Our Soul Nexus

Chapter Nine

"Four days." The professor tapped her pointer stick against the board.

There was a flurry of excited whispers across the classroom.

"Since we will be away for such a time, I expect only your most mature behaviour. I will not be responsible for your mistakes." The professor speaking, Silrena Rist, taught the Applicatory Practical Magic class, possibly one of Ayben's favourite classes.

It was here he learned the real-life aspects of magic; the real world uses and impacts it has. Not to mention it gave him the chance to practice more of his spells than he would in any other subject.

"This excursion will fall under the 'Sudden Situational Adaptation' portion of your grades, so take it seriously if you know what's good for you." Professor Rist continued to explain as she walked down the aisles of long tables, handing out a sheet of paper to each person. "Each team, comprised of three to five members, will be paired at my own discretion. However, I'm no stranger to being a teenager, so I will allow you all to hand back your entry papers with your preference of team members. I cannot guarantee you'll get paired with the people you want, but I will certainly take it into consideration."

There was another wave of buzz over the class at the prospect of sharing a team with friends.

"Excuse me, but what happens if we don't do well on the trip? Will we have to do extra credit classes?" A girl with bronze hair at the front of the room asked.

Rist shook her head. "No, otherwise the grades would be left void of any value. You either succeed or fail with APM, anyone who shows unsatisfactory results will be spoken to privately and solutions discussed accordingly."

There was a slight silence over the class before Rist smiled lightly. "If it's a repeat you're concerned about, I don't hold my students back for slights. Unless you prove to me your character and magic skills are both inadequate to yourself, those around you and the world, I see no point in holding you down."

As if sensing the relief, Rist regained her firm composure. "However, make no mistake, if I know you aren't giving your studies and tasks your best – I will know. And it will be counted as part of your poor magic skill."

Ayben liked pretty much all the professors at Dressdardon, they were fair, kind, and each had a great way of conveying concepts and knowledge to their students. There were a few exceptions, but Ayben knew it was impossible to like every single subject or teacher in a single academy.

As Rist placed a sheet in front of Ayben, he looked down at the contents, Claretta doing the same once she too received hers.

"The list of contents you see here is all you will bring. No excuses. Anything not listed that is found on your person or amongst your packs, will be confiscated. Am I clear?" Rist explained.

There was a concord of agreeing noises, and Rist seemed satisfied.

As soon as the class was free to discuss with their classmates about the upcoming assessment, almost everyone summoned their familiars to tell them the news and prepare their counterparts. Ayben almost did the same, but remembered his high profile status might cause a scene.

Claretta summoned Aeris straight away, and after bringing her up to speed, began discussing strategy if they landed in the same group.

"This is all dependant on whether we actually are assigned to the same group." Claretta pointed out.

Ayben nodded. "That's true, though I think we have a high chance since I'll have you down as my preference. Laude is coming too, right?"

"Believe it or not, he actually opted to go into the Fundamental Practicals class instead. He only takes basic magic classes because he wants a more societal career. Go figure." Claretta shrugged while saying the last part.