Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Kirin Tor Council, Dalaran's governing body, gathers to discuss Mage Orendo Severosa's actions.
• Severosa is accused of inciting apprentice mages to leave Violet Academy and join him, as well as injuring an instructor mage.
• The Council of Six, the supreme figures of the Kirin Tor, debate Severosa's actions and the appropriate response.
• The councilors clear the room to discuss the matter privately, invoking a councilor's privilege.

Character Developments

• Orendo Severosa: Not present but discussed at length. His actions have brought him to the attention of the Kirin Tor Council.
• Dawn Weaver: Initiates the gathering and presents Severosa's actions as serious, deserving of punishment.
• Kael'thas Sunstrider: Defends Severosa, arguing that he hasn't violated any explicit Dalaran regulations.
• Krasus: Admires Severosa's scholarship but believes his actions infringe upon the Kirin Tor's interests.
• Antonidas: Invokes a councilor's privilege to clear the room and discuss the matter privately, hinting at a connection between Severosa and the Guardian, Aegwynn.

Significant Themes

• Hierarchy and Order: The Kirin Tor values order and hierarchy, as seen in their circular architecture and the structure of the Council of Six.
• Power and Influence: The councilors debate the extent of Severosa's influence and the potential threat he poses to Dalaran's interests.
• Secrecy vs. Openness: The councilors initially allow ordinary mages to attend but later clear the room for a private discussion, highlighting the tension between openness and confidentiality.

Character Interactions

• Dawn Weaver vs. Kael'thas Sunstrider: They hold opposing views on Severosa's actions, with Dawn Weaver advocating for punishment and Kael'thas defending Severosa.
• Antonidas: He challenges the other councilors' assumptions by bringing up Aegwynn, hinting at a deeper conspiracy or influence behind Severosa's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kel'Thuzad, Nielas Aran, and Ansirem Ruin set off to find Orendo Severosa, using a magic flying carpet made by Kel'Thuzad.
• Antonidas and Kael'thas discuss Orendo's potential as the next Guardian and the possibility of coordinating their actions if he is.

Character Developments

• Kel'Thuzad shows his lack of skill in Enhancement magic, as his flying carpet offers no protection from the wind.
• Antonidas reveals his open-mindedness and willingness to accept a half-elven Guardian, despite his human supremacist beliefs.

Significant Themes

• The potential succession of Orendo Severosa as the next Guardian and the implications for Dalaran's power dynamics.
• The contrast between Kel'Thuzad's magical prowess and his lack of consideration for practical aspects, such as comfort and protection.

Character Interactions

• Kel'Thuzad, Nielas Aran, and Ansirem Ruin travel together, with Nielas and Ansirem expressing their discomfort with Kel'Thuzad's flying carpet.
• Antonidas and Kael'thas have a private conversation, discussing Orendo's potential and the possibility of coordinating their actions if he becomes the next Guardian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo Seferosa awakens with Solarian in his arms, reflecting on his situation and the restriction placed on him by Aegwynn.
• Orendo plans to establish Azeroth's Whampoa Military Academy for mages, aiming to reform traditional mage education and expand his influence.
• He instructs his steward, Dobby, to establish a merchant caravan, fell trees, quarry stone, and make bricks, and to receive and accommodate mage candidates from Dalaran.

