Survival: An Introduction (Class/full)

Yoren Ragnvaldr, The Northern wolf, stood ready next to the instructor’s desk of the classroom he was assigned. While normally the Wolf would find it distasteful to hold classes regarding his specific subject matter indoors it was an unavoidable fact for this day at least. As he needed to give a general overview of the class as well as his expectations as an instructor. One did not skip the formality merely for the sake of getting to the more advanced subjects. One should never plan to skip the basics, and a general overview would serve the students well in knowing what to expect from his class.

If there was still time afterwards however he had a lesson plan prepared that would be best utilized within this classroom anyway. Though he still disliked using theory work in a subject as harsh and unforgiving as survival, there were some lessons best suited for it however.  

Of course, utilizing a classroom still had some annoyances for the large man, as the nearly broken office chair shoved into the corner of the room indicated. He would need to acquire a proper seat for classes that utilized the classroom. The one provided was…less than adequate for a man of his size and stature, regardless this would not deter the Wolf. If Yoren needed to stand he would, such things mattered not to him. He'd left his large sword leaning against the desk, knowing he would not need it for the class to come.

He’d already made all preparations necessary for the class, he did not know however if the secondary subject matter would be necessary, or best saved for his next class. Regardless the Wolf was ready and eager to begin. Simply awaiting the students whilst standing at his full, impressive height.

Being early... was so bizarre. What was he even meant to do? Should he walk in? Should he hang out just beyond the door... should he knock? This was too bizarre for him, much too bizarre. Richard was just kinda... staring at the wooden door, hands in his pockets and a frown on his face. He was dressed in his usual manner; heavy black hiking boots, baggy black trousers, a white tank top covered by a grey jumper with white sleeves and a billowing scarf wrapped around his neck. He had messy face fuzz, as ever, and was secretly armed to the teeth, as was typical. He'd been trying out some new methods of dust storage and administration, most notably a needle-shurikan type form; how in a hidden bandoleer beneath his scarf. His weapon was planted on his back, hidden within the bagginess of the jumper.

Letting out a sound somewhere between a sigh and a hiss he pushed to door open, coming face to face with a man who had stupid hair and stupid shoulder pads. He stood in the doorway for a moment, debating turning back, but eventually steeled himself into entering, taking a seat far from the front. This man looked dumb to Richard, plain and simple. Unless that armour was all for show and he was actually a twig, he was truly much too broad. He could be hit on all sides with ease, have his hair pulled at and probably wouldn't stand much of a chance against mobile opponents. Furs and ropes were also just... the most primed for grabbing, at least if it was all metal they might stave a finger. Richard yawned, having convinced himself that if it came to it he'd be able to take down this man. Bein' lazy in here shouldn't be a problem.

Today seemed like it was going to be one of Athena's more... embarrassing days to remember. See, normally she'd be disgusted with the idea of going back to another school, seeing how she not only possessed more than enough knowledge than she needed from places like this, but most classes are pretty boring, too. The thought of going to any class alone almost bored her enough to want to pick a fight just to spice things up a bit. This academy was different, however. Everyone that attended was training to be a hunter or something, people that have semblances, fight grimm, etc. With something as dangerous as this around, she just had to see what was up here.

So, because of this, she found herself walking through the halls of the academy, pretending that she was someone that's supposed to be here. As she looked around, she spotted some shorter guy that seemed like he was having a staring contest with a door before he actually decided to open the thing. At this point, Athena didn't look into any of the rooms she walked by, so far she was just watching the people. If she was going to figure out more about the academy, enough to safely keep up her bad habits, she was going to have to look into a classroom at some point, right? Why not this one?

Without hesitation, she opened the door shortly after the shorter guy entered. "Hey, guys. I'm Alexis Hender..." She stopped at the sight of who she assumed to be the teacher. The guy was massive! Probably a good two feet taller than she was. "...son. *ahem* Henderson. Can't wait to uh... learn... and stuff." Athena eyed the sword leaning on the side of the tall guy's desk, and a thought came to mind. Do the students here sign up for the classes? Is this guy going to figure out that she's not supposed to be here? If he's got a list of students that are supposed to be here, she had to pray to whatever exists out there that the fake name she came up with was on it, and that same person wasn't showing up. Yeah, fat chance. Athena did her best to fake a smile while she found a seat, waiting to see if she was going to have to escape or not.

