The car ride to the school was a nervous one for me. I couldn't help but beg mother to drive back to the house, even claiming that I'd forgotten to use the bathroom. Of course none of it worked, she didn't believe me.

It's not that I didn't want to go to school, I wanted to learn more. But I'd had limited exposure to other children my age.

Mother seemed to read my thoughts.

“Calm down kiddo, today will be fine!”

I just nodded my head, unable to speak.

Then the car pulled up into a car park alongside several large buildings. A sign hung over the nearest entrance saying REGISTRATION. My throat ran dry as I realised where we were. School. Walking me up to the Registration area mother handed me a small backpack and hugged me.

“Good luck Lucas.”

“Thanks mum.” I smiled.

Watching her drive away in the car I felt sadness rise within me, this was the first day I would spend without mother or father. Looking around I saw several other children crying and became determined not to cry myself.

The boy next to me was bawling his eyes out, so I decided to step in.

“Hey, I'm Lucas.”

“Um...I...I'm...Freddie,” He sobbed, wiping tears away from his eyes.

“Don't be sad. Today's exciting!”I smiled.

“You...You think so?”

“Sure,” I laugh, “Because we're friends now!”

“Oh, yea, we are friends!” He smiled. I breath an inward sigh of relief. I'd forgotten how gullible little kids were, making friends should be easy. About to respond to him we were interrupted by a woman. I think she was a teacher.

“Alright everyone! Gather around!” She yelled, “I'm Ms Morley and it's everyone's first day of school here yes?”

We all nod.

“Good Good,” She continues, “Well when we're done here I'm going to hand each of you a timetable, this will have all your classes for the week. But to clear up any misunderstandings I'll explain it all now. You will have 5 subjects a week, split up into separate lessons. They are Physical Education, Power Control, Maths, English and History. As you get older more lessons will be added to the curriculum.”

Pausing to talk to study everyone's faces, she gave a slight nod.

“Does anyone here not understand?!” She called out. No one responded and she continued, “Good, everyone please go up to the desk behind me and fill in the registration.”

Everyone stampeded to the desk in a hurry to finish first. Kids laughed and yelled as they bumped each other out the way. Taken unaware by the sudden movement, the only people who hadn't moved were Freddie, a girl and I. The 3 of us walked in a group as we approached the desk.

“I'm Layla!” She started off, her voice like silk.

“Lucas here.” I replied.

“Freddie.”

“So how comes I haven't seen you two around town? I know almost everyone here.” Layla asked.

“Just moved into town.” Freddie mumbled.

Staying quiet I almost missed Layla giving me a look.

“Um....just luck I guess.” I said, not wanting her to know that I'm a bookworm.

Then our conversation is interrupted as we reach the desk. Various sheets are scattered around and I reach for one, grabbing the pen to my left.

Quickly giving it a last look I nod my head.

NameLucas Bramas ReynoldAge5PowerMastery of the Arcane

Handing the sheet over the the assistant I'm surprised by the shock in her eyes. Various other adults also stare at me weirdly. Looking at Layla and Freddie I see them verbally talking and the assistants writing for them.

Oh.

Kids weren't supposed to be good at writing or reading. Well I'd messed up.

Smiling innocently at the teachers I hastily pull together a lie.

“My parents get me private tutors.”

They seem to accept the lie and after checking the sheet give me a timetable.

Timetable: Lucas Bramas ReynoldClassroom22Lesson 1Power ControlLesson 2HistoryLesson 3EnglishLesson 4MathsLesson 5Physcial Education

Damn, all the subjects in one day?! Harsh. The teachers give me instructions on how to get to room 22, and then send me on my way. Walking just beyond the teachers sight, I hang back and wait for Freddie and Layla.

But a few minutes later it's only Freddie that arrives.

“Layla's in a different class!” He huffed angrily.

I almost laugh at his childish anger but stop myself. Better to not upset friends.

A few minutes walk later and we're standing outside room 22, peering through the doors window pane. Inside several rows of seated students stare at the teacher talking at the front.

Pushing open the door we enter our first lesson.

….....

It's lunchtime and we're all sitting around a lunch table, stuffing ourselves on our packed lunches. Freddie and I sit next to each other opposite Layla and a boy she'd met called Toby.

“What did you guys learn today?” She excitedly asked.

“Nothing! They just talked about what we'd be doing for the year!” Freddie angrily muttured.

Layla and Toby gave each other a look and then turned back to us.

“Just wait for Physical Education.” Toby laughed.

“That's our next lesson,” Freddie exclaims, what about it?”

“No spoilers.” Layla smiles.

I open my mouth to beg for more information but the bell for end of lunch goes. Turning to Freddie I girn.

“Time to find out.”

Rushing to the gymnasium we see the rest of our class already there. Excitedly talking and exchanging glances towards the teacher leaning against the wall. Turning his head to watch Freddie and I arrive the teacher calls us all into a group around him.

“All right, I'm sure most of you know what's about to happen. But allow me to explain for those who don't. First of all let me explain stats. You have your basic ones of Intelligence, Strength, Agility, Mana and Health. Everyone will have these. Some of you however, will have something extra. I'm not going to explain these extra stats because very few of you will have them. Unfortunately you can't get rid of a stat, and it's near impossible to gain one. So what your about to see is what you'll get.”

All the students stand in silence.

“Good.” He smiles, Then lets begin.”

A blue mist flashes from his hand, striking everyone's head. I fall to the floor as a burst of pain builds behind my eyes.

Slowly my vision returns and I see everyone likewise on the floor.

“Now everyone repeat after me!” The teacher calls, “Status!”

“Status!” I yell.