Character Developments

• Orendo: He shows maturity and responsibility in his plans for the academy and his domain. He also demonstrates a long-term vision for his future and that of his potential students.
• Solarian: She shows concern for Orendo's well-being and accompanies him on his journey north of the foothills.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Orendo's desire to establish his own faction and gain influence is a central theme.
• Education and Reform: Orendo's plan to reform traditional mage education highlights the importance of education and the potential for change.
• Mentorship: The relationship between Orendo and Solarian, with her acting as his mentor, is a significant aspect of the chapter.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and Solarian: They share a warm, caring relationship, with Solarian showing concern for Orendo's well-being and Orendo valuing her company.
• Orendo and Dobby: Orendo gives clear instructions to his steward, demonstrating his leadership and responsibility.
• Orendo and the Mage Candidates: Though not present in this chapter, Orendo's interactions with the mage candidates from Dalaran are implied and will be significant in his plans for the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo and Solarian reach a cave near the Alterac Mountains, believed to be a yeti cave.
• Orendo uses a powerful fire spell, "Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame," to clear the cave of yetis and obtain valuable minerals.
• The spell causes a massive explosion at the cave entrance.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates significant growth in his magical abilities, casting a powerful spell at full strength.
• Solarian shows concern for Orendo's safety and acknowledges his progress as a mage.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and necessities of using powerful magic.
• The relationship between mentor and student, with Solarian acting as both a teacher and a guardian.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and Solarian work together, with Orendo leading the charge and Solarian providing support and guidance.
• Their relationship is shown to be close and trusting, with Solarian showing concern for Orendo's well-being.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo discovers he can cast full-power spells only three times a day without harming his health.
• He and Solarian encounter a giant yeti that survived his earlier fire spell.
• Orendo summons a greater earth elemental to fight the yeti.
• He uses a communication spell to offer the yeti a choice between life and death.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his powerful spellcasting abilities and strategic thinking.
• Solarian shows concern for Orendo's safety.

Significant Themes

• The power and limitations of arcane magic.
• The relationship between mages and summoned creatures.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and Solarian work together, with Solarian showing trust in Orendo's plan.
• Orendo communicates with the giant yeti, showing a level of mercy or curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo's friends—Nielas Aran, Ansirem Ruin, and Kel'Thuzad—arrive at Severosa Domain.
• They find many mage apprentices from Violet Academy responding to Orendo's call.
• Eiro Sadwind, an apprentice dismissed by Violet Academy, greets them and invites them in.

Character Developments

• Orendo: Absent but shown to be influential, attracting many apprentices to his domain.
• Nielas Aran: Demonstrates emotional intelligence and intellect, praising Eiro Sadwind and indirectly complimenting Orendo.
• Kel'Thuzad: Shows keenness of perception, sensing a "wind of reform" among the apprentices.

Significant Themes

• Social Mobility: Commoners like Orendo, Khadgar, and Rhonin rise to prominence due to a new era, challenging the stagnant age's difficulties for social advancement.
• Reform: The title of the chapter hints at Orendo's intentions to bring change, with Kel'Thuzad sensing this "wind of reform" among the apprentices.

Character Interactions

• Nielas Aran & Ansirem Ruin: Show familiarity with Kel'Thuzad's quiet nature, with Nielas taking the lead in interacting with Eiro Sadwind.
• Kel'Thuzad & Ansirem Ruin: Kel'Thuzad shares his perception of the "wind of reform" with Ansirem, showing a deeper understanding of the situation than initially apparent.
• Eiro Sadwind & Nielas Aran: Eiro recognizes Nielas and is relieved to see him, leading to a conversation about his past and future prospects under Orendo's guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo returns to Severosa Domain with Solarian, meeting his friends—Nielas Aran, Ansirem Ruin, and Kel'Thuzad.
• Orendo serves them a magical hot drink called butterbeer.
• Orendo reveals his plan to establish an academy for promising mage apprentices without mentors.

Character Developments

• Orendo shows leadership and vision, revealing his desire to improve the mage education system.
• Kel'Thuzad demonstrates quick understanding and insight, guessing Orendo's plan before the others.
• Nielas Aran shows enthusiasm and support for Orendo's idea, suggesting building the academy in the South.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of mage apprentices without mentors to become full-fledged mages.
• The waste of potential talents in the current mage education system.
• The desire to create a better learning environment for aspiring mages.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and his friends reunite, showing camaraderie and shared interests.
• Orendo shares his vision with his friends, seeking their support and understanding.
• Kel'Thuzad and Orendo show a mutual understanding and respect for each other's intellect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The five mages gather for a dinner to discuss the establishment of their magic academy.
• Orendo presents his vision for the academy, including a first-rate campus, comprehensive curriculum, and professionalized teaching methods.
• He proposes dividing students into four colleges, each led by one of the mages, and encourages competition among the colleges.
• Orendo also hints at potential rewards, such as information on Titan ruins and their treasures, to entice his companions.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his leadership, vision, and persuasive skills in presenting his plans for the academy.
• The other mages show support for Orendo's ideas, indicating their trust in his abilities and vision.
• Solarian's earlier support for Orendo is reinforced, showing her loyalty and commitment to their shared goals.

