It was only when a researcher from the other side of the amphitheater was called to answer Eli's question, did Alicia realize that she had been too absorbed with the entire lesson.
As soon as she realized this, shivers crept throughout her entire body. She now had seen the terrifying effects of Eli's knowledge in the entire educational and research fields.
Alicia realized that whatever knowledge Eli offered to the research branch and the entire Farauld Institute, it wouldn't be discovered for the next few decades!
And that was on account that one thinks without consideration of magical power, in which even Alicia knew that it would be a rare case.
Dumbfounded and amazed, she looked at Eli who was earnestly guiding the volunteer researcher in answering the questions.
She looked at the way Eli stood straight, brimming with confidence and knowledge, without a hint of arrogance. Alicia could declare at a glance that Eli was a true master of her own field.
She knew her lessons like the back of her hands, she knew how to capture her audience properly and keep them interested and focused. She knew how to maximize her listeners' time and to stir their desire for growth and learning.
This time, Alicia finally understood why Eli was revered and respected by the entire research branch. The special treatment she received didn't fall like a pie in the sky. It was all backed up with her irrefutable qualification, talents and achievement.
Besides that, Alicia could clearly see that Eli takes her position seriously.
Realizing all these, she felt a stifling feeling inside. "Am I doing the right thing?"
Between committing something that's against her ethical standard as an educator and Eli's genuine desire to impart knowledge so generously.
Between getting her most desired post and letting go of her dignity.
Is she picking the right choice by staying in her victim's stead?
As Alicia's thoughts kept going deep on her chosen position, Eli's voice rang through the entire amphitheater, "Alright, my discussion ends here, are there any questions you would like me to address before officially closing today's lesson?"
Alicia raised her hands and asked in a soft manner, "By teaching all these things, what would you like to see for us fellow researchers to discover in the future?"
Her voice was soft, yet it was audible enough to let the rest hear her question. "I mean, all these things, it'll be all extremely beneficial to us, but I'd like to know, what hopes have you set for us?"
Eli was pleasantly surprised by the peculiar yet genuine question. She smiled and looked at the disguised Alicia and said without a hint of restraint,
"My hope is for you to surpass me, may it be by knowledge, or inventions. My hope is for you to grow and be excellent on the paths you have chosen."
Eli swept a glance at the entire crowd, with the same gentle smile, she continued, "Some of you here would be destined to create an invention that will shake the entire Prasinos. Others may even discover the secret behind the source of magical power in our motherland."
"Some of you may even be like me, teaching the next generation with the same, or even better knowledge as I have."
"But my hope is for you to all see the paths you wanted to take after I have done everything I could to equip you on your journey ahead." Eli closed her words intently looking at the disguised Alicia.
"How amazing would it be to see you all bring breakthrough after breakthrough in your respective fields!"
The entire amphitheater fell into a deep and serene silence.
They have heard these lines countless times through their own teachers and masters, yet these same words hit differently when it was Eli who said it.
Perhaps, it was because everyone knew that she was an inventor before she was an educator, that she need not to share her secrets so generously like this.
Perhaps, it was because they all knew the impact of every knowledge point she had been sharing up to this moment.
Perhaps, it is just because she is Eli, the Great Inventor.
Yet these words sparked a raging flame on every listener present in the grand amphitheater, including Alicia. This same flame gave birth into a strong hope for their own future ahead.
Eli's dedication to equip them well, paired with their tenacity to finish their research goals, what awaits them is endless possibilities of growth and creation!
"Any more questions?" Oblivious to the fire she ignited within her listeners' hearts, Eli once again asked the crowd for any questions.
After a few more questions, Eli ended the class with a smile, leaving the rest of the day on Zeke and Bramwell's hands.
Alicia, on the other hand, stared dazedly on Eli's receding back. Feeling conflicted and guilty, unable to calm the torrents disturbing her heart and mind.
Feeling lost, she intently looked at the learning books of the researcher she targeted. She noticed that the researcher was diligent in his notes as it was written alongside the texts printed in the learning books.
Because she was equally absorbed in the lessons, she also had unknowingly written her own notes during the lecture. In fact, her notes were even more insightful and enthusiastic compared to the original owner of the book.
She took a glance at every member of the research branch, carefully looking at their excited and exhilarated faces. She gave a defeated smile.
She never had seen this unruly branch act like this, humble and hungry. Everyone would always see them obsessed and high almighty.
No one, not even Zeke could make them act nor change their minds like this. With that, Alicia fully recognized Eli's abilities and qualities.
'Eli indeed deserves the respect of all.' Alicia told these words in her heart.
She gently stood with a heavy heart as she took a final look towards the books that have been in her hand for an hour.
She sighed in her heart, not forgetting to look at herself with self contempt.
She turned her back at the books in front of her and stepped towards the exit without looking back. Hardening her heart, gritting her teeth, as she gets near the exit with every heavy step she takes.
One turn, just one turn, she would accomplish her task.
Yet Alicia balled her fists to harden her decision, "No turning back.."
She continued to do that until she found herself standing in a daze in the park near the amphitheater.
That's when she turned back, with tears rolling in her eyes.
"I am defeated once again.." She muttered, full of heartbreak and sadness.
In her palms, the array for the disguise, laxative and muddle headed spell were completely discontinued. Instead, it was shivering as a response to Alicia's heavy emotions.
She cried and cried, washing her frustration and defeat. Her tears drowned her sorrows and weariness from all the work she had done.
Since when did she even decide to walk this path? Since when did she find herself unsatisfied with what she has and her achievements?
Since when was she trapped in this endless cycle of chasing who knows what?
It was only now that she felt she was really tired. She was really really tired.
So tired that she felt the emptiness of the things she relentlessly pursued for years and years.
So tired that by the time she decided to take the short cut, she was slapped by a reality of boundless possibilities to genuinely passionate people, to people who had clear vivid goals.
What had she been chasing for?
So much that she lost herself along the way.
She genuinely loved teaching.
But why and how she was put into such a pitiful state.
"It's time now, Alicia, to rest and go back. To go back on what you really love." She told herself in a soft whisper. It was carried gently by the wind, far from the east.
"Professor Alicia, are you all right?" Suddenly, she heard a concerned voice from her back. This voice was all familiar, to her. It was Eli's voice.
"I-'m fine, I'm just having a bad day..." Since she was caught in the act of crying, she didn't try to hide it and just played things down.
"Wanna have some coffee and cake with me?" Eli asked.
She was actually worried about the girl in front of her. Although this girl was haughty and prideful because of her status, Eli saw a part of her previous self in Alicia.
That was also the main reason why she treated her with fairness, even though Alicia had once shown her hostility because of her connection with Zeke.
To be precise, she saw herself in Alicia during the time that she had already lost her will to live her life fully, when her mum died.
"There's a nice cafe in town, it was recommended to me by a friend… by an important person in my life.. Lilibeth's cafe makes delicious cakes!" She gently dragged Alicia by arm and led her to go to Lilibeth's cafe with the Farauld Family carriage.
