Tale 40
Poisonous Tongue

Tahimik ang gabi at ikinukubli ng mga ulap ang kambal na buwan sa kalangitan.

Isang munting lampara ang nagbibigay ng liwanag sa isang tahimik na silid.

Abala si Aurio sa pagbabasa ng isang medicinal book noong maramdaman nya ang presensya ng ibang tao sa kanyang silid. Nag-angat ng tingin si Aurio.

Clear.

No one is there.

Weird.

Ibinaba ni Aurio ang hawak nyang libro.

Tumayo sya para isara ang nakabukas na bintana.

Isang malakas na hangin ang dumaan kasabay ng paghiwa ng isang matalim na bagay sa hangin.

Kitang-kita ni Aurio ang pagdaan ng patalim malapit sa kanyang puso. Ginamit nya ang pwersa ng hangin upang makaiwas.

Subalit hindi pa sya ligtas.

Maliksi ang pagkilos ng isang anino na lumitaw sa kadiliman ng gabi.

“Assassin!” sa isip ni Aurio

Agad naghanap ng sandata si Aurio upang protektahan ang kanyang sarili. Isang makapal at matigas na armas ang natagpuan nya. Subalit huli na ang lahat—

Natumba si Aurio dahil sa pwersa na tumama sa kanyang katawan. Mabuti na lamang at sa malambot na kama sya naglanding.

“Pfftt.. A medicinal book?” komento ng assassin

Isang patalim ang nagbabantang humiwa sa leeg ni Aurio subalit matapos marinig ang pamilyar na tinig ay biglang naglaho ang lahat ng takot sa puso nya.

“You??” Aurio cant believe his eyes after realizing who is pinning him down on his bed

“What do you plan to do with that book? Read and bore me to death?” amused na tanong nito

“Why are you here?!” hindi pa din makapaniwalang tanong ni Aurio

“For a job, of course.” Simpleng tugon nito

“To kill me??” ngtatakang tanong ni Aurio.. Sino naman ang magtatakang ipapatay sya??

“Don’t flatter yourself. I have a different target. I’m just here to greet a friend.” Tugon nito

“Greet a friend? By attacking me?” hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Aurio

“Why not? Do you expect me to greet you with a casual hello? How boring would that be?” tugon nito

Hindi nakatugon si Aurio. Hindi nya talaga maunawaan ang takbo ng isipan nito.

“You look sexy on this position.” Mapaglarong saad nito

Saka lamang narealized ni Aurio kung gaano kaawkward ang position nila.

He’s pinned down on his bed!

“Get off!” reklamo ni Aurio

The person got rid of her blade, but didn’t bother to get off him. She’s pinning him down on his bed. Aurio’s expression is quite amusing.

“Pffftt.. Why are you blushing, Chicken?” natatawang tanong nito

“I-Im not!!” depensa ni Aurio

Natawa lamang si Natalia. She’s amused by his reaction.

“As I’ve said, I’m here for someone.” Saad ni Natalia with a business like tone

“Okay, but get off me first.” Aurio

Hindi sya pinansin ng babae at nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita.

“My target is someone very important.” Natalia

“The guildmaster?!” singhap ni Aurio

“Nope, not him.” Natalia

“Then who??” Aurio

Binigyan sya ng isang ngiti ng dalaga bago muling bumalik sa dati ang ekspresyon nito.

“I need to ask you a question.” Saad ni Natalia saka sya pinagmasdan

Napalunok ng laway si Aurio sa hindi nya malamang dahilan.

“I want you to simply answer with your body.” Monotone na saad ni Natalia

“W-what?! Are you crazy?” Aurio was taken aback. He was reminded of their awkward position. He stared at Natalia wide eyed.

“I mean to shake or nod your head. What the hell were you thinking?” Natalia

“T-then just tell me to nod my head normally!” protesta ni Aurio

“I just wanted to respect diverse expressions of opinion. There are many hand signals or other body language to use.” Natalia

“…….” Aurio

“So Chicken, be honest, you being here means Magician is Amara of Thousand Crows, right?” seryosong tanong ni Natalia

Nagbuntong hininga si Aurio, saka marahang tumango.