Significant Themes

• Ambition: Orendo's grand vision for the academy reflects his ambition to create something truly exceptional in the world of magic.
• Collaboration: The five mages working together to establish the academy highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving their goals.
• Innovation: Orendo's proposed teaching methods challenge traditional approaches, emphasizing the value of innovation and change.

Character Interactions

• Orendo interacts with his companions, presenting his ideas and appealing to their sense of purpose and self-interest.
• The other mages engage in discussion and show support for Orendo's plans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Solarian's soft-spoken inquiry about Orendo's plans for the academy reveals her interest and investment in their shared venture.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo summons Eiro Sadwind to discuss the gathering of mage apprentices.
• Orendo and the four future deans visit the plateau where the school will be built.
• Orendo summons thirty-six greater earth elementals to begin construction work.
• The mage apprentices arrive and witness the earth elementals at work.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his immense mana reserves and powerful spellcasting, impressing his friends.
• Orendo shows his strategic thinking and preparation for the school's construction.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic and its applications (construction, summoning).
• The importance of mana nodes and magical ley lines for a magic school.
• The awe and fear inspired by powerful magical beings (earth elementals).

Character Interactions

• Orendo interacts with Eiro Sadwind, discussing the gathering of apprentices.
• Orendo and the four future deans (Kel'Thuzad, Nielas Aran, Ansirem Ruin, Solarian) discuss the school's location and construction plans.
• The mage apprentices witness Orendo's power and the earth elementals' work, showing their awe and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The skies darken, and countless portals open, releasing two types of time dragons: Infinite Dragons and Bronze Dragons.
• The dragons, led by two powerful individuals, descend upon Orendo and his companions.
• The dragons attempt to erase Orendo, viewing him as a disruption to the timeline.
• Aegwynn arrives just in time to save Orendo from the dragons' assault.

Character Developments

• Orendo experiences despair and self-reflection, realizing his limited understanding and the need to explore the world more actively.
• Aegwynn demonstrates her power and importance as a Dragon King, saving Orendo from certain doom.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and experience.
• The consequences of complacency and insularity.
• The struggle between different timelines and their consequences.

Character Interactions

• The two dragon leaders engage in a conversation, revealing their awareness of being manipulated by greater forces.
• Orendo's mental struggle and self-reflection occur in isolation, as his companions are unconscious.
• Aegwynn's timely arrival highlights her role as a protector and savior for Orendo.

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• The chapter opens with a retrospective on Aegwynn’s power: she is the strongest Guardian ever, having single-handedly defeated Sargeras’s avatar in the past using primordial magic that transcended all known schools of spells. Her victory was so overwhelming that even the Dragon Aspects fled, and she personally sealed Sargeras’s body and the Scepter of Sargeras.
• In the present, Orendo (a transmigrated former Earth librarian) survives a near-fatal ordeal—apparently a clash with a time dragon, which has just retreated. He was protected by Aegwynn, who defeated or drove it off, leaving the area calm again.
• Orendo, emotionally shattered, rushes to Aegwynn and cries “Mom!” while embracing her tightly. Aegwynn, to everyone’s shock, returns the embrace.
• Dalaran’s elite mages (Antonidas, Kael’thas, Krasus, Dawn Weaver, etc.) arrive via teleportation and witness this awkward embrace. They are joined by Tirisfal Council leaders Leifusela Sarona and Novan Sunwalker, and gnome mage Magnus Millhouse.
• Aegwynn coldly deflects Leifusela’s pleasantries, highlighting her strained relationship with the Council, which once tried to force her to surrender the Guardianship and later hunted her.

