The Tower School Academy was quite impressive. It was not actually in the tower itself but had found a place of its own a few miles away. While the ACA was a grand and wonderful building, the Tower could be considered quaint and perhaps respectable.

This building was constructed from simple wood without any fastenings. The wood was carved into precise pieces and interlocked to create a single solid structure, then sealed so that it could never be taken apart again. It was here that Ravina would attend school, not at the ACA. She just needed to ensure that her father or any other noble didn't know about it.

To the world, she was a respectable student at the academy. Hmm, that was confusing, wasn't it? Ravina wondered. After all, there were two academies, but the ACA was the only one really known as the academy, wasn't it? How many academies were in the city of education?

Well, the good news about this academy was that it didn’t have any uniforms. While the ACA’s uniforms could be charming, the freedom to choose what to wear was something Ravina would never tire of. After all, it was functional, practical, and comfortable. Ravina decided to pick a simple outfit, appreciating the freedom of being able to wear pants once more. Now she just needed to ensure no one knew she was a noble. She chuckled at herself as she spun around in the mirror. It had been far too long.

With a smile, she left the manor. Some of the servants cast her disapproving glances, but she freely ignored them. They would never say anything, and even if they did try to complain, the count wouldn't be bothered with it. After all, it wasn't like wearing pants was something shameful. R…right?

That worrisome thought was lost as she arrived at the simple building that would be the academy. It was a large two-story structure, surrounded by a very simple garden that would look peaceful if not for the many scars the foliage wore. Burned, cracked, and some of it even looked past dead, if such a thing existed.

Following the handwritten signs, she found a large room waiting for her. There were already many students in the room, 17 in total, making her the 18th to arrive. The room was large enough to hold 50 people at once, and there were many seats to account for that. It would be cramped but comfortable enough for learning. Overall, this school was small, and it made sense, as wizards were few and far between, so fewer seats were needed.

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Ravina found herself sitting in the back row, overlooking the room. She waited for the other students to arrive, but instead, a refined-looking older woman sat at the podium and smiled at them. "Good afternoon," she said, despite it being early in the morning. She sported a permanent frown and did nothing to hide it. Rubbing a thumb against her temple, she continued, "I am sure you are all eager to get started and learn, so allow me to dampen any hope you have of witnessing a grand display of magic."

She cast her grey-blue eyes around the room before speaking slowly but deliberately. “Magic is more about formulas than showboating. While a few individuals can cast and use spells without identifying such properties, it is very rare. We will ensure that you all have the basics of spell casting. You will learn many formulas and ways to do the same thing, and you will learn how truly boring magic can be.” She leaned against the podium as if she needed to support herself, though she wasn't that old. She couldn't be. “But hold strong, for in the second year, you will learn how exciting magic can be by utilizing simple patterns and designs. If you have the energy, you will be able to do wonderful things."

"So, let us go over how classes will work,” the madam puffed out some air, blinking her eyes lazily as she continued. “Considering the lack of attendance, each and every one of you will be in the same class. Get to know each other, as it will be a long two years if you all can’t get along.” She then straightened up, her eyes turning sharp. “Do not judge each other based on where you come from or where you were born. If any of you are noble, you will hide that from everyone. If any of you are commoners, you will hide that as well. You will only use your first names here and be polite to each other. Do not show off any status, for under the eyes and laws of the magical world, you are all equal.”

She repeated herself, pushing out the words with assurance and meaning. “So be equal, or you will have no reason to be here. You are all sponsored by nobles in some way, shape, or form. So understand this: you are all equal. Is that clear?"

Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "Good. You will have school classes three days a week. Take part in these classes and learn the basics for the next couple of months. From then on, you will learn how to utilize your specialties and work with each other to formulate plans. At the end of this year, the student who provides the best thesis on magical principles, identifying unique and capable spells, and how to produce them, shall be awarded the title of valedictorian and honored in the eyes of the school. This honor is worth more than its weight in gold. So, arrive tomorrow at Classroom One Alpha; it's on the first floor if you were wondering, and we will start bright and early at 1 PM." With that, the old woman nodded and left, leaving the students to wonder what she meant by bright and early.