Ryo's first week at the Academy passed in a surprisingly mundane fashion. Basic Magical Theory involved sitting in uncomfortable chairs while Professor Linden, a thin man with perpetually ink-stained fingers, droned on about the "Fundamental Principles of Energy Manipulation" and the "Historical Development of Standardized Casting Frameworks." The content was so painfully simplified compared to Ryo's actual understanding that he found himself doodling tavern renovation plans in his notebook.

  "And that," Professor Linden concluded his morning lecture, "is why the Harmonized Casting System replaced the Elemental Priority Approach in the Fourth Era. Any questions before practical application?"

  The classroom remained silent. Most students looked as mind-numbed as Ryo felt, though for different reasons.

  "Very well. Proceed to the practice yard for basic fire manipulation exercises. Remember the safety protocols we discussed."

  The students filed out, Ryo falling into step beside Lydia, who had proven herself both intelligent and observant over the past week.

  "Is it just me," she whispered, "or did he completely contradict what he told us yesterday about energy conversion rates?"

  "Noticed that too," Ryo confirmed. "The theoretical framework they're teaching has inconsistencies. Almost like they're deliberately leaving gaps."

  "I thought I was going crazy," Lydia admitted. "I've been reading ahead in the textbook, and entire sections just don't connect logically."

  The practice yard was a large stone-paved area surrounded by magically reinforced walls. Scorch marks and discolorations told the story of countless student mistakes over the centuries. Today's exercise involved creating and maintaining a controlled flame – embarrassingly basic for Ryo.

  "Remember," instructed the practical applications teacher, a stout woman named Master Ferris, "focus on steady output. Control is more important than power at this stage."

  Students spread out across the yard, each taking a marked position. Ryo deliberately selected a spot near the back, hoping to attract minimal attention.

  "Lord Blackwell, perhaps you'd like to demonstrate proper form first?" Master Ferris called.

  Darius Blackwell stepped forward with well-practiced confidence. With barely a gesture, he summoned a perfectly formed flame that hovered above his palm, its size and brightness precisely calibrated.

  "Excellent control," Master Ferris approved. "Notice the consistent energy signature and stable perimeter. This is what you should all aspire to."

  As the demonstration concluded, students began their own attempts. Around the yard, flames sputtered into existence with varying degrees of success. Some students produced wild, fluctuating fires; others could barely manifest a spark.

  Ryo carefully created a moderately successful flame – stable but not too perfect, showing room for improvement without appearing incompetent. As he maintained the exercise, he took the opportunity to observe his classmates more carefully.

  Darius Blackwell was holding court with his usual entourage, making barely concealed mocking comments about the struggling students. But something else caught Ryo's attention – when Darius thought no one was watching, he practiced a different, darker variation of the flame spell. The fire briefly took on an unnatural purple tinge before he quickly reverted to the standard gold.

  Across the yard, a commotion erupted as one student's flame suddenly expanded uncontrollably, threatening to engulf nearby students. Master Ferris rushed to contain it, her counterspell efficiently smothering the wild magic.

  "Control, Mr. Wendell! This is exactly why we practice the basics!" she admonished the embarrassed student.

  As the class continued, Ryo noticed Prefect Selene watching from a balcony overlooking the practice yard. Her attention seemed particularly focused on the struggling students, making notes in a small book. When her gaze briefly met Ryo's, he quickly looked away, returning his attention to his deliberately mediocre flame.

  After class, Ryo headed to the dining hall, joining Lydia and a few other non-noble students who had formed a loose study group. The lunchtime crowd was segregated as usual – nobles at their dedicated tables, scholarship students clustered together, research-track students buried in books even while eating.

  "Did you see Wendell's flame?" a nervous first-year named Tam asked as they ate. "Master Ferris looked really angry."

  "She wasn't angry, she was concerned," corrected Felix, an older student in their study group. "Uncontrolled elemental magic can be dangerous. That's why they drill the basics so intensely during first year."

