The Different Agencies
The next day dawned, signaling the end of the week, and it was a welcomed respite for me at the YMPA HQ (Young Mage Protection Agency Headquarters). You see, even though it was a weekend, classes still beckoned, but I wasn't exactly the diligent student. Schoolwork wasn't my top priority. Instead, my thoughts gravitated towards the training and weight rooms scattered around the headquarters. Perhaps, if I honed my skills and built some muscle, I could make a name for myself within the YMPA.
A crumpled piece of paper slid through the mail slot in my room, revealing the day's schedule. According to it, I had a mage history class in the morning, followed by battle training after lunch. I was eager to jump into the day's activities, but there was a twist in the plan – I was headed to Mage History class before YMPA History class. Apparently, they liked to keep us on our toes.
You see, the YMPA had its own version of regular schools during the workweek, where we learned the basics. However, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to discover within the confines of this enigmatic institution.
As I entered the classroom, I couldn't help but feel bewildered by the setup. It was far from the conventional classroom I had expected. Instead, it resembled a lecture hall you'd find in a university. Rows of seats cascaded downward, with the front section reserved for the instructor. The teacher, a man with a striking black beard that seemed to blend seamlessly with his dark hair, was impeccably dressed in a blue suit, black dress shirt, and matching trousers and shoes. He looked like he was attending a high-profile event rather than teaching a class.
"Hello, come in and choose your seats," he welcomed us. I nodded and decided to sit at the very front, eager to catch every detail.
Soon, my fellow students trickled in, each carrying their notebooks and supplies. I, however, was caught unprepared, not knowing what to expect. It wasn't entirely my fault; I was still navigating the complexities of this new world.
Before long, the seats that had been empty moments ago were now occupied. As I scanned the room, I couldn't help but hope to spot September, the girl who had caught my attention. She made my heart race, like a switch had been flipped inside me.
But fate had different plans. Just as I thought things couldn't get more complicated, Malachi entered the room with his entourage. Laughter and chatter seemed to follow him, and the desire to stay as far away from him as possible grew stronger within me.
"Alright, I believe everyone is here?" the teacher inquired, met with silence. He took it as a cue to proceed.
"Okay, for those who don't know me, especially our new student here, let's give him a warm welcome."
The applause that followed was both reassuring and embarrassing. I scanned the room, desperately searching for September, but instead, my eyes locked onto Malachi and his friends. They clapped slowly, their smiles masking their true intentions.
A lump formed in my throat, and I struggled to contain my emotions. But then, another figure entered through the front door – Tisiah, the same boy who had appeared so carefree despite yesterday's events. He had a small injury near his eye, but his smile remained, as if the previous day had left no mark.
"How did your test go?" the teacher asked, and I found myself at a loss for words. Admitting failure was not an option. "It was rather straightforward," I replied. "In unusual situations, some people find it hard to focus."
Murmurs of approval rippled through the room, and the teacher nodded before introducing himself. "I am Mr. Heimarch Robbs, and I will be your history teacher, focusing on wizards."
He retrieved a massive book from his desk, similar to the ones the students were carrying. It was thick, likely exceeding 800 pages. "This is your textbook, and we'll be starting with the very first edition since Mr. Drails assumed the position of Chief, along with our new head, Head Arkin."
Surprise and confusion welled up within me. Another head? I had always believed that my uncle was the sole head of the YMPA. Perhaps I could establish a better relationship with Head Arkin.
"Now, please turn to page 135," Mr. Robbs instructed, and we all obediently flipped our pages. "Can someone tell me about mages?"
A student raised their hand, and Mr. Robbs acknowledged them. "Mages are individuals who possess powers to protect against supernatural creatures that threaten humanity. However, over time, kings began to harness their powers for their own gain," she explained.
"Correct. Anyone else?" Mr. Robbs prompted. This time, September raised her hand, her demeanor slightly different from usual.
He pointed to her, and she began to speak. "There are different bloodlines that carry magical abilities through their wands, with specific areas of expertise encoded in their DNA. We call these unique abilities 'Perks.' The type of Perk varies, but a particularly powerful one can turn the tide of a battle. These individuals often lead mage organizations."
I was thoroughly perplexed. Did I possess an Perk? It didn't make sense. My uncle, Mr. Drails, had always claimed that the Advantage was a rare gift, passed down through our family, and that I was the only one to have it. So why did it seem like I had it now?
Maybe it was something different, something I had yet to understand.
"Yes, you're all correct," Mr. Robbs affirmed. "Now, what are those organizations, and that's what we'll delve into today."
As Mr. Robbs turned to the blackboard, I couldn't help but feel something touch the back of my head. Glancing down, I discovered a crumpled piece of paper on the floor. Looking up, I saw Malachi and his friends laughing like mischievous children.
The urge to confront them surged within me, but I couldn't move. I had no means to retaliate, and so I remained in my seat, struggling to contain my anger. It was a frustrating position to be in.
Mr. Robbs continued, listing organizations on the blackboard. "We all know the first one, right?" he asked, and the students replied in unison, "YMPA."
"And what's the other one?"
"The TSA."
"These organizations operate within our nation," Mr. Robbs explained. "Now, here's an interesting fact: the USA is the only country to have two mage organizations. They may not know who we are, but we certainly know who they are. In essence, we are the leaders of the two mage factions in the USA."
"Two mage factions?" murmured the students in confusion.
"Yes, we each have our own philosophies and approaches. Millennia ago, the Peloponnesian War was sparked because the TSA coveted our power, as we were allied with the Spartans. They pitted Athens against Sparta in an attempt to weaken us, but they failed. However, our empire eventually declined, and we were forced to relocate."
Mr. Robbs continued his history lesson, recounting how the TSA had sought to destroy our organization by conquering the realms we had established. The YMPA had rallied with other mage organizations to counter the TSA's aggression. But the TSA had managed to sway some organizations with promises of power and authority, setting the stage for a brewing conflict.
As I listened to this tale of ancient rivalries and power struggles, I felt a growing unease. The history was captivating, but it carried stakes that directly concerned me. The future seemed uncertain, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was about to embark on a journey filled with challenges and secrets yet to be revealed.