"So you're just gonna sit there and stare at me?" the professor mumbled through a mouthful of food, his voice muffled as he chewed. He leaned back casually by the fire, the warm glow casting flickering shadows on his face.
Ezra, still in a daze, could barely respond. His mind was racing, trying to process what had just happened—the overwhelming surge of power, the transformation, the dragon-like energy that had practically swallowed the forest. He couldn't even fully comprehend it.
"H-how did y-you do that…?" Ezra stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt a mix of awe and confusion, still trying to wrap his head around the spectacle he'd just witnessed.
The professor paused for a moment, swallowing his food before looking over at Ezra with an amused smirk. "Resonance, I'm sure you've heard of it. What do they teach you in class, anyway? Even a seven-year-old could defeat that bear with it," he said nonchalantly, tossing a log into the fire. The flames crackled as he continued, clearly enjoying himself.
"My resonance is a bit… special," he said, his eyes glinting mischievously. "You see, everything in this world has a resonance. It's the unique energy that connects all living things. Some people just… tap into it better than others." He shrugged. "Some of us can even use it to manifest things like this." He waved vaguely at the scorched remains of the forest, as if it was nothing.
The professor ran a hand through his long hair with a huff, clearly displeased. "It's getting too long for my liking."
Ezra blinked, still processing what he had seen and heard. "Can you teach me?" he asked, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. "The classes are pretty boring, and I want to do cool stuff like that."
The professor raised an eyebrow, considering the request for a moment. "Mm, since you entertained me… I suppose I can," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Ezra frowned, confused. "What do you mean 'entertain'? You were just watching."
"Of course," the professor replied casually, his grin widening. "It was funny seeing you scramble like a mouse."
Ezra's frown deepened as irritation bubbled up inside him. 'This insufferable piece of shit,' he thought, barely managing to keep his expression neutral.
The professor gave Ezra a dismissive wave, already reaching for a bottle of alcohol that had been tucked by his side, his earlier amusement fading into indifference.
"We'll start tomorrow morning, at sunrise," he muttered, not looking up as he uncorked the bottle. "Don't be late. Tell the teachers you've got a pass from me."
Ezra stood there for a moment, unsure whether to say anything else. The professor was already taking a swig, his back turned as he sank further into the lazy comfort of his own world.
"Now go, and let me drown in my sorrows in peace," he added, voice muffled by the bottle as he took another deep drink.
" What do I call you? "
" Hmmm let's see, Mr Fabulous Amazing Fantastic Handsome "
Ezra grimaced, the corners of his mouth pulling down at the absurdity of the professor's response. "Right… Mr. Fabulous Amazing Fantastic Handsome," he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes.
The professor didn't seem to notice, or maybe he just didn't care, as he took another long gulp from the bottle. "Exactly. You're a quick learner," he said, his tone lazy, like he couldn't be bothered with anything more serious.
Ezra, not sure whether to laugh or just walk away, turned toward the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Fabulous," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"See you at sunrise, kid," the professor called out, already settling back into his comfortable position, the bottle nearly empty in his hand.