Blood of the Atrum Luna

4

And just as Prof. Asael desired, Evara took more than the expected time to read just one Act; stammering and pausing mid sentence like a corrupted audio file that needed to reboot after each sentence, not to mention the number of times she mispronounced words and paused to correct herself, only to stammer even more and bite her tongue.

Frustrated grumbles and tuts began to erupt from amongst her impatient classmates are they threw her disapproving glares for her incompetence in just reading!

Evara hoped with all her soul the floor could split and take her whole in one go, not wanting to withstand the torment much longer...

The more she tried to perfect Herself, the more her speech failed her and her intellect, portraying her as a buffoon that couldn't even pronounce simple words.

Evara's hands began to shake as she continued to read.

But in all these subtle commotion from amongst the whispering students and the trembling girl, Prof. Asael did not for once rush or call Evara out.

He didn't even make a word or statement to castigate her embarrassment. Instead, what he would randomly say when the class started to get rowdy.

"Silence!"

From then on, a moment of temporary silence as Evara continued to struggle reading, mixing up a few basic phases and words the further she went.

Professor Asael did not make a single comment.

Finally, the torturous torment came to an end as she finally reached the last line, letting out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding in. She gingerly raised her gaze to meet their educator.

Prof. Asael then nodded before placing his tablet to the side of the desk and crossing his arms. "What is your name?"

Evara's felt a cold chill prickle down her spine.

Was he being serious?... He didn't know who she was? Even after all that has happened in the campus?

... Even professors and academic staffs of higher levels knew her, her name and her conspiracy stories; all in appreciation to the goresome events that took place within the last two weeks.

Evara took a moment before murmuring. "E- Evara... Mo- Moore".

"Evara Moore?" He crooked his head, "So you're the Moore!"

She felt goosebumps crawl over her skin in fear and anxiety. Of course he must have heard her name at least...

A few of the students giggled and whispered amongst themselves.

A girl seated at the higher left of the class then mumbled out, "The Evara Moore... The body finder".

The class laughed.

"No. No... The corpse magnet..." Another chipped in, causing an even louder series of laughter.

Their eyes all fell on her as the numerous bizarre words continued to fly amongst them. "I like... Student Grim Reaper—"

"That's enough!"

The class hushed automatically, snapping their heads to the front at the sound of his harshened to tone.

Prof. Asael's eyes narrowed. "I will not have that in my class ever again. This is Romance lecture. Keep those conspiracies for Mystery or Horror lectures. Understood?"

The class lowered their expressions remorsefully.

"Y- Yes, Sir..."

"Good..." He then unfolded his arms to rest his palms on both sides of the table before adding, "Besides, this is a delicate topic of human life. Do not be so insensitive to make fun of the dead and a possible serial killer on our campus..."

Their eyes widened slightly, as if having their dicey reality set in. Their expressions ranged from fear to guilt at the same time.

Asael then let out a sigh, "Although... It is not in my place to say. The Dean said she would have a word with you all this afternoon".

He then cleared his throat softly before looking back at Evara who was still standing at her seat. "Ms Moore?"

She looked up.

"Thank you for reading. You may sit".

She silently lowered herself to her chair before returning her gaze back down..

Professor Asael then let out a sigh as if relieved of something ashe pushed off from the desk and picked his tablet and book.

"Given the time, we will stop here for today". He placed them under his arm, pushing his glasses up slightly. "And by tomorrow, I expect an essay, critically analysing and criticize Act one. Nothing less than four pages".

Their brows shot high.

Asael then turned for the door.

"But, Professor!" A student called, earning a quiet scoff from Asael before he forced himself to turn.

"Yes?"

"Do we analysis the story of act one? Or including the writing style, phasing, emotions and other aspects of the narration?"

Before Asael could respond, another rose their hand, "Oh! Professor... How exactly can we criticize such a classical work? Most especially one with a unique writing style that isn't common anymore?"

Asael listened to them and a few others that spoke without permission as well, taking a moment to let them loosen their tongues with arguments to the assignment before finally speaking.

"Whichever rule of thought you belong to. Whether it is to limit yourself to just the story. Or all the other aspects. Or even just the cover of the book, go ahead".

Their faces scrunched.

"I only expect an essay of more than four pages submitted. If you think you can get all that just from the story alone... Go ahead".

And just like that, despite the clear faces of confusion and disapproval amongst the students, Professor Asael made his way out without voicing another word.

The class immediately went into an uproar the moment he walked out the corridor.

"What a weirdo!"

"Yeah! Is he even qualified to teach us?"

"But he's a professor..."

"Hmph! You can buy anything these days with the right connections and money!"

"He didn't even teach anything! Yet he's already dumping four pages assignment... As least?!?"

"So unfair!"

"Did you even notice his shirt was faded?"

"He doesn't seem like the other professor. They pay them well, why did he look so unkept?"

"Ugh! I already hate him! I was looking forward to Romance lectures so much! How could they send him to teach us, of all people!"

"Maybe we should request to the HOD of Romance department to change him?"

"Oh please let! Anyone would be better than him!"

The students continued to speak freely as their population spread into clusters of cliques and gossip group; venting in their pained disapproval of Professor Asael.

A few others went as far as plainly insulting him and his appearance, tagging him as a poor newbie that was still wearing rags.

Evara only remained seated in the midst of the rants, listening to all shades of verbal abuse and disrespect.

Her expression fell lower as she began to question herself. Was it because she was weird? Or because Professor Asael protected her from their insulting tongues earlier, that she finds him rather interesting and entertaining.

His able to portray his unwillingness to teach, while forcing himself to do his job in the most nonchalant way, made him slightly amusing in Evara's eyes as she had never seen a lecturer like that...

Evara smiled weakly as she continued to scrutinize her table — the sudden vibration of her phone immediately seized her attention — along with the rest of the class as all their devices notified the same time, causing them to pull out their phones.

Tapping on the notification icon, the campus logo first caught Evara's attention as she clicked on the new article link.

"New campus rules..." She muttered the headline, scrolling down to read the paragraphs in bold.

“Dear Students,

I'm addressing you today with utmost concern and urgency. Unfortunately, our campus has witnessed a series of tragic events, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. To ensure your safety, we're implementing stringent measures alongside the ongoing investigations.

Effective immediately:

1. Curfew: No student shall be outside after 7 PM.

2. Event Restrictions: All stream events must conclude by 8 PM.

3. Identification: Every student will wear identification bracelets equipped with cameras. Please make your way to the dormitory cafeteria hall to receive your respective ID tags from the various HODs.

4. Surveillance: Additional camera installations will be placed strategically.

5. Bag Checks: Daily bag searches will be conducted at 7 PM.

6. Limited Access: Certain areas will be restricted after dark.

7. Escort Services: Campus security will provide escorts after 6 PM at various points of the campus.

8. Emergency Hotline: A dedicated hotline (555-1234) for reporting suspicious activity.

9. Counseling Services: Enhanced support for students affected by recent events.

10. Regular Briefings: Updates on safety measures and investigations.

Non-compliance will result in:

- First offense: Warning and parental notification

- Second offense: One-week suspension

- Third offense: Expulsion

- Severe violations (e.g., violent behavior): Immediate expulsion and law enforcement involvement

Your cooperation is crucial. These measures will be strictly enforced. We prioritize your well-being and security.

Let's work together to prevent further incidents.

Sincerely,

Ms May Richmond.”