“Mustache Twirling 101,” Rob read. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“It’s mostly a joke. And it’s not just, y’know, twirling,” Mike assured him. “It’s overall theatrics.”
“Theatrics? Jesus Christ. I’m not here to learn how to monologue, damn it, I want to change the world!”
Mike was unconcerned by Rob’s outburst. The librarian, on the other hand, shot them a dirty look. Rob wasn’t sure where he stood with Shadow Academy staff. Where did you go when you got kicked out of a school for villains?
“It’s a process, man,” Mike said. He slid Rob’s schedule back across the table to him. “You gotta get the basics down before you get to the good stuff.”
“Define good stuff.”
Mike waved a hand airily. “You know...Infiltration, Ransom Negotiation, Explosives - ”
As if on cue, there was a great BOOM in the distance. The floor shook beneath them. The librarian sighed.
“Explosions,” Rob replied. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Mike laughed. “Easy, young grasshopper. We’re not just gonna unleash you on the world with a doomsday device. Your days of garden-variety mayhem are behind you. You’re with the big leagues now.”
“I don’t even have a mustache,” Rob said, glumly. “Neither do you.”
Mike patted his shoulder reassuringly. “That’s what you’re here for, my man - go grow. Now let me have a look at your Sowing Dissent notes. That first assignment is tricky….”
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