There was a moment of silence. It was highly unusual for a recently transferred teacher to single out one student so directly—especially when Lewis wasn't the only one who had arrived late.
Still, Lewis replied undisturbed, as if this were the most ordinary thing in the world.
"Not as late as you, Mr. Grey! Next time, you can be a better role model—and perhaps I'll improve."
The whole class shuddered. Who in their right mind would answer a teacher radiating such an intense aura like that?
"Hahahaha… so young, yet so slick and composed," Grey murmured mystically but also kind of warmer.
Then, as suddenly as he'd appeared, he returned to his desk, whispering under his breath. "Hehe… just as expected…"
Huh. Did he just hold back tears, or was that my imagination? Lewis wondered, before shifting his focus back to the task in front of him.
Rather than paying attention to the ongoing lesson, Lewis followed his usual routine. He firmly believed the school system was outdated in an age where modern technology could elevate learning far beyond dusty textbooks and repetitive lectures. Instead of listening to teachers explain to slow students the same thing over and over again or just mentioning things he could grasp just through common sense , he preferred using AI tools to study at his own pace, diving into topics that genuinely sharpened his skills. Why waste energy on what he considered meaningless, when he could climb much higher on his own?
But today's lesson felt… different.
"So, first of all, sorry Lewis. It was just too funny to resist," Grey said suddenly, breaking the tension with a laugh. "Hahaha, the look on your faces! Why are all of you so startled, while the 'victim' stayed cool as ice. Relax…" He stretched his arms casually. "And let's keep this introduction short. You can call me Professor Grey. Why, when this is just a school? Well… because I like it that way."
He grinned, pausing dramatically.
"As for my hobbies and interests—that's none of your business. But I would love to hear yours, especially your fears. Those are always the most… entertaining." A smirk tugged at his lips. "Now, biology is what I'm here to teach, but frankly, I could teach nearly anything—except languages. They're boring as hell. Geography, art, music… bleh. You get the gist. Science and physical education are where it's at. And before we begin, show a little appreciation for the fortune of being taught by me."
With that, he gave a theatrical bow, awaiting applause.
Everyone sat baffled, but eventually, hesitant clapping filled the room. Somewhere in the crowd, Lewis felt a nudge on his arm.
"Hi Zara, what is it?" he whispered.
"Oh, nothing much," she replied, amused. "It's just unusual to see you actually paying attention. Quite the rare sight, honestly. But don't worry—I'm just as surprised by our teacher's act."
"Hahaha, very funny, Zara. It's not like I'm completely emotionless in class. Haven't you noticed all the glances I've given you, milady?"
Her cheeks flushed, though she quickly covered it up, mumbling under her breath, "why is he always like this "Then, pretending nothing had happened, she joined in the applause with the rest of the class.
That's Zara for you. Lewis smirked faintly. She wasn't wrong, though. This time was different. For once, curiosity had managed to slip through his usual calm facade.
Ah, this could actually get interesting. Let's hope I won't be disappointed…
And so, the first lesson under Professor Grey began.
---
"Thank you, thank you," Grey announced with mock grandeur. "Now, shall we begin?" His smirk darkened, as though he were about to stage something far greater than a simple lecture.
"I'll start with a question. What is emotion—or better said, what is human consciousness? Is it written in our genes? Is it a gift from God? Or something entirely different?"
Instantly, Thomas' hand shot up. He was the kind of student people might call a teacher's pet, but he'd earned that reputation honestly. Knowledgeable, polite, and sharp—he carried it well.
"Yes, Thomas?"
"Human consciousness is what makes us vastly different from any other living being. It's the foundation of experience—how we think, perceive, feel, and interact. Science hasn't fully explained its origins, so the question can't be answered directly, but—"
"Certainly," Grey interrupted, eyes gleaming. "Well said. Precise and on point. But you've forgotten the one field that ties it all together—the brilliant study of human psychology. Biology may not yet reveal the ultimate blueprint of the mind, but psychology can still explain the mysteries of behavior."
He began pacing slowly, eyes scanning the class.
"Of course, psychology doesn't answer everything. In fact, 'consciousness' has about forty competing definitions. In general, it means awareness—whether of your inner world or your surroundings. But philosophers, scientists, theologians—they've all fought over its true essence for millennia."
Grey stopped suddenly, his smile sharpening.
"Yet one thing is certain: the real key and gate to all its wonders lie in the human psyche.
Consciousness, the unconscious… and the dimensions between them."