  "I heard some students get pulled from elemental training entirely if they can't maintain control," Lydia added, lowering her voice. "Redirected to theoretical studies or administrative tracks."

  "Speaking of redirection," Felix said, glancing around before continuing, "have you heard about the special research groups? Apparently some professors are selecting students for advanced studies outside the regular curriculum."

  Ryo's attention sharpened. "What kind of advanced studies?"

  "Nobody knows exactly," Felix replied. "Very hush-hush. But they're pulling students from different specialties – those with unusual magical signatures or rare abilities."

  "Like what happened to Eliza from our dormitory," Lydia added. "One day she's in regular classes, the next she's being moved to special accommodations and private tutoring. We barely see her anymore."

  This aligned with what Archmage Thorne had mentioned – students being identified and separated. Ryo filed the information away, mentally adding another thread to the pattern he was constructing.

  "How do you get selected?" Tam asked eagerly. "It sounds like a great opportunity."

  "Not something you volunteer for," Felix said. "They approach you based on their own criteria. Though rumor has it that Professor Nelron is the one making most of the selections."

  The same professor whose aura had appeared disturbed. Interesting.

  After lunch, Ryo had a free period before History of Arcane Development. Rather than joining the study group in the library, he decided to do some investigation of his own. The ward distortion he'd noticed on his first night warranted closer examination.

  The administration building was less crowded during class hours, with most faculty either teaching or working in their private offices. Ryo moved casually through the corridors, projecting the air of a student with legitimate business. The dampening amulet around his neck limited his magical senses, but he'd spent the week learning to work around its constraints.

  As he approached the area where he'd detected the ward distortion, he noticed something odd – the magical signature had shifted slightly, as if recently modified. Someone was actively maintaining and adjusting the magical blind spot.

  A door opened nearby, forcing Ryo to quickly pretend to study a notice board. Professor Nelron emerged from what appeared to be a storage room, accompanied by a student Ryo didn't recognize. The professor was speaking in hushed tones.

  "...remarkable progress, truly. Your affinity for boundary work is precisely what we've been looking for." Nelron's voice carried just enough for Ryo to catch fragments. "...special session tonight... bring no materials... will be provided..."

  They passed without noticing Ryo, continuing down the corridor and out of earshot. Once they were gone, Ryo casually made his way to the storage room door. It was locked, of course, but the magical seal was standard Academy issue – nothing special.

  With a quick glance to ensure he was unobserved, Ryo placed his hand near the lock, careful not to trigger any alarm wards. Even with the dampening amulet, he could manipulate enough energy to sense what lay beyond – not quite opening the door, just reading the magical imprints within.

  The room contained far more magical energy than a simple storage closet should. Layered wards, containment fields, and what felt like a dimensional anchor point – all disguised to appear ordinary to casual magical inspection.

  "What are you doing?" The sharp voice nearly made Ryo jump. He turned to find Morris, his roommate, staring at him with suspicion.

  "Looking for the registrar's office," Ryo improvised smoothly. "I need to adjust my class schedule."

  Morris looked skeptical. "That's a supply closet. And you were definitely casting something."

  "Just trying to sense if there was anyone inside before knocking," Ryo said with a sheepish smile. "Still getting used to the Academy's layout."

  "Registrar is on the first floor, north wing," Morris replied, still watching Ryo closely. "But actually, since I found you, there's something I wanted to discuss. About my research."

  Ryo followed as Morris led them to a quiet alcove away from passing students and faculty. The researcher seemed unusually agitated, constantly checking their surroundings.

  "I've made a breakthrough," Morris whispered, eyes bright with excitement or fear – possibly both. "But something's not right. The equations balance perfectly, but when I test the practical applications, there's... interference."

  "What kind of interference?" Ryo asked carefully.

  "It's like..." Morris struggled to find words. "Like something is reaching through from the other side of the formula. Something that shouldn't be there." He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. "And Professor Nelron keeps pushing me to continue, even when I express concerns about stability. He's provided texts I've never seen referenced in any official curriculum – ancient material with symbols I can't even identify."

