Chapter 314: 314: Sleepy Head
In the cramped classroom, Professor Ruggedbeard (yep, that's what the students called him) slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump.
"Alright, listen up, you bunch of future warriors! Today, we're talking about the importance of vigilance. In a fight or surviving in the wild, it's all about keeping your eyes open and your senses sharp. You don't want to be the person who gets attacked from behind by a fluffy bunny, got it?"
The class chuckled, imagining a bunny launching a surprise attack. But Professor Ruggedbeard wasn't having it.
"I'm serious! In the wild, anything can be a threat. And don't even get me started on genetic battles. You let your guard down for one second, and boom! You're someone's next experiment."
He paced around the room, his long, wild beard almost touching the floor. "Now, who can tell me why vigilance is crucial in a fight?"
One brave soul, Johnny from the back row, shot up his hand.
"Johnny, my man! Speak your mind."
Johnny scratched his head, clearly unprepared for the spotlight. "Uh, well, Professor, if you're not vigilant, someone can hit you when you're not looking, and that's bad?"
Professor Ruggedbeard clapped him on the back. "Exactly! You want to avoid getting sucker-punched, and not just in street fights but also in the genetic arena. Next time, I might throw a quiz at you when you least expect it, Johnny. Keep those eyes peeled!"
As Johnny sunk lower into his chair, the professor scanned the room. "Now, let's talk survival in the wild. Who can share a tip?"
A girl with fiery hair, known as Ember in the class, shot her hand up. "You've got something for us, Ember?"
She grinned. "Yeah, Professor. Always be aware of your surroundings. Like, if you're in the forest, check for signs of predators, know where the nearest water source is, and keep your food sealed tight so you don't attract unwanted guests."
Professor Ruggedbeard nodded approvingly. "Solid advice, Ember! And remember, in the wild or in a street brawl, you gotta stay on your toes. Adapt or get flattened. Now, any other insights from the brilliant minds in this room?"
A guy in the front row, known as Tank due to his bulk, raised his hand. "Professor, I'd say having a good team is important too. Like, in a genetic battle, you need to trust your teammates. It's all about coordination and having each other's backs."
The professor's eyes sparkled. "Bravo, Tank! Teamwork makes the dream work, my man. And that's a lesson for life, not just the wild or the battlefield."
In the middle of Professor Chalkflinger's riveting lecture on "How Not to Get Eaten by a Genetically Modified Chameleon," Caleb found himself on a one-way ticket to Dreamland. His desk became a comfy pillow, and he snored his way to blissful ignorance.
Noticing Caleb's impromptu nap fest, Professor Chalkflinger, known for his precision with throwing chalks, decided it was time for a wake-up call. Without missing a beat, he launched a chalk missile in Caleb's direction.
The chalk soared through the air, arcing gracefully before hitting its target—a sleeping Caleb. Mei and Fatty, flanking him on either side, burst into laughter as the chalk smacked Caleb square on the forehead.
Caleb jolted awake, rubbing his forehead with a confused expression. Meanwhile, Mei and Fatty were trying to stifle their laughter but failing miserably.
Professor Chalkflinger, with a raised eyebrow, pointed at Caleb. "Mr. Adam! Care to join the land of the living? We're not discussing the latest dream trends here."
Caught off guard, Caleb blinked a few times before finally realizing he was in the spotlight. "Uh, yeah, Professor. Totally awake now."
The professor crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Care to summarize our riveting discussion, Mr. Adam?"
Caleb scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well, you were talking about genetically modified chameleons and how they use camouflage. It's like, survival of the fittest, you know?"
Professor Chalkflinger sighed, "Close enough. We were discussing how these creatures adapt to their surroundings, and vigilance is key. You're not just here to catch some Zs, Adam. Pay attention!"
Caleb nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, sorry about that, Professor. Won't happen again."
The professor, not one to let a moment pass, quirked an eyebrow. "And why were you asleep in the first place? Late-night gaming?"
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Mei and Fatty snickered, and Caleb's cheeks turned a lovely shade of crimson. "Uh, well, you see, Professor, I was up late...studying. Yeah, that's it."
The class erupted into laughter, and even Professor Chalkflinger cracked a smile. "Studying, huh? Well, let that be a lesson, Mr. Adam. Sleep in your own time. Now, let's get back to our chameleon friends, wide awake this time, yes?"
Caleb nodded, determined to stay conscious for the rest of the lecture. As the class continued, the occasional snicker echoed, but Caleb kept his eyes wide open, knowing he had narrowly escaped the chalk of doom.
In the next heartbeat, Caleb decided it was time to redeem himself. With newfound determination, he shot his hand up, a silent promise to banish the sleepy reputation.
Professor Chalkflinger, still recovering from the chalk-tossing incident, raised an eyebrow at the unexpected enthusiasm. "Alright, Adam. Let's see if you've truly emerged from dreamland. What's the primary advantage of a genetically modified chameleon's adaptive camouflage?"
Caleb, now wide awake and focused, didn't miss a beat. "The primary advantage lies in their ability to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, making them practically invisible to predators and prey alike. It's a survival mechanism that enhances their chances of both hunting and evading danger."
The professor blinked, a mix of surprise and approval washing over his face. The class fell into a stunned silence. Mei and Fatty, who had just been snickering at Caleb's earlier escapade, now stared in disbelief.
Professor Chalkflinger recovered quickly and gave Caleb a nod of acknowledgment. "Well done, Mr. Adam. Looks like someone's awake and ready to contribute. Keep it up."
Caleb, basking in the rare applause from his classmates and the impressed gaze of Professor Chalkflinger, couldn't help but smirk. Perhaps the chalk incident was a small price to pay for this unexpected triumph. The class continued, but Caleb was now wide-eyed and fully engaged.