Changes

"Good morning, students," Alan greeted with a smile as he walked into the class. "I hope you are all doing well today?"

There was a gasp which was then followed by silence in the class for about a minute, but Alan didn't mind it as he prepared his lesson.

"You know, it's okay if you answer, right?" Ian said to Jake leaning forward. "No one here is really in a position to bully you and I don't think anyone would find it embarrassing."

Jake nodded vigorously and Ian leaned back. The gasp had come from Jake who seemed like he wanted to reply to the teacher but was too scared to.

"Today, we would be talking about battle techniques and I'll be drilling escape tactics into you," Alan said, much to everyone's surprise. "We would also talk about your fighting styles and the perfect beast gear to suit you."

"What's this all of a sudden?" Alia asked with an annoyed expression. "This is only our second day of classes. It is clearly not part of the curriculum."

"I know," Alan sighed. "But it is necessary because a few changes have been made to the semester. Changes that put your class in the most danger."

"What are these changes?" Ian asked.

"Do you know what a merged dungeon is?" Alan asked, his usual smile was nowhere to be seen as his face now displayed a serious expression.

"No?" Ian replied. It might be because he was sure of his safety in this class, but Ian felt at ease here. Comfortable enough to be more outspoken.

"A merged dungeon occurs when two dungeons which usually form at the same time are interconnected in one way or the other," he explained. "It might be a straight path, an underground part or even a naturally occurring portal. A dungeon with a naturally occurring portal is the worst kind ever so I would advise that you run if you ever come across one. Luckily, this isn't one of them."

"What has that got to do with us then?" Alia asked.

"For reasons I can't disclose, the soldiers can't be deployed to tackle this problem so the board has decided to let the first and second years handle it," he replied. "Efforts have been made to assure the students' safety, but nothing is ever for certain in a dungeon."

"So you're trying to train us to challenge this dungeon?" Alia asked.

"N-No!" Jake said standing up, shaking visibly. "That's suicide! Going to a dungeon at this stage is suicide. Can't we just let it be?"

"Unfortunately, we can't. It would become a threat to the school and the city if left unchecked," Alan sighed. "Luckily, I was able to give you three an option. You can decide not to go. I have decided to train you this way anyway even if you don't go."

"I'm going," Alia said immediately. "I'm not weak unlike those two. Even without an ability, I can defend myself just well. If this is an activity for all first years then I'm going."

"I knew you will say that," Alan sighed. "I honestly would prefer if you don't."

"I'm going too," Ian said. "I really don't have any particular reason for going, but I'm not going to be left behind by anyone in my year."

"Unfortunately, I would have to strongly oppose that," Alan replied almost immediately. "Putting it bluntly would awaken you to reality so I'll do just that."

His expression became serious again as he stared at Ian. "You are trash."

"Ouch," Ian sighed. "That was quite blunt."

"That is the truth," he replied. "You are the lowest of the low. You are at rock bottom. You are the weakest even in the F-class. Even Jake is stronger than you and will be even stronger since he's already learning an ability. Beast gears would only do little to save you. I believe you also end up getting dizzy whenever you exert yourself. You would die in a dungeon."

"Thanks for the heads-up, but I'm still going," Ian smiled. "You were asked to give us a choice and I've made mine. Nothing is gonna change it."

Alan's expression soon turned to a frown as he glared at him. He then looked at Jake. "Please tell me you at least have some common sense left in you."

"Of course, I do," Jake said looking down. "But.....if they are going, then I will too." He then turned to look at Ian. "Especially if he is going."

Alan stayed quiet for a few seconds, while Ian just stared at Jake in confusion as Jake glared at him.

"I don't think I'll gain anything by staying back when even the weakest in the class is going," he added.

"That's guts!" Alia exclaimed. "I never knew a scaredy cat like you had any!"

"Ahh, what do I do?" Alan sighed as he leaned his head back. "I have a good mind to lock you three up until after this whole thing blows over but we still have a month to go so that would be suspicious. Make that twenty-nine days."

"Okay then," he said. "Alia and Ian attend the beast weapons class, whi-

"He's been kicked out," Alia interrupted.

"What?"

"The silver head has been kicked out of the beast weapons class."

"Huh? Why?"

"He called the weapons trash and the instructor got mad. Really mad."

Jake and Alan directed their attention to Ian who avoided eye contact by looking down at his desk.

"Is that the reason why you wanted the beast weapons class?" Alan asked. "You expected strong weapons?"

"No," Ian replied, still avoiding eye contact. "It was a honest mistake. I didn't call them trash. I wasn't even referring to them when I said the word I said."

Alan sighed again. "Forget about it," he said after a few seconds. "Back to what I was saying, Alia attends the beast weapons class, Jake is learning an ability and Ian needs to find a practical class soon. Tell me when you do, Ian. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Ian replied formally.

"Your classes are teaching you to either better or master your craft, which is either ability or weapon usage," he continued. "I'll be teaching you how to fight against an ability user. Be prepared for it."

The bell rang at that and Alan swiftly dismissed the class as he hurried out.

"I need to have a talk with the instructor of the best weapons class," he thought.

Everyone left after the teacher without a single word to each other and not Alia and Jake headed to their classes, leaving Ian with no clue about where to go next.

After standing idly for a few minutes, he decided to move before he is accused of loitering in the hallway during class.

Just as he took a step forward, he felt a hot breath at the nape of his neck.

"There you are," was the last words he heard before he was yanked off his feet by his collar, the force knocking him unconscious.