"Because this is the first day of the second semester, we are back here in Viera, the capital city of the Viera Kingdom," the instructor announced. "I purposely did not give you the assignment the last time we were here because that was your first day at the Academy; but now that we have gotten used to how to handle material, we will discuss the rich history of this legendary city."
"I must remind you that just because one semester is over, and your grades begin at 100% again, that does not mean the effort you need to put in is over; in fact, I expect better work from every one of you for this semester, the next semester, the rest of your time at the Academy, and for the rest of your life after that."
A ripple of warm, easy laughter ran through the class.
"Alright, any questions before we move on?"
"Ok, tur–"
"Are we going to be seeing the same places again, Instructor?" someone in the sea of one hundred students shouted.
"No, we will not be visiting the same locations this semester; there are a total of eight cities the Academy will dock at, and the only place we visit two times every year is Viera, the bridge between the North and South. This last semester we started here; traveled East, across the Northern Plains to the Seat of the Holy Kingdom; flew past the Outliers of the Dragon Mountains to visit the Elven Bloomlands, and then we went Northwest, seeing some Northern Islands on our way to Varethal in the Frostlands, before returning back here. This semester, we are going to go West; first to the Sporelands; then we are going South to the Swamplands; then East to the Dwarven Rocklands. The Rocklands will be the furthest we go from Viera, and we will make one last stop in the Capital of the Manderjik Federation in the Southern Plains before returning to Viera to welcome our next year of students."
"We will take this same path every year until another suitable docking site is created; now I'm not trying to get your hopes up, but there may be a new location put into operation in the next four years."
"Really?" The whole class exclaimed in unison, including the pretender; he knew how they thought.
The instructor welcomed their reaction openly, with a large smile. "It will only come to be if students continue studying hard."
"Now, turn to page 330 and read until 332. We will have some discussion afterwards."
This space is huge!
It was closed off from the outside, and had four distinct fields: Swamp terrain, desert terrain, grass field, and stone ground; while the training grounds provided to the regular students was just a layer of sand above a patch of grass that died decades ago.
"Assemble!" Clive shouted. His magic echoed throughout the two hundred meter by two hundred meter enclosed training field.
At once, the Continuing Students ceased their conversation and began to move; all in the same direction.
The Honor Class operates on a different frequency. Until I learn the rules, I have to mirror the players.
He had turned with the rest while the new students watched in confusion.
Taking his spot on a 1.5-foot by 2.5 foot by 1 centimeter pad with a rubber-like texture on the top left, others followed after him.
I must establish superiority to them, and empathy from them. Is a thought Arthur had at least once an hour when awake.
"All present," Clive declared when the last person stood on their pad.
"I will be reassigning partners; you have no authority, right, influence, or ability to influence this decision."
"Ranks thirteen through twenty two will pair with the person nine ranks below them."
"Rank Twelve is paired with Rank Eleven; Rank Ten is paired with Rank Eight; Rank Nine is paired with Rank Five; Rank Seven is paired with Rank Four; Rank Six is paired with Rank Two."
"Head to the Swamp Arena; four pairs will go at a time."
What? Who is my partner?
Am I supposed to do nothing or… do I spar with the Head Instructor?
"Do you need something?" Clive asked after Arthur appeared in front of him, delaying the spars from commencing.
Waiting rather than responding will allow me to obtain information without seeming abnormal.
"Go over there and continue practicing." He says, pointing at the corner in the opposite side of the field, made of stone, and upon further dilation of pupils, craters.
So I don't have to worry about anyone finding out how weak I am for now, but when it is revealed in the future, it will be more surprising, and my identity will really be put into question.
The main idea I need to engrave into their minds is that the incident has had a major effect on me, and especially my ability to perform in combat.
I can do that.
"I have this. The Physician in the Clinic gave it to me."
As Clive brought the paper closer to read–no longer focusing on Arthur–the actor held his head down and loosened his muscles to display his fake depression.
"I see; you are free to go back to your dorm. Rest well."
He responded with a smile. "See you tomorrow, sir."
It was the total opposite of his expression just seconds before. Nobody could change that quickly, and everyone looking knew that.
Even when he was in grief, even when he was ill; he would smile; for us; for me.