Survival Class. This was by far the most unusual class that Sakura had decided to take during her time at Syne Academy. However, this was not a very big issue for Sakura as she really enjoyed learning new subjects. She always thought of learning new things as an opportunity to better herself. Sakura was not going to waste this chance to learn something new. Sakura soon found herself approaching the Lecture Hall where her Survival Class was being held. As she entered the classroom, Sakura caught a glimpse of a male student and female student already in the classroom. At the center of the Lecture hall was the Professor. Sakura couldn't help but noticed how tall and broad the professor was. From Sakura angle, she guessed that the Professor was about 6" 10" or so.

"Good Morning to Everyone. I hope that this morning fines you well." Sakura greeted before walking to the front of the classroom where she sat down in the seat directly in front of the Professor. After sitting down, Sakura then took out her notebook and a pen and set them on her desk as she waited for the Professor to start his lecture. Sakura then waited patiently for the Professor to start his lecture.

Yoren watched as the students slowly began to enter as the time for his class came closer. Some seemed to show trepidation, Which the large man already knew the cause of already, as he was used to such reactions to his size and stature at this point. One student that had arrived early had seemed to yawn, causing the armored instructor to raise a brow so slightly. Such could easily be an indicator of many things he’d learned in his career as an instructor, not all being good. Yoren knew he would need keep an eye on that one regardless.

Another student had shown up that was dressed…differently. The outfit seemed to consist of a glow in the dark paint…or perhaps tattooing of a skeletal design, as well as what one would consider street clothes. The clothing itself was far less than adequate for his subject matter, there was much skin showing, meaning little protection from the elements and worse yet the girl would be entirely conspicuous out in the wild no matter the environment. The glowing decorative paint/tattooing only serving to neutralize any benefit the dark coloration of the girl’s clothes would provide. The only benefit he could see was it appeared it would not restrict the girl’s movement, allowing ease of combat and agility. Other problems arose from the looser fabric at the waste. The Northern wolf kept these thoughts to himself but noted it would need to be addressed later. The girl’s name also seemed unfamiliar, but as he had left the roster for the class the Northerner didn’t think much of the oddity. As he was still unfamiliar with many of the student’s names yet, and thus brushed off the unfamiliarity as a non-issue. As he could not think of why a non-student would attend a class at a huntsman academy such a thing was absurd.

She did seem a bit shocked at him, stumbling during her introduction at the site of the giant instructor and he simply gave a laugh at that. “Worry not, I am more than happy to instruct you.” He responded, nodding to a few more students who gave brief greetings. A pink haired girl also entered, catching his attention. The Wolf found her decorum noteworthy but would not make any conclusions on any given student yet, as the class had yet to truly begin, and doing so would be premature. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Yoren decided now would be the time to begin. While there could still be some latecomers, he could not hold off the education of the majority for the few whom had failed to arrive on time…He’d merely have to address such issue later, if such a thing were to occur.

“Greetings, I bid you all welcome. Some of you may be aware of who I am, others may not. My name is Yoren Ragnvaldr, you shall address me as Professor or Professor Yoren, whichever you feel best suits me.” He began, deciding to get such formalities out of the way. It would be best to retain some professionalism during this lesson, to best set the tone for the future classes. “I shall not lie to you; my subject matter is not the most cheerful one. However, I must stress that it is necessary.” His gaze moved slowly across the room, a stern look on adorning the northerner’s face. “Even experienced huntsmen have lost their lives to the harsher wilds of Remnant. The skills I shall teach you are no small matter and are relevant to all majors.” The Northerner would then pause for a moment to allow the statement to sink in before continuing. “Today I shall merely answer all questions of the subject of this class, after which we shall begin the true lesson, should we still have the time for such. I ask that you listen well, for it could very well mean your life someday.” The serious tone of the man only emphasized his words, and his voice was easily loud enough that none in the room could fail to hear what had been said.

Hazel was late, probably. Given all likelihood. Waking up ten minutes before class starts is not a good idea, and she could tell you the same. She had thrown on naught more than a black hoodie accented with red and a pair of spandex over her armor and underwear, as well as a pair of black winter boots. She had then quickly grabbed Dusk Gale and Midnight Breeze and was already hurrying down the hall to her class. She skidded to a halt outside the door,  breathing heavily and praying their instructor would not frown so deeply upon her tardiness. Opening the door only enough for her to slip in, she hurried into the room and took a seat as quickly as she could, looking around the room. There was the guy with a scarf who looked like he'd be willing to fall asleep, the girl with the skeleton makeup, and the armored girl. Then there was the professor. He was almost a whole two feet taller than Hazel, covered in armor from neck to toe. The dark ears adorning her head sank a little. He was giving a speech on the class's importance, which she only heard the last little bit of.
"Well," Hazel muttered, "I suppose I won't be excused...."

