Morris didn't return to their room that night. By morning, his bed remained untouched, his normally cluttered desk unnaturally organized. Ryo checked the time – just past dawn, early enough that most students were still asleep, but late enough that Morris should have returned from any legitimate research session.

  This wasn't good. Ryo had seen the pattern before – promising researchers getting pulled deeper into work influenced by Outside forces, gradually losing touch with normal routines as the corruption progressed.

  He dressed quickly in his student uniform, the plain blue tunic and trousers still feeling foreign compared to his comfortable tavern clothes. As he fastened the dampening amulet around his neck, Ryo made a decision. He needed to find Morris, even if it meant being more direct than his cover allowed.

  The Academy grounds were quiet at this hour, with only a few early risers heading to the dining hall or library. Ryo made his way to the research building where Morris had mentioned his special sessions were held. The modern structure stood apart from the Academy's older buildings, its enchanted glass walls reflecting the morning light.

  Access required a student identification token, which Ryo pressed against the entrance panel. The door remained locked, a small magical indicator glowing red.

  "Advanced Research Facilities restricted to authorized personnel between sunset and sunrise," announced a disembodied voice. "Please return during standard hours."

  So Morris either hadn't left, or had exited through another route. Neither option was reassuring.

  "Trying to get in early?"

  Ryo turned to find Felix approaching, carrying a stack of books and looking exhausted, as if he hadn't slept.

  "Looking for Morris," Ryo explained. "He didn't come back to our room last night."

  Felix's expression shifted, a flash of concern quickly masked. "Research students keep weird hours. He's probably passed out in one of the study alcoves." But his tone lacked conviction.

  "You don't believe that," Ryo observed. "What's really going on with these research sessions?"

  Felix glanced around nervously, then gestured for Ryo to follow him to a small courtyard nearby. Once certain they were alone, he spoke in a hushed voice.

  "Look, I shouldn't be talking about this, but... people are worried. Five students from the advanced research track have been moved to the infirmary in the past week. Magical exhaustion, they're saying officially, but the symptoms are strange. And those who recover come back... different."

  "Different how?" Ryo pressed.

  "More focused, less connected to anything outside their research. Like they've lost interest in everything else." Felix ran a hand through his hair. "My roommate Darren was selected three weeks ago. Now he barely speaks except about his project, doesn't sleep, barely eats. And his magical signature has changed – darker somehow, more...dense."

  This aligned with what Ryo had observed in Darius Blackwell's aura. "Who's overseeing these research projects? Just Professor Nelron?"

  "He's the primary advisor, but there are others." Felix lowered his voice further. "Professor Calden from Elemental Mastery, Magister Vorne from Historical Arcana. Even Prefect Selene is involved somehow – she's the one who usually identifies potential candidates."

  The web was wider than Ryo had anticipated. Before he could question Felix further, the morning bells rang, signaling the approach of breakfast.

  "I need to go," Felix said, suddenly looking nervous again. "Please don't mention this conversation to anyone. The official line is that everything's normal, and those who question it too loudly tend to face academic consequences."

  As Felix hurried away, Ryo considered his options. His Basic Elements class wasn't until mid-morning, giving him time to investigate further. With morning access to the research building restricted, he decided to check the infirmary instead.

  The Academy infirmary occupied the ground floor of the East Medical Tower, a quiet space of clean beds and subtle healing enchantments. As Ryo approached, he noticed additional wards had been placed around the entrance – protective magic designed to contain rather than just heal.

  "Can I help you?" A tired-looking medical apprentice stopped him at the door.

  "I'm looking for a student – Morris from East Tower. He didn't return to our room last night, and I heard some research students have been brought here."

  The apprentice consulted a ledger. "No Morris admitted overnight. Only authorized visitors allowed for the special cases anyway."

  "Special cases?" Ryo inquired innocently.

  "The research incidents," the apprentice replied, then caught himself. "I mean, the magical exhaustion cases. Nothing to worry about, standard recovery protocol."

  Ryo was about to press further when a commotion from inside the infirmary caught their attention. A young woman's voice rose in panic.

  "No! I can't go back there! They're in my head now – I can hear them all the time!"

  The apprentice turned quickly. "Excuse me, I'm needed." He hurried inside, leaving Ryo at the entrance.

  Taking advantage of the distraction, Ryo slipped into the infirmary, moving quietly past the front desk. The voice had come from a screened-off section at the far end of the room. He made his way there, careful to avoid the attending healers.