2. Character Developments

• Orendo: Reveals his ordinary, fearful nature—he is not a typical overpowered transmigrator. He barely survived and openly shows vulnerability, leaning entirely on Aegwynn for safety. His outburst (“Mom”) shows both emotional regression and deep trust.
• Aegwynn: Despite her usual icy demeanor, she quietly returns Orendo’s embrace, indicating affection or maternal care beneath her hardened exterior. In public, she remains stern and dismissive, especially toward the Council.
• Leifusela & Novan: Shown as pragmatic, ancient politicians. They immediately pivot to new tactics, scheming to use Orendo (whom Aegwynn seems to favor) via “pillow talk” to influence her decision about the Guardianship.

3. Significant Themes

• Power, Isolation, and Sacrifice: Aegwynn’s unmatched strength comes with loneliness; her past triumphs (defeating Sargeras) are framed as legendary but leave her estranged from peers.
• The Ordinary in the Extraordinary: Orendo’s fragility contrasts sharply with the epic scale, emphasizing the psychological toll on an ordinary person thrown into Azeroth’s conflicts.
• Political Machinations: The Tirisfal Council’s elder members view relationships as tools, foreshadowing future scheming against Aegwynn.
• Humor Through Tone Shift: The sudden “Mom” moment punctures the high-fantasy tension, blending sincerity with comedy.

4. Character Interactions

• Orendo ↔ Aegwynn: A rare, intimate moment—he embraces her; she reciprocates, then quickly returns to frosty authority when others arrive.
• Aegwynn ↔ Leifusela: Cold, terse exchange; she dismisses his poetic gesture and reminds him of the Tirisfal Glades’ decay, signaling mutual animosity.
• Council ↔ Orendo: Leifusela takes note of Orendo’s closeness to Aegwynn, plotting to manipulate him as a lever.
• Witnesses (Dalaran mages): Their “strange smiles” and speechless reactions add comedic awkwardness to the tense political atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with a reflection on the power of pillow talk, which has influenced significant historical events in Azeroth.
• A day has passed since the previous chapter, and Dalaran appears normal, but tensions are high at Severosa Domain.
• Inside Severosa Manor, Solarian, now aware of Orendo's connection to the Tirisfal Council, questions him about his new role and his relationship with Aegwynn.
• Orendo recalls how Aegwynn acknowledged him as her apprentice and recommended him for the Tirisfal Council, despite her initial reluctance to discuss the matter.
• The chapter ends with Orendo and Solarian discussing elven marriage laws and the possibility of children between elves and half-elves.

Character Developments

• Orendo Seferosa: Orendo has been acknowledged as Aegwynn's apprentice and has joined the Tirisfal Council. He is now more confident in his role and is learning to navigate the political landscape of the Council. He also shows growth in his relationship with Solarian, trying to navigate their complex dynamics.
• Solarian: Solarian's curiosity about Orendo's new role and his relationship with Aegwynn grows. She shows a more assertive side when questioning Orendo.
• Aegwynn: Aegwynn, while initially reluctant to discuss the matter of her successor, acknowledges Orendo as her apprentice and recommends him to the Tirisfal Council. She shows a softer side when reminded of her mentor, Magna Scavell.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The power of pillow talk and the influence of the Tirisfal Council are prominent themes. Orendo's new role brings him into this sphere of influence.
• Relationships and Family: The complex dynamics between Orendo and Solarian, and the potential for children between elves and half-elves, highlight the theme of relationships and family.
• Politics and Intrigue: The political landscape of the Tirisfal Council and the maneuvering of its members are central themes.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and Solarian: The chapter focuses on the interaction between Orendo and Solarian. Orendo tries to navigate his new role and his relationship with Solarian, while Solarian questions him about both.
• Orendo and Aegwynn: Though not present, Aegwynn's influence is felt throughout the chapter. Orendo recalls his conversation with her and reflects on her role in his new position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo continues to strengthen himself by studying and practicing magic, focusing on improving his control and output of arcane power.
• The academy receives donations of spellbooks from Dalaran, human, elven, and gnome mages, totaling over two thousand books.
• Orendo decides to build his mage tower at the academy, followed by Kel'Thuzad and Ansirem Runeweaver.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his dedication to improving his magical abilities and his strategic thinking in building the academy.
• Kel'Thuzad and Ansirem Runeweaver show their commitment to the academy and their faith in Orendo by deciding to build their mage towers there as well.

