Surviving Arabella: A Student's Guide to Endurance

After waiting for close to an hour, the teachers, guards, and finally the headmistress of the Academy of Moonsong arrived.

Alongside them were a few knights from the kingdom, as well as some mysterious figures sporting black masks and red cloaks adorned with an emblem that clearly identified them to all the students.

These enigmatic individuals were known as the Weavers, or, more formally, the Weavers of Realities.

The students were then ordered to line up properly, though a few of the injured students were allowed to sit on the floor, leaning against the wall of the hall, or occupying the available chairs.

Headmistress Arabella stepped forward and announced the unfortunate events of the previous night's attack. She expressed her sorrow for what had transpired, especially for those who had lost their lives in the assault.

As she spoke, she informed the students that those attuned to Ether would be receiving special arrangements to head to the capital of the Moonglade Kingdom ahead of schedule.

This was where they would continue their studies as Weavers. Meanwhile, those who weren't attuned to Ether would be directed to a civilian school, where they could learn about potential jobs for their livelihoods.

"Now, I know this may sound disappointing," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "But remember, Weavers can't do everything on their own! We need civilians to support us in our day-to-day operations – logistics, diplomacy, negotiating snack breaks, you name it!"

Arion couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of a Weaver trying to negotiate snack breaks.

Headmistress Arabella continued her passionate speech, encouraging those who weren't attuned to Ether not to feel discouraged.

"You all play a vital role! Without you, we'd be lost! Imagine a world where Weavers have to cook their own meals! Chaos!"

Arion thought to himself, "She is really kind."

He remembered how, in this academy, students who bullied or encouraged others to act aggressively toward the Fellows (those who weren't attuned to Ether) faced severe consequences.

Punishments could range from stern lectures to expulsion if any teachers caught wind of their antics. This strict policy was one reason it was rare for students from royalty or nobility to enroll in the academy.

Most students hailed from civilian backgrounds or were children of wealthy merchants and businessmen.

Of course, there was still some prejudice against the Fellows.

Those attuned to Ether were often seen as destined for lives of luxury and glory, which only fueled the fire of envy among some.

Arion couldn't help but think it was a clever tactic on the academy's part. They didn't teach about the dangers posed by the enemies of the Weavers until students faced them in real combat.

It seemed designed to reduce the number of those who might want to keep themselves safe while being attuned to Ether.

After all, the Realms needed warriors to fight, and they certainly didn't want a bunch of enhanced, super soldiers lounging around among the Fellows – only to turn into criminals at the drop of a hat.

Shera had already filled Arion in on the countless lives lost during the first and second great wars against the Void Serpent.

"You know," she had said, "even the Primevals and the Guardians – the highest-ranking Weavers – fought together against the Void Serpent, and all they managed to do was seal it away in a different dimension. Talk about a letdown! And now, with the turmoil caused by the betrayal of some important figures. Countless dead is surely what follows after."

Arion concluded that it was a common trope problem.

"High pay, high risk. Low pay, low risk," he thought, shaking his head.

'It's like a job ad for adventurers: Join us for a chance at glory! Just ignore the fact that you might end up as a snack for a giant serpent!'

…

After the great, marvelous, soul-stirring speeches delivered by the beautiful Headmistress Arabella, the students were finally dismissed.

However, before that, the representatives of the Weavers seemed poised and ready, eager to add something to the proceedings.

They stood there, looking slightly impatient, as if they were waiting for the perfect moment to jump in. But alas, Headmistress Arabella was still going on and on with her speeches, her enthusiasm seemingly boundless.

"Is, she ever going to stop?" one student whispered to another, stifling a giggle. "I think she's trying to break a world record for the longest speech!"

The representative from the Weavers, a tall figure with a dramatic flair, looked increasingly desperate as the minutes ticked by.

He glanced at his watch, then at the headmistress, and finally at the students, who were shifting from foot to foot, their legs trembling from fatigue after standing for who knows how long. It was clear that he was fighting a losing battle against time.

Arion, along with a few other students, finally understood why the vice principal of the academy always dodged questions about why their principal never gave any speeches. It was as if the vice principal had been trying to protect them from the endless oratory skills of Miss Bella.

"Wow, I never thought I'd say this," Arion said, shaking his head in disbelief. "But our vice principal is a genius for avoiding this!"

"Right?" Nesa chimed in – her eyes wide. "I mean, I love a good speech, but I think I've aged a decade listening to her!"

As the realization dawned on them, they couldn't help but chuckle.

The students were all standing there, legs quaking, and now fully aware that their vice principal had been their unsung hero all along, valiantly dodging the verbal onslaught that was Headmistress Arabella's speeches.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the headmistress concluded her remarks with a flourish, and the students were free to leave.

 Arion turned to Nesa, who was still giggling. "Let's get out of here before she decides to give an encore!"

"Good idea!" Nesa replied, her laughter echoing in the hall. "I don't think my legs can handle another round of 'Arabella's Greatest Hits.'"

But then, Arion and Nesa suddenly made their way toward the rows of teachers, who were now looking a bit relieved that the speeches had finally come to an end.

…