  Behind the screens, a young woman – presumably Eliza, based on Lydia's description – was being restrained by two medical staff while a third prepared a calming draught. Her eyes were wide with terror, darting to empty corners of the room as if seeing things invisible to others.

  "They're coming through the formulas," she was saying, her voice dropping to a desperate whisper. "Every time we complete an equation, we make a door. Don't you understand? They're using our magic to create pathways!"

  "Eliza, you need to rest," one of the healers soothed. "This is just magical exhaustion affecting your mind. After you've slept—"

  "Sleep is worse!" she cried. "They're clearer in dreams. Showing me things... vast spaces between stars, cities that shouldn't exist..." Her gaze suddenly fixed on Ryo, who had remained partially hidden behind a pillar. "You! You're not one of them. You need to stop the research! The boundary's getting too thin!"

  The healers turned, noticing Ryo for the first time.

  "Students aren't allowed in this section," one said sharply. "How did you get past the desk?"

  "Sorry, I heard the commotion and got concerned," Ryo explained, backing away. "I'll go."

  "Wait!" Eliza called out. "The symbols in Professor Nelron's ancient text – they're not a language, they're a key! Don't let them complete the full sequence!"

  A healer administered the calming draught, and Eliza's desperate warnings faded into incoherent mumbling. Ryo was firmly escorted out of the infirmary, with warnings about restricted areas and patient privacy.

  Outside, Ryo processed what he'd witnessed. Eliza's ravings weren't the incoherent babbling of magical exhaustion – they were the terrified warnings of someone who had glimpsed the truth. The research wasn't just pushing academic boundaries; it was deliberately creating weakness in the barriers between realms.

  The breakfast bell rang, and Ryo joined the stream of students heading to the dining hall. He needed to maintain his cover while figuring out how to access the research materials Eliza had mentioned.

  In the dining hall, Ryo spotted Lydia at their usual table, looking worried. He joined her, noticing she had saved a place for Morris as well.

  "Have you seen him?" she asked as soon as Ryo sat down.

  "No. I checked the research building and infirmary. Nothing." Ryo filled his plate from the serving platters. "But I did see Eliza."

  Lydia leaned forward. "Where? How is she?"

  "Infirmary. And not good." Ryo kept his voice low. "She was talking about voices in her head, symbols in ancient texts, boundaries getting thin. Classic signs of Outside influence."

  "Outside influence? What does that mean?" Lydia's brow furrowed. "Are you saying she's been... what, possessed? Cursed?"

  Ryo considered how much to reveal. Lydia was observant and intelligent – potentially a valuable ally, but also at risk if she started asking the wrong questions openly.

  "Not exactly. It's more like... exposure to certain types of magic can create a connection to things beyond our normal reality. Things that shouldn't be contacted."

  "Like forbidden summoning?" Lydia whispered, eyes wide. "We're taught about that in Magical Ethics – the dangers of opening doorways without proper protection."

  "Similar, but more subtle," Ryo confirmed. "These connections often start through symbols, equations, or formulas that seem academic but actually thin the barriers between realms when used."

  Lydia was quiet for a moment, processing this. "And you think that's what's happening to the research students? That they're being exposed to something dangerous?"

  "I think it's a possibility worth investigating," Ryo replied carefully. "Especially given what happened to Eliza."

  Before they could discuss further, a shadow fell across their table. Prefect Selene stood there, her perfect posture and immaculate uniform somehow more intimidating in the morning light.

  "Ryo of Millbrook," she said, her voice coolly professional. "Archmage Thorne requests your presence in his office after your morning classes."

  Ryo maintained a neutral expression, though inwardly he was concerned. Had his investigations been noticed? "Of course. Did he mention why?"

  "It's not my place to question the Archmage's requests," Selene replied. Her gaze shifted to Lydia briefly, assessing, then back to Ryo. "Third floor of the administration building, central tower. Don't be late." With that, she turned and walked away.

  "Why would the Archmage want to see you?" Lydia whispered once Selene was out of earshot. "New students hardly ever get called to his office unless they're in serious trouble."

  "Maybe he wants tavern management advice," Ryo joked, though his mind was already racing. This could be Thorne responding to his message, or something else entirely.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Darius Blackwell and his entourage. Unlike his usual swagger, Darius appeared slightly pale, with dark circles under his eyes suggesting poor sleep. Despite this, his arrogance remained intact.

