The headmaster was relatively new and just put in place by the Queen; she felt the last one was too partial to nobles. Moreover, he was suspected of giving out commoner student information and increasing children's grades belonging to influential noble households.
!ahem, hem!
"Hello students, My name is Headmaster Augustine. I will be responsible for the education and safety of all students during their time at this academy. We will welcome new instructors this year, including Master of Arms Jeroy Linkins, Master of Spells Paina Joudmore, and Master of Anvils Lorrock Steelmantle. We will also be implementing a new security tool."
The headmaster pulled out a whistle-looking device.
"This is Screamer. It will immediately notify the nearest faculty member that you are in danger and need assistance. In addition, these will be made available to any student that requests one. Hopefully, they will not be necessary this school term."
The new tool was implemented because a particular prick left the academy not so long ago.
"The academy is working to create the best and brightest warriors and mages for the Kingdom. Therefore your performance and only your performance shall matter for final evaluations."
There was some murmuring in the crowd of students. The old headmaster would never allow a noble's rank to fall below commoners unless they were exceptionally talented. This worried some students because it could not only make nobles look bad but make commoner students targets of extra harassment.
"Offical classes will begin next week; optional lectures and activities will be available for students to participate in until then. Everyone, please line up underneath the banner of the dormitory you have been assigned. Then follow the teacher to your rooms."
A pin randomly appeared on the breast pocket of every student designating their dorm assignments. Girls and Boys split into separate campuses, but the dorm names were the same. Rainer found himself in the Phoenix dorm. Unfortunately, Marcus was assigned the Dragon dorm. The students went lined up and were led to their dormitories. The headmaster had his eyes locked on Rainer.
'So that is the prince; I wonder why he chose to come secretly. I'll have to keep my eye on him, or the Queen will have my nuts bronzed and framed in her study if he gets hurt. I have heard that she favors the boy, a genius.'
On his way out of the hall, Rainer grabbed a screamer. He wasn't stupid. He understood that he would have to watch his back without his name. The students all settled into their rooms; everyone was separate and could only be opened by the dorm owner or a faculty member. They also required that all guests were invited in by name; they were effectively safe rooms for each individual. Rainer was alone in his room.
'This room isn't bad. The bed is comfortable at least.'
Rainer was lying on the bed and took out a pamphlet. It listed the activities and lectures that were available during the first week. There was hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, etiquette, politics, history, and bestiary activities and lessons. Most students learned how to interact with mana during their first years, so nothing was on that. Rainer was deciding on which ones to attend.
'The combat ones are pretty self-explanatory. I might go to etiquette. Although I was taught from a young age, certainly not going would peg me as a noble. History might be a good idea. Mom didn't teach me a lot about the Kingdom. Politics sounds boring as fuck, and what is bestiary?'
Rainer fliped the pamphlet to the bestiary section and read its description.
'Bestiary is the study of animal companions. Most mages can eventually use magic to tame all kinds of creatures. This lecture will introduce the concept of taming magical beasts and create an understanding of what it takes to be a tamer.
'That sounds interesting. Well, I am hungry; wonder if I'll find Marcus in the mess hall.'