The Extra Wants Control

The dim light within the cool stone walls of the alchemy lab illuminated most apparatus and potions. The instructor, a gloomy elf named Wanda, sported a baggy black robe, despite the sweltering conditions. Her blonde hair was cropped short, framed by oversized glasses that magnified her perpetually tired-looking eyes.

With a sigh that could have rivaled the desert wind, Wanda addressed the class. "Welcome to Alchemy 101," she droned, her voice lacking any enthusiasm. "Today, we'll be brushing through the basics of potion concoction, focusing on functions and limitations. Now, before any of you get starry-eyed about brewing elixirs that grant eternal youth or invisibility, this is a non-core course.

Think of it as the basic of the basics. You can always choose to delve deeper next year."

A low murmur rippled through the class. While some students might have enrolled out of genuine interest in the art of alchemy, others were lured by the fantastical tales of potions with extraordinary properties. Wanda, however, seemed determined to dispel any illusions.

"My name's Wanda," she continued, her voice barely rising above a whisper. "And for the next hour, we'll be dissecting the humble healing potion."

With a flick of her wrist, Wanda conjured a holographic image of a simple glass vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid. "This," she pointed a long, slender finger at the image, "is the workhorse of any rudimentary medical kit. It can soothe minor injuries, alleviate aches, and even combat mild poisons."

For the next hour, Wanda launched into a detailed explanation of the ingredients, their properties, and the precise steps required for successful brewing. Her monotone delivery did little to dampen the excitement of some students. Neveah, leaned forward from his chair, his hand supporting his head as he looked at the gloomy instructor.

Was he genuinely interested in healing potions, and intrigued by their potential applications or was he bored? Only he knew for sure.

As the hour drew to a close, Wanda raised a weary hand. "Alright, that's it for today. If you're brave enough to experiment on your own, the ingredients list is on the board. Just remember, alchemy is an art and a science, a delicate profession. One wrong step, and you could end up with a potion that explodes, turns you into a toad, or worse."

"Remember," Wanda emphasized, tapping a glowing depiction of a bubbling cauldron, "it's not just about throwing ingredients together. You need to understand their interactions, the specific ratios required, and the precise timing for each addition."

A collective gulp echoed through the room. Maybe alchemy wasn't all glamour and magic after all. The students filed out of the classroom, their minds buzzing with the possibilities and perils of potion-making. For some, Wanda's lecture served as a cautionary tale, while for others, it ignited a spark of curiosity, a yearning to unlock the secrets hidden within bubbling cauldrons and swirling vials.

The world of alchemy, for all its complexity and risk, held an undeniable allure.

*********************

A low chime rippled through the air. Students, already restless, perked up, their eyes darting towards the glowing sigils embedded in their phones. These were the official Academy communication channels, and a notification rarely meant good news.

The air shimmered, revealing a holographic display floating mid-air. In bold, crimson letters, the announcement blared:

ATTENTION STUDENTS: EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY INITIATIVE

The Academy recognizes the importance of student engagement beyond the classroom. Starting today, students are allowed to form OFFICIAL CLUBS. However, only students ranking within the TOP 1000 of their respective year may apply for the PRESIDENT position of a club.

Club proposals must be submitted to your homeroom teachers for approval. Proposals should clearly define the club's purpose, niche, and activities. Participation in clubs is completely voluntary.

A wave of gasps and whispers filled the room. The top 1000?

A flamboyant human student, slammed his fist on the table, making the silverware clatter. "Top 1000? That's ridiculous! What if I have a killer idea for a dueling club, but I'm ranked 1001?"

His friend, the ever-pragmatic mage, rolled her eyes at Azrael's theatrics. "Calm down, You'll break the damn table. There are probably still ways to participate. Besides, wouldn't restricting leadership to the top students ensure some level of competence?"

The announcement about clubs buzzed through the crowded hallway like a bolt of lightning. Students, invigorated by the unexpected freedom, huddled in excited clusters, their whispers buzzing with potential.

"Clubs," a collective thought among the quick-witted, a sly smile playing on his lips. "The perfect foundation for factions."

These conversations, happening simultaneously across the Academy, spoke to a shared understanding. The "official" purpose and names of the clubs didn't matter. This was about building a foundation, a place to gather allies, to cultivate power within the Academy. Under the guise of innocent hobbies, factions were about to take root.

Minutes later, as the doors to the administrative office swung open, they all knew it was time to put their plans into action. Lara, with a confident stride, was the first to submit her proposal – the Elven Archery Club. Behind her, Axl, the boisterous dragon Blessed, barged in with a proposal for a Martial Arts Club.

Vera and Azrael followed, their faces serious as they presented their ideas for the Mana Manipulation Club. Even Kim, usually unassuming, approached the desk with a clear vision for a Hunting Club. Last was Astrid, her head held high as she unveiled her plan for the Valkyrie Club.

Topaz, the quiet, mysterious student who had surprised everyone by ranking 6th in the written exam, submitted a proposal for a "Littérateur Appreciation Club." A haven for bookworms and word enthusiasts, it promised lively discussions on classic novels and an escape from the regimented world of combat training.