Geez that girl was blinding. When it came to survival Richard already had quite a negative view of not only this beacon of light reflection but some girl with long pink hair. What? Was everyone trying to be seen? How tedious, using people as a distraction was foolish; let alone making yourself a target without reason. As the man started to speak Richard's eyes glazed over, words entering one ear and gently gliding out the other. The first lecture of a class typically didn't have much significance right? People would yammer on and on about who they are and what they had accomplished, Richard had already forgotten the big dude's name. What was it... Yo... Yolen? This was such a pain, he should have just waited until the second class. Things would start more properly then.

He was shaken from his slumber by the entrance of a young woman, late... as he wished he had been. Long hair, pretty normal looking. Short at least, unlike the Goliath at the front and the much too colourful woman. Richard slowly sat himself upright, reaching his hands before himself and hearing resounding cracks from his shoulders and elbows. His mouth was a little dry but alas, he had forgotten to bring a drink with him. Now slouching forward he stared toward the geezer with his dark burgundy eyes, leaning on his right hand. To his credit he looked like the type to perform some kind of survival training, Richard could certainly visualise him setting up a shelter or starting a fire, but that didn't make his choice of dress inefficient and his height rather ridiculous. Richard half remembered he was waiting for questions and so he begrudgingly asked; "So... survival is pretty broad for a class topic eh? Will this class be focused on a single aspect like hunter gathering or will it be a more broad but lighter?"

---

Toward the back of the room, staring toward the door, was a security camera. Sitting in wait, it's single eye presiding over the entirety of the class. This was not uncommon for Syne, security cameras ran the halls and were in every room save for dorm rooms and specific medical areas. Any disturbances would be noted by the being on the other end.

Athena's face froze, petrified in fear after realizing exactly how much of a mistake this was. A survival class? Really? Anybody could tell based on her tattoos, clothes, and hair that she definitely knew nothing about the wilderness, and there was no way she'd consider taking a class on it. At least the teacher seemed to be a nice enough guy, but how long would she be able to keep this up? She might consider herself smarter than most people, but the huntsmen of this academy weren't all idiots.

A nervous expression took the place of Athena's fake smile, preparing herself for any questions that would relate to survival or geology, the two subjects she cared the least about. She began to look around nervously, making sure that there wasn't any real danger yet. She spotted a late student walking in, but that didn't seem too important, as far as she could tell. However she did find a camera looking over the room.

Athena's gaze raised itself to the camera, and she stared into it for a moment. Upon realizing what she was doing, she quickly snapped her gaze back to the professor, having stared at the camera for a suspiciously long time. She knew better, what was she thinking? Athena brought her attention back to the class just in time to hear the short guy from earlier ask about the class. It was a pretty good question to ask, and if the material that this guy was going to go over seemed like it's going to be too advanced, she'd be able to get away before she gets too involved.

Soon after Sakura had taken her seat in the the front row of the classroom, the Professor then started speaking to the all the students that had arrived in class. The Professor spoke in a very professional tone. It was during this where the Professor introduced himself as Yoren Ragnvaldr. After introducing himself, Professor Yoren went on to bluntly and frankly tell all the students there that Survival was not the most cheerful topic to learn but it was a necessary topic to go over. Sakura watched as an extremely stern expression appeared on Professor Yoren's face. She could tell that he was doing this to impress on all of them that this topic is one that meant life or death.

“Even experienced huntsmen have lost their lives to the harsher wilds of Remnant. The skills I shall teach you are no small matter and are relevant to all majors.” Professor Yoren added sternly for emphasis. If anyone thought that Survival was unimportant, this line would cause them to think again. After saying this, Professor Yoren went on to say that he would be answering any questions they would have.

"Pardon me for my question, Professor. Will training out in the field be part of this class' curriculum?" Sakura asked in a rather polite fashion. Considering the class she was in, Sakura expected that training out in the field would be part of the curriculum. However, she decided to ask anyways just to be sure.

