Metahuman Classes

Réaltín, Master of Villainry

This woman is actually quite new at the Academy. She has become a Master only a couple of weeks ago. However, she is already doing great and teaching us a lot.

Interview:

Why did you want to become the Master of Villainry and not the Master of another subject?
I decided to become the Master of Villainry as I believed I held a deeper insight into the works of a villain from a different, more neutral perspective. I myself am not a villain, contrary to most people's belief, I am a vigilante, hence I thought I could provide a different perspective -- a different kind of approach and thinking to the label of 'villain'. It's such a grey area to explore and I hope for students to understand that and what that entails. Our world be can be... black and white sometimes and that is an incredibly dangerous mindset to instil in our young students. No hero is ever truly just and no villain is fully evil. I am aware that you have had supervillains teaching this subject in the past -- and their personal experience is always helpful insight -- but as I am a vigilante, I have witnessed both sides, and worked for them both. I tread a thin line between the two sides, so I believe with my perspective and my tutelage, I would be a good fit to teach this subject.

I make it a goal to ensure my class is open to everyone. I want children aspiring to be heroes to learn how to properly defeat a villain, but most importantly, to learn what led them down this path in the first place; for aspiring vigilantes to set their own moral boundaries and have me as a role model of sorts of what the underground work of a vigilante entails; and, my most crucial demographic, for children who wish to live a normal life as a metahuman and away from this world, to learn how to defend themselves, to show the complexity and the deeply ingrained nature of these ideals within our society and how to live with them.

That is why I became a Master of Villainry and not anything else.

If you would be the Master of another subject, what would it be?
Ah, this might be quite a shock, but Hero Advisory or even Superpower Training. There is not much of a difference between Hero Advisory and Villainry, in my opinion. If I were to teach that class, I would make sure to teach students the basics of heroes as well as caution them of the corruption and contempt towards heroes. It's a tricky world to be in and even more morally challenging than I dare say being a villain is! As for Superpower Training, well, I make it a point to learn all that I can about the different races, powers and abilities at Met-U so I know how to combat them, as well as be aware of what powers will be compatible with my own abilities during group sessions. But also, to understand and adapt to the different needs and levels of control to better help my students live in everyday society. I don't know everyone's stories that brought them to Met-U, but if they're anything like mine, then I am certain our students are petrified of losing control of our powers. Met-U is an opportunity to learn control and ease our worries about hurting someone we care about. So, if Villainry had not called me, I would have jumped at the opportunity to teach Superpower Training. I need you all to understand that your powers do not make you a monster, but someone who has an extraordinary ability to protect all that you hold dear and achieve everything your heart desires. And that you can, in time, control them. If I can't tell you that in class, I can tell you here.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?
I enjoy seeing how diverse and unique my students are. I have only been teaching for a few months and already, I am quite surprised by how amazing and diligent you all are. You work hard, you question me and you contribute all that you have to offer in class. I enjoy seeing your bond with your friends and develop acquaintances with your classmates. It's always interesting to see how an individual's dynamic changes depending on the people they work with. I am the kind of teacher who will challenge your teamwork, for I believe it to be the most essential skill within every class. So, I tend to play around with the group settings. It's amazing what a forced group project will do to nemesis and rivals!

If you ask me this question in seven years when my first class graduates, then I will say my favourite thing about teaching is seeing the bonds of my students strengthen and solidify into something resembling a family. It truly is the most beautiful thing and to all of my classes, I can not wait to see you achieve everything you deserve and more.

Is there something you think students should know before taking Villainry?
I'm not precisely teaching you how to be a villain, no, I am teaching you what it means to be a villain and the roads this path will take you. It's a harsh world to be a part of, I genuinely believe we should not encourage young children to set their sights on the harm of society, despite our grievances and issues with it, even when they graduate. Instead, you will find that I am tackling this topic from multiple perspectives, that of a villain and that of the heroes, vigilantes and civilians. In order for potential heroes and vigilantes and, of course, civilians, to protect themselves from villain attacks and the possibility of being caught up in their world, we must first need to understand the root of the cause and their nature.

In the early stages of my class, I give them the opportunity to ease into the course at their own pace. It is open to anyone and everyone, especially aspiring heroes. After all, how can you stop villains if you don't learn how they tick? My classes are both theoretical content -- so case studies and philosophical questions and practical-based -- missions, activities, training etc. This is a course where you will be using all you have learnt in your other courses in a practical setting. Your powers, your historical context and knowledge, your medical training, your combat and weaponomics and especially your diplomatic and psychology studies. Any skill you can think of, I guarantee you will need it eventually.

But the important thing is this: I will never decide for you to be a villain. That is your choice and only yours to make. I will guide you, teach you, and mentor you in all things to help you navigate your way in this grey world of ours. You are more than welcome to drop the subject and pick it back up any time throughout the year. I won't fault you ever for staying to your moral codes -- instead, I will encourage you to use them to your advantage. You are who you wish to be, I can only give you the knowledge, resources and mentorship to achieve it.