( 4 days later )
After Leo understood the level of Dumpy’s genius, he became even more careful regarding his training.
By now, Leo understood why the Ancient Swamp Frog was labeled as one of the most difficult species to train, as having experienced the frog’s sheer genius firsthand, Leo now understood how the frog might lose respect for its master if he/she did not possess sufficient talent themselves.
Hence Leo increased his preparedness for every single one of Dumpy’s training sessions, as planning the next training session became a task for him rather than Dumpy actually following through with his training regiment.
Nonetheless, no amount of his training could have prepared him for what happened between him and Dumpy on day21, as on day21 Leo felt his soul nearly leave his body with fear.
The day began as usual, as Leo started to boast to Dumpy about his victory in the first rankers event against an unknown army on a battlefield, however, he could never have anticipated what came next.
“It was my first time commanding an army… I haven’t been trained to lead one, and I was not allowed to participate in the fight directly.
If I could, I would have annihilated the enemy army alone, but I was forced to play the role of a general.
You see, leadership, it comes from with you?
You understand?
From within you!
It’s like when you’re born a fish you don’t need to be taught how to swim, similarly when you’re born as ‘TheBoss’ , then you don’t need to be taught how to lead an army because it runs in your blood–” Leo said, as he greatly exaggerated his own military capabilities to Dumpy who kept blinking and listening intently as usual.
“You have to become like a Fish Dumpy! Like a fish… there are something’s in life that should come from within you.
Do you understand?
Are you a fish?” Leo asked again, as was his usual style of teaching, however, never in his wildest dreams did he expect to actually hear Dumpy replying with an answer.
Hence, when Dumpy replied with “Yes, Lord Father, I understand” for a second Leo did not even register that he spoke.
“It’s good that you understand… but don’t get too—WHAT THE FUCK, DID YOU JUST SPEAK?” Leo said all of a sudden, as he stumbled back in shock causing a few documents from his desk to fall over.
“Yes Lord Father, I have developed my vocal cords sufficiently as of today to be capable of conversing in human speech” Dumpy said in a child-like voice, as Leo felt his head become dizzy as he heard his pet speak.
“Have I gone crazy? Can I hear the thoughts of all animals now? Or did my pet just learn how to talk?” Leo wondered, as Dumpy kept blinking at him in confusion.
Dumpy did not understand why the Lord Father was so surprised? It was only natural that a child learnt how to speak eventually, was it not?
However, Leo’s reaction made him feel like something was not right.
“Boy, just so that I know I’m not dreaming, say something again” Leo said, as Dumpy blinked twice before saying “Hello I’m Dumpy”
“The fuck? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?” Leo cursed as he threw his hands towards the sky and looked towards the heavens in exasperation.
Nowhere in his beast tamer’s manual was it written that the frog would eventually learn human language, however, this was only stupidity on Leo’s part and nothing more.
All the mythical creatures were capable of human speech and Dumpy was no different.
Just like how a dragon was capable of speaking and writing human language, so was Dumpy and it was nothing to be shocked about.
However, because Leo never expected it, Dumpy’s sudden response took him by absolute surprise, startling him to the point of cursing.
“What is wrong Lord Father, if my tongue has offended you then I will chop it off and offer it to your feet here and now–” Dumpy said, as watching Leo grow so agitated, he immediately unsheathed his sword and pointed it as his own tongue for chopping off.
“Ridiculous—” Leo said grunting, as by now he regained his usual composure.
“I had always known you could speak boy, I just assumed you were a mute because you had not spoken once in 21 days.
I expected you to speak your first words a couple weeks ago” Leo said, admonishing Dumpy for no reason as the poor frog hung his head in shame.
“Respond to me boy, what took you so long?” Leo asked, as now that he knew Dumpy could speak, he did not accept Dumpy hanging his head low as an answer.
“Apologies Lord Father, Dumpy is a slow learner and does not match your expectations” Dumpy said, as Leo stroked his chin and nodded seriously.
In reality, his neck and back were drenched in sweat, however, because of his mask Dumpy could not discern his expression and could only hear his voice.
“It is fine. I’m happy you have finally spoken your first words after so long. It gives me great satisfaction to know that you’re not a mute pet” Leo said, as his praise made Dumpy’s eye glisten with joy as he looked towards him happily and began shifting from feet to feet.
“Now that you can speak, it will make my life training you a lot easier.
Nice.
You have finally became a fish boy, be proud” Leo said, as he patted Dumpy on the head once, making Dumpy nearly burst with joy.update Ƀy Ɲoʋeʟ1st.cοm
“Dumpy is a fish!” Dumpy said, as Leo nodded in pride.
“A fish is nothing compared to a dragon boy, and someday you have to become a dragon amongst frogs. Never forget” Leo instructed, as at this point even he had no clue as to what he was teaching Dumpy to be anymore.