After all that, Jack had to go back to class as if nothing happened. It was extremely hard for him to act as if nothing had occurred. The only good part was that the class was never boring. Today in monster class they were being shown special monsters that were being kept alive for study.

As they entered the classroom, they were met with a cacophony of low roars and muffled growls. Jack looked around to see the source and noticed, with mounting dread, that the room was filled with monstrous creatures of all shapes and sizes. Each was tethered to the walls, snarling and gnashing as they tried to escape their restraints.

The creatures were all of different species, from furless badgers that could cover their skin in rock or ice to horned boars with a mouth of serrated teeth. The room smelled of urine and feces, and the sound of snarling and gnashing filled Jack’s ears.

Ms. Harktale greeted the class with a broad smile as if this was a perfectly normal setting. Even though Ms. Griffith had woken up, she was still being kept in the hospital for her injuries. Ms. Harktale gestured at the beasts and began her lecture on the different species of monsters and their different abilities. She explained that these monsters were here for observation and study and that the Academy had made them available for the class.

Jack felt a chill run down his spine as the professor continued speaking, but he couldn't look away. He was fascinated by the creatures and the knowledge he was gaining about them. It was one of the few classes that kept him interested, and he was thankful for it. He wasn't sure what he'd do without it.

After some time, the teacher invited any students who wanted to come closer to get a better look at the monsters. Everyone in the class seemed eager to take up this offer. Jack warily stepped forward, curious but wary of getting too close. The professor carefully explained how to safely approach the monsters so no one would get hurt.

One by one, each student went up and inspected a different monster before returning to their places in the classroom. As Jack studied each creature, he noticed that they weren't all frightening; some were beautiful and majestic in their own way.

The professor concluded by warning everyone to be careful when dealing with monsters, even if they weren't hostile or aggressive in nature.

Stolen novel; please report.

His next class was Operations. Jack was in a palace school; a necessary part of his education was learning the finer points of dealing with the Royal Family. He hated it. He didn't like the way the country was governed, and he had no faith in the Royal Family, who were too far removed from the people they were supposed to represent. He never voiced these feelings to anyone, though.

The class seemed to last forever. He was being taught the proper way to bow, how to address a member of the Royal Family, and even the etiquette for dining with them. He was sick of it and wanted to be done with it.

Finally, the class was dismissed. Everyone got up to leave, but the teacher stayed back and called Jack over. He had a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he obeyed anyway.

The teacher looked at him seriously and said, "I know you don't agree with the Royal Family, but it is important that you remember to always show them respect. That will keep you safe."

Jack nodded stiffly, not sure what to say. The teacher seemed to read his mind and said, "You may not agree with them, but you must still abide by their rules. It is a matter of survival."

Jack thanked the teacher and left the room, feeling a little relieved but still uneasy about the situation. He had to remember to respect the Royal Family even if he didn't like them or their policies. He just hoped it wouldn't be too hard.

After class Jack was wandering through the academy. It had been hours since his last meal. The sun was still high in the sky so he decided to go to the cafeteria and find something to eat. Just as he turned the corner of a side street, there was a rustling in a nearby bush. Turning in the direction of the sound, he saw a mechanical salamander scuttle out of the bushes and under a nearby fence.

A ticking rodent? Jack thought to himself.

He made the hasty decision to follow the lizard. Although he was aware that it might not result in anything, it was all he had to go on. He carefully crept past the fence and into the garden. The lizard moved quickly around the garden. It paused midway and fixed its gaze on Jack. It had tiny blue gems for eyes. The lizard scurried over to a wall and disappeared into a crack.

“Dammit,” Jack said out loud.

“Hello, I've been trying to meet you for a long time.”

Jack spun around in surprise. Standing behind him was the mysterious cloaked figure. The figure he had seen with the monster. Jack’s eyes widened as he looked around for the beast.

“I am not here to hurt you. I am a friend.” The figure put their hands out in a calming gesture. Their voice had a metallic echo to them. When they put their hands out Jack was surprised to see two prosthetic hands. The figure slowly flipped off its coat. Jack’s eyes widened looking at it. It was a machine. It looked like the same craftsmanship as Pyke and the monster.

“My name is Henry. I'm a friend.”