  "Still here, tavern keeper?" he drawled, leaning on their table. "I would have thought you'd realize by now that real magic requires real talent, not just enthusiasm."

  "Good morning to you too, Blackwell," Ryo replied calmly. "Rough night? You look tired."

  A flash of something – perhaps anxiety – crossed Darius's face before his sneering mask returned. "Advanced students actually work on meaningful magic, not the children's exercises they're teaching you."

  "Advanced work with Professor Nelron, perhaps?" Ryo suggested, watching carefully for a reaction.

  He got one. Darius's composure slipped momentarily, revealing genuine surprise before he recovered. "How would you know anything about that?"

  "Morris mentioned it," Ryo said casually. "My roommate. He didn't come back last night after his research session."

  "Your roommate talks too much," one of Darius's companions muttered, earning a sharp look from Darius himself.

  "Some work is too important for arbitrary time constraints," Darius said, regaining his haughty demeanor. "But what would a tavern keeper understand about advancing magical knowledge? You can barely maintain a basic flame."

  Something about Darius seemed off – not just his exhaustion, but a subtle wrongness in his magical aura that had intensified since Ryo first noticed it. The darkness around his natural energy signature had grown, like ink spreading through water.

  "Speaking of basic flames," Darius continued, his voice rising enough to attract attention from nearby tables, "I've been observing your pathetic attempts in practice sessions. It's embarrassing to watch."

  "We're all learning at our own pace," Ryo replied mildly.

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  "No, some of us are actual mages, while others are pretenders taking up space that could go to worthy candidates." Darius looked around, ensuring he had an audience now. "I think it's time someone demonstrated the difference. I challenge you to a public demonstration, tavern keeper. Basic elemental control, this afternoon after classes. Unless you're afraid to show your true lack of ability?"

  The dining hall had grown quiet, students turning to watch the confrontation. Ryo recognized the trap – refuse, and confirm their perception of him as an untalented commoner; accept, and he'd need to walk a fine line between revealing too much power and appearing incompetent.

  "I'm here to learn, not compete," Ryo tried to deflect.

  "Typical commoner response," Darius scoffed. "All excuses, no substance."

  "Accept the challenge," Lydia whispered. "If you don't, he'll make your life miserable."

  She was right. Sometimes maintaining cover required playing along. Besides, this might provide an opportunity to examine Darius's altered magical signature more closely.

  "Fine," Ryo agreed with apparent reluctance. "Basic elements only, standard Academy safety protocols."

  Darius smiled coldly. "Practice yard, fifth bell. Don't be late." He turned to his audience. "Witness how the Academy's declining standards allow even tavern keepers to waste valuable teaching resources."

  As Darius and his followers departed, excited murmurs spread through the dining hall. Student competitions weren't uncommon, but the clear class antagonism made this one particularly interesting to the onlookers.

  "You realize what you've done, right?" Lydia looked concerned. "Darius is top of our year in elemental control. His family has been producing fire specialists for generations."

  "I'll manage," Ryo assured her. "Besides, my reputation can't get much worse."

  "Just... don't let him provoke you into something dangerous," she advised. "These challenges are supposed to be about technical skill, but accidents happen."

  Ryo nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. The challenge was a complication, but not his primary concern. The meeting with Archmage Thorne took priority, and after that, he needed to find Morris and investigate the research materials Eliza had mentioned.

  The morning classes passed in a blur of basic theory and practice. Ryo maintained his cover, asking appropriate questions and performing moderately well in practical exercises. All the while, he observed his classmates more carefully, noting which ones showed subtle signs of alteration in their magical signatures.

  The pattern was becoming clearer. At least a dozen students across different specialties showed evidence of Outside influence – not just research students, but others in positions throughout the Academy. The corruption was spreading systematically, focused on those with specific talents or access.

  After his final morning class, Ryo made his way to the administration building for his meeting with Archmage Thorne. The central tower rose above the surrounding structures, its ancient stone contrasting with the newer additions to the Academy campus.

  Security was tighter than Ryo had seen elsewhere, with both mundane guards and magical wards protecting the Archmage's domain. He presented his summons to a stern-faced secretary, who verified it before directing him to wait outside an imposing wooden door.

  After several minutes, the door opened, revealing Archmage Thorne at his desk, surrounded by scrolls and magical artifacts. The office itself was surprisingly austere for the head of the Academy – functional rather than ostentatious, with a large window overlooking the campus.