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  This was exactly the kind of opening Ryo had been looking for. "Have you noticed anything strange about these symbols? Unusual effects when you copy them, maybe dreams about them?"

  Morris looked startled. "How did you know? I've been having the most vivid dreams since I started working with the new texts. Dreams about vast spaces between worlds, voices speaking in languages I shouldn't understand but somehow do." His voice dropped even lower. "And I'm not the only one. Other research students are experiencing similar effects. We've been comparing notes."

  "Morris, I think you should be careful with this research," Ryo warned. "Maybe take a step back, look at it from a different angle."

  "I can't stop now," Morris insisted, a feverish quality to his voice. "We're on the verge of something revolutionary. Professor Nelron says our work could redefine dimensional theory entirely. But..." he hesitated, conflict evident on his face. "Sometimes I wonder if we're being pushed too fast, if there's something we're not being told."

  Ryo chose his next words carefully. "If you're concerned, maybe speak with Archmage Thorne directly? Get a second opinion?"

  "No!" Morris looked alarmed. "Professor Nelron was explicit – our research is too controversial for the traditionalists. If the Archmage found out the full extent of what we're exploring, he might shut everything down." He glanced at a nearby clock. "I have to go. We have a special research session tonight."

  As Morris hurried away, Ryo felt the distinct weight of confirmation. The pattern was becoming clearer – Professor Nelron, altered ward structures, selected students working on dimensional boundaries, ancient texts with symbols that invaded dreams. Classic signs of Outside influence, manipulating Academy resources toward some larger goal.

  The real question was how many people were knowingly involved versus unknowingly manipulated.

  Ryo made his way to his History of Arcane Development class, mind working through the implications of what he'd learned. The classroom was already half full when he arrived, students settling into their assigned seats while Professor Valerian, an elderly woman with surprising energy, arranged her teaching materials.

  As Ryo took his seat, a cold voice spoke from behind him.

  "Enjoying your Academy experience, tavern keeper?" Darius Blackwell leaned against the adjacent desk, flanked by his usual companions. "I heard you struggled with even basic flame control this morning. Perhaps serving drinks is more your speed after all."

  Ryo maintained his cover persona, offering a mild smile. "Still learning. That's why I'm here."

  "Some people simply lack the natural aptitude for real magic," Darius continued, loud enough for nearby students to hear. "The Academy used to have standards, before they started admitting... commoners with delusions of magical talent."

  Several noble students snickered. Ryo noticed Lydia entering the classroom, her expression darkening as she assessed the situation.

  "Everyone starts somewhere," Ryo replied evenly. "Even you, I imagine."

  Darius's smile hardened. "The difference is that some of us begin with proper foundations, while others build on sand. I've been watching you, tavern keeper. There's something not quite right about your magic."

  That caught Ryo's attention. Had Darius somehow sensed something beyond the dampening amulet?

  "Not sure what you mean," Ryo said, maintaining his casual demeanor.

  "Your energy signature is... constrained. Artificial." Darius's eyes narrowed. "Like you're holding back, or hiding something."

  Before the conversation could continue, Professor Valerian called the class to order. Darius moved to his seat, but not before giving Ryo a final suspicious look.

  As the professor launched into a lecture about the Mage Wars of the Third Era, Lydia slid into the seat beside Ryo.

  "What was that about?" she whispered.

  "Just more noble posturing," Ryo replied, but inwardly he was concerned. If Darius could sense the dampening effect, others might as well – particularly those with enough power or sensitivity.

  The rest of the class passed without incident, though Ryo found himself genuinely interested in Professor Valerian's lecture. She described magical conflicts and developments with the pragmatic insight of someone who had lived through significant historical changes herself.

  "And that," she concluded, "is why standardized magical education became essential. Too many self-taught mages were causing dimensional instabilities through improper techniques. The early Academy's primary mission wasn't research or advancement, but stabilization – creating safe, reliable methods for channeling magical energy."

  As students filed out after class, Professor Valerian called Ryo back. "A moment of your time, Mr. Ryo."

