Magic Student's Sentient Mistake

A/N: There were no vote options last post and I think that I might have overcompensated for this one. Oh well.


Dougie taught Jack the names of most of the items in the room before Dougie had a thought and ran off. He promised that he would be back as soon as possible. He came back with the tall one.

"Hello. I am Dougie's teacher. You can call me Virginia." she said

"hEllO VirGinIa. Me jAck" said Jack.

"Pleased to meet you Jack. I am very happy that you can talk."

"wHat iS hApPy?"

"Happy is a good feeling, like having food when you are hungry"

"okAy"

They talked for awhile and Jack's list of words that it knew grew and grew. Jack was sad, which was feeling paired with happy, that they couldn't stay and talk forever but had to sleep. Sleep sounded scary and Jack was glad that it didn't have to do that to itself just to live. He would wait for them to return as they said that they would. They gave him lots of food to keep it busy while they were gone. They were nice.

What does Jack work on while it is alone?

[] Improving it's sounds so they sound more like Dougie and Virginia's sounds. Jack sees them wince when it says words differently than they do.

[] Eat all of the food and grow big

[] Make more efficient neural tissue. The people seem to be happy when it learns things so learning all the things is better.

[] something else? Write in.

Dougie and Dr Smith waited until they were well away before talking about what had happened.

"Jack is scary smart. I was not expecting this. What do we do?" Dougie asked.

"It is unprecedented certainly. An entirely new sentient species is amazing. Normal slimes are creatures of pure instinct but Jack is something else. At the very least you should be able to get an A for your extra credit."

"Heh. I guess you are right. Now that I know that Jack is aware we can't just leave it alone any more. I dread to think what will happen if it gets bored."

"Perish the thought. I have an idea. I think that Jack needs a tutor. No criticism to your intellect but you still need to attend your normal classes and you have no specialised training in teaching. Given how much prestige this will bring us I will foot the bill.

Who is brought in as a tutor:

[] Professor Mcreedy. A recently retired colleague of Virginia who is an expert linguist. Loads of experience with the technicalities of how language works but is crotchety. Fastest language comprehension growth.

[] Mrs Mcutchon. A special needs specialist who is often hired to give remedial training for struggling primary students. Had a heart of gold but will be shocked at working with a non-humanoid. Will use a wide range curriculum of basic topics.

[] Mr Fillyweed. A half goblin groundskeeper. Will get Jack out of the lab and get its hands dirty. So to speak. He will be unfazed by Jack's strangeness but talks with an accent himself. Slowest language comprehension growth but greatest exposure to the world in a safe environment.

"That is a great idea. I will be able to see Jack every evening after classes but I am busy for most of the day. Can you pop in and check up on it?" Dougie asked.

"I will make the time. It reminds me a bit of my niece when she was just starting to verbalise. Far smarter than her though. I wonder if it will end up attending classes. Jack could pay off attendance fees with its own mana cores. Huh." Virginia shook herself. "Look at me woolgathering. Idle thoughts for the far future can wait. I am going to bed."

"Goodnight Professor." Dougie said respectfully.

What does Jack and Virginia talk about?

[] Just getting to know each-other. Improves relationship with Virginia

[] Magic theory. They talk through how Jack makes water and other uses for mana that exist.

[] Magic practice. She helps Jack refine its use of its mana core even though it doesn't need water to eat at the moment.

[] History. Jack doesn't know much about the world and Virginia loves to teach.

What does Jack and Dougie talk about?

[] Just getting to know each-other. Improves relationship with Dougie

[] Dougie's studies. Jack can't help with homework but it is fun to listen to Dougie being passionate anyway.

[] Plans for the future. They are in uncharted territory. A map might make things less uncertain.

[] The extra credit requirements. The sooner that Jack starts working on making mana cores the better.