Despite many looking like they had more questions on the subject, professor Silvertongue didn’t give them any more chances to ask questions and moved into the main point of today’s class. Unfortunately for Ajax this first class period was focused on explaining the purpose of the academy, something all of the incoming nobles already knew, meaning most of them were still mostly focused on him. The four pings from [Enigma] in the last ten minutes reassured him of it, even if three of them were from the same persistent boy intent on getting a migraine from the backlash.

“The main purpose of this academy is to advance our knowledge in all fields as well as providing as much knowledge to the next generation as possible.” Professor Silvertongue said. “One thing that might be different from how some of you may have been tutored in the past is that questions during classes will be kept to a minimum. As many of our lessons as possible are filled with intended blanks to allow you to gain as many discoveries as possible.”

This was going to be a big change for Ajax who had spent five years asking Hatchet everything that popped into his mind and the years of schooling back on Earth didn’t help as the schools system there also encouraged questions. Abbott went on about some of the great achievements the academy had achieved in the past using this method for quite some time.

“This brings up now to your schedules.” he said and Ajax focused on what he had to say. “You will be attending in a thirty day cycle. Any absences that are not excused or accounted for by reasonable circumstances will result in punishments, failure to complete a punishment can result in expulsion.”

This drew Ajax’s attention. While the rules seemed strict there were a lot of qualifying statements there. ‘Reasonable’ circumstances and ‘can’ being the main offenders as without diving deeper into it could mean people get away with almost anything depending on their background. He was pretty sure the academy wouldn’t stand for too much pushing but he also knew the prince getting expelled wasn’t ever going to happen based on absences.

“For the first eight days of the cycle you will be coming to the academy, mornings will be spent in lectures while afternoons the class will split into physical and magical training. You will have two free days afterwards. “ Abbot explained. “ The following ten days will consist of preparation, execution and debrief of a class delve. On average we will look to have these delves be six days in length but with the unpredictable nature of the dungeon it pays to be prepared. The final ten days are yours to with as you please.”

Ajax knew that for their first year there should be no nothing unplanned happening in the delves as they would be delving only the consistent first floors.

“Why are we getting such a long break after the delves?” One of the students in uniform asked.

“The academy and our training instructors will be available to all of you during that free time. However the academy does realize that some houses still train their members in proprietary techniques and that some of our commoner students would need the time to earn money and support themselves and their families.” the professor explained. “ We heavily encourage you not to waste those days lazing about.”

“Sir you said that the class will be split into two depending on magical or physical inclination. With Ajax being a teaching assistant for the entire class wouldn’t it be unfair that he only goes with the physical focused members.” This time it was a girl not in uniform that spoke up for the first time that day, the evil grin she sent Ajax’s way cemented that she wanted to find fault with him. Something the others picked up on and Ajax appreciated that most shot her a reproachful look at her comment.

“Sir, since Ajax and His Highness have a spellblade fighting style, which class would they join?” Lexi asked before Abbot had a chance to answer the first question. Nothing in the tone of the question or her expression reflected anything besides innocence yet everyone was well aware of the effect her question had.

“His Highness would be able to choose on a day by day basis, while Ajax will be going where the instructors would require of him.” Abbot answered.

The following hour was spent with various students asking their professor if he had any specific skills outside of the curriculum that he would be willing to teach them. It was a long back and forward but they finally got him to admit to being willing to try and teach them an Epic tier skill in their fourth year and afterwards.

The skill’s name was [Mana Break], it was a very mana expensive skill and worked similar to an EMP from back on earth. Pure mana was sent out in an agitated state with the hope of disrupting any spells it encountered. The advantage of the skill was that it worked on runic magic and even enchanted items, though the latter only for a brief period.

“That would be all for now.” the professor said after the third attempt at getting him to go further in depth about his skill. “ Your next course is alchemy and since I doubt your professor has changed since I attended this academy I suggest you not be late to his class.”

With that Abbot walked out of the room and all the students stood up. Predictably most of them headed for Ajax instead of heading for the door. Ajax knew that this is what would be coming considering the reactions they had to him, both positive and negative.

Most of the students approaching him were part of Annabeth's clique and were looking to start forming a positive relationship with Ajax, Lexi’s interaction with him marked him as someone who would be important in the future. Some were there however to challenge the so-called commoner anomaly.

Ajax also knew that him being marked as being above level thirty would be intimidating but it wouldn’t be enough to dissuade some of the stronger students from picking a fight. Six levels worth of stats was something that could be made up for by potions.

“Hi, I am ..”

“How are you…”

“Nice to meet you…”

The lack of communication skills was hitting Ajax hard now as he couldn’t follow along with all the students talking all at once. All of the ones talking seemed to be well intentioned so they slowly fell silent once they realized that he wasn’t able to keep up with them.

“Ajax,” a voice cut through the recently established silence. “ I am Benedict Steelblade. Please know that I mean no disrespect but I would like to challenge you to a duel.”

Ajax was taken aback at the declaration. He had expected at least two challenges to a duel but he wasn’t expecting the grandson of Archduke Steelblade to be one of the people challenging him. He had planned to give whoever challenged him a decent beating since doing so could also be seen as an insult to the headmaster for granting him the position. But getting on the bad side of the Steelblade family was a bad idea considering that they were in charge of the army should a war ever descend on the kingdom.

“Don’t do it Ben.” Annabeth spoke for the first time since Ajax had entered the class to someone other than Lexi, and even now she was holding an arm to her ribs where Lexi had just given her a light poke.

“And why shouldn’t I?” Unlike what he expected following the challenge Ben’s tone was filled with pure confusion and didn’t show an ounce of hostility.

“Well, let me put it this way, why are you challenging him?” she sighed before asking him.

“Us Steelblades pride ourselves on our combat ability, a mere six levels should be a gap I could possibly surpass.” he said with conviction, however his military bearing stopped it from coming across as overconfidence. It was like he was simply stating a fact.

“That’s what I thought.” Annabeth nodded “If that was it there is no point in a duel.”

“And I’m asking why? If he is capable of surpassing me I am eager to learn from my defeats.”

“What she’s saying is that there would be nothing for you to learn.” Lexi butted. “If he took you seriously anyway, the difference in power is just too big.”

“Ben, yesterday he won a spar against Dave.” Annabeth said. “And Dave wasn’t holding back.”

The statement broke the military poker face Ben had on his eyes opening wide in surprise.

“For real?” he asked.

“Yep.” Lexi nodded emphatically. “I think it took me five minutes to pick my jaw up off the floor.”

“In that case. Please disregard my request for a duel.” Ben turned to Ajax and said with a small incline of his head. “That said, I would be interested in sparring against you, since you bear no house sigil I am guessing that your style is self created and I would like to experience it.”