The teacher looked a bit like the walking mountain but taller and not as broad. His handsome face was marred by a scowl.
"I'm known as Sin Egar. This is class 2B. Stay in this area, talk quietly until the rest of your classmates finish their assessments." He stood there still as a statue in a Parade Rest stance, feet shoulder-width apart, hands behind his back over lapping, thumbs locked in.
A few groups of five had already completed their initial assessment. Minx looked around at those present and found some of those expectant arrogant expressions. She noted a few level 5s present. Most of those present were at a lower level than her. Midas was the only level 1 so far.
The exception was level 8 who was quite vertically challenged. Minx wondered if he was old enough to be at this school at that stature. He differed in appearance as well with green spikey hair. He had huge bags under his eyes, making her question whether he had nutrient deficiencies or not enough sleep.
Minx decided to try her hand at making friends with him. She took a deep breath and walked up to him.
"It's a nice day, isn't it!" She offered her hand for a shake, "I'm Minx Botan."
The expressionless boy looked at her hand then at her face. "Logan Green."
"I noticed the dark circles," she pointed under her own eyes, "Do you not get good sleep?" Minx said with kindness in her voice, "have you tried ways to improve your sleep?"
Logan stoically responded, "I'm an inventor. I am up all hours working, focused on various projects. It's nothing to concern yourself with. I don't know why you would, honestly."
"Helping others helps My brother and I forget our own predicament. Sorry for intruding on your personal affairs. My ability deals with plants and perhaps some of my home cooking may help with your fatigue. Let me know in the future if you're interested."
It appeared as if the school tested two groups at a time as that many groups at Minx could hear more voices in the background. Looking at the massive glass building in front of her, Minx realized there was a reason they started this process early on a Sunday morning. It most likely took all day to get all the students tested, assigned their dorm rooms, and given a tour which would include the supplies they would need.
The 10 credits they got each day were loaded onto a money card linked to their watches. This money card enabled them to access their money during off-world events. The watch functions only worked on campus with the exception of telling time and the compass feature. Financial transactions were made easier while on campus through the use of the link to the watch. What Minx was told before her arrival was this link expedited theft by bullies.
As she took in the enormous, 6- foot tall building she asked, "how many students do they have here?"
Logan decided the question was aimed at him. "10 classes of 50 students each. The A and B are meant to be rival classes which the school claims encourage competition. Is your brother a second year?"
Minx shook her head. "We are twins. He's standing over there gawking at this mammoth of a building."
Logan nodded, "The competing classes are in the same wing of this building. We share rooms and floors with class 2A. Morning canteen time is mandatory. Each wing has its own canteen to expedite food service. Homeroom is immediately after breakfast. We need to choose a club by Wednesday. Some classes are so popular that it's hard to learn in them."
"Elemental Ability Club can have up to 100 students. Beast Weapons is also popular. The second-years have the same set-up but different classes so we should not interact."
Minx shuddered just thinking about touching beast weapons. She wanted to avoid repeating history at all costs. It did not go unnoticed by Logan.
Minx nodded, "I'm hoping for Agricultural Club. My fruit and vegetables are nutrient dense and bursting with flavor."
Logan let slip a small smile and said, "I dislike disruptions to my research, so I prefer to eat in my room. Perhaps I could trouble you for the occasional sandwich."
Minx 's face lit up with her smile, "Of course! Any preferences? I have plans to grow my own wheat to make bread myself. I borrowed everything I needed to cook with from the orphanage, but I returned the cooking gear when I came here. I'm going to use my credits to replace my cooking gear. I'll bring you a sandwich as soon as I can!"
Logan nodded, "that sounds good. I don't talk much and like silence for now."
"Of course!" Minx smiled, quickly returning to her brother's side. The number of people appeared to be about right and the teacher seemed to agree.
"Alright, students listen up!" Sin's voice boomed even over the group of students. "For those new arrivals, I am your teacher, Sin Egar. Our first stop will be to the canteen where you will eat your meals. You will be issued a card with a number on it. This will be your room assignment. You are to take your personal effects to your room then return to the canteen. I will be waiting for you. Understood?"
There was a resounding, "Yes, Sir!" that hurt Minx' ears.
The girls rooms were on the first floor, the boys were to reside on the second floor and VIP students from prominent families were on the third floor. As they entered the building they noticed signs pointed in the direction various room numbers, much like a hotel. All the students marveled at how sterile the building appeared, white walls and floors, like would be found in a hospital. Finding the canteen was easy and all filed in as directed.
"Remember, to your room, drop your things, and return. You will eat lunch then get a tour of the campus." He called names in alphabetical order. Being in the fist half, Minx and Midas knew it would be quick. At the end of the room sorting, Logan was in room 31, Midas and the other two boys they tested with were in 25.
Minx and Raven were in room 10. Minx noticed their room was a little different. Normally there were three students in each room. Their room only had two beds. There was space between the beds for beast care. Clearly there were some rooms which offered accommodations for the Bree family to have their beasts despite not being considered VIP students.
Minx didn't take the time to marvel at the room though. Her stomach was rumbling and food was waiting. She rushed to the canteen then she could smell it. Fish soup was served.
