Mythshaper

PART II

Chapter 33: The Institution

My first day at the institution was mildly disappointing. I knew everything would be elementary to borderline intermediate grade, but I had expected to learn at least something new about essence, magic, and the secrets of the world. Instead, all I received was a history lesson on the empire and the Blighted War, followed by a tedious primer on how to interpret our profiles.

I should have known better. This was, after all, a primary academy designed to educate newly awakened individuals.

Of everything I was taught today, there was little to nothing I didn’t already know, though it wasn’t the same for the other pupils. Diana, the only other Shaper in the class with me, absorbed everything and even began taking notes.

Then, finally, the most embarrassing moment came when the teacher asked both of us, Diana and me, to stand up, announcing our paths as Shapers. My classmates clapped, as we were the only two Shapers among a class of forty-three.

“Now, I must add,” said Teacher Plinius with his utmost seriousness, “even if you two are Shapers; don’t expect any special treatment. You are all equal here, no matter your paths or your birth. Isn’t that right, Priam?”

Everyone’s gaze turned towards the Magistratus’s son, who frowned as though he wanted to argue, but he was intelligent enough to let it go with a shrug. He had been here in the academy for over a season, as his awakening had come before the convention age.

With that, the studious classes were finished, and I could finally practise outdoors, when the middle-aged teacher froze mid-step and turned towards us once again.

“I forgot to add,” he said, directing his attention at me and Diana, “the headmaster has called you to his office during recess. As you can already imagine, only he’ll be able to teach you the ways of the Shapers. Don’t keep him waiting…”

Diana beamed at the news and fumbled to collect her things. She had probably been waiting to try out more of her Shaper skills since she awakened.

“Does that mean we are exempted from physical education class?” I asked.