Chapter 14: The First Class
The first light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains of my dorm room, gently waking me from a restless sleep. I stretched and yawned, still groggy from the excitement and overwhelming information from the day before. The Academy had provided a detailed schedule for the week, and today was the start of our classes. I quickly dressed in the Academy's standard uniform—navy blue with the CIA emblem stitched on the chest—and headed to the dining hall for breakfast.
The dining hall buzzed with the chatter of new recruits, all eager to start their first day of classes. I spotted Sam at a table near the windows and joined him, grabbing a tray of scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee on my way.
"Morning, Kan! Ready for the first day?" Sam asked, looking more awake and excited than I felt.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, taking a sip of the bitter coffee. "What classes did you sign up for?"
Sam pulled out his schedule, showing a mix of traditional criminology courses and a few more exotic-sounding ones. "I've got Advanced Forensics, Criminal Psychology, and Introduction to Paranormal Investigation today. What about you?"
I unfolded my own schedule and scanned the list of classes I had chosen: Criminalistics 101, Comparative Criminology, and Cryptozoology. I chuckled at the last one. "Looks like I'll be learning about mythical creatures today."
Sam grinned. "That sounds awesome. We'll have to compare notes later."
We finished breakfast and headed to our respective classrooms. My first class, Criminalistics 101, was held in a sleek, modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the surrounding forest. Inside, the classroom was equipped with state-of-the-art technology: smart boards, interactive displays, and an array of forensic tools.
Our instructor, Professor Harrison, was a tall, stern-looking man with a sharp gaze that seemed to see right through you. He started the class with a brief introduction to criminalistics—the study and application of scientific techniques to solve crimes.
"Welcome to Criminalistics 101," he said, his voice commanding attention. "This course will cover the basics of forensic science, including crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and laboratory techniques. Pay attention and take detailed notes—your ability to process and analyze evidence will be critical in your future investigations."
We spent the morning learning about the proper methods of collecting and preserving evidence, the importance of maintaining a chain of custody, and the various types of forensic analysis. Professor Harrison demonstrated the use of several tools, from fingerprint dusting kits to DNA sequencers, emphasizing the need for precision and accuracy.
After a short break, I headed to my next class: Comparative Criminology. This course was held in one of the older buildings on campus, with ivy-covered brick walls and wooden paneling that gave it a classic, almost academic feel. The classroom was filled with rows of desks, and a large map of the world hung on one wall.
Professor Martinez, a lively woman with an infectious enthusiasm for her subject, welcomed us with a broad smile. "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Comparative Criminology. In this class, we'll explore crime and criminal justice systems from around the world. We'll examine how different cultures define and respond to crime, and what we can learn from their approaches."
She handed out a syllabus and a world map, explaining that our first assignment would be to research and present on the criminal justice system of a country of our choice. "Think about how cultural, social, and economic factors influence crime rates and criminal behavior. It's fascinating stuff."
The class quickly engaged in a lively discussion about various countries and their unique approaches to crime and punishment. I chose to focus on Japan, intrigued by its low crime rates and restorative justice practices. By the end of the class, I had a long list of resources to explore and a growing excitement for the project.
Lunchtime provided a much-needed break. I met up with Sam again in the dining hall, and we exchanged stories about our morning classes.
"Criminalistics was intense," I said, digging into my sandwich. "Professor Harrison doesn't mess around."
"I can imagine," Sam replied. "Paranormal Investigation was wild. Professor Henry has some crazy stories. Apparently, he's seen just about everything—from ghosts to cryptids."
I laughed. "Speaking of cryptids, I've got Cryptozoology next. Should be interesting."
The Cryptozoology class was held in a small, cozy building on the edge of campus, surrounded by dense woods. The atmosphere was perfect for the subject matter. Inside, the classroom was decorated with posters of mythical creatures and shelves filled with books on folklore and legends.
Professor Williams, a cheerful man with a passion for mythical creatures, greeted us with a big smile. "Welcome to Cryptozoology 101! In this class, we'll explore the world of cryptids—creatures that are rumored to exist but have not been scientifically proven. Think Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and so on. Your job is to separate fact from fiction and determine if there's any truth to these legends."
He handed out a syllabus and a reading list that included both scientific texts and folklore collections. "We'll start with an overview of some of the most famous cryptids, and then we'll dive into case studies and field research techniques."
The first lecture covered the basics of cryptozoology and its history. Professor Williams showed us photos and videos of alleged cryptid sightings, explaining the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in our investigations.
"For every genuine mystery, there are dozens of hoaxes and misidentifications," he said. "Your job is to sift through the evidence and find the truth. Keep an open mind, but don't be gullible."
The class ended with an assignment to research a cryptid of our choice and present our findings. I decided to investigate the Chupacabra, intrigued by the stories of this mysterious creature that had supposedly been sighted in Latin America.
As the day came to an end, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The first day of classes at the Academy had been intense, but also incredibly exciting. I headed back to my dorm room, eager to dive into my assignments and start my journey into the world of crime-solving and the supernatural.
That evening, as I sat at my desk, surrounded by books and notes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity. The Criminal Investigation Academy was everything I had hoped for and more. It was challenging and demanding, but also filled with fascinating subjects and inspiring people.
I knew that the journey ahead would be tough, but I was ready to face it head-on. With each class, each assignment, and each discovery, I was one step closer to becoming the investigator I had always dreamed of being. And I couldn't wait to see what the future held.