  "Come in, Mr. Ryo," Thorne said, dismissing his secretary with a gesture. "And close the door."

  Once they were alone, Thorne activated a privacy ward, the shimmer of protective magic ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

  "Your message was concerning," the Archmage said without preamble. "Ward distortions throughout the campus? Students reporting dream influence? These are serious allegations."

  "They're not allegations, they're observations," Ryo replied, dropping his deferential student persona now that they were in private. "The corruption is spreading faster than we anticipated. I've identified at least a dozen students showing signs of Outside influence, plus several faculty members."

  "Including Professor Nelron, according to your message." Thorne sighed heavily. "One of our most brilliant researchers. I feared as much, but hoped I was wrong."

  "It's not just him. There's a network involved – Professor Calden, Magister Vorne, possibly others. And Prefect Selene appears to be helping identify students for their special research groups."

  Thorne's expression darkened. "Selene? That's... unexpected. She's been one of our most promising students, impeccable record, perfect adherence to Academy protocols."

  "Too perfect, maybe," Ryo suggested. "Her magical signature has an unnatural precision to it."

  "What exactly is happening to these selected students?" Thorne asked.

  "They're being exposed to symbols and formulas that create connections to Outside entities. Not full possession, but influence – dreams, thoughts, gradually shifting priorities. The research they're conducting is designed to weaken the boundaries between realms."

  "To what end?"

  "The same end the Old Ones always seek – a way back into this realm, access to the physical world they lost long ago." Ryo paced the office, frustration evident. "They're using the Academy's own resources against it, turning your pursuit of knowledge into a weapon."

  Thorne was silent for a moment, processing this. "We need evidence – something concrete I can take to the King and the Academy Council. Suspicions and altered magical signatures won't be enough to move against established faculty members."

  "There are ancient texts being used in the research sessions. According to one affected student, they contain symbols that function as a 'key' of some kind. If we can secure those—"

  "Finding and securing unknown texts in an academy full of books is a significant challenge," Thorne pointed out. "Do you have any idea where they're being kept?"

  "Not yet, but I have leads. My roommate Morris is involved in the research. He hasn't returned since last night's session, but when he does, I might be able to get more information." Ryo hesitated, then added, "There's also a storage room near the administration building that contained unusual magical signatures – dimensional anchor points and containment fields."

  "I'll look into that personally," Thorne promised. "In the meantime, maintain your cover. Your sudden interest in these matters could alert those involved."

  "About that," Ryo said. "I've been challenged to a public demonstration by Darius Blackwell this afternoon. He's showing signs of Outside influence as well, though possibly unwitting."

  Thorne frowned. "Blackwell? The noble family is quite powerful. If their heir is being influenced..." He shook his head. "Be careful in this demonstration. Show enough skill to avoid humiliation, but not enough to raise suspicions. We can't afford to have your cover blown before we understand the full extent of the corruption."

  "I know how to handle myself," Ryo assured him.

  "I don't doubt it. But remember, you're operating under the dampening amulet's constraints. Your natural abilities are significantly reduced." Thorne stood, indicating the meeting was concluding. "Report anything new immediately. Use the secure crystal – I'll be monitoring it personally now."

  As Ryo left the Archmage's office, he considered his next steps. The challenge with Darius would need to be handled carefully, balancing the need to maintain his cover with the opportunity to examine the noble's corrupted magical signature more closely.

  He had just enough time for a quick meal before the afternoon classes began. In the dining hall, rumors about the upcoming challenge had already spread widely. Students whispered as he passed, some looking sympathetic, others amused at the prospect of the tavern keeper being publicly humiliated.

  Lydia joined him, sliding onto the bench with evident concern. "Everyone's talking about the challenge. Darius has been gathering quite an audience."

  "Let them watch," Ryo shrugged. "It's just basic elements."

  "It's never 'just' anything with noble students," Lydia warned. "Especially not Darius. He has a reputation for pushing boundaries in these demonstrations. Last term, he sent a scholarship student to the infirmary with third-degree burns during what was supposed to be a simple fire control exercise."

  That aligned with the darker aspects Ryo had sensed in Darius's aura. "I'll be careful."

  "That's not—" Lydia began, then stopped as a shadow fell across their table.

  Morris stood there, looking like he hadn't slept in days. His clothes were rumpled, his eyes bloodshot but unnaturally bright. The disturbing changes in his magical signature that Ryo had detected earlier had intensified dramatically.

