Upon seeing them leave, Dusk was relieved. His crystal lights had flickered to life as the day was coming to an end. Once they had their token, they quickly made their way to the dormitories. Dusk slumped into his chair, reclined his head, and sighed at the impassive ceiling. He tried to mentally go through the events of the day while closing his eyes. School guides, mate bonds, and a rude and rather impertinent young woman—Dusk was aware that she would not let things go. Wasn't this new life supposed to be simple? When Dusk opened his eyes, he sighed once more. That was enough sulking. Dusk got to his feet and brushed his concerns off.

“I am able to handle this,” Dusk reassured himself, looking around. He focused on things that he had control over. His castle and home were here. He was able to see everything he had missed during his initial shopping trips as he was moving around. It was simple to purchase additional items to fill the cabin and give it a homey feel; he would do it tomorrow after his adventure studies.

“Then there are Pyrite and Micah.” On the counter top that Micah had used to serve them a straightforward meal, Dusk rubbed it with his fingers. They were decent individuals. Dusk thought about them. Pyrite was touchier than he liked, and Micah was more sensitive than he would have liked. Even so, he could cooperate with them. For the year, they would serve as his senior guides. Was he even allowed to be their friend once the nonsense about mates was over? Dusk paused. “I have not ever had a friend.” That sounded more depressing when spoken aloud than it actually was in his head.

“Cooking and shopping are activities that friends typically engage in, right?” Dusk didn't mind the idea of having a friendship. Being closed off to people for so long. Could he do it? “I doubt they'll go away even if I make a mess of things on my end.” Treating them like friends sounded like the best way to go. He nodded, feeling somewhat better about the thought. If he did not insult them, and it did not work because they wouldn’t let the mate feeling go, then so be it. With them believing their mates and all. Dusk could still have a frame and an idea of how to make friends later. Micah seemed determined to deny his royal status, which made it easier. Naturally, that made Miss Thyst's attempt to intimidate her way into a bond easier.

“She was not really a threat, just annoying.” After living with the Black family, what could she possibly do to him? Dusk brushed her off. Drop a plant pot on his head? Dusk scoffed at the very notion. She might try, but if she used magic, well, she would be expelled from school for that.

“The most powerful mage, huh?” Dusk observed his hands, which were covered in tiny scars. Being a blood mage, he would soon surpass everyone. Born from magic, there is no way he wouldn't. “I will be able to call my familiar tomorrow.” They mocked his magic in the martial arts community. If only he had the slightest training. They would have never dreamed of doing that. “The first day of classes, that's when I find out.” Learn about his true abilities by using magic to summon a familiar. Dusk curled his hands into fists. He was grinning so hard that his face began to hurt.

His magical studies class was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Dusk couldn't wait. He tried to yawn, but years of practice prevented him from doing so. Making an extended yawning movement while keeping his lips closed. He’ll go to bed early. Then tomorrow would come even sooner. Dusk chuckled at his own immaturity. It did not stop him from doing that, opening the door to his bookcase, and going to sleep early in anticipation of tomorrow. Due to the rarity of the occasion, Dusk was able to avoid having his typical nightmares.

He woke up early in the morning and gave himself a cold shower before finding an apple in his personal storage. Dusk opted to wear a loose, vibrant tunic underneath his school robes. With the help of Mable from Little Scissors, who introduced him to a soft cream pair of loose pants. He felt rested and at ease without the nightmare to trouble him. He noticed Pyrite and Micah outside, leaning against his fence. Dusk didn't even blink. He had a strategy, and once he had a strategy, Dusk felt good; it was those moments outside his plans that flustered him. Yesterday was an illustration of that.

Micah, who was grinning and was sporting a green version of his keyhole shirt from yesterday, remarked, “You do like green.” Dusk noticed right away that Pyrite was not wearing a top under his school robe. Ignoring that, Dusk made an instant, firm decision.

“It seems I do,” Dusk replied to Micah, looking down at his green tunic. Dusk wondered if he had worn green to attempt to match him, but dismissed it. However, if it happened once more, Dusk would begin to question that innocent-appearing smile.

“You're no fun, Sunshine,” Pyrite pouted. He had intended for him to notice that he was shirtless. Dusk could appreciate the effort put into his chiseled abs and chest. Dusk would never droll or cause a ruckus over it. Did he want praise? Dusk reflected on his decision to make friends with the two people, or at least try to.

“You undoubtedly worked hard to achieve that appearance, but will you not get in trouble at school?” Dusk inquired while adding the best compliment he was aware of. Admiration of one's hard work. Pyrite could see Dusk trying to judge him as his eyes darted across his face, but Pyrite did not say a word other than to shake his head and sigh.

“You're fine if you're wearing bottoms and have your breasts covered as a girl.” Micah said, his lips trembling in laughter. Dusk was okay with the fact that he could not understand what was so funny. It was too common of an occurrence for him for Dusk not to be

“No one would mistake these as breasts,” Pyrite said, flexing his pecs.

“I didn't know you could do that,” Dusk said, wondering about his muscle control.

“I have control over all my muscles,” Pyrite bragged, drawing out the word all.

“This must be one of the reasons you're at the top of your class.” Dusk slid the gate shut behind him while nodding. Micah waved his teleportation token away, and he already had one in his hands.

“You're a tricky one, aren't ya, Sunshine?” Pyrite gave him a narrow gaze, and Dusk looked at him.

“I guess?” Dusk agreed; his presence had been unwelcome enough. That in itself must have been a tricky thing to deal with from their perspective.

“You two are not having the same conversation.” Micah laughed and patted Pyrite's arm. “You'll need to try the second approach.” Micah stared down at Pyrite after he let out a quick barking growl, and Pyrite eventually turned away. “Let's go. Internal teleportation tokens are not allowed, and the leadership is located in the back of the school.” Dusk stepped closer, and the three of them were off.

