The University of Ataraxy

Part 6

"About time,". Heather hid by the pillar as Yutika, Amanda, and Nyle entered the chamber. "Where do you think the three of you were?" as the three of them entered. Heather quickly tiptoed to the door. "Ah Miss Einar, come in,". She smiled and nervously sat on a bench nearby. Yutika was a little ahead, sitting beside Nyle and Amanda. Did she notice me? Thought Heather. The young professor who stood bright before them turned to the class as she pulled out Hoddi, revealing her face.

"Stand!" She ordered. She had almond-shaped eyes and dark lipstick. She had a dark red blush on her cheek, slight eyeshadows on her eyes, and a veil that covered her entire body except for her face.

Despite her high makeup, she seemed to be a disciplined, kind woman. "Stand up, students," she ordered as every student stood up. "Leave your bags on the bench," Every bag was placed in their respective benches. Heather looked at her professor. She would be getting her weapons. "Lucas, I said bags down!". "Quite a funny man, isn't he?" Whispered Nyle, though loud enough for everyone to hear. "Less than you," whispered Amanda. The professor glared at them. Heather smiled, blushing furiously. There was a slight movement in the professor's robes, probably her right hand. And off they went. Everyone in the chamber found themself getting absorbed. Just the feeling they all had when coming to the university. "Thud,"

"Ouch,"

"Aah,"

"Ow,"

"Aaaee!"

"Aaahh...!"

"Owwww!"

Came the screams of the students, including Heather, as they were thrown into the ground. Only two people were standing. Heather turned around and stood up to see Yutika hadn't fallen on the ground. She stood there at a distance, having perfectly balanced herself. The other person was the professor herself. Heather marveled at her brilliance. "Deshpande, is it?" Asked the professor. "Yes, Ma'am." The professor smiled politely. Soon enough, everyone got to their feet. "Welcome to the first lecture on weaponry, students. I am Miss Belinda Parkinson."

Belinda, that's her name. "As you all know, you all will be receiving your chosen weapons today." Her voice had become quite strict all of a sudden. And slightly high-pitched, too. There were enthusiastic exclaims. "I want a dagger," said Amanda. "I want an axe." Said Nyle. I want freedom. Thought Heather. "Students, please calm down," Heather suddenly realized that Yutika wasn't with the other two, Amanda and Nyle. She walked near the other students, searching for them. "Hello," Yutika said. Oh God.

Heather looked to the left to find Yutika there. "Uh-eh-Hi,". "You are Heather, right?". Heather was too frightened to answer. "Umm, were you the one behind us while coming down from the first lecture?".

"Silence!" Shouted Professor Belinda.

"Such an interdisciplinary grade!".

There was complete silence for a second. "We shall be beginning our lectures, take your places. Now!". "Byee," whispered Yutika as she quickly rushed to Amanda and Nyle's side. Heather took a deep breath of relief. The professor pulled out a scroll from her robe. She moved her fingers once again under the dark robe, and a thick wooden table appeared. The students who were quite used to seeing magic now remained speechless. The professor placed the scroll on the table and opened it. Pulling her high sleeve slightly and bringing her palm out. She placed her palm on the scroll, and a certain type of light seemed to glow out of it. "A very good morning, Kids," she said, pulling her sleeve back and smiling. "Each one of you today will get his or her chosen weapon today. Who amongst you would like to proceed first?". Lucas was the first to raise his hand. "A bit of know-it-all, isn't he?" Whispered Nyle. "Sure." Amanda rolled her eyes.

"Good. Come ahead, Bujerva."

Lucas went to the table. "Now, I will be telling you two things. Firstly, your weapon and your totem, Animalia. Who can tell me what TOTEM Animalia means?". Amanda's rose. Probably to impress Lucas. "Yes, Amanda?".

"An animal that represents one's soul."

"Brilliant,".

Amanada blushed red. "Now, Lucas, I want you to place your hand on the scroll and concentrate on something as much as you can. The more you concentrate, the more effectively the scroll will respond." Lucas nodded. "Excellent,". Lucas placed his hand on the scroll and shut his eyes. By a millisecond, light seemed to emerge from the place that Professor Belinda had kept her hand on. Lucas had also opened his eyes. "A majestic mask," It was a kind of mask, but one that covered an entire face, except for one's eyes and two tiny holes for the nose. "Dear, what is your element?".

"Element of difference." Answered Lucas.

"Any specific elements?"

"Uh, yes, illusions and fragrance."

"Ah! Perfect, fits you perfectly,". Lucas, who expected something exotic, broke into a frown. "The mask will protect you from the fragrance and will allow you to use your powers without any elements. As for illusions, if you manage to master them completely, you can turn your weapon, whichever you choose, of course, into reality. Others might feel that it is an illusion, but it is not. This allows the user to penetrate through the opponent's body. It is quite hard, and most fail to awaken it, but you will always have the option of wielding any weapon as an illusion. And yes, the thing I told you before is called Reverse illusions."

Lucas was stunned. "And your totem animal is a fox. After reaching your capabilities, you might be able to turn into your totem animal. Now, who would like to go next?" Many hands were raised as Lucas walked to his earlier position. "You," said the professor, ignoring a few hands.

"Come ahead,"

"Why is it always me?" Muttered Nyle under his breath.