Arcana

Chapter 4

"My name is Lily....... Lily Sanders."

Her childish voice could clearly be heard beside me, responding at Professor Harper's question without a hint of panic. But for some reason, her gaze wasn't directed at the one she was talking to. She was eyeing the bird that was under the professor's arm, as if she had seen a ghost.

Well that's to be expected! One of the most popular extinct specie of birds, the Dodo bird, was right in front of her very eyes. But wait! Sanders huh... Do I know someone with that surname? Hmm... I can't seem to remember.

The dodo bird inhabited a certain island within the Indian ocean where it lived undisturbed for so long that it lost its need to fly. They lived a happy carefree life since not a mammal existed inside their home, leaving them with no competition for food. But all of their happy days soon came to an end as the first humans took step in that isolated paradise. Considering that they were heavy packed with meat and were easy to hunt, the humans and their tag-along animals easily decimated their population until they were wiped to extinction.

Such a tragic end for a defenseless and innocent bird. But then, who could blame them! Those thick legs and that fat body could certainly provide for at least 4 to 5 people. If only those foolish sailors didn't took things for granted, maybe dodos would still be in the market today.

"Oh! It seems you are interested with Dionysus! But before that allow to introduce myself!"

Still that bizarre naming sense huh. A name befitting of a bird brimming with elegance and nobility. But no matter how you look at it, that bird did not possess elegance nor nobility. That stupid look on its eyes was irritating! The bird was capable of winning any staring contest using its big round eyes that could see through any being's soul, quite the demonic being in my opinion.

"I am Professor Ellius D. Harper, head of the genetics department. But you guys can call mo Eli for short."

Contrary to his terrifying appearance, resembling those professional wrestlers you see on TV, Professor Harper was always this friendly when it comes to guests. However, that friendliness could also backfire as it usually puts off people. He insisted that I call him with that nickname too, but I flatly refused him every time. For me to call a department head like that was too much even for me!

"Alrighty! I will be the tour guide for today so please enjoy the trip hahaha!"

"Umm, Professor Harper aren't you working right now? I think I can show her around mysel--!!?

*Slap!*

"Guh!"

"What are you talking about now Seth my boy! Of course I'm not 'busy' so rest assured!"

After receiving a back-breaking slap behind me ,which rendered me unable to continue talking, and that creepy smile from the Professor, I yielded without any more objections.