"What are you thinking about?" Viola's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Benjamin came back to himself and shook his head. "Nothing. So now that you're free, what do you plan to do?"
Viola tilted her head and thought for a moment. "No idea. Got any recommendations?"
Benjamin glanced at the nest on the lab bench, which was slowly settling down again, and the corner of his mouth twitched. "There's really nothing fun here. How about I have the Black Giant Priest show you around?"
"Fine..." Viola rolled her eyes and turned toward the door.
Halfway there, she suddenly stopped. Without turning around, she said, "Don't get full of yourself just because you've entered the Fate School. The old man said that getting started is only the beginning. There's still a long road ahead."
Benjamin smiled. "Got it."
Viola reached the door, then suddenly stopped again.
She turned around and stared at Benjamin warily, like a cat with its fur standing on end.
Her fist was clenched tight, and she waved it twice through the air in a threatening gesture.
"And don't tell the old man that you've already learned Fate School basics." Her voice was low, but she bit down hard on every word. "Otherwise, I'll get dragged off for extra lessons again!"
Benjamin looked at the fist swaying before him, then at Viola's face, which plainly said, "If you dare tell anyone, I'll bite you to death," and nodded with a smile.
"Got it."
Viola stared at him for several seconds. Only after confirming he was not brushing her off did she slowly lower her fist.
Benjamin found her expression rather amusing.
It seemed Instructor Clark's "extra lessons" had left quite a psychological shadow on this senior.
She let out a long breath, but suddenly lost all interest in continuing