The morning arrived with a note slid under my door, crumpled as if the writer had wrestled with it before deciding it was good enough. The note outlined the day ahead: Mage History first, followed by YMPA History, and battle training after lunch. While it seemed straightforward on paper, the constant shifting of priorities in this place kept me on edge. It felt like they enjoyed keeping us guessing.

  As I walked into Mage History, I was struck by how different the classroom was from what I expected. The room resembled a university lecture hall, with rows of chairs sloping toward a single desk where the teacher sat. The teacher himself was a sight to behold—his thick black beard blended seamlessly with his dark hair, and his sharp blue suit made him look more like a gala attendee than a history instructor.

  "Welcome, everyone! Find a seat, settle in," he greeted with a smile that felt more polished than genuine. I chose a seat at the front, hoping proximity would help me absorb whatever was coming. Slowly, the room began to fill as students filed in, notebooks and textbooks in hand. Meanwhile, I sat there empty-handed, still fumbling to understand how things worked here.

  A sense of curiosity bubbled in me as I scanned the room, hoping to see September. There was something about her that had me hooked—her confidence, her aura, the way she seemed to command attention without trying. But my hopeful search was interrupted when Malachi entered, flanked by his usual crowd. Their laughter filled the room, making it clear that he thrived in the spotlight. I avoided eye contact, not wanting to attract his attention.

  Once the room was full, the teacher clapped his hands together. "Good morning! For those who don’t know me, I’m Mr. Heimarch Robbs, your history teacher. And I hear we have a new student!" His gaze landed squarely on me, and I felt a wave of embarrassment as the entire class turned in my direction.

  The polite applause that followed was laced with sarcasm, especially from Malachi and his group, who clapped exaggeratedly, smirking all the while. I forced a tight smile and nodded, trying to shake off the attention. Just then, Tisiah walked in, a bandage over the cut near his eye from yesterday but otherwise looking as carefree as ever. I envied his ability to brush things off so easily.

  "So, Connor," Mr. Robbs continued, "how’d you find the test yesterday?"

  My stomach dropped. No way was I admitting to nearly failing it. "Oh, it was fine," I lied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just took a bit to get used to the… environment." The class murmured in agreement, and Mr. Robbs nodded approvingly.

  "Alright then, let’s dive into today’s lesson. Open your textbooks to page 135," he instructed. The rustle of pages filled the room as everyone flipped to the designated section. I, of course, had no book to flip through and could only watch and listen.

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  "Can anyone tell me what mages are?" he asked.

  A hand shot up. "Mages are people with abilities designed to protect against supernatural threats," the student explained. "Historically, they’ve been pivotal in shielding humanity."

  "Correct," Mr. Robbs affirmed. "Anything to add?"

  September raised her hand, her demeanor composed yet commanding. "Some mages inherit magical abilities through family bloodlines. These unique traits, called Perks, often determine their strengths and specialties. Strong Perks can turn the tide in battle, which is why mages with powerful Perks often rise to leadership roles."

  Her voice was measured, confident. She wasn’t just speaking facts; she was making a statement. I couldn’t help but wonder if I had a Perk. Mr. Drails had mentioned something about a family heirloom tied to our abilities, but the specifics were murky. Was there more to my potential than I realized?

  "Excellent points," Mr. Robbs said. "Now let’s talk about mage organizations." He scribbled "YMPA" on the blackboard. "What’s the other major organization?"

  "The TSA," several students answered in unison.

  "Correct. The YMPA and TSA are the two major mage organizations in the United States. What’s unique is that the U.S. is the only country with two separate organizations coexisting—or rather, competing."

  The room buzzed with whispers. "Why two?" someone asked.

  "Philosophical differences," Mr. Robbs explained. "Long ago, the TSA sought to consolidate power, believing they could better control magical threats. The YMPA disagreed, prioritizing autonomy and collaboration with other mage groups worldwide. This disagreement led to centuries of conflict, from shadow wars to outright battles. From this, we begin to see two clear different sides—formed by multiple sub-organizations rising. From the TSA and other organizations, like the BMO, T.A.L.O.N., and RONIN: the Mage Security Task Operations. From the YMPA and other organizations like the FMA, CAMEO, CSTO, Ludwig Agency: the Enforcement Mage Organization.

  As he spoke, he detailed how the Peloponnesian War had inspired a similar divide between the YMPA and TSA, each vying for dominance. The TSA had tried to manipulate alliances and territories, but the YMPA had resisted, forming coalitions with international mage organizations to counteract their aggression.

  The history was fascinating, but it also painted a picture of an unending struggle. Every alliance, every betrayal—it all felt like a prelude to something bigger. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was now part of this story, whether I wanted to be or not.

  While Mr. Robbs continued his lecture, a crumpled piece of paper hit the back of my head. I turned to see Malachi and his gang stifling laughter. My blood boiled, but I forced myself to stay calm. Reacting would only give them the satisfaction they were looking for.

  "Let’s move on to mage alliances," Mr. Robbs said, drawing a chart on the board. "Each organization has its own set of allies and rivalries, which shape the global mage landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone involved in mage operations."

  The lecture went on, but my focus wavered. The paper-throwing incident lingered in my mind, a reminder that no matter how intriguing this new world was, it wasn’t without its challenges. I glanced at Tisiah, who gave me a reassuring nod. Somehow, his easygoing nature helped me steady myself.

  When the class ended, Mr. Robbs announced, "We’ll continue this discussion next time. Make sure to review today’s material and be ready for a quiz."

  As we filed out of the room, I caught September’s eye for a fleeting moment. She gave me a small smile—I'm not sure what type of smile it was, but my day was instantly lighted up afterwards. Today might be better than yesterday.