A hint of disappointment flashed on Natalia’s eyes.

“Tsk. Ang laki pa naman sana ng kikitain ko sa job offer na ito.” Natalia

“Didn’t Nixon warned you?” Aurio

“He did. But he didn’t explained anything. He simply told me that I’ll be disappointed.” Natalia

“Oh well..” Saad ni Natalia saka inilibot ang mga mata sa silid.. “This place is nice.”

“I-it’s my residence provided by the guild.” Aurio

“How generous of them.” Komento ni Natalia

“Yes.” Sang-ayon ni Aurio

“Let me stay here for now.” Saad ni Natalia saka naglanding sa kama.. Agad nyang sinipa si Aurio dahilan para maglanding ito sa semento

“That’s my bed.” Reklamo ni Aurio

“So?” Natalia

“There’s only two rooms in this residence. I have visitors on the other room.” Aurio

“The two girls?” Natalia was reminded of the two people with mysterious presence on the room next door. She noticed their presence earlier before she greeted Aurio.

“Yeah..” Aurio

“I didn’t know that you’re building a harem.” Komento ni Natalia

“I’m not!” Aurio

“Then get out.” Saad ni Natalia sabay turo sa pinto

“But this is my room..” maluha-luhang reklamo ni Aurio

“Im tired.” Saad ni Natalia saka ipinikit ang kanyang mga mata.

And that’s how Aurio ends up in the sofa on the living room of his own residence.

Samantala,lumipas ang ilang araw matapos magsimulang magturo ni Amara sa Aurum University.

“I heard that Headmaster went out to visit a guild in Aragon..”
“Yes, I wonder why.”
“Who knows.. I heard it’s an alchemy guild. Maybe for a pill..?”
“Maybe.”
“Anyway, it’s been a week. The sophomore alchemists are still doing physical activities.”
“Pfftt.. They look pathetic.”
“Yeah.. Do you see the look on their faces everyday?”
“Hilarious! Muka silang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa! Hahaha..”
“Kawawa naman sila, walang kwenta yung napuntang prof sa kanila..”
“Wala silang future hahaha..”
“Ang malas nila para mapunta sa isang prof na mukang di alam ang ginagawa nya haha.”
“Maka-graduate pa kaya sila? Mukang hindi na sila sisikatan ng araw sa itsura nila everytime na tumatakbo sila sa school hahaha!”

“Upakan ko tong mga to.” Nagngingitngit na saad ni Stephany matapos marinig ang mga bulungan sa cafeteria

“Chill.. Hayaan mo sila.” Awat ni Lhey na chill na chill na kumakain ng imperial berry cheese cake

“Hindi nila mauunawaan ang rason bakit tayo tinotorture ni Prof Eclipse. Tayo nga, di natin maintindihan bakit tayo nagsusuffer huhu..” Zoe

“True..” buntong hininga ni Stephany

“But we gotta admit, the lectures in class were beneficial and helpful.” Lhey

Tumango ang dalawa..

“Although we are suffering everyday because we have to run lapse around the school, the class itself is very easy to understand, besides Prof Eclipse is mesmerizing when she starts to discuss about alchemy.” Sang-ayon ni Zoe

“She looks so young too..  I wonder what level she already is..” Stephany

“Probably a Level 2 Expert..” Zoe

“Or Level 3.” Lhey

“Nuh.. She’s too young to be a Level 3..” Stephany

“But keep in mind that her knowledge in class is way better than all our other professors. Have you notice the disparity? Prof Eclipse is like an ancient alchemy master. I tried to ask her all sorts of alchemic questions and she knows the answer to everything!” Lhey

“You’re exaggerating..” naiiling na kontra ni Stephany

“We can’t judge a book by it’s cover. You know Lady Amara of Thousand Crows? I heard she’s only eighteen but she’s already a Grandmaster Alchemist.” Lhey

“Of course I heard! Who doesnt know Lady Amara? She’s the youngest Grandmaster Alchemist! But she’s a special case.. Rumours claims that she’s been studying alchemy since she’s three years old. She’s a heaven sent genius.” Stephany

