Smart Tiger

Did I just dig my own grave right now? No, better come clean before they escalate things.

[Actually, I can't use magic myself so there is no way I can teach you guys.]

I'm really sad to disappoint them, but it can't be helped.

"Of course! This tiger understands and won't bother you about it anymore teacher!"

"What...?! But I still want teacher to…"

The tiger makes him a sign that means to shut up. Wow, I'm surprised but he actually understood me loud and clear. I'm glad we managed to clear that misunderstanding. Now we need a plan of action.

[Alright what should we do now? Do you guys have any suggestions?]

"Teacher! This tiger will bring the bear for a round of reconnaissance around the place to make sure it is safe. Then you could follow us outside for a walk!"

Wow, he's really considerate. He has understood how weak I actually am.

[Thank you! I'll wait for you guys patiently!]

And thus they exit the cave.

****(POV)

I go outside bringing the still confused bear with me. I bring him far enough so that teacher won't be able to mistakenly hear our conversation.

"Why did you want to check the perimeter? This place is completely empty I am sure. Well, there is still that issue of our location being known but it should be fine for now. And what was that about…?"

"Alright, listen well you thick bear! Remember the stories about how Yggdrasil became powerful?"

"What about those old legends?"

Ah, he still doesn't understand.

"Remember in the story Yggdrasil had a mentor all those years. One that would carefully and slowly teach him. One that is the most knowledgeable being in the entire universe. One that even knows about other worlds."

"Yeah …I remember that but what does it have to do with …"

It should be obvious.

"Can't you understand! Teacher is able to climb Yggdrasil, right? Do you think anyone is able to do that?"

"Oh my god! You mean …teacher…is Yggdrasil's teacher!!! How is this possible?! There is no way that…"

"Can't you see! He seems extremely wise don't you think?! Of course, he is! Also, he appeared out of nowhere didn't he?! Do you think anyone would be able to do something like that in such a place? We might not be the most powerful here but there is no way a weakling can sneak here!"

"Then you mean he came here directly after teaching Yggdrasil?!"

"Of course! I heard the great tree is about to become even more powerful, I guess it is him finally graduating!"

"Wow, that is so amazing! I want to learn everything there is about hiding in this world…and the other worlds too!"

"Fool you will run out of lifespan before that happens! Don't you know how old Yggdrasil is?!"

"T-that…I actually don't…how old is he?"

"Well…I don't know either, but legends say he was here even before this forest even came to exist. Oh, and this forest has been here for thousands and thousands of years already! If Yggdrasil took so long to learn everything do you think you have a chance in your whole life? Especially that the godly tree is a genius of magic I heard!"

"Oh…. that is bad…"

My friend seems really down by the news.

"Don't be sad. Don't you realize the opportunity we have right now?! If we can learn only a tiny bit of this great being's knowledge, we will instantly become immensely strong!"

"So true!"

Before we know it, we are both jumping in joy just thinking about it. Then my friend addresses me again.

"But why did teacher say he doesn't know magic? Does that mean he will not teach us? Does he really not know magic?"

"Fool! He is obviously using some advanced magic to create a clone right now! He can use magic for sure!"

"*Gasp* How did you know?!"

"The smell! More accurately the lack of smell gave it away!"

"Wow, this is exactly what he taught me yesterday! He told me about how a lack of sound could be noticed! Wait doesn't that mean that any extreme is bad? Either not enough or too much both will be noticed! This is it! What wisdom!"

"Of course, there is no way such a legendary character wouldn't be wise! He probably made the lack of smell obvious to teach us a lesson."

"Ah, but there is still something I don't understand! Why would he lie about that? Why is he acting weak?"

"Ah, my bear friend you see there is a very good reason for that. Have you ever heard of acting low-key? If he went around using his powers wantonly not only would he scare everyone in the forest, but it would also be pointless. By doing so, he is teaching us life lessons. Teaching us that sometimes some answers are more meaningful if we figure it out ourselves!"

"You were able to understand that much from this short encounter?! How!?"

"It is because I am experienced. I am always planning against any possible threat. You only care about hiding. I care about making countermeasures, counter-countermeasures, and counter-counter-countermeasures to any potential situation!"

"Ah, I see. I'm truly glad you were there to tell me, or I would never have known. When we go back in, I will apologize to him. That Mount Tai sentence you used was pretty good. Should I kneel too?"

"No! Do not act in any special way. He went out of his way to deny how powerful he is. If you try to prove him wrong that would be a loss of face for him! No instead just act how you did before I came to visit."

"Ah, I understand. How wise! That's why you are the big brother between the two of us."

I'm glad he understands. With that, I can be at ease. I will for sure engrave every single of teacher's actions and words into my mind.

Later I will have to review every single thing until I understand the many hidden meanings behind everything he does.

This is the best opportunity ever!

I can't wait to follow every single of his orders until I become the most powerful tiger ever!