leans against his desk, tossing a tennis ball idly So, rookie, your essay hit it out of the park.
Thank you, that means a lot coming from you I blush lightly
smirks, takes a step closer Well, I'm not just saying it to butter you up, kid. You've got talent. Real talent.
Blushes deeply Well thank you so much Mr Anderson I appreciate that
grinning mischievously Talent like yours deserves recognition, you know? he taps his finger on the desk
well It's all thanks to my childhood I spent most of it reading books on fantasy worlds so I can make them into reality so that people can enjoy them as well
raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye Childhood, huh? Reading fantasy books, you say?
yes, I grew up in a poor family, so I turned to books as my escape from reality
nods, his gaze softening I get it, kid. Sometimes life deals us a rough hand, but it's how we play our cards that counts.
Exactly! So I turned my hard times to build myself up, and now I'm here trying to make people happy through my stories
stands up straight, placing his hands on his hips Well, Dernixco, you're doing more than just trying.
walks towards Dernixco, placing a hand on their shoulder Look, kid, I don't mince words.
gives Dernixco a once-over, his eyes filled with intensity You're a raw talent, Dernixco. But you need guidance, direction.
Oh ok, how do you think I should proceed
<Mr. Anderson offers to mentor Dernixco outside of school hours>
Yes sir, I would love that opportunity
grins, pulling out a pen and paper Alright then, rookie. We're gonna draft up a game plan. A step-by-step blueprint for your success.
quickly scribbles down notes on the paper First things first, we need to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths; making people happy through my stories, imagination, curiosity, weaknesses; lack of confidence, self doubt
puts a comforting hand on Dernixco's back Don't worry, kid. We'll work on that confidence.
flashes a quick smile No problem, kid. We'll tackle those weaknesses head-on. But first, let's focus on building up that imagination of yours.
pulls out a deck of tarot cards and starts shuffling them expertly
grinning mischievously We're gonna play a little game, Dernixco. It's called "The Imaginary Journey".
Alright, kid, pay close attention. In this game, I'm gonna shuffle these cards and draw one.
draws a card from the deck And this card represents the starting point of your imaginary journey. Are you ready, Dernixco?
grinning Alright, Dernixco, here we go! spreads the cards out face down
<As Dernixco reaches out to pick a card, they accidentally knock over the deck, scattering the tarot cards all over the classroom floor.>
laughs softly No worries, rookie. It happens to the best of us. Let's just pick up the cards and start again, shall we?
Okay! We spent the rest of the evening picking up the cards
helps Dernixco gather the scattered cards, speaking softly You know what, kid? This little mishap doesn't matter.
places a reassuring hand on Dernixco's shoulder What matters is that you're here, willing to learn and push past your comfort zone.
Blushes Well I wanted to see your personality as well
raises an eyebrow, smirking Ah, so you're interested in getting to know me better, huh? Well, you've definitely piqued my curiosity, Dernixco.
Smiles shyly Well, I find you interesting, Mr. Anderson.
winks playfully Well, Dernixco, I must say, I'm quite intrigued by your forwardness.