Noble looked over the frozen plain that was to be the temporary training ground until a more permanent structure could be built. Had she chosen well?
It was wide and flat and would allow room for groups to break off with instructors when the need arose.
Was it too far from the upper town? Any Awakened who wanted to help her would have quite a hike.
'But anyone unwilling to make the trek likely wouldn't go the extra distance to help students anyway,' she reasoned.
Yes, this spot was as good as any. It was only temporary. The professor would begin the search for the final location after today was over.
Closing her eyes, Noble felt for any emotional signatures that might belong to Nightmare Creatures or the Skinwalker.
They were a good distance away from the barricade being built to protect Ravenheart, but it was still better to check.
When nothing seemed off, Noble turned back to examine her work.
Flags marked off practice arenas and a stage stood off to one side for announcements. There were even targets set up for those who wanted to practice. It all looked in order.
Noble had to admit she was pretty pleased with the product.
"I can't believe you got all this accomplished in just a couple of weeks!" A husky voice said, filled with awe.
"Master Rock! You made it!"
The battle master was now an Ascended Master as well. He and his cohort had safely passed the second nightmare not long after entering, adding to the number of powerful Awakened in the world with their success.
"Like I would skip something as prestigious as this! I wouldn't forgive myself if I missed all your hard work." Rock's throaty chuckle warmed Noble's heart.
"It's just a trial run." Noble flushed slightly. "And the Awakened Academy deserves most of the credit. I had hoped they would like the idea but I never expected them to throw so many resources into making it happen so quickly."
Noble had barely set up a meeting with the administration when questions about what she would need to start were being sent to her communicator. She hadn't even given them her proposal yet and already they had been willing to throw credits her way.
It made some sense. The Academy was an extension of the government and the government was looking for every avenue to remain relevant as people began to shift into the Dream Realm.
What better way to garner loyalty than to train mundane students before they enter their first trial?
Although Noble had a long way to go in setting up a proper pre-academy, she was far ahead of what she could have done alone.
This day—barely a couple of weeks since her arrival in Ravenheart—was the preliminary meeting of the pre-Awakened Academy.
'We need a better name.'
That would have to come later. The main goal for today was to gauge interest as well as ability level. Basically, Noble wanted to see who would show up.
Part of that depended on the classes she and the school would offer.
In her selection process, she boiled down all her musings to one basic question.
'What did a fledgling civilization of potential superhumans need to not only survive but also thrive?'
With this in mind, She settled on three general categories for opening day: wilderness survival, asset utilization, and navigation.
The first had been ingrained in her from the moment she became a Sleeper by her mentor and now stepfather, Julius. One could not thrive in the Dream Realm if one could not survive. That was fundamental.
The second category was very broad.
Noble could stretch it to include all memories, not just weapons, but it could also apply to personal assets including physical prowess and how to handle different types of Aspects.
The third class that Noble had decided to offer was one she wished she had before going into her most recent Nightmare: navigation.
The Dream Realm was becoming less wild and unknown with each passing year. Much of the topography was now mapped and even the most dangerous areas were being tentatively recorded for others to traverse.
The ability to discern one's location based on both the land and the many different skies was not only a boon in any Nightmare, it was a practical skill that would serve the residents of Ravenheart well if they should ever want to travel elsewhere in the Song domain or beyond.
So even if the participants today did not decide to become Awakened, they would have practical knowledge to improve their lives going forward.
"Well, whoever gets the credit, I'm glad to be a part of it." Rock placed his hands on his hips proudly.
"Thanks for volunteering to help today."
"I jumped at the chance. It gave me an excuse to visit and help get more of the masses whipped into shape." Rock unconsciously flexed his biceps.
Noble smiled. "That's good. I am hoping we can get a steady stream of volunteer lecturers like you until we can find more permanent tutors. Big names will help get the word out more quickly."
"Big names like Queen Bee?" Rock looked at her incredulously. "I think you downplay your own importance in all of this."
"I don't go around bragging about that here. Since there is no Dreamscape or way to watch it, it isn't even worth mentioning." Noble looked away.
"Well if you won't mention it, I just might," Rock watched the professor's eyes swirl.
"Please don't! I get enough attention at the Academy for my escapades. Today I want this to be about the people of Ravenheart and their future. Not about me and my past."
The battle master nodded slowly. "I understand. My lips are sealed. But if someone else mentions it, don't expect me to deny it," he added with a smirk.
Unable to argue, Noble turned her attention back to the platform that would be the center of the first event.
Already people were gathering around one of the practice arenas near the stage.
A herald had announced the upcoming opportunity over the past couple of days.
All were welcome to come to the informational and a brief overview of classes was posted at the wells. Advertising in the Dream Realm was less instantaneous than a click of a communicator, but it was just as effective.
It seemed at least some of the refugees from Antarctica were ready to hear what Noble had to say. She hoped that her words and demonstrations would show them the value of what she was offering.
Otherwise, the Academy's faith in her would be wasted.
'I can't allow that.' Noble peered at the crowd, examining them and their emotions just like she did with her students when they entered her classroom in the Waking World.
Most of those gathered were young, under twenty-five. They were intrigued and excited. Not all of them were in the expected age range. Others were older including someone who looked to be a grandparent or even great-grandparent.
'Perhaps he is collecting information for someone else.'
If the man wanted to try a Nightmare at his age, Noble would have to discourage him.
Those gathering were all watching something with great interest. Suddenly, yelling began to fill the field. Floating a little higher, Noble quickly realized what they were all viewing.
A dark-haired girl was battling in one of the practice rings. Noble felt a knot in her stomach.
Rock raised one eyebrow. "Is that who I think it is?"