Center of Attentions

The students shouted, "What the hell is that?"

Some students present had a calmer expression. They came from noble families who paid for private lessons about magical beasts, so it was understandable that they weren't trembling with fear upon seeing Feathers.

Professor Luke had to act and gesture for everyone to remain calm, "He's docile, don't worry. And I'm here to intervene if anything happens."

The students calmed down a little when they heard Luke's comforting words. Kai didn't feel any fear at any time. To him, Feathers was a friendly, docile, and loyal griffin. The thing that scared him in that forest wasn't the griffin, but the shadow he had seen that day…

After all the students calmed down, Luke began his lesson. "As you can see, this is a griffin. His name is Feathers. He was raised from a young age here at the school, so he's much more docile than normal, but that doesn't mean he won't attack you if he senses danger."

"The idea of today's lesson is to introduce you to some of the magical beasts we have here at the school, since visual stimulation is much better than just reading the pages of a book," Luke explained, adding, "This will also give you some practice in dealing with these creatures."

The first thing Luke asked was for the students to slowly walk up to Feathers, toss him a small piece of meat, and then gently pet his face.

When the students heard this, they protested, "Is this really safe? Do you think it's a good idea to do this on the first day of class?"

To the students, Luke was a new teacher who perhaps didn't quite understand the school's methods. He was indeed a new teacher - Luke had only been at the school for six months - but he was there to improve Brainheart's standards.

"Do you really think you won't face situations like this in real life?" Luke said, looking sternly at the student who had complained. "Brainheart Academy produces the best mages, indeed, but their mortality rate in the first five years of work is still high. The life of an Arcanist is complicated, and you need to experience it firsthand. Or would you rather stick to books and theory and die after graduating?"

All the students fell silent after hearing that. Many were there to change their families' lives - nobles wanting to increase their position in the nobility, and the poorer ones wanting to change their lives. They didn't want to die. Nobody wanted to. They were the hope of their families, and there was no better place to learn than within the most prestigious school in the kingdom.

"Kai, would you please do the honors?" Luke said, gesturing with his hand.

All the students turned their faces towards Kai, who became a little anxious with the sudden attention. Trevor was next to him and was also surprised! The class had just started. Professor Luke didn't know anyone's name, yet he said Kai's name. Many students began to think that the two already knew each other.

Kai, despite feeling overwhelmed by so many eyes on him, walked towards Feathers, who immediately recognized him and started jumping for joy. Even before giving him the food, Feathers was already rubbing against Kai. "It seems he remembers you," Luke whispered.

"Hey there, big guy, long time no see! Want a snack, do you?" Kai said, throwing the piece of meat into the air. Feathers raised his head and ate the piece of meat in less than a second. After that, Kai petted him a little more before returning to his spot.

"Next, please," said Luke.

The other students became much calmer after seeing Kai's interaction with Feathers. The griffin seemed very intimidating at first glance, but many lost their fear after witnessing that.

"Looks like it's going to be easy," one of the students said to one of his friends, "I'll go first, watch me."

The student was a blond boy who appeared to be from a noble family, as he was wearing shiny jewelry. He was expecting a friendly reception from Feathers as soon as he got close, but that's not quite what happened. Feathers was looking at the young man aggressively, and only after receiving a piece of meat did he let the student touch his feathers - for a short time.

Everyone present noticed the difference in treatment between Kai and the other students who went to Feathers. Many questions were on their minds, mainly regarding Professor Luke's relationship with Kai, and whether Kai had any talent for dealing with magical beasts.

"Next," Luke commanded.

The students had lost their fear after witnessing the interaction with Feathers. Luke tried his best to explain that Feathers was raised by him and was much more docile than normal, emphasizing, "Wild magical beasts will only think about killing you!"

It might sound a bit strange to say that to 15-year-old teenagers, but everyone there knew very well how cruel the world they lived in was.

Anyway, most of the class consisted of Luke showing Feathers and some smaller magical beasts, one of them being a plant that seemed harmless but released a paralyzing gas.

"What happens after we're paralyzed?" Kai asked.

Luke smiled, "Well, do you see those vines next to the plant?" He pointed to the vines, and Kai was able to identify them. "They'll pull you in, and you'll be devoured by the plant."

"Classic."

When Professor Luke's class on beasts was over, all the students headed to a gymnasium outside the main building. This was where the combat classes would take place, and everyone was anxious about it. Combat was the thing most Arcanists wanted to learn more about.

"Do you have any idea what the teacher is like?" Kai asked Trevor, who was beside him.

Trevor looked at him seriously and said, "Unfortunately, yes. His name is Alastor, and from what everyone says, he's been teaching here for years and is ruthless."