On the first floor of the castle, in a classroom toward the back, was leadership. The space was significantly bigger than Dusk's cabin; he estimated that about two of his cabins could fit in this one space. The seats sat on raised platforms, getting higher and higher as you reached the back of the classroom. Much more like a stadium than a classroom—not that Dusk had much experience in either—was the best comparison.

Dusk suspected that the people were senior guides who appeared one by one, just as Dusk did. When they finished escorting their freshmen to class, they stood along the same wall that Micah and Pyrite leaned on. Dusk turned and opted for the far right seat in order to maximize his time in class. He was far enough from the front door to hear and see without difficulty. He also stood a better chance of exiting the class in the event of an emergency than those who chose the back seats. That was filling up compared to his front row spot, which, beside a seat by the door, remained bare.

The instructor walked while dragging a long, thin tail behind him. With it, he closed the door behind him. Monkey folk? Among his classmates' whispers, Dusk pondered. He overheard insulting remarks and the use of the term "fake beast-folk." Dusk shook his head. The teacher was tall and well-groomed, wearing a straightforward gray suit and tie. His gold-ringed eyes briefly focused on Dusk when he turned. Dusk stared back, unblinking and unfazed. You die if you blink. After learning the lesson well as a child.

“I am Mr. Rock; I belong to the monkey folk. If you do not like it, go.” Although he spoke in a monotone tone, his voice was loud enough to overcome the whispering voices behind Dusk. Some students, to his surprise, did that. Dusk quickly noted that the wolf folk and a few cat folk had left the classroom. Mr. Rock continued speaking after the door closed behind them. “Look at those people; keep in mind their faces. They will not succeed in being effective leaders in the future.” Dusk sat there, wondering where this lecture was going.

“Leaders are not born; they're forged. I will make you leaders.” Mr. Rock's persuasive speech captivated Dusk, making him feel compelled to pay attention. “It is not possible for those who let their emotions rule them or their prejudice.” He glanced around the space, focusing on a few students in particular. Although it was just a feeling, Dusk believed that those students might have that problem but lacked the courage to leave class. “Leadership is all about having good aim and vision. Even if there are many obstacles in the way, a leader will always consider how to accomplish the goal.” Dusk nodded in agreement; everything made sense to him.

“Now, why are you here? Present yourself to me.” Mr. Rock pointed directly at him while leaning against the desk that was in front of the big chalkboard. “First you,” Of course. Dusk thought, standing within seconds.

“My name is Dusk Wooddancer, and Micah and Pyrite are my senior guides,” he said. That would be stopped immediately, Dusk decided. His stomach twisted when he heard a few whispers and words. “I moved to this country from Redneval. Who would want to run a failing business? I want to use my magical abilities to launch a successful one.” Dusk took a look around the room. Making eye contact with a handful of the leftover students, showing a lack of fear that his legs didn't agree with. Turning back to Mr. Rock, he gave a short bow.

“Thank you in advance for your tutelage.” He sat down, or perhaps more accurately, his legs gave way under him. His hands shook a little, but he felt he did a good job with his introduction. He folded them on his lap.

“Who would want to run a failing business? Is this a business class, Mr. Wooddancer?” Mr. Rock questioned him in an unimpressed tone.

“No, Sir,” Dusk said with a firm shake of his head. “I need to know how to confidently lead myself, my team, and my business. That is what I will learn in this class.” In anticipation of a response, Dusk spoke while watching the teacher's face. Mr. Rock's expression said nothing. He only pointed at the next student and grilled each one.

“Are ya sure ya need confidence, Sunshine? Looks to me, ya have it in spades.” Pyrite asked him after class; his second class was on the second floor above his first.

“Of course I do.” Dusk remained unwavering; if he had more self-assurance at home, he undoubtedly would have gained some respect. Everything he displayed in the classroom was a façade that he had. Dusk was looking for the real thing. That did not cause his hands to tremble or his stomach to turn from nerves.

“Sometimes we fail to recognize our own power, and that is a lesson in and of itself.” Micah's remark bridged the philosophical gap between Pyrite and Dusk. Micah was leading the way to Home studies, since that was a class he had taken in his first year. It seemed the castle tried to have a class per level. Leaving in the other room for student counseling and such.

“It's older women?” Once they reached the door of the classroom, Micah leaned forward and spoke softly into Dusk's ear. “That bothers you?” Dusk immediately understood what he was trying to say—he was referring to the encounter with Pyrite's mother.

Dusk, who despised his frailty, said, “Yes.”

“Okay, good.” Micah sighed and put his hand to his chest. He hadn't made the strongest first impression. Dusk thought, or, with Micah, it wasn't the best second impression.

“If they get to much, I'll come and save ya.” Pyrite said, placing his hand on his shoulders. Dusk looked up at him and saw a firm and battle-ready stare. “You're about to become really popular.” Micah opened the door, and the classroom was already half filled with only girls.

“Oh,” Dusk said, understanding their statements now. “I thought guys could take this class too.” Dusk whispered when the girls head’s all turned and looked at him, or them, with wide-eyed interest.

“I was the only guy in my year.” Micah said he was smiling and waving at some of the onlookers.

“A couple signed up last year but dropped out the first week.” Pyrite sounded uncomfortable, and Dusk felt it. Young women and girls weren't an issue. They wouldn't trigger a daytime nightmare for him—at least none had yet—but he was still the only guy. Dusk shook his head.

“They haven't gotten here yet,” Dusk said, remaining hopeful. He stepped into the class and took the same seat he did last time. Three winged women descended upon him faster than he could react.