The University of Ataraxy

Part 5

 "Hello,". This was their first lecture. "Now that you all have come, we'll begin the discussion in a few moments." Their professor had a particular Indian accent, and his appearance, too, was like a traditional rishi. He had a saffron dhoti and a white angavastram stretching to his waist, light white hair, and a straight nose. "Many of y'all may know me, for those who don't, I'm Raga, your chakra teacher for this year." Yutika sat beside Amanda on a three-seater bench while Nyle sat beside Amanda. Two rows ahead of where they sat was Heather. "Before we begin, I have a few rules not only for my class but every year till you graduate. These rules will not be repeated, so pay attention."

"Psss," said Nyle. "He wasn't at the inauguration, was he?". "Not all professors were there, only three to four, I guess," whispered Amanthe

"The first rule, Choudary, is paying attention." All eyes were turned to him and quite a few to Yutika as well. Nyle and Amanda turned their faces into their textbooks as a slight smile slid on Yutika's face. "I thought I made myself clear, Sizar, we will discuss how I know all your names later, shall we?" He said to a talkative girl whom Amanda had spotted before. Coincidentally, Annette Sizar was sitting right next to Heather, who felt quite ashamed as all eyes diverted to them. 

  "So," said Professor Ragi again. "Close your textbooks; we won't be needing them today." All the books on every table were closed in a flash. "Getting an education in the University of Ataraxy for the development of powers each one of you has is quite extraordinary. So don't let this big chance down. Or you all will be living your lives like a mortal." There was complete silence in the chamber. "To begin with, the first and foremost rule is to pay attention. When you are inside these four walls, you will talk with your friends only when permitted. Rest otherwise; your mouth should be zipped." He glared at Nyle as he said that.

"The second rule consists of two parts. The first is attendance." A few students, including Amanda and Heather, opened their notebooks and scribbled the rules. The professor didn't mind. He appreciated their efforts. "Everything here works with power and energy, which I will be explaining in a few minutes. So, if you have any injury, you should immediately proceed to the emergency towers, where your injury, no matter how bad it may be, will take a matter of seconds to recover. So, the excuse of having your hand and leg fractured will not work. Yes, Miss Liu?" A Chinese girl had raised her hand.

"What if we have a fever, Sir?". A disgusted look spread across Professor Ruchi's face. "I admire my students who ask their doubts, not stupid questions, Cai." The short-haired Cai quickly sat down. "Now, no matter how high your fever might be, it will be reduced in a matter of few minutes."

"The second section of the second rule is submission. You won't be given homework as such here, when the teachers ask you to practice something or write a report, essay, or something, you need to do it. For those who don't know, we don't have examinations at the University of Ataraxy." There were gasps all across the room. "But every student's performance will be watched, and at the last week of your year, you will understand whether you have successfully aced this year or not. And let me remind you once again, my dear students. Your first year is the hardest to master. Unless you don't practice and work hard your chakra straight, you will end up repeating your first year over and over again." There was just his voice in the chamber, not even a single breath was heard.

"And the third and last rule is practice. Perseverance. I have already made it clear, and I won't be repeating any rules." Everyone nodded, partially scared. "Moving on, today will be just an introductory session. By the end of the first semester, each one of you should be able to be clear with the concept of Chakra and its waves. You will be able to invoke your powers. And the second semester, well, will be an entire roller coaster for you. You will be able to concentrate your Chakra on any part of your body."

"Miss Annette and Yutika," He said all of a sudden. "Stand up," Yutika, shocked and confused, stood up. And so did the other girl, Annette Sizar. "I am selecting you two for medical classes. You two will have an extra class. You both have good eyes'. ' Good eyes?

"Sit down, Miss Deshpande," Yutika nodded nervously and sat down. "Lucas," He said. Now, taking random names.

"Are you into-...". "-Pottery."

Lucas, the blue-haired, pale-skinned student who had just stood up, said, "Pottery, Sir? Never tried,". "Hmmm," a sudden wave of wind rushed past them. "Well," said the professor. "My student assistant will let you know a few more names. Lecture concluded." He gave us a namaste, bowing slightly and disappearing into thin air.

"Which lecture do we have next?" Asked Nyle almost immediately. "Weaponry." Answered Amanda. "Yay, we will get our weapons!".

"See you guys!" He said and rushed away with his bag. "Don't you think he is weird sometimes?" Whispered Amanda, eyeing Nyle as they stood up, packing their books into their bags. Everyone else in the classroom was doing the same. Yutika smiled silently. "Yes, sometimes,". 

Lucas, the light blue-haired boy they had seen before, was standing there. "Amanda, right-? Nice to meet you,". Amanda shook his hand. "A pleasure, Lucas."

"And you are? Pardon, I don't remember your name." He said to Yutika. "Yutika," she shook his hand, smiling politely. "Oh Yes, Yutika Deshpande, is it?". She nodded. "You're Yuvraj's sister, aren't you?".

"Yes. How do you know?". "Are you kidding, your brother is one of the best bourtree in the school,"

Oh, is he?

Yutika smiled politely. Rather, she forced herself to smile politely. "Nice to meet you, er-Lucas, see you later." She rushed ahead, pulling Amanda by her arm. "Ouch, That hurt!" Said Amanda as they were out of the chamber. A few meters away was Nyle with his sister, and there was someone next to his sister who was in deep conversation with her. They seemed to be discussing something. Even from a mile away, Yutika felt butterflies in her stomach, watching him. Whoever he was. "He is cute, isn't he?" Said Amanda.

"Kinda,"

She turned around to see what Amanda was talking about. Lucas inside was talking with Anette, the blonde-haired, talkative girl they had met before. Amanda had her eyes transfixed on him, Lucas. Yutika let out a slight smile. She turned around to see that boy she had seen a moment before. But he was gone. And so was Nyle's sister, Eshita. Only Nyle was there. Running towards them, in his childish way, at high speed. Yutika sighed.

"Guys! Hurry up, we only have ten minutes until the next lecture begins," he said as he came close. "Yes, yes." Said Amanda, coming back to consciousness as she turned to Nyle. "Come on," he shrugged. The three of them walked away, making their way to their second lecture. Secretly followed by Heather.

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