  "Morris!" Ryo exclaimed with genuine concern. "Where have you been? You didn't come back to the room last night."

  "Working," Morris replied, his voice distant. "Important breakthrough. Professor Nelron says we're close to completion." He sat down mechanically, not touching the food in front of him. "The symbols aligned perfectly when we adjusted the third sequence. The boundary fluctuations were exactly as predicted."

  Ryo exchanged worried glances with Lydia. "Morris, when was the last time you slept?"

  Morris waved the question away. "Sleep is inefficient. Too much to do." He focused on Ryo suddenly, with uncomfortable intensity. "You're different. Your energy signature doesn't match your classification. Why is that?"

  The directness of the question was concerning. "Just untrained, I guess. Self-taught methods don't always align with Academy standards."

  "No, it's more than that." Morris leaned closer, studying Ryo with disturbing focus. "There's something constrained about your magic. Like it's being held back." He abruptly stood. "I need to tell Professor Nelron. He's been asking about anomalous energy patterns among new students."

  As Morris turned to leave, Ryo caught his arm. "Wait. What exactly are you working on with Professor Nelron? The symbols you mentioned – what do they do?"

  For a moment, something like the old Morris surfaced – uncertain, concerned. "I'm not sure anymore. It started as dimensional theory research, but now... the equations create patterns that shouldn't be stable, but are. And when they stabilize, I hear... whispers." He shook his head. "I have to go. There's another session tonight. Professor Nelron says we're reaching the critical threshold."

  Before Ryo could press further, Morris pulled away and hurried out of the dining hall.

  "That was disturbing," Lydia whispered. "He's worse than Eliza was, and she ended up in the infirmary."

  "It's accelerating," Ryo agreed. "Whatever they're building toward, it's happening soon."

  The afternoon classes dragged by, Ryo's attention split between maintaining his cover and planning his next moves. The challenge with Darius would need to be handled first, then he'd need to follow Morris to the evening research session.

  As the fifth bell approached, students began gathering in the practice yard. Word had spread beyond Ryo's year group, attracting a substantial crowd eager to watch the confrontation between the arrogant noble and the mature commoner student.

  Several faculty members were present as well, ostensibly to ensure safety protocols were followed. Ryo noticed Professor Nelron among them, watching with calculated interest rather than mere curiosity.

  Darius arrived with his usual entourage, drawing approving murmurs from noble students and resentful glances from scholarship recipients. Despite his earlier exhaustion, he seemed energized now, almost feverishly so.

  "I wasn't sure you'd actually show up, tavern keeper," he called, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Most commoners know better than to publicly display their inadequacies."

  Ryo stepped forward, projecting calm confidence. "Just here to learn, Blackwell. Isn't that what the Academy's for?"

  A faculty member – Professor Maren from Basic Elements – stepped between them. "This is an educational demonstration only," she reminded them. "Standard safety protocols apply. Basic elemental control only, no advanced techniques or combat applications."

  Both participants nodded their agreement. The crowd formed a circle around the designated area, eagerly anticipating the display.

  "As the challenged party, you may select the starting element," Professor Maren informed Ryo.

  "Fire," Ryo chose, knowing it was Darius's specialty. Let the noble think he had the advantage.

  "Very well. Begin with a standard maintenance flame, then proceed through the first-year control exercises. I will call each formation."

  Darius produced a perfect flame immediately, its color and intensity precisely calibrated. Ryo followed with a deliberately less refined version – stable enough to avoid embarrassment, but lacking the noble's technical precision.

  "Vertical column," Professor Maren called.

  Darius's flame extended upward in a perfect cylinder, maintaining even temperature throughout. Ryo's flame stretched more unevenly, wavering slightly at the top – a controlled imperfection.

  As they progressed through increasingly complex shapes, Ryo carefully monitored Darius's magical signature. The darkness he'd detected earlier pulsed with each manipulation, growing more pronounced with the more complex formations.

  "Divided streams," Professor Maren instructed.

  This required splitting the flame into multiple controlled tendrils while maintaining overall energy balance – a challenging exercise even for talented students. Darius performed it flawlessly, earning appreciative murmurs from the crowd.

  Ryo followed with a competent but less refined version, allowing one stream to flicker noticeably. Some students snickered at the apparent lack of control.