"It has been a long time since I had to survive out in the field." Sakura thought quietly to herself as she remembered the time when she was barely 5 years old or so. During this time, Sakura has escaped the Atlach-Nacha facility and had to fend for herself for quite a while before being discovered by her Mother. Since that time, Sakura had learned the importance of Survival Training. However, she had felt that she was losing those skills. This fear was what led Sakura to take this class.

Yoren frowned at the late arrival’s appearance. He couldn’t merely shrug off the tardiness, as that would leave students to think him weak of will, a warning was an order. The instructor decided, no for now though, as they had yet to truly miss any real content, and he himself remembered the carefree life of a student allowed for such. Though it was not something they should make a habit of by any stretch, such things could prove costly to a huntress or huntsman out in the field, for numerous reasons. He simply gave the girl a stern looks for now as he addressed her, knowing full well the way he handled this could cause problems if done incorrectly. “Nay, such tardiness should not be shrugged off, for now find your seat. I shall speak with you after class.” He decided, waiting a moment before adding onto the statement. “I would recommend quelling such habits in the future, tardiness to the classroom is one thing, however such things can easily cost the lives of your comrades on the battlefield.”

With that statement the large man turned his attention back to the class, just in time for the questions to begin. The lazy-seeming boy’s question was the first, surprisingly. More surprisingly was its relevance, a good sign in the northerner’s book, the child was more than he appeared it would seem. “A good question, for the moment it will be a more generalized survival course.” The teacher frowned at that, as he would have rather been more extensive in the training himself. “I would prefer to go into more detail and may give more specialized lessons in the future, should we have the time for such.” He finished, deciding the answer suitable enough. He would need to find a way to get through the more specialized instruction without disrupting the flow of his normal lessons, additional classes perhaps? Yoren filed the thought away for later. He wanted to impart as much skill and knowledge on his students as he could, to ensure their survival and success.

The girl in the makeup appeared nervous, perhaps realizing how ill-suited her current attire was to the subject in question? It mattered not, and he could not simply halt his class for every oddity that occurred, especially as another student had asked a question. Though young Alexis did seem to have some concern by the camera it appear, not abnormal. Yoren knew many people who disliked the prospect of being watched, even when they had little to fear from such things, and thus didn’t think much of this behavior beyond noting it as curious.

“Field training shall indeed be implemented, as I have found theory only truly goes so far, action often goes farther than mere words, in my experience.” The instructor answered the pink-haired student. In fact, the only reason he had not gone directly into such things was that he knew it would be best to commit to the necessary formalities first, and the lesson he intended to get through today was one of the few wherein field trainings would be unnecessary.

Hazel winced lightly at the professor's harsh tone and words. She sighed and adjusted her sitting position. Her hand started to drift up to her fox ears, but she stopped herself and pulled it back down. Now is not the time for cute, Hazel, she thought to herself, and indee3d it wasn’t. She didn’t think that anybody would mind, per se, but she did think that nobody would really appreciate it. Pulling down the hem of her hoodie, she sat up a little more and faced towards the instructor. "So, we are only doing general survival. What all does that include? Also, would there be anything... 'unconventional'?" Hazel's ears tilted to the side as she asked, making finger quotes around the word unconventional. Hazel was curious about all that the class would entail. Survival was an intriguing subject; one reason that she decided to take the class. Another one was so she could learn how to not die. That’s always useful.

"Hmm." Richard half grunted in response, his question had been answered but... honestly he'd been kind of hopping the class would be more focussed. On one hand; this mean that he wouldn't really have to worry about really focusing, having grown up in a forrest community Richard knew quite a lot about survival... perhaps if he touched on different biomes it would be useful to him. On the other hand this kinda made the class a bit of a waste for Richard, he had some hopes for this one... but with the large man at the front and now this revelation they were being rather dashed. Oh well, hopefully there was a focus on unique biomes and a couple pieces to add to his knowledge.

He let out a yawn, though he half attempted to cover this one. If his treatment of that girl was a sign, then this geezer was a pain. Seemed like the blinding girl in front of him was having similar thoughts, overcome with nerves and staring into space. What, was she afraid they had to be wearing uniform? Wasn't as though the lecturer looked at all professional. Maybe she was afraid to get her colourful clothes dirty, Richard couldn't couldn't help but internally chuckle at the thought. Hopefully she'd learn some decent hunting colours by the end of this class, rather than standing out like a sore thumb.

