Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Despite many looking like they had more questions on the subject, professor Silvertongue didn’t give them any more chances to ask questions and moved into the main point of today’s class. Unfortunately for Ajax this first class period was focused on explaining the purpose of the academy, something all of the incoming nobles already knew, meaning most of them were still mostly focused on him. The four pings from [Enigma] in the last ten minutes reassured him of it, even if three of them were from the same persistent boy intent on getting a migraine from the backlash.

“The main purpose of this academy is to advance our knowledge in all fields as well as providing as much knowledge to the next generation as possible.” Professor Silvertongue said. “One thing that might be different from how some of you may have been tutored in the past is that questions during classes will be kept to a minimum. As many of our lessons as possible are filled with intended blanks to allow you to gain as many discoveries as possible.”

This was going to be a big change for Ajax who had spent five years asking Hatchet everything that popped into his mind and the years of schooling back on Earth didn’t help as the schools system there also encouraged questions. Abbott went on about some of the great achievements the academy had achieved in the past using this method for quite some time. Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

“This brings up now to your schedules.” he said and Ajax focused on what he had to say. “You will be attending in a thirty day cycle. Any absences that are not excused or accounted for by reasonable circumstances will result in punishments, failure to complete a punishment can result in expulsion.”

This drew Ajax’s attention. While the rules seemed strict there were a lot of qualifying statements there. ‘Reasonable’ circumstances and ‘can’ being the main offenders as without diving deeper into it could mean people get away with almost anything depending on their background. He was pretty sure the academy wouldn’t stand for too much pushing but he also knew the prince getting expelled wasn’t ever going to happen based on absences.

“For the first eight days of the cycle you will be coming to the academy, mornings will be spent in lectures while afternoons the class will split into physical and magical training. You will have two free days afterwards. “ Abbot explained. “ The following ten days will consist of preparation, execution and debrief of a class delve. On average we will look to have these delves be six days in length but with the unpredictable nature of the dungeon it pays to be prepared. The final ten days are yours to with as you please.”

Ajax knew that for their first year there should be no nothing unplanned happening in the delves as they would be delving only the consistent first floors.

“Why are we getting such a long break after the delves?” One of the students in uniform asked.

“The academy and our training instructors will be available to all of you during that free time. However the academy does realize that some houses still train their members in proprietary techniques and that some of our commoner students would need the time to earn money and support themselves and their families.” the professor explained. “ We heavily encourage you not to waste those days lazing about.”

“Sir you said that the class will be split into two depending on magical or physical inclination. With Ajax being a teaching assistant for the entire class wouldn’t it be unfair that he only goes with the physical focused members.” This time it was a girl not in uniform that spoke up for the first time that day, the evil grin she sent Ajax’s way cemented that she wanted to find fault with him. Something the others picked up on and Ajax appreciated that most shot her a reproachful look at her comment.

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“Sir, since Ajax and His Highness have a spellblade fighting style, which class would they join?” Lexi asked before Abbot had a chance to answer the first question. Nothing in the tone of the question or her expression reflected anything besides innocence yet everyone was well aware of the effect her question had.

“His Highness would be able to choose on a day by day basis, while Ajax will be going where the instructors would require of him.” Abbot answered.

“Don’t do it Ben.” Annabeth spoke for the first time since Ajax had entered the class to someone other than Lexi, and even now she was holding an arm to her ribs where Lexi had just given her a light poke.

“And why shouldn’t I?” Unlike what he expected following the challenge Ben’s tone was filled with pure confusion and didn’t show an ounce of hostility.

“Well, let me put it this way, why are you challenging him?” she sighed before asking him.

“Us Steelblades pride ourselves on our combat ability, a mere six levels should be a gap I could possibly surpass.” he said with conviction, however his military bearing stopped it from coming across as overconfidence. It was like he was simply stating a fact.

“That’s what I thought.” Annabeth nodded “If that was it there is no point in a duel.”

“And I’m asking why? If he is capable of surpassing me I am eager to learn from my defeats.”

“What she’s saying is that there would be nothing for you to learn.” Lexi butted. “If he took you seriously anyway, the difference in power is just too big.”

“Ben, yesterday he won a spar against Dave.” Annabeth said. “And Dave wasn’t holding back.”

The statement broke the military poker face Ben had on his eyes opening wide in surprise.

“For real?” he asked.

“Yep.” Lexi nodded emphatically. “I think it took me five minutes to pick my jaw up off the floor.”

“In that case. Please disregard my request for a duel.” Ben turned to Ajax and said with a small incline of his head. “That said, I would be interested in sparring against you, since you bear no house sigil I am guessing that your style is self created and I would like to experience it.”