Punch them in the nose?! “Even if I were tall enough to hit some of them in the nose, I don''t think that I''d like to get into a fight with any of them,” Shawnrik laughed.


    can''t learn there if you have the mind to. They have everything from Alchemy to Zoology. They make sure their students take a wide range of studies too, so none of this fighting training all day long for you!”


    How good I am, how does he... Shawnrik looked up and saw that Pedrial was standing over him and smiling.


    ∞∞∞


    No wonder they are called Cloud Giants. By the time they made it to the square he had given up the idea, and Pedrial seemed to know it because he reverted back to his usually cheerful self.


    zhoop, the twin doors at the front of the room swung open. The children and young teens around him stood respectfully erect as one of the most hideous individuals Shawnrik had ever heard of, let alone seen, walked into the room.


    Surely the gods have a sense of humor.


    Instructor? Shawnrik found his heart beating faster, and his face was getting warmer as he listened to the woman give directions. Looking around the room at the other boys, he noticed that he wasn''t the only one being so affected. I''m not even sure what it is that she teaches, but for some reason I want to be in her class.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Is this what you meant for me to do, Vic? Am I wasting my time here? Shaking his head, he tried to physically force the thoughts from his mind. Victor had told him to learn everything he could, and Pedrial said that one could learn anything at the Institute. Shawnrik would trust in his friend and do everything in his power to come out of this place a better person.


    at least seven courses, does that mean I can choose more?”


    Of course I have to complete them, Shawnrik thought, not realizing that many people quickly became disenfranchised with the concept of schooling. He had never been to school and he loved to learn new things, so he thought that the Institute was just about the perfect place for him to be at the moment. “Yes ma''am.”


    Now how did she... “Well, you did say I should probably take a wide field of study...” Shawnrik said, trying to not seem too overly interested.