A disgusted and exhausted expression found itself on Athena's face as she listened to the other students ask questions.  The only student that made sense to her was the short guy, since he at least seemed like he didn't care too much, unlike the others.  Everyone else seemed like they actually wanted to learn about surviving in the wild, eating berries and sleeping in dirt instead of in a nice warm bed after ordering a pizza.  As far as she could tell, the need for knowledge about survival in the wilderness was diminishing, and she didn't care much for this class.

Despite her not caring, of course, she was still incredibly nervous.  If anyone asked her a question about the subject, even an easy one, she knew that she wouldn't be able to answer them, and all eyes would be on her.  Speaking of eyes, Athena did her best to never look at the camera again, hoping she'd just look like another student.  Then again, she was the only one dumb enough to join a survival class wearing bright colors and bearing some bright neon green tattoos.  It was difficult to blend in when she stuck out like a sore thumb.  For now, she'd be grateful for the fact that nobody's talking to her yet, and she wouldn't spoil it by talking and bringing attention to herself.

A rather satisfied and excited expression soon appeared on Sakura's face after Professor Yoren had answered her question. Sakura had always enjoyed hands-on training slightly more that academic theory. She had always felt that knowing academic theory was good. However, she had always felt that academic theory would be be less useful if you can't apply it fieldwork. Due to this, Sakura often took classes where she could applied what she learned in the class to real world situations.

After hearing her question answered, Sakura then started listening carefully to the rest of the class and the question they had for Professor Yoren. It didn't take long before another student asked Professor Yoren a question. This student asked "So, we are only doing general survival. What all does that include? Also, would there be anything... 'unconventional'?" After hearing the student's question, Sakura then waited patiently for Professor Yoren to reply with some interest. She was not sure what the student meant by 'unconventional' , but she was curious on what Professor Yoren's reply would be.

It appeared that he was asked only one question this time around, the rest of the class seemed to show varying degrees of interest. The question wasn’t an unfair one, as survival despite its seeming simplicity was a rather complex. With the requirements largely changing depending on environment. The requirements for survival in the deserts of Vacuo was different from those of the forests of Vale or the high cliffs of Mistral. The vast number of environments within the continent of Anima alone made such things tricky to prepare for.

There was some nervousness from the impractically dressed girl, and if he read the boy who’d asked the first question correctly…disinterest? Intriguing as he wasn’t expecting such a response. The Wolf made a mental note to investigate that one more when he had time, but for now he had a question to answer.

“A good question, though I am unsure what you mean by unconventional, primarily we shall cover the essentials to survival-food, water, shelter, warmth, and of course safety…. keeping one’s spirits up also comes into play, lest anxiety and fear take hold.” The large man answered. “I suppose the last could be considered less than conventional, however it is no less necessary than the others.” he felt no reason to elaborate on the last point wondering which of his students would be able to put together the importance of such a thing, particularly as huntsmen and huntresses. It was his hope the meaning would be universally understood, but not all thought about such an important matter. “There are many lessons one could find in these categories, as the world of remnant is vast, and varied in it’s environments.”

The Wolf would then wait for a few moments, seeing if there were any other questions to be answered.

Good grief, when was this gonna start? Sooner it began sooner it'd end and Richard could be back in bed. Of his answers only one part interested Richard; the class' potential to focus on emotional control. Richard wasn't one for keeping spirits high so to speak, but keeping them from falling? That was a skill he could do with adding to his collection, even if he'd prefer that others keep their spirits even; if forced he would like to be able to neutralise them. Even if it meant a swift kick to the head, knocking them unconscious. As far as things went... that was his only real strategy for dealing with them, if he ever had to defend a kid from Grimm things would probably get messy real fast.

Then again... the idea that this class would try to teach him some dumb shanties, like his stupid mentor's old jaunts. What, would they be whistling with grass and making daisy chains? Pah! Honestly, while it'd settle a child maybe... it'd bring his blood to the boil. Richard would never be able to bring himself to seriously hurt a kid, he didn't particularly like leaving lasting marks on adults either... unless they deserved it, but under such a situation Richard would come real close to doing it. Would there be a section on babies? Oh how he loathed babies, the mere thought of this class' potential was making his skin crawl and blood boil. He still sat slouched but, deep in thought, it was clear he was uncomfortable; his brows furrowed and small slits beginning to open on his fingertips.

He pushed off against the desk, reverting to slouching back and heaved a deep sigh; trying to clear his mind.