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge and continuous learning in magical development.
• The power of unity and collaboration among mages, as seen in the donations of spellbooks and the decision to build mage towers together.
• The significance of mage towers in concentrating arcane energy and facilitating magical learning.

Character Interactions

• Orendo interacts with his deans, Ansirem Runeweaver and Kel'Thuzad, discussing the academy's progress and making decisions together.
• Orendo's relationship with Solarian is mentioned briefly, showing their closeness and mutual support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Construction begins in the Severosa Domain, including Orendo's mage tower.
• Dalaran's official mage construction team arrives to build the foundation of Orendo's mage tower.
• Kael'thas sends his personal construct team, led by Passarane Dawnblade, to assist with construction.
• The foundation of Orendo's mage tower is completed, with a special space reserved for a future energy core.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his independence and confidence in completing the remaining construction of his mage tower himself.
• Passarane Dawnblade shows his expertise and professionalism in guiding the construction process.
• The bald mage from Dalaran's construction team is shown to be knowledgeable and detail-oriented, but also somewhat biased against the elves.

Significant Themes

• The power and importance of arcane energy and ley-line networks.
• The influence of Kael'thas and the High Elves on Orendo's life and opportunities.
• The contrast between human and elven technology and craftsmanship.

Character Interactions

• Orendo interacts politely with Passarane Dawnblade, showing mutual respect and warmth.
• The bald mage from Dalaran's construction team shows some tension with Passarane, reflecting the underlying political dynamics between humans and elves.
• Aluneth and Orendo have a brief, playful exchange, highlighting their growing bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo plans to build a floating city using his mage tower as the core.
• He considers seeking help from blue dragons, Silvermoon City, Dalaran, or Al'Akir for floating city technology.
• Orendo decides to modify the energy-gathering arrays and replace materials for better efficiency.
• He communicates with powerful earth elementals to use them as living pillars for his mage tower.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and generosity in dealing with elementals.
• Earth elementals show their willingness to cooperate with Orendo for the benefits he offers.

Significant Themes

• The union of arcane and elemental power.
• The contrast between order (arcane) and chaos (elementals).
• The relationship between mages and elementals, and the distinction between mages and warlocks.

Character Interactions

• Orendo interacts with powerful earth elementals, negotiating and convincing them to serve him.
• Orendo's communication with elementals highlights his understanding and respect for their nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The school is officially named Severosa Academy of Magic and Mages.
• The academy's founding is not widely known or celebrated.
• Orendo and the four deans work tirelessly to construct the school.
• Solarian meets Telestra, an old friend and powerful mage, who helps her in the herb garden and later joins the academy as a teacher.
• Magnus Manastorm, a renowned mage in magical engineering, is hired as an instructor.
• The courses offered at the academy are confirmed, and teachers are assigned to each subject.

Character Developments

• Orendo continues to demonstrate his leadership and vision in establishing the academy.
• Solarian shows her dedication to her role as a dean and instructor, particularly in herbology and divination.
• Telestra reveals her extensive knowledge and willingness to teach multiple courses.
• Magnus Manastorm displays his expertise in magical engineering and his desire to promote the field among non-gnome mages.

