'And what reason would you give for that?' he asked, cool as ever. Mel hadn't expected this. It would have been easier to handle a burst of anger. Somehow, Gray was always his own calm self, whatever happened. Over the year, she had developed a respect for him that no other commanded.
'Ugh...' she stammered. 'I am... I...'
'Alright' he said, looking at her piercingly. 'I may as well presume that it is something you don't wish to let me know'
'No, I mean...' she tried again. He raised his hand, his eyes closed. Mel stopped abruptly.
'No use trying to force something out when you don't want to tell it!' he said cheerfully. 'I think I can safely assume that it must be something of certain importance, for you are not one who would easily leave'
Mel smiled sheepishly. He stood up and looked out of the lone window. For a moment, she thought he had excused her. A second later, however, he turned to her again.
'Nevertheless' he continued. 'I must ask you to continue on one assignment'
Mel waited, a bit anxious. She would probably have a tough time, completing whatever assignment he asked her to do, not to mention rather unnecessary in her given situation.
'Wherever you go, you must continue your training' he said. 'The crux of being a real professional is to continue training as long as you live. A real professional never says that he can accomplish any mission. Whenever you encounter one, be ambiguous, for you know naught about what may happen'
He was looking at her keenly. She nodded whenever he stopped, relaxing as he spoke. He leaned onto the table and looked at her carefully.
'I do have some idea what you might be up to, and I can tell you this: Be confident, be spirited and be calm. Above all, have your friends with you, for they shall be the ones who shall guide you in the face of despair'
Mel instinctively turned towards the door, outside which Edward and Stella were waiting. She turned back quickly.
'Look out for help when you can, but be careful. There could be many who would want to sabotage your mission's odds. Trust no one, except the chosen few who have earned your trust by deeds, not words. Be alert all the time, be the student I've taught, and above all, be yourself. Don't lose your soul to temptations'
He stood up straight.
'Be careful, Mel' he said turning away.
'Yes sir' she said, waiting for a moment. He didn't speak, but looked outside, seeming to be in some sort of trance Unsurely, she took a couple of steps back. 'Thank you, professor'
He smiled without turning. Careful not to make a sound, she slipped out of the office, strangely feeling a lot better than the early morning.