“No! I heard she’s been studying alchemy since birth. She’s a miracle sent to Aralon.” Zoe

“Are you insane? Even if she’s a genius, how the heck can she study alchemy as a baby?” angil ni Stephany

“She’s a genius baby, okay?” gigil ni Zoe

“She is! But she definitely don’t know how to read and write as a baby so she started learning at the age of three!” Stephany

“Shut it both of you. What’s the point of arguing? Those are just baseless rumours.” Sabat ni Lhey

“Well, you’re right.” Sang-ayon ni Zoe

“Hmmp.” Pout ni Stephany

“Malapit na magsimula ang lessons natin kay Prof Eclipse.” Saad ni Lhey

“More like torture, not lessons.” Stephany

“Hey! Big news!” agaw pansin na anunsyo ng isang mag-aaral mula sa SMAW

Agad napukaw ang pansin ng karamihan sa mga tao sa cafeteria

“I heard Prof Linda went to the Mill of Alchemy to teach the new prof a lesson!” malakas na anunsyo ng lalaki..

“The new prof?” tanong ni Stephany sa dalawang kaibigan

“Si Prof Eclipse?” Lhey

“Waahh! Si prof Eclipse!” sabay na saad nina Zoe at Stephany

Agad tumayo ang magkakaibigan para magtungo sa Mill of Alchemy. Ilang estudyante ang sumunod sa kanila para makitsismis.

“So you are the new professor.” Mataray na bati ng isang middle age na babae kay Amara na abalang nagbabasa ng libro sa silid habanghinihintay ang kanyang mga estudyante.

Nag-angat ng tingin sandali si Amara. Literal na sandali lamang ito, muli nyang ibinalik ang atensyon sa hawak na libro.

Who gives a damn about this old hag? Amara ignores her completely.

Agad nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng propesor.

Sya si Professor Linda, isang Level 5 Expert. Although she’s an old hag in the eyes of Amara, she’s actually only in her thirties. Tanyag ang middle age na babae bilang pinakamahusay na guro ng Alchemy Department. Inirerespeto sya ng lahat kaya naman wala syang sinasanto sa paaralan maliban na lamang sa Headmaster. Pansin ng lahat na may special treatment kay Eclipse.  Ngayon na wala ang headmaster ay malakas ang loob nyang turuan ng leksyon ang dalaga.

“Trash.” Iritableng komento ni Prof Linda sa attitude ni Amara

“Pakitapon na lang ng sarili mo sa basurahan.” tugon ni Amara na hindi man lamang nag-abalang mag-angat ng tingin.

“Annoying little brat!” Nag-uumpisa nang magtaas ng boses ang professor

This time, Amara look at her, “I know it’s not my place to judge but why are you talking to yourself?”

“You—” hindi nakatugon si Prof Linda.. She’s strict but she’s never been disrespected before. How could she win against the poisonous tongue of Amara?

“Hmmmp! Im here to show you your place!’” deklara ni Prof Linda

Unti-unti nang dumarami ang mga estudyante na nakikiusyoso sa nangyayari. Nakasilip sila sa nakabukas na pintuan pati na rin sa mga glass window ng silid. Kabilang sa kanila ang mga mag-aaral ng dalawang professor.

“The new prof is in trouble.” Excited na komento ng isang mag-aaral ni Prof Linda

“I don’t think so.. Didn’t you hear how Prof Eclipse rebuke her every words?” tugon naman ng isang estudyante ni Amara

Agad nagbatuhan ng maaanghang na mga salita ang dalawang klase. Ang isa ay mga Sophomore Apprentices, ang isa ay mga junior Apprentices.

“My class is about to start, get lost.” Monotone na saad ni Amara kay prof Linda na ikinapantig ng tenga ng huli

“Didn’t you hear what I said? I clearly told you that Im here to teach you a lesson!” Prof Linda

“You are not even qualified to do so. Why don’t you stick around and listen to my class instead?” tugon ni Amara, she’s calm but her words were laced with mockery

“Ha! You think too highly of yourself!” Prof Linda

“Why not?” tugon ni Amara as if to say that it’s only natural to look down on Prof Linda

“Brat!” inis na singhal ng professor

“Like I said, Im not interested in your childish antics, get lost.” Amara

Childish?! Prof Linda cant believe what she just heard. This brat calls her childish!

