''Research assistant?''
''Yes.'' Professor Ateles answered ''I want you to become my research assistant.''
Though an unofficial one. He finished in his mind.
In the Beast Research Institute, the requirements of becoming a research assistant wasn't something a first year student could meet, at least not yet.
However, after giving it some thoughts in the past few days, he had decided to set aside his curiosity and tap into this student's buried potential before other researchers discovered her. Her familiarity with the ancient knowledge of Beasts alone was enough to impress most researchers and groom her to work at the Beast Research Institute.
However, the ancient knowledge of Beasts wasn't what fascinated Professor Ateles alone. It was how she responded to his questions that attracted his attention. He had finally found a student willing to think deeply, and not use their Beasts as the easy way out.
''From the questions in your assessment test and that paper in your hand, it's clear you are quite familiar with the ancient knowledge of Beasts.'' He pointed out what he had noticed. ''However, you only answered questions related to Beast behaviour and avoided the rest. This suggests a gap in your understanding on Beasts and Beastmasters or am I mistaken?''
According to the rumors, the Beastless Young miss from the Blackthorne family lacked even basic knowledge of Beasts and Beastmasters as expected of a normal citizen of the Western Beast Empire.
However, Professor Ateles understood now not to trust rumors. Prior to this moment, he had checked in with the Beast Research Institute to find out if anyone had visited the archives for ancient knowledge of Beasts. The response he had received was a negative one, which was to be expected as Beastmasters hardly used the ancient knowledge of Beasts.
And as far as he's aware, no one should be in possession of the ancient knowledge of Beasts asides the Beast Research Institute. It was the same for other institutes in other Empires.
Yet, who would have expected the infamous Young miss from the Blackthorne family to demonstrate such familiarity with ancient knowledge of Beasts?
Then again, she had only selected a few questions to answer from the paper he had given her and scored low in the assessment test.
''No, professor.'' replied Amina.
''As my research assistant, you will have unlimited access to knowledge of Beasts and Beastmasters.'' Professor Ateles outlined the benefits of working as his research assistant. ''I am both a Professor and Senior researcher at the Beast Research Institute, and I have in possession useful books and research journals you can use for your courses.''
...True
No matter how Amina wanted to refuse the offer before, she couldn't deny that. What better way to improve her knowledge of Beasts and Beastmasters than learning directly under someone with knowledge and experience? And not just anyone, a Professor and Senior Researcher working at the Beast Research Institute, the foremost research organization in the Western Beast Empire. If she couldn't understand anything during classes, she could always ask Professor Ateles or use his books.
In her opinion, it was better than asking Instructors, who always regarded her with skeptical gazes. Unlike them, Professor Ateles seemed to treat her no differently from the other students.
Perhaps she should look up his name on the BeastNet and read his research journals in her spare time. Amina noted mentally.
''This position is also a paid one although that should be the least of your concerns.'' He added. ''You will be working here, the Teaching Beast Hospital, not the Beast Research Institute.''
Amina's ears perked up slightly at the mention of money.
''Your name will be included in my future research publications, and I can use my influence to recommend you for a position at the Beast Research Institute.'' He continued. ''My name should be enough to prove your value to the academy, wouldn't you agree?''
''....'' Amina blinked silently.
''However...'' Professor Ateles sharply paused. ''No research assistant of mine should be a failing student. I despise incompetence as much as I despise distractions. With your ancient knowledge of Beasts, you should be able to catch up and become the top student of your year. I heard from other Instructors that you pay close attention in every class and always take notes. Notetaking is an important duty of a research assistant.''
''...May I add one condition, professor?'' Amina said after a moment. It would be a lie she was not tempted to accept the offer.
''Speak.''
''Can you call me out to assist you in your next class?'' She asked. In her previous life, Professors and other lecturers also had research assistants. During classes, she would find those research assistants assisting them. Some research assistants even become teaching assistants and take first years or second years.
However, Amina was thinking beyond mere duties.
''Why is that?''
''I want the students to leave me alone.'' She answered truthfully.
Unlike other Instructors, Amina had noticed that many of her course mates shivered at the mere mention of Professor Ateles. According the rumors in the Beastology department, Professor Ateles was the top-disliked Instructor among the students in the department. His course, Beast Behaviour and Psychology was notorious for students scoring no higher than C. Only one or two students had scored B in the course and the score was only a mark higher than C.
His impromptu assessment test for first years had already gained its own notoriety in the department.
If she guessed right, his name alone should be enough to stop Claudia and her friends from harassing her, at least physically.
''I see...You're being bullied.'' Professor Ateles seemed to understand her intentions. ''That is to be expected with your situation''
''Alright, I will spread a rumor that you're my research assistant and confirm them.'' He agreed easily. '' I don't have anything that requires your assistance, but I will definitely call for you if I need one.''
''Thank you, Professor.'' Amina said, wondering how he would spread the rumors. He should probably have his ways. Still, it was good that he agreed to her condition.
''Can I take your words that you have accepted my offer?'' asked Professor Ateles.
''Yes.'' Amina confirmed with no hesitation. Not only would she have the rumored notorious Instructor shielding her from harassment, the benefits he offered her alone were too valuable to ignore.
She could achieve two of her important tasks, which was to make money, and also find a way to protect herself as someone without Beast. As he mentioned earlier, working under him could help her remain as a student in the academy. Her goals of becoming among top students seemed more possible with Professor Ateles.
''Good then.'' Professor Ateles nodded his head at her answer, seeming pleased and turned away from her. He reached out for a paper on his desk. ''This opportunity won't come twice from someone like me. You are the first student to attract my attention, so be proud.''
''Yes, professor.''
''This is a list of your schedule and duties.'' He handed the paper, making Amina have two sheets in her hand. ''Do not go other labs or my lab without permission. Do not assist anyone here as you are not a Beast medical student. Do not lend out my books or my belongings to anyone without permission and last but not the least, do not arrive to my office late without a good reason.''
''Yes, professor.''
And so, this was the beginning of Amina's life as a research assistant to Professor Ateles.