."

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Silence descended upon the room, and Miss Lillian contemplated the implications of this revelation.

"Anyway, you can't take Lucas from the Hero courses, Professor Theo," she reiterated.

"It's a shame," he mused, a contemplative expression on his face as he mentally retraced his steps. "Ah, how could I forget that?"

Miss Lillian, her curiosity further piqued, inquired, "What is it?"

"Crew, of course," Professor Theo exclaimed, his eyes brightening with newfound hope. "Lucas can keep joining [Research Department] as a member, not as a student. Yes, that would work!"

Nova Academy boasted an array of crews, much like the extracurricular circles found in colleges on Old Earth. Crew promotions were scheduled in the second week after the first-year cadets' arrival, and students could explore a wide variety of interests.

"Miss Lillian, how many days are left until students can officially join Crew?" Professor Theo asked eagerly, his enthusiasm undiminished.

Miss Lillian checked her records and replied, "There's still one week left."

Miss Lillian, always the pragmatic voice of reason, felt compelled to caution Professor Theo despite the newfound hope for Lucas's potential involvement in the [Research Department].

"Even if he can join your department, Professor Theo, you must not force him. It's up to him if he wants to or not," she advised, her tone measured but firm. She had seen many students pushed into paths they didn't truly desire, and her primary concern was always the cadets' well-being.

Professor Theo nodded, appreciating her concern. "I know that," he replied, his response carrying a hint of seriousness. "I've always believed that talent shines brightest when it aligns with one's passion and desire. However, I also believe in allowing young talents like Lucas to explore and find their true calling. The [Research Department] could be that place for him."

Miss Lillian regarded Professor Theo thoughtfully. "I understand your perspective, Professor. But remember, Nova Academy's primary goal is to nurture students in a way that they can reach their full potential as [ heroes ] while ensuring their happiness and well-being. We must tread carefully in guiding them towards their paths."

The professor smiled appreciatively at Miss Lillian's wisdom. "You're right, as always, Miss Lillian. We'll offer him the opportunity and support, but ultimately, the choice will be Lucas's."

The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and a glimmer of hope now existed for Lucas's future at Nova Academy, albeit through a different avenue.

***

The next day at Nova Academy, I tried my best to maintain a low profile, but it seemed like my efforts were in vain. People couldn't help but steal occasional glances in my direction, which made my attempt at discretion quite challenging.

The real issue, however, came in the form of Isabella and Evelyn.

Yes, that Isabella, the one who had called me "creepy" on my very first day in class. It was absurd. You can't just label someone as "creepy" without reason. Well, of course, in my capacity as the author, I couldn't help but feel a bit hurt by those words. But it was my own doing; I'd created her character this way.

The true dilemma was Isabella's incessant glares that I received every time I stepped into the classroom. Her unwavering disapproval was becoming rather hard to ignore.

And then there was Evelyn. To be honest, I had no idea how to approach her.

It had been a week since our match, the one that had dredged up those fragmented memories. In the past week, I hadn't said a word to her. Since I'd experienced that memory in my dream, my mind had been plagued with countless questions, and I couldn't figure out how to address any of them.

One fact was clear: She used to be my girlfriend, or at least the old Lucas had thought so. However, that was not a welcome revelation at all. Seeing your ex, especially when you have a complicated history together, is never a pleasant experience.

As for the other students in the class, I couldn't help but notice they still cast uncertain glances my way. It was as if they couldn't quite believe that such a low-ranked student like me could possess any significant intellect.

But in truth, it wasn't entirely my fault. When I was writing questions for the students in my novel, I casually added one, not realizing the impact it would have here. I suppose I wasn't exactly considerate in that regard.

Miss Lilian broke the silence, addressing the class with a stern voice that demanded attention.

"Today marks the end of your first week here at Nova Academy. It's time for you all to face monsters."

There was an instant murmur of protest.

"Monsters? So soon?"

"I mean, it's only been a week since the academy started."

"Are we ready for this?"

Anxiety and fear rippled through the class as many students expressed their apprehension.

However, amidst the protests, some students seemed oddly thrilled.

But it wasn't Adrian or Aric this time. It was the rest of the main characters. And none of them wore expressions of fear. They all shared a wild, maniacal grin.

These guys were completely insane. Well, except for Lyra; she maintained her usual gentle demeanour.

"Quiet down!" Miss Lilian barked, her anger palpable. I couldn't help but think that this was a departure from the novel. Sure, there had been protests from the students in my story, but nothing like this.

"Is this place a vacation for you?" she continued, her voice rising in volume. "You came here to train, didn't you? Or perhaps you all wish to relive the horrors of the war that happened fifty years ago, when demons roamed free, slaughtering families."

Her anger was genuine, and it was evident that her outburst was not scripted. In my novel, there had been student protests, but this level of fury had not been present.

"NOW ANSWER ME!" she roared, her voice now accompanied by magic.

It felt like my eardrums were about to burst as she unleashed her magical fury. The sheer force of her voice was overwhelming.

"YES MA'AM! WE WILL TRY OUR BEST!" The chorus of terrified students erupted simultaneously.

Miss Lilian's message was clear. This was not a vacation spot; it was a place for training. The students were here to prepare for the challenges they would face outside these walls. Her anger, although intimidating, held a purpose – to remind everyone of their duty to become stronger and protect themselves from the threats beyond the academy's gates.

The intense scene, marked by students' fearful expressions and the overwhelming power of Miss Lilian's magic, left a profound impact on me.

After that moment she opened her mouth.

"Good, anyway you did not fight a real monster you will be fighting against Artificial monsters. [ the Anti-monster].

This bitch.

I was kind of scared seeing her all angry like this, I thought somehow the plot had been changed without my knowing.

'I'll tell you Novelist is not an easy job.'