Significant Themes

• The importance of education and knowledge sharing in the magical community.
• The value of diversity and inclusivity in learning, as seen in Orendo's willingness to accept students and teachers from various races and backgrounds.
• The significance of friendship and camaraderie among mages, as demonstrated by Orendo's handshake custom and the interactions between the characters.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and the four deans collaborate to build and staff the academy.
• Solarian and Telestra reconnect, with Telestra eventually joining the academy as a teacher.
• Magnus Manastorm is recruited by Orendo to teach magical engineering.
• The teachers gather to discuss and confirm the courses offered at the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Orendo and his friends discuss the structure and naming of the academies.
• Kel'Thuzad suggests naming the academies after the four elements.
• Orendo introduces the 'Sorting Sphere' to assign students to academies based on their personalities, elemental affinities, and the deans' requirements.
• The four academies are named after elemental lords: Al'Akir, Therazane, Ragnaros, and Neptulon.
• Orendo proposes the Academy Cup to foster competition and school spirit.

Character Developments

• Orendo demonstrates his leadership and organizational skills.
• Kel'Thuzad shows rare initiative and insight in suggesting the elemental theme.
• Aran, Ansirem, and Solarian follow Kel'Thuzad's lead and contribute their ideas.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balance and harmony, reflected in the four elements and the academies.
• The value of diversity and individuality within a unified whole.
• The power of competition and cooperation in driving growth and success.

Character Interactions

• Orendo facilitates discussion and decision-making among his friends.
• The deans exchange ideas and opinions, demonstrating mutual respect and camaraderie.
• Orendo's enthusiasm and vision inspire his friends to contribute their own ideas.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gelbin Mekkatorque, Sicco Thermaplugg, and Milhouse Manastorm travel to Severosa School of Magic and Mages to study under Magnus Manastorm.
• Upon arrival, they see the unfinished, grand castle that will be their school.
• They encounter humans playing a card game, which they find curious and intriguing.

Character Developments

• Gelbin Mekkatorque remains unhappy about studying magic instead of engineering.
• Sicco Thermaplugg shows a more positive attitude towards their situation.
• Milhouse Manastorm, being the youngest and Magnus' son, is excited about the new environment.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between gnome and human sizes and cultures.
• The curiosity and appeal of the card game to the gnomes.

Character Interactions

• Gelbin, Sicco, and Milhouse bond over their shared experience and curiosity about the card game.
• Magnus Manastorm abandons the gnomes to join the humans in playing the card game, showing his enthusiasm for it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Severosa School of Magic is still under construction, with only basic facilities completed.
• Orendo is exploring ways to increase income for the school, including establishing a trade caravan, expanding the Magic Monthly and magic shop, looting ancient ruins, and seeking sponsorship.
• Alex Barov, heir to a great noble family, visits the school and offers his assessment of the domain's development.

Character Developments

• Orendo is shown to be strategic and forward-thinking in his plans for the school and the domain, focusing on long-term growth and sustainability.
• Alex Barov demonstrates his interest in the school's development and potential, showing himself to be astute and perceptive.

Significant Themes

• The struggle to establish and maintain a magic school, highlighting the challenges of funding, resources, and development.
• The importance of income generation and diversification to support the school's growth.
• The potential of arcane technology and mechanization in agriculture.

Character Interactions

• Orendo and Alex Barov discuss the school's progress and development plans, with Alex offering his observations and insights.
• Orendo's interactions with the people of his domain are implied, as he recruits freemen and directs the development of large-scale farms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The weather begins to turn cold in the north, signaling the start of winter.
• Alex Barov, heir to the Barov family, meets with Orendo to discuss cooperation between their families.
• Alex offers Barov funding for Orendo's Severosa School of Magic and Mages, with the condition that it be built on Barov lands.
• Orendo agrees to the funding but sets conditions: the Barovs cannot interfere with his teaching, and he will train mages for the Barovs without discrimination.

Character Developments

• Alex Barov: Shows political acumen and understanding of the Barov family's needs, seeking to form an alliance with Orendo.
• Orendo: Maintains composure and independence, prioritizing his teaching methods and the Severosa School's autonomy.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and politics among human nobles.
• The importance of alliances and cooperation for mutual benefit.
• The tension between personal autonomy and external influence.

Character Interactions

• Alex Barov and Orendo: Engage in diplomatic negotiations, with Alex attempting to secure the best deal for the Barovs, and Orendo protecting his school's independence.