"That concludes today's lesson and our unit on Gannet's early history. Any questions, my lovely students?"
Yeah, why do we have to learn all of this useless, boring crap? Who cares about stupid history when only the present matters? I wish I could ask those kinds of questions, but of course, Miss Honey wouldn't take me seriously. No, actually, she would probably take me too seriously and start another endless lecture. I want to mumble under my breath to at least let out my frustrations, but Miss Honey would call me out–again. Teachers are so lame…
I look out the window to give my mind a breather from staring at notes. I can see the sun's rays beaming through the clouds, the gentle wind swaying the flowers that decorate this school's courtyard. It's the perfect weather to enjoy time outside, away from Gannet Academy. Graduation day can't come soon enough!
"Is this going to be on the final?"
"I hardly remember any of this!"
"It was so boring, right?"
"Please let the test be noncumulative!"
"Will there be a curve?"
Like clockwork, my classmates blurt out questions one after another, overwhelming our teacher. I can see the regret in her eyes having to deal with thirty-four students yelling at her while being cursed with sensitive hearing. Serves her right for boring us to death–I hope that she gets a headache so bad, she cancels future lectures and passes everyone!
"Settle down class, settle down! I should have clarified; raise your hands first, then I will answer your questions. Now to answer the most relevant question, there's no need to worry, the exam won't be on paper, but rather a live presentation! I want you to explore Gannet's many historical landmarks and bring back a souvenir as proof of your expedition. You will present your findings to the class and tell us the details about what you discovered, as well as answer any questions your classmates may have."
"Can we work together or is this an independent project?"
"It's up to you, but I highly recommend forming a party. It can be with your classmates, friends, family, etc. Though everyone in class will have to verbally present his or her findings, though. Slackers will penalize the entire group!"
"Aww…"
In unison, we all sigh and look each other in the eyes. By "we", I mean all of the class "slackers" like me who rely on the work of others in group assignments and only do the bare minimum at best. We aren't best friends or anything, but we are required to know each other so that we can avoid working together, else we would have to actually try. Of course, in the past, none of us felt like being the proactive member of our group together, so we attempted to plagiarize. Needless to say, that grade still impacts us to this day.
"As you may know, some of you have not been performing so well this semester. This project is to help you pass."
Miss Honey looks at me directly in my eyes. It was only for a second, but I know that she is calling me out! She will never let that moment go. Why don't teachers learn to forgive? Where's her humanity?
I take another glance at my peers. We can tell that we all are being indirectly exposed, and the teacher is waiting for one of us to ask a question. None of us want to volunteer, so it's everyone for herself! The winning strategy is to not look directly at Miss Honey, but also not completely away from her either; both would make it too obvious. We all nod at each other as a way of wishing each other good luck.
What they don't know is that I don't need luck this time, for I have formulated the winning strategy! All I have to do is look at something slightly above her, such as the top of her head or the whiteboard. That way, it'll appear that I am paying attention to her, but not too much attention that would be uncharacteristic of someone like me. I may not be book smart, but when it comes to the real-world, I'm a genius!
"...heh."
I couldn't help but smirk at my genius and exhale under my breath.
"Ah, it seems that our dearest Thena has a question! Let's listen to her."
Crap, I forgot not to make any sound or unusual expression. The entire class stares at me in silence, my peers in relief. Miss Honey looks delighted as if her smile is saying, "I've got you now, idiot!". Fine, I'll ask the question she wants to hear. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
"How do we earn an A, Miss Honey?"
"I'm so glad you asked, Thena!"
Her sarcastic tone makes me want to throw slime right on her glasses!
"Unique entries that are rare will receive an A+. My hint to you is to focus on the areas further away from the capital city, and search through the underexplored locations. Use your own and your party's curses to your advantage as you venture. This project is due the day after the semester break; class is dismissed!"
Upon hearing those magic words, all of us students dashed through the entranceway like a stampede. It feels good to have sweet freedom at last!
The project criteria sounds kinda lame, but it beats having to do a written exam easily. I am much better at doing field work than schoolwork, but I wouldn't dare carry this assignment by myself. Where is he?
As I walk through the halls, heading towards the school entrance, I look for my friend. In many ways, he's like the complete opposite of me; he's much better at academics and is a lot more reserved. He looks like the textbook definition of a geek, but we've known each other since childhood. So if anyone dares to make fun of him, I'll make sure it'll be their last time. Some mean girls from the grade above us tried it last year–the suspension was worth it!
"Aha, there you are!"
I spot my friend sitting down on a bench in the courtyard next to the big fountain. To no one's surprise, he's reviewing class notes.
"Whew, I'm glad you found me. I wanted to meet with you directly after class, but everyone ran out the door, so I decided to wait for you here. For a moment, I was beginning to worry that you ghosted me!"
"Of course I wouldn't leave you, Gene; we're partners in crime!"
"Metaphorically speaking, right?"
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Now about that project…"
"You don't have to ask, of course I'll team up with my friend! Though I don't think my skills are sufficient alone…"
"Don't worry about it, I've been training my whole life for treasure hunting! Besides, I'll get my big sister to join us for extra reassurance. The only problem is that I have no idea where to explore."
"Hmm, well, I would suggest hunting for a rare jewel to make a pendant like the ones from ancient history, but we know how that would end up."
"Hey, shut up! I almost got away with that pendant; I would've had it if it weren't for that stupid jerk!"
I have no idea how that guy even found me. I thought targeting someone in a different country would have made things easier. Just thinking about that man makes my stomach churn!
"Gene, stop laughing already!"
"Okay, I'm done laughing…I think. To be fair, you kinda deserved it for stealing in the first place. Consider it karma."
"I can't help it, we are a family of treasure hunters. If we see treasure we want, we will get it!"
"Sure, if you say so. Anyway, I'm out of ideas of locations that could earn us an A+; not that I need such a high grade in the first place."
Gene looks at me with a smug look on his face. So he wants to play that game, huh? Let's play. I take a sip of water from the fountain.
"Umm, Thena, what are you–?!"
GLOOP! SPLAT!
"Hey, my notebook! Why did you do that?!"
I launched a few slimeballs at his notes that he was reading. It got that annoying smirk off his face, that's for sure.
"Relax, you're lucky I just drank plain water. It shouldn't be too hard to remove that goo. Besides, it's just karma, right?"
"Tch…I'm sorry for mocking you, okay? Now can we get back on topic?"
"Right, we are supposed to be brainstorming about our project…"
Where can we go within Gannet to find something so rare and unique that Miss Honey would have no choice but to give us a high grade? I'm sure she taught us about some potential locations that would fit the bill, but I hardly pay attention to anything that woman says.
"Dang it, this is too hard! I can't think of anything either."
"Maybe we should ask Apostle Nazz?"
"Perhaps…"
Wait, I remember! A few Sundays ago, Apostle Nazz spoke about an hidden oasis that's inside the northern caves above the capital. Apparently, the goddess used to rest there or whatever. More importantly, there's bound to be plenty of treasure there.
"Gene, I know that this will sound insane, but I just thought of the perfect place!"
ARC 1 INTERLUDE END