Across the room, a booming laugh echoed as Burdug, a dwarf with a love for all things culinary, announced his "Culinary delights Club." He envisioned lively debates on the merits of different spices, the history of regional dishes, and perhaps even (if Eliana allowed it) some friendly cooking competitions.

The prospect of escaping bland academy meals drew a diverse crowd, eager to explore the culinary world.

A young human noble woman named Esther, known for her flamboyant fashion sense, strutted through the cafeteria, gathering support for her "Beauty Appreciation Club." Her vision of a club dedicated to discussing aesthetics, fashion, and self-care resonated with a surprising number of students, both male and female.

Eryn, an elf with a fascination for the manipulation of materials, was busy promoting her "Alchemist's Guild."

In the corner, a group of dwarven students, their love for tinkering and inventing evident in their grease-stained overalls, huddled around Durin, a stocky figure with a gleam in his eye. They were discussing the formation of the "Engineering Guild."

Zehn, unfortunately, wasn't one of the top 1000 students and couldn't officially form a club. However, his ambition to build an "empire" within the academy wouldn't be deterred. He approached Dugan, a disgruntled dwarf ranked 998th, with a proposition. Zehn would "buy" the club from Dugan, who would simply become a figurehead president, never attending meetings or having any real say.

The beauty of this loophole lay in the lack of specific regulations. There was nothing stopping a student from "selling" their position to another, as long as the official paperwork remained unchanged. Now, Zehn needed funds.

He wouldn't dip into his own pockets; instead, he planned to appeal to his growing network of allies within the academy, convincing them to contribute and secure his foothold in the club system.

*************

Later a notification was sent.

Approved Clubs and Privileges

The Academy's club initiative has resulted in a diverse array of approved clubs catering to various interests. Here's a glimpse into some of the clubs and the privileges:

CLUBS. President

1.Archery Club: Lara,

2.Martial Arts Club: Axl

3.Mana Manipulation Club: Vera

4.Hunting Club: Kim

5.Valkyrie Club: Astrid

6.Littérateur Appreciation Club: Topaz.

7.Culinary Delights Club: Burdug

8.Beauty Appreciation Club: Esther

9.Alchemy Enthusiasts Club: Eryn

10.Engineering Guild: Durin

...

79. Rock enthusiasts: Dugan

Privileges:

1.Club Room or House: Based on the club's size and membership count, the academy assigns designated rooms or even houses within the campus grounds. These spaces serve as meeting areas, storage facilities, or workshops for the club's activities.

2.Allowance: The academy allocates a budget for each approved club. The amount is determined by membership size and the club's proposed activities. This allowance can be used to purchase equipment, supplies, or even organize field trips relevant to the club's focus.

3.Bulletin Boards: Dedicated bulletin boards are assigned to each club where they can advertise club activities, upcoming meetings, events, and recruitment drives.

***********

"Alright, Zehn," Dugan rumbled, his voice a gravelly echo bouncing off his thick beard, "the paperwork's done. You got the club."

Zehn nodded, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. He'd managed to scrape together the agreed-upon sum – a hefty chunk of his meager savings( well technically from his alliance members' savings)– to secure his position.

"But," Dugan continued, his voice taking on a sly edge, "there's a little something I forgot to mention."

Zehn's grin faltered. "Something… else?"

Dugan chuckled, a sound like rocks grinding together. "About that… seems I forgot to mention a little detail." He leaned closer, his breath carrying the faint scent of stale ale. "You see, Zehn, the perks of running a club are quite lucrative. Did you see the announcement, the clubs, they get a monthly allowance based on membership."

"So," Dugan continued, his voice dripping with mock sympathy, "since you're the one reaping the benefits…" He trailed off, letting the unspoken threat hang in the air.

Zehn felt a surge of anger. Here he was, a man ranked 999th, being strong-armed by a dwarf ranked 1005th in the combat assessment! The indignity of it burned. He glared at Dugan, his voice low and dangerous. "And what exactly are you proposing?"

Dugan grinned, a flash of greed in his eyes. "A small… subscription fee. To cover my, uh, administrative expenses."

The audacity! Zehn clenched his fists. He could take this dwarf. A good punch to the jaw and Dugan would be singing a different tune. But a fight now would jeopardize everything he'd worked for. He needed control.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Zehn plastered on a sickly sweet smile. "Of course, Dugan. How much are we talking about?"

"But," Zehn gritted out, shoving a pouch of coins at the dwarf. " Consider this the last time you go back on your word with me. Soon, I won't need…" He stopped himself, the threat hanging heavy in the air.

Dugan's grin widened further. "Of course, of course," he chuckled, clapping Zehn on the shoulder with surprising force. "Partners, right?"

Dugan's grin widened. He named a sum that made Zehn's teeth clench. It was nearly half of the allowance they would receive. But Zehn swallowed his anger. He'd pay for now. He'd gather his allies, grow his club, and then… well, then he'd deal with Dugan permanently.

Dugan would regret ever crossing him. In the meantime, silent vows of retribution burned in Zehn's heart. That little, overstuffed dwarf wouldn't be extorting him for long.