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"The other two haven't shown up yet?" Seraphiel asked as she came to the usual meeting place in the library, and only found Jael sitting there with a thick book in his hands. Usually, she was the first to arrive as she had the fewest classes, but this time she was already late.
“Domus and Dalen can’t make it today. They have career counselling.” The dark-haired Angel boy acknowledged her arrival with a nod but didn’t even look up from his book as he turned another page.
“Career counselling? Aren’t they a bit young for that?” The two were only two years older than her while Jael was three years older.
“You need to start planning early if you’re serious. You have to take your first Class on your System Day, and it would be beneficial if the Class was something that helped you reach your true goal, even if you can reset the Class levels later on. If the Class you’re aiming for has difficult requirements, then you need to start working on fulfilling them early on.” Jael explained, finally closing his book with a slightly regretful look. He knew he would not be able to read further now that Seraphiel had arrived. The girl was very well-behaved and had the social graces to not disturb him while reading, but she was also very curious, and it would’ve been rude of him to just continue reading.
“I suppose you’re right in that regard. I somewhat forgot since I'm already doing what I need to do to gain my preferred Class." She realized. Besides, she had a suspicion that her old power would be tied behind Classes that would be offered to her on System Day. Otherwise, there really was little point in bringing her to this universe. She might also get offered something special due to her status as a Champion.
"We haven't talked much about our futures with you." Jael realized. "I think it's only fair to correct that. I personally plan on becoming a mage. Probably one focused on research. My family have traditionally been mages. Dalen and Domus feel a strong connection with the church of the Light. Domus is planning on becoming a healer, so he's having training in biology and basic healing techniques that don't require a Class. Dalen wants to become a Paladin, so she's getting both religious and weapons training. She’s always been a fan of some old and obscure female Draenei heroes.”
“Domus I expected, but Dalen is a bit of a surprise. As usual.” She admitted.
"She doesn't really strike you as the type, does she? Still, she can surprise you, and both of their families are fervent believers in the Light. She doesn't really have the patience to become a healer like Domus, or a cleric, so Paladin it is. I don't think either of them even considered careers outside the church.” It was perhaps a wild generalization, but only the people with real drive and talent would do well with Classes like a Paladin. Most of those without enough of either would either pick up one of the civilian Classes, like a merchant or a tradesman. Or if they were militarily inclined, they picked a soldier Class and joined one of the several military orders that didn't see much active combat.
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"I assume all of us will end up in one of the academies," Seraphiel stated confidently.
“Naturally. The two of them will most likely go for the academies associated with the churches. I will naturally aim for one of the magic academies. Maybe even Mahora.” The boy’s grey wings made slight indecisive movements at the prospect.
“Mahora? My mother mentioned the place. I didn’t get the sense it focused especially on magic, unlike some of the other ones.” She recognized the name and remembered the discussion she’d had with her mother.
“Mahora is one of the more prestigious academies. It’s also one of the more peculiar ones. They’re not a strict magic academy. They have three main tracks. One for mages, one for what they call knights, and one for general students. Apparently, the academy encourages partnerships between the knights and the mages, forming a sort of bond between them, while the general students often function as support. The knight protects the mage while the mage is casting larger spells. The mage then supports the knight with their magic and functions kind of like magical artillery, and the general students make sure both are taken care of in a logistical sense. The tactic is a fairly basic one but has served the academy well in the competitions between academies. Anyway, the place is also famous for being one of those places that have been brought here from other universes. Apparently, some of the faculty comes from that other universe as well.” Jael explained excitedly. It was obvious he’d done his research.
"So why that academy instead of one of the magic-focused ones, if you're aiming to become a researcher? Feels more like an academy that focuses on practical application over theory." She asked curiously while leaning both of her arms on the table and setting her head on her hands. She was looking at Jael sideways now.
“Well, it’s an opportunity to learn things from the perspective of outsiders. They might have many ideas that we haven’t thought of yet. Besides, one of the Champions teaches there. And while I can’t say I’m too interested in combat, that doesn’t mean I’ll never be forced into a fight, so having a reliable partner around sounds like something useful.” The boy enthused. His hands were waving around animatedly as he explained.
“I see. I suppose I can see the appeal.” She conceded, though she immediately thought that partnerships formed while still studying might not last all that long.
“Did you get Jael talking about the academies again?” The gruff voice of Domus came from the side as the boy carefully stepped through the bookshelves. Draenei tended to have large frames, and you could already see the beginnings of one in the young boy despite his age. His gentle nature didn’t really match his appearance though.
“Domus.” Jael nodded to the other boy. “I thought you wouldn’t be able to make it.” The Angel boy decided to ignore the jab.
"These kinds of meetings don't last long when I already have a plan set and the grades to fulfil those goals." The Draenei boy explained with a slight shrug. "The teacher also agreed with my reasoning, and there's always a need for more healers."
"Why a healer though?" Seraphiel asked, digging a bit.
"It's just something that I've always wanted. I don't want to hurt people. I want to save them. I'll leave the hurting to others." He replied. From their earlier conversations, she knew he wasn't a pacifist or anything, just unwilling and unsuited for combat himself. He wouldn't be likely to become a frontline healer either.
“Well, with you here, we might actually get a game going.” Jael decided and pulled out a set of dice. Games involving luck were something they had a better chance at over strategy when Seraphiel was around.