[i]The 6 Principles each took a seat in the Lecture Hall with [b]Alignment[/b] at the front of the room, eager to begin the discussion for the day.[/i] [b]Alignment[/b]: “Thank you all for coming. I’m glad most of you showed up without much resistance.” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “This is ridiculous. Why even bring us here if you’re the only one who’ll keep track of anything?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “Like I said before, I think it’s time for all of you to become proper, hard working adults by being committed to your new responsibilities. I understand that a lot has changed as of late. Everyone here has been through a lot ever since the calamity that the Grand Colony brought us changed our lives forever. However, that doesn’t mean we can spend the rest of our lives on our butts enjoying ourselves. Our new lives have begun. The sooner we adapt, the better.” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “So what? You’re just gonna make us your slaves from now on?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “I think co-workers is a better term. I plan on working just as much as everyone for the Academy, but in order for that to be true, some of us need to take charge more than we have been. I’ll discuss what I plan to do in order to fix this, but first, I’d like a full report on what you’ve finished while I was gone.” [b]Proximity[/b]: “Every major facility that we planned on making from the beginning is completed. Thankfully, none of our workers were injured.” [b]Unity[/b]: “I even added some decorations to all of them. Nothing big enough to be a hazard, of course.” [b]Alignment[/b]: “That’s definitely good news. What about the vendors from the Inter-dimensional Market? Hopefully you’ve given them everything they need after what they’ve been through.” [b]Balance[/b]: “Malky, Skeev, Malvus, Barto and my Uncle Pato all have their stands up and running, but most of them aren’t fully equipped. Malky’s enchantments won’t be as effective, Barto can’t make as many potions as usual and Uncle Pato doesn’t have his old tech gear.” [b]Alignment[/b]: “As long as they work, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. What about Repetition? Can Pato still work on him?” [b]Balance[/b]: “It’ll take a while, but the old man says he can manage. He’s a great technician, but if you ask me, I think he’s way over his head. Installing a brand new power source in a foreign robot who used to run on the energy of an artificial star sounds nearly impossible, especially since his creator, Contrast—“ [b]Alignment[/b]: “Callow is no longer with us, yes.” [i]The room remained silent for a moment.[/i] [b]Emphasis[/b]: “Good riddance to that weasel!” [b]Proximity[/b]: “Emphasis!” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “What? Don’t tell me you’ve forgiven him for everything he did! He lied to us, manipulated us and either turned us into his own puppets or batteries for his ship! All for the sake of his ‘Grand Colony’. So yeah, good riddance to him, right brother?” [i][b]Dominance[/b] gave him a dirty look.[/i] [b]Emphasis[/b]: “Ah, don’t give me those eyes. Admit it. You enjoyed splitting his skull open, didn’t you?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “QUIET!” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “Oh, get over it. I know he used to be your student, but you wanted him gone more than anyone. That’s why you came back for us, isn’t it? To put him down for good?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “Your constant display of immaturity is unbecoming of you. And you wonder why your younger brother has more authority than you.” [i][b]Emphasis[/b] stood up.[/i] [b]Emphasis[/b]: “Sounds like the professor wants another fight! Want me to break your back like last time?” [i][b]Dominance[/b] stood in front of [b]Emphasis[/b].[/i] [b]Dominance[/b]: “Can we please get on with the meeting? The sooner we get out of here, the better for everyone.” [b]Alignment[/b]: “...You’re right. Thanks, Dom. I almost forgot to mention your new responsibilities. The Academy’s education system will be divided into three branches for both staff members and students. Each branch will be in charge of teaching a certain topic for certain individuals. Those branches are the Scholastic Branch, the Martial Branch and the Communion Branch. The Scholastic Branch will be about learning more about the world around us, including scientific studies and a bit of magic as well now that Malky and Malvus are here. It’s perfect for inventors and researchers such as myself, which is why I will personally oversee this branch along with Balance as my assistant. The Martial Branch will be about the art of combat and how people can use their abilities to their advantage. This will be for the students who love a good fight or those who want to protect what is dearest to them. Dominance, you will be in charge of this branch and Proximity will be your assistant. The Communion Branch will be about communicating with and understanding other people. This will be for our social students and chatter bugs. I’ll leave this branch primarily in the care of Emphasis and Unity as well.” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “You’re putting [i]me[/i] in charge of something?” [b]Proximity[/b]: “You’re putting [i]him[/i] in charge of something?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “I feel like the Communion Branch will be a perfect opportunity for you to break out of your... abrasive habits. If you want to learn how to lead properly, you must know how to get along with your subordinates. I’m sure you’ll be a perfect match with some of them.” [b]Emphasis[/b]: “You can’t expect me to interact with those morons! I bet most of them can’t even tie their shoes!” [b]Alignment[/b]: “Like I said, perfect match. That concludes our staff meeting for today.” [b]Unity[/b]: “Does this mean we’ll be opening up the Academy again? It’s been a while since our last study hall.” [b]Alignment[/b]: “Soon, but there’s one last thing that I need to take care of. Proximity, you still have the keys to the Gray Door, right?” [b]Proximity[/b]: “Yes. Nobody used it, just like you asked. But all of this security has me confused. Why are you so protective of it when you’re gone?” [b]Alignment[/b]: “It’s none of your concern. Just let me do my job and everything will be just fine.” [i][b]Alignment[/b] took the ring of keys and headed to the Gray Door at the edge of the Academy. He pulled out a strange device before taking a quick look around him and quickly opened the door. The only thing that could be briefly seen on the other side was a purple haze until [b]Alignment[/b] closed the door just as quickly as he entered it.[/i]