The lecture theatre for Cryptozoology 101 is one of the older, battered ones that was abandoned by the science department when they moved to their new facilities. Years of graffiti is scored into each of the wooden side-tables that students are supposed to take notes on. There's only a smattering of people in here; most people take the class for easy credit and ditch as fast as they can.
The pale, elderly professor at the front has a droning, dry voice that could lull any listener to sleep. His white hair and pale, wide eyes tend to make students wonder if the guy was actually dug up out of his grave to teach this class. That's how boring he is. He could make the most horrifying animal seem about as interesting as a goldfish.
"...And finally, we come to the Coelacanth, possibly the most famous of all the living fossils... this fish was rediscovered in 1938... off the coast of South Africa. Before this it was thought to be entirely extinct, having died out in the Cretaceous period... A fascinating creature, the Coelacanth can grow up to 2 metres in length, and the largest have been known to feed on the smaller species of sharks. They are currently critically endangered..." Professor Abnett drones. Across from Diane, one of the other students is slowly falling to sleep on his hand. Drool is running from the corner of his mouth.
"For next week, I'd like you all to do a research project on the 'living fossils'... pick your favourite. No more than 1000 words. Have some fun," Abnett says, in the same tone of voice he's been speaking in all lecture. "Miss Hollins, if you would stay behind, please..."