Hazel nodded, sliding backwards in her seat in an attempt to make herself more comfortable. That made sense. Honestly, even she wasn’t sure what she had meant by unconventional, but seeing as she didn’t think anything in that list really was, it didn’t really matter. She moved around again in her seat, glimpsing up into the corner with the camera. She looked into it for a second then looked back. It’s not like she was trying to disguise herself at the time, so no need to even think about it. She coughed lightly as she waited, only a little bit bored without something for her hands to do. She started rolling Dusk Breeze over and over in her hoodie pocket, helping her to focus. ADHD can be a butt sometimes. After a few moments, she pulled out her lighter-colored fan, twirling it around in her hand underneath the table. It shouldn’t distract anybody, so it was fine.

As Athena sat there in a usually impossible mix of boredom and fear, she noticed another student, one of the few that asked questions, look at something. Athena followed her gaze for a moment, only to find herself looking into the camera again. She quickly and audibly snapped herself back in the direction of the teacher, having realized that she really, really needed to get it together. Making eye contact with cameras was a rookie mistake in her business, and the nervousness was getting to her, causing her to make dumb mistakes. She had to be careful from here on out, but at this point she might have made herself suspicious already.

Athena silently looked about the room, wondering if anybody noticed her moment of slight panic just now. Honestly, she didn't think it mattered too much at this point. Her main goal was to figure out a bit about the school, and if they have to force her out, she'll learn a few things about how they deal with intruders. At this moment, she needed something to take the focus off of her and the camera, if anybody was watching her. Athena began to begging in her head for a lesson to start.

"Pardon me, Professor. Do you mind me asking about how long you have been trained in the Art of Survival?" Sakura asked out of curiosity after a few moments of science. She was curious about how long Professor Yoren had been trained in the Art of Survival. According to how frank the Professor was earlier, Sakura could tell that he had extensive experience in the field. She had decided to ask this question to confirm her hunch. As she waited for the professor to answer her question, Sakura began thinking quietly to herself.

"I hope that I can more about the Art of Survival from this class." Sakura thought quietly to herself as she began going through all the survival skill she had learned during her escape. Sakura was decently skilled in fire-making, tool making, harvesting, and other related skills. However, she still lacked skill in the art of hunting, fishing, and the like. Sakura hoped that she could improve on this skills during this Survival class.

Yoren maintained a neutral expression at the question, while he disliked talking about himself in such ways, he did understand that establishing his credentials in the eyes of the students was still important. After all it was foolish to think they would respect an instructor unable to even give why they were qualified. None of the other students seemed to have any questions to contribute, and it was seeming like he would be able to get into a proper lesson soon.

Still the Wolf still had a question to answer, one that was far more complicated that one would think considering his life and the circumstances of his village. “Such a question is difficult to answer, my home village is far more primitive than most would be used to, and I have been acting as a huntsman for many years aside that, much of this specializing in more extreme or dangerous environments.” He said, thinking for a moment. “One could say I have been practicing it my entire life. But make no mistake even experienced huntsmen can fail to survive should they ignore what experience has taught them. One must always keep in mind that the skills you fail to polish will fail you when they become necessary.” The instructor looked over the class once more, wondering if there would be any more questions before he moved on. “Now are there any more questions? Or should we move on to the first lesson?” The large man was eager to get started, as time was not on his side as is with his subject matter. There was also the simple fact he didn’t want to come across as a braggard to the class, especially if they thought him incapable of backing up his boasts.

Richard heaved a sigh; "Yes, let's get on with the lesson. I need to sleep." Talks of a primitive village made Richard roll his eyes, they didn't come much more primitive than his own with their focus on wood and serious lack of metals. Fire dust the only accessible, used in cooking and little else. Spear lined, heavy, wood and stone walls. Houses were built in the treetops to avoid Grimm, rather than face them as a culture with access to metals and dust would. Hell, he had been the only one with aura in that village and he'd just been a kid. The civilisation on the other side of the island had been far more advanced, albeit nothing compared to the other kingdoms, and with that advancement corruption had been bred.

Richard felt his foot twitching beneath the desk, there was an urge to kick his boots up and onto the table, but he feared that would only stall the class further. He drew his claws and scratched at his hair, attempting to settle himself. Tried to focus on the man at the front of the room, not frowning at the glow-in-the-dark girl's choice of clothing. Tried to listen and absorb words, not allow them to pass through one ear and out the other.