  Lydia gave him a questioning look, but continued out with the other students, leaving Ryo alone with the professor.

  "Is there a problem with my work, Professor?" Ryo asked, adopting the slightly nervous tone of a mature student worried about academic performance.

  "Your written work is adequate, if uninspired," she replied, studying him with keen eyes that belied her age. "But that's not why I wanted to speak with you. I'm curious about your background."

  "Not much to tell," Ryo shrugged. "Ran a tavern in Millbrook for years. Recently discovered some magical ability, got recommended to the Academy by the local Knight-Captain."

  "Millbrook," Professor Valerian repeated thoughtfully. "Interesting timing. There have been reports of unusual magical activities in that region recently. Blood magic, I believe?"

  "There was an incident," Ryo acknowledged cautiously. "It was handled."

  "By whom?" she pressed. "The reports mentioned a powerful mage intervening, yet no Academy representative was dispatched to that area."

  Ryo maintained his cover story. "The Knight-Captain handled it, with help from local mages. I assisted where I could, which is how she noticed my abilities."

  Professor Valerian didn't look entirely convinced. "The Academy tracks magical disturbances very carefully, Mr. Ryo. Especially those involving forbidden practices. Yet the Millbrook incident has some... curious gaps in the official record."

  "I wouldn't know about official records, Professor. I just make ale and occasionally handle troublemakers."

  "Indeed." She gathered her teaching materials. "Well, if you recall any additional details about the Millbrook incident, my office is always open. The Academy's historical archives thrive on accurate accounts, not just official versions."

  As Ryo left the classroom, he pondered the professor's interest. Was it mere academic curiosity, or something more? Another thread to follow.

  The rest of the afternoon passed in relative normalcy. Ryo attended his final class, participated in the required study group, and maintained his cover as an unremarkable mature student trying to catch up to his younger peers.

  Dinner in the great hall provided another opportunity to observe the Academy's social dynamics. The faculty table seemed unusually tense, with several empty seats, including Professor Nelron's. Archmage Thorne was engaged in what appeared to be a heated but quiet discussion with several senior faculty members.

  "Something's up with the professors," Lydia noted as she joined Ryo at their usual table. "They've been having closed meetings all week. Felix says it's about curriculum changes, but I think it's something bigger."

  "Why's that?" Ryo asked, genuinely curious about her perspective.

  "The security around the restricted sections of the library has doubled," she explained. "And three advanced classes were suddenly canceled without explanation. Plus, have you noticed how many prefects are patrolling the grounds after dark now?"

  "You're very observant," Ryo commented, impressed by her awareness.

  Lydia shrugged. "Scholarship students have to be. We don't have family connections to fall back on if we fail." She lowered her voice. "There's something else. Eliza – the girl from my dormitory who got pulled into special research? She came back to get some personal items yesterday. She looked... different. Thinner, paler, with this strange intensity in her eyes. And she wouldn't talk about what she's been working on, just said it was 'too important for distraction.'"

  That matched patterns Ryo had seen before – the physical and psychological effects of prolonged exposure to Outside influences. The situation was progressing faster than he'd anticipated.

  After dinner, Ryo returned to his room, hoping to question Morris further about the special research session. But the room was empty, Morris's side uncharacteristically neat, as if deliberately organized before departure.

  Taking advantage of the privacy, Ryo removed the dampening amulet briefly, letting his senses expand to their normal range. The relief was immediate – like removing a thick blindfold. With his full abilities active, he could sense far more of the Academy's magical structure.

  The pattern of ward distortions wasn't limited to the administration building as he'd first thought. Similar magical blind spots existed throughout the campus, creating what amounted to a secondary network overlaid on the Academy's official defenses. Someone had been systematically modifying the protective magic, creating pathways through which other influences could enter undetected.

  Ryo focused on Morris's side of the room, scanning for traces of Outside magic. Sure enough, faint residue clung to his roommate's research materials – the distinctive energy signature of something not belonging to this realm, carefully disguised to avoid detection by conventional means.

  A knock at the door forced Ryo to quickly replace