General Xuan Zhen's Adventures in Twisted Wonderland (on hold)

Kalim's inexplainable moods and Mu Qing's Suspicion/Jamil's Scheme

Over the days in their stay in Scarabia and aiding the students in their studies and training with practiced and restrained patience and demanded for respect and decorum, Mu Qing was also increasingly suspicious of Jamil's behavior, he'd been polite, there was something about him.

As the scorching sun beat down on the students of Scarabia, exhaustion weighed heavily on their bodies. Scarabia Student A, whose name was Garren, could barely lift his arms and legs. "Huff* *Huff* My arms and legs feel like noodles..." he complained, desperately in need of some hydration.

Scarabia Student B, Glenn, echoed Garren's plea for water. "Water... Need water..." he gasped, his voice filled with thirst.

Meanwhile, Scarabia Student C, Kylar, lamented the prospect of yet another day melting in the desert heat. "And we have another day of melting in the desert heat ahead of us tomorrow. Uuugh," he groaned, clearly dreading the upcoming challenge.

Curiosity got the better of Garren, who couldn't help but wonder about their housewarden's sudden change in behavior. "What's come over the housewarden? He never used to be like this," Garren mused, his voice tinged with confusion.

Jamil, the vice housewarden of Scarabia, remained silent, deep in thought. He observed the students' exhaustion and overheated frustration with concern. He knew exactly why their housewarden had become so irritable. "I imagine when we placed last in the Spelldrive interdorms, and then Scarabia collectively scored at the bottom of exams... He must have felt personally responsible," Jamil explained, his voice tinged with sympathy. "He's had terrible mood swings ever since."

Grim, who's increasingly annoyed by Kalim's constant change of moods, joined the conversation. "That ain't a mood swing. It's like he's a totally different person!" Grim interjected, his voice filled with exasperation.

Jamil nodded in agreement. "I've known him a long time, but that volatile temper has left me stumped as to how to approach him," Jamil admitted. "He'll say one thing, then do something else the next minute. The way he goes on these power trips without warning is out of control."

Grim sighed, realizing the weight of the situation, his tail twitching to hide his agitation.

"The whole dorm used to look up to our housewarden, but this odd behavior has us all scratching our heads," Jamil explained, his voice tinged with concern. "He's been making unreasonable demands, as you just saw... I fear it's only a matter of time before the students reach the end of their rope."

Jamil looked at Grim, appreciating the shared understanding between them. "Yeesh. Between you and Trey over in Heartslabyul, you vice housewardens have it rough, Mu Qing says he has a suspicion and thinks-," Grim commented, his voice filled with a hint of sympathy.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Jamil's mind. "Ah! That's it! Of course. You two are diamonds in the rough!" Jamil exclaimed, his voice filled with newfound hope.

Jamil's heart raced as he mustered the courage to approach Mu Qing, unable to tear away from his beautiful long black hair and glimmering hazel eyes. He had heard whispers of Mu Qing's intellect, unique powers, and his ability to solve problems and came to admire him ever since he helped healed him with his Qi, but now Jamil had a request that he couldn't bear to keep to himself any longer.

"Mu Qing-san," Jamil began, his voice trembling slightly. "I've wanting to speak with you ever since your stay here in Night Raven College, I have heard tales of your remarkable intelligence, your incredible powers, the thought of you exorcising the Overblots was unimaginable until the world's witnessed it for themselves, and problem-solving skills. Even the dorms of Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, and even Octavinelle regard well of you and your extraordinary abilities."