Not Giving Into Fate

29- The First Day of Classes

It was the first day of classes. I sat in the lecture hall I would be teaching Ancient Magic History 101, a big class that is required for all students. Kramer was excited to tell me that the class filled up quickly and there was a long waitlist for all of my classes. This was promising, hopefully our class sizes can continue to grow.

It was twenty before nine and I was meeting with my TA. Thalia introduced herself to me, cheeks warm as she avoided my gaze. She held the textbook in her arms and told me she was excited to be working with me. I smile, telling her I'm glad that she will be assisting me and I wish her luck in her classes this semester. We speak easily, getting to know one another as the students fill in.

Soon enough, the lecture hall was being filled. Young students wandered in and they spoke eagerly. Their uniforms were pressed and pleated, a thing that will be forgotten in a few months. They all look excited and stare at me with wide eyes and big smiles.

I check the time and see that it is officially time for me to start. I stand from my chair and walk to the front. I look up and send the children a smile. Thalia stands next to me, her robe the uniform purple and her tie and stitching the Ancient Magic white.

"Good morning and welcome to Ancient Magic History, commonly known at AMH." I greet and my voice carries. "I am the Master of Ancient Magic, Master Solon. Thalia here is your TA, she will be the one answering your questions and holding tutoring sessions if one so needs it. Now, I'm sure you are all excited to learn today and learning is all about asking questions and having discussions. You will learn about our history as mages and of the origins of magic in many different countries. So, to start with our discussion, can someone tell me what Ancient Magic is and how it differs to the magic we practice today?"

A hand in front pops up and I see an eager boy with thick glasses. I point to him and he stands and introduces himself. "I'm Leonard Bacilli. Ancient Magic is the basis of the magic we practice today. There was the Great War and much of the secrets of magic were lost. The magic we do have has survived and adapted to the changing years."

I nod my head. "Yes and no, thank you Mr. Bacilli. Mana is the basis of magic and it is found in all living things. In this class we will learn what exactly is mana and how it is wielded. Magic is the use of mana to manipulate the world around us. As Mr. Bacilli stated, there was the Great War. Who can tell me of that?"

Many hands shoot up and I choose one in the back. "I'm Dayna Feallows. The Great War occurred when the monsters from the North attacked our country and our neighbors. The mages and the knights fought them back. However, many people died on the front lines. A lot of mages perished and only few remained."

I nod my head. "Yes. Thank you Miss Feallows." I lean against my desk and look at the group. "Ancient Magic is the history of who we are. You all have yet to take the aptitude test, but raise your hands if you want to go into Battle Magic."

Half the class raises their hands and it doesn't surprise me.

"Potioneers? Charmers? Elementalists?" A good handful raises their hand for each study. "Healers?" More hands rise at this.

"Ancient Magicians?" No one raises their hands and I keep a neutral face.

Slowly, a brave hand in the middle rises and I point at the boy. He stands. "I hear there aren't many jobs for Ancient Magicians. As a commoner, I need to leave with a stable job."

I nod my head. "What are you interested in?"

"Battle Magic."

I nod my head. "Yes that is a common misbelief." I then start to list the jobs that many of my graduates have. I see heads perk up when I say curse- breakers. I tell them they can work in the Academy, teach, and much more.