Chapter 16 Preparation

• On Monday, the rigorous preparation for the competition began. The number of classes was reduced, but the basic ones remained: combat magic, elemental magic, potion-making, and creature care.
• Lyra was just getting dressed when a scrap of paper appeared on her table. Professor Faragont, who teaches Practical Spellcasting and is the team's coach, asked all participants to gather at the Academy's greenhouses bordering the Eternal Forest.
• As Lyra approached the building, she saw Adam chatting happily with a tall, skinny guy and a small redheaded girl. The skinny guy looked pale and seemed to be poorly nourished. He appeared like the slightest breeze would blow him away and leave him floating in the clouds. A pair of large, black-framed glasses rested on his face, and he nervously adjusted his long, oily hair whenever they obscured his vision. His meticulously ironed shirt, black waistcoat, and polished shoes spoke volumes to Lyra - this guy would be trouble. Beware of a nerd.