It's class time!
I never thought I'd be this excited about school but here we are.
After six years of fumbling about in this world, I can finally get a formal education in it.
I'm not a nerd or anything. In fact, I'd like to say that I'm very very cool, but this world has magic.
MAGIC!
I want to know more about this world and how it's differentiated from the earth. How magic affects cultures, politics, and economies.
And of course, I want to learn magic itself. I want to be able to Avada Kedavra some bitches.
Ok, maybe I am a nerd...
DING! DONG!
Punctual with the ringing of the seven o'clock bell Brother Hansen walks in.
"Hello class, I see you have all found your way here. I know it can be hard to navigate the first flooring of the church, but it seems we have ourselves a smart batch this year."
That's an understatement, the first floor is a maze with all kinds of weird occult rooms strewn around in no particular order. It took me a solid twenty minutes to find the correct room.
"Since this is our first day we'll be starting with the most important subject you will have in this class: spiritual cultivation. More specifically, today we will go over the Soulscape opening which is the first step in your cultivation journey."
Soulscape.
Isn't that the name of that place with the spider?
"However before I start lecturing, does anyone know what spiritual cultivation is? Just shout it out."
A girl in the front row pipes up. I think her name is Amy or Ally.
"I know! I know! It's strengthening the soul."
Teacher's pet detected.
"That's correct Amy, so does anyone know what the soul is?"
Chirp... Chirp...
"No one? We've got 11 students in this class, but no one can even venture a guess what it is?"
Chirp... Chirp...
"Well, I'll just pick someone then. Alex, why don't you venture a guess?"
Nooo, why do you have to do me like that?
"Brother Hansen I have no idea."
"Alright, how about you Fred?."
Haha, get fucked too.
"I don't know either Brother Hansen."
"Well, don't be discouraged, don't know is a pretty common answer when it comes to souls."
Brother Hansen starts drawing on the blackboard behind him and continues.
"Simply put, your human souls are what make you you."
He points to what he drew, to the human figure a circle in its head.
"Imagine this circle is a soul. It is the core of our being, when someone dies his/her finite mind and body will disappear, but the soul will go on to the reincarnation cycle or to Lord Elat's kingdom for us devout. Spiritual cultivation is strengthening the power of the soul. The first step is accessing your Soulscape. There are many different techniques to do so. The one you'll be using is Rising Soul Prayer which works through the connections that you acquired through the pledge ceremony when you were less than a year old. You'll hardly remember it."
Oh, my man, believe me, I remember it. Also talking about death with six-year-olds, harsh.
"Unless anyone has any questions I'll demonstrate it now"
"Oh, I have a question. What is a soul?"
Huh? Oh, it's just Hugo.
Stupefied, Brother Hansen looks at the chubby little red-haired kid seated at the desk next to me showing a confused expression while Fred laughs in the back.
"I'm sorry what is your name?"
I feel like I need to do some clarification before this gets out of hand.
"That's Hugo, Brother Hansen he's a bit slow."
"Oh I see, so Hugo didn't you hear what I said?"
"No, Brother I didn't."
"Okay, why don't we do this then. After I'm finished with today's lesson your classmates will work individually. I'll answer your questions then. Does that sound good?"
"Ok"
Hugo shows his signature innocent smile while Brother Hansen just sighs at the extra workload dropped on him.
I feel you're a pain, my man.
"Alright for the rest of you I'll now demonstrate how you can practice the Rising Soul Prayer. You are free to watch or to follow alo-
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"Ok class, that is the Rising Soul Prayer. Remember, in the beginning, it may not feel like it has any effect, but it's working. As long as you practice your Soulscape will open up. That's all I have to say today. I'll be tutoring Hugo now. You can either stay here and practice the Rising Soul Prayer with my supervision or go home. Just pick up a schedule on the desk next to the door on your way out. Also, work on what I showed you even if you go home now."
"Thank you, Brother Hansen!"
After we thanked and bowed in unison, I look towards the back of the class.
Fred is leaving.
I prepare to follow him out of the classroom, but I get pulled aside by Brother Hansen before I can do so.
"I'm sorry to hold you up Alex, but I just want to tell you that, if you have any issues in this class, you can always come in."
Looking into Hansen's eyes, I can see the same pity from yesterday.
He wants to help me out of pity.
It seems the pity I feel from everyone does have some benefits, but this still feels wrong.
"Thank you, Brother Hansen, I will."
I quickly leave class after that chat.
I can't go home yet though, there is still business to take care of, so I run to catch up to Fred.
I rush through the hallways to find the psycho bully with the teacher's pet.
that's an annoying combo.
"Hey, Fred!"
"What's up, Austin?"
God, I hate this kid, but patience young padawan.
"Still not my name. Also, can we talk in private for a sec? It's about your request."
"Sure."
We trail off from Amy and once I am sure no one is listening I start talking.
"I've managed to set up a meeting with Lady Zelda for you, but it's late at night. She has too much work during the day."
"No problem man, I can stay up late just tell me when and where."
"I knew someone as cool and awesome as you wouldn't have a problem staying up late. Alright, it'll be in my room at ten before midnight. You must be punctual she can't stay long."
"Ok, I'll be there in time. Your room is in the basement right?"
"Yeah, it is. I'll have the lights on and the door unlocked so you'll know which one."
"Ok, I'll see you then."
"See you."
The prey has taken the bait. Hehehe
————————————
In my shabby little room, I stow my lock pick back into my nightstand drawer. Although it's kind of hard to find without light.
Fred should arrive any second now.
I double-check if my door is locked and hold my ear to the door.
pam. pam. Pam. Pam.
With the sound of someone going down the stairs my excitement peaks. He's here!
Shortly after I hear the brisk opening of a door and a greeting of some sort that turns into a fearful squeal.
Got you bitch!
"I'M SORRY MR. KOCH!"
The fearful apologies that followed the squeal quickly turn into anguished screams.
"OW! OW! OWWW!!! PLEASE ST- OW!!"
Should've interrupted the janitor during his nightly reading.
Hehehehe