“I don’t care what you think about me.” Saad ni Prof Linda, trying to sound as calm as possible

“I don’t care cause I don’t think about you.” Amara

“You—” gigil na saad ni Prof Linda subalit hindi nya alam kung paano kokontra

Agad nagbunyi ang mga estudyante ni Amara.

“Huh! Told you! Prof Eclipse is the one  with the upper hand!”

“Tsk.. She’s just good with words. Prof Linda is still the best.”

“No! Prof Eclipse is not inferior! Hmmp!”

“Tsk. She’s just a newbie professor. She’s probably just a Level 1 or 2 expert.. Prof Linda is a Level 5!”

“So what? Prof Eclipse is a fire breathing dragon!”

“…….huh?”

“Yeah! She’s a fire breathing dragon! Prof Linda is in trouble! Hahaha!”

“Tsk. What nonsense! Prof Linda is the best prof!”

“Tsk. Let’s see, why don’t we face off on the upcoming Game of Storms!” hamon ng isa

“Psh! It’s on!”

“Get ready! We will flatten you on the Game of Storms!”

“No! We will flatten you!”

Hindi nakalampas sa pandinig ng dalawang professor ang mainit na bangayan ng kanilang sarisariling mga mag-aaral.

“That’s a good idea.. Why don’t we let our students face off on the upcoming Game of Storms.” Suhestyon ni Prof Linda.. She might be inferior in terms of battle of words, but she have the advantage if their students will face off. Prof Linda is teaching the juniors, they are one year ahead than Eclipse’ students. This way, she can prove to this brat that she’s the best professor in their department!

“Im so brilliant.” Sa isip ni Prof Linda

“So what do you say?” hamon pa ng professor

“Whatever.” Amara

“It’s a deal then. Hopefully you wont go back on your words.. Hahahaha good luck brat!” Deklara ng professor, feeling confident. Lumisan sya sa silid with a smug look on her face.

“No matter where I go, there is always an idiot jumping around.” Naiiling na komento ni Amara

“Prof! Prof! Sasali talaga tayo sa Game of Storms?” curious na tanong ni Stephany na nakasaksi sa mga naganap

“If you want to, then I wont stop you.” Amara

“We want!”

“Ang yayabang nila! Tuturuan namin sila ng leksyon!”

“Parang kahapon lang nagrereklamo pa kayo sa presensya ko. Why are you guys so hype now?” Amara

Agad natigilan ang magkakaklase. Bakit nga ba?

Nasanay na ba sila sa pangtotorture ng kanilang professor? Wait lang, masochist ba sila? Bakit nila dinedepensahan ang prof na sanhi ng pagdurusa nila?

“Isnt it because you’re a great teacher?” tugon ni Dior Hurricane, ang top 1 ng klase

“…. Well, that’s true.. You’re alchemic lessons are magical. We learn a lot.”

“Yes, besides, before we met you I cant even lift a bucket of water, but now I feel stronger.” Dagdag ng isang babae. She's sickly but stubborn so she's doing her best to become an alchemist.

“That’s true. I can lift heavy sandbags now!”

“I agree. I don’t feel as tired as I used to be when we just started running lapse a week ago.”

“Besides, your lessons is the best!”

“True! So now, we want to show those jerks that you are not inferior to Prof Linda!”

Ngumiti si Amara..

“So you really want to join the Game of Storms??” Amara

“Of course!”

“Then, let’s make sure you’ll win.” Amara

Agad natigilan ang magkakaklase.

The look on Amara’s face frightens them.

They have a bad feeling.

Can they still back out now? Huhu

~~~~~~~~

Dear Lovely Readers,
It's been a while. First update for 2020! I know it's a bit late, but let's all have a wonderful new year!
Schedule of Updates for 2020: Random

xoxo
LazyMissy13