The Apathetic Professor of Esper Academy

September 23rd "In Defiance of Monotony"

Ciradyl lounged at their desk, eyes glazed over as they gazed upon the paperwork before them. As an esteemed professor at the Academy, a renowned establishment for grooming and researching Espers--those blessed with extraordinary abilities--Ciradyl couldn't help but feel unenthused about the hidden battles for dominance within the Esper community. All they desired was to grant their pupils a tranquil, commonplace existence.

Silver hair fell in messy strands around their face as they looked up from the paperwork, their blue eyes hidden behind large reflective glasses. As they leaned back in their chair, their bent back and unsteady gait became more apparent.

But as they sat there, their colleague and fellow professor, Drekra, stormed into their office with a frenzy in her eyes. "Ciradyl! I've been pondering, and I think we should take the students on a field trip!" she exclaimed.

Drekra, with her long scarlet hair and green eyes, stood before them, her toned figure accentuated by her custom-made armour and black boots. The diamond-shaped silver earrings she wore today swayed as she gestured excitedly. "Ciradyl, I've been thinking we should take the students on a field trip!"

Ciradyl lifted an eyebrow. "A field trip? Are you certain? Where do you have in mind?" They couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect. They removed their glasses, revealing their true persona - a young and pretty face, as they swept back their silver hair. "That's a fantastic idea, Drekra," they said, standing up from their chair.

"I think it would be the perfect opportunity to give our students a break from the monotony of classroom learning." Drekra's artificial eye glinted in the sunlight as she nodded in agreement, "Exactly! And with your expertise in numbers and other bullshit, and my knowledge of being cool, we would make the perfect team to lead this field trip."

Together, they walked towards the whiteboard, ready to plan out the details of the trip they had both agreed on. They united in their goal to provide their students with the best education and experiences Drekra's face beamed with excitement. "I thought we could take the students to ancient ruins or old Esper battlefields. It would be a grand chance for them to learn about the history of our abilities and how they've been utilized in the past."

With a playful tilt of her head, Drekra challenged Ciradyl. "You can't tell me you have something better to do than join me on this field trip. Admit it. You're just too apathetic to have any fun."

Irritation flickered across Ciradyl's face as they retorted, "I have important research to attend to, unlike someone who's just bored and stir-crazy with no real plan."

Drekra's grin widened, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Feeling sassy, I see. But let's not forget who the real slacker is here."

Ciradyl shook their head, but they couldn't deny their attraction towards Drekra. "I am not a slacker. My priorities lie elsewhere."

Leaning in closer, Drekra's tone held a hint of flirtation. "What could be more important than having a little fun and adventure with me?"

Heart skipping a beat at her words, Ciradyl knew they shouldn't give in to her antics, but the thought of going on a field trip with her was too tempting to resist. "I'll have to think about that one. But I won't deny the thought of going on a journey with you is tempting."

Drekra's eyes alight with excitement, and she grinned. "That's the spirit! So let's live a little, shall we?"

The definition of awe is a subject of much contemplation, for its meaning has evolved, Ciradyl thought. Its related terms include wonder, admiration, elevation, and the sublime. It is an overwhelming and bewildering sense of connection with a startling universe that is usually far beyond the narrow band of our consciousness, such as love, fear, sadness, embarrassment, curiosity, pride, enjoyment, despair, guilt, and anger. Many definitions allow for awe to be a positive or negative experience, yet when asked to describe events that elicit awe, most individuals only recall positive experiences.