  "As expected," Darius commented loudly enough for all to hear. "Some people simply lack the natural affinity for proper magic."

  "Spherical containment," Professor Maren announced, moving to a more advanced exercise.

  This required creating a hollow sphere of flame with controlled temperature gradients – a technique usually taught in second-year classes. Darius formed his sphere with obvious ease, though Ryo noticed something concerning. The flame's natural golden color occasionally flickered with unnatural purple highlights – brief enough that most observers wouldn't notice, but unmistakable to Ryo's trained eye.

  When Ryo's turn came, he created a respectable sphere, though deliberately leaving the temperature gradients less precise than Darius's version. The contrast between their performances was clear, but not embarrassingly so.

  "Disappointed, tavern keeper?" Darius taunted. "Perhaps you should see what real control looks like." Without waiting for the professor's instruction, he dissolved his sphere and rapidly reshaped his flame into a complex, twisting pattern that rippled and flowed like liquid fire.

  "Lord Blackwell," Professor Maren warned, "please adhere to the called exercises."

  Darius ignored her, his display growing more elaborate. The crowd gasped as his flames formed intricate, almost hypnotic patterns. But Ryo could see what others couldn't – the unnatural purple undertones were becoming more prominent, and Darius's eyes had taken on a subtle glow.

  "This is what separates true mages from pretenders," Darius announced, his voice carrying an odd resonance. "The ability to push beyond artificial limitations, to touch real power!"

  His flames suddenly expanded, far beyond the safe parameters of a demonstration. Students at the edge of the circle backed away as tendrils of fire lashed outward.

  "Lord Blackwell! Control your element immediately!" Professor Maren demanded, raising her hands to prepare a containment spell.

  But Darius was beyond listening. His flames had taken on a distinctly unnatural quality now, the purple undertones dominating as the fire moved with a purpose that had nothing to do with the caster's conscious control.

  Several tendrils shot directly toward Ryo, moving too quickly for most observers to react. This was no longer a demonstration but an attack – whether initiated by Darius himself or the influence affecting him remained unclear.

  Ryo had a split-second decision to make. Maintain his cover completely and risk serious injury, or reveal just enough power to protect himself without exposing his true abilities.

  He chose the middle path, raising a defensive fire barrier just strong enough to intercept the attacking tendrils. The flames collided in a shower of sparks, drawing gasps from the audience.

  "Enough!" Professor Maren shouted, casting a powerful dampening spell that should have extinguished both sets of flames.

  Darius's fire resisted momentarily, the purple energy fighting the professor's control before finally dissipating. The noble student stood in the center of the practice area, breathing heavily, confusion replacing the earlier feverish energy in his expression.

  "What... happened?" he asked, looking genuinely disoriented.

  Professor Maren approached him cautiously. "You lost control, Lord Blackwell. The demonstration is concluded." She turned to the gathered students. "Everyone is dismissed. Return to your scheduled activities immediately."

  As the crowd reluctantly dispersed, murmuring excitedly about what they'd witnessed, Ryo noticed Professor Nelron watching Darius with calculating interest rather than concern. The professor caught Ryo observing him and returned his gaze with unexpected intensity before turning away.

  Lydia pushed through the departing students to reach Ryo. "Are you alright? Those flames were heading straight for you!"

  "I'm fine," Ryo assured her. "Good reflexes."

  "That wasn't normal fire," she said quietly. "Did you see the color? And the way it moved..." She shuddered. "Almost like it had a mind of its own."

  "I noticed," Ryo confirmed, watching as Professor Nelron approached Darius and led him away, speaking in hushed tones. "I think our friend Blackwell might be involved in something he doesn't fully understand."

  "Like Morris," Lydia realized. "The special research sessions."

  Ryo nodded. "And I'm betting Darius is heading to another one tonight, after that display. The corruption is accelerating, which means whatever they're working toward is reaching a critical stage."

  "What are you going to do?" Lydia asked.

  Ryo watched as Darius disappeared into the research building with Professor Nelron. "Follow them. Find those texts. Stop whatever's coming before it's too late."

  What had started as a simple investigation was rapidly escalating into something far more dangerous. The Old Ones' influence was spreading throughout the Academy, with key players in position and research advancing toward some imminent breakthrough.

  Tonight, Ryo would need to take more direct action, even at the risk of his cover. Because if the boundary between realms was already thin enough for Outside influence to manifest through Darius's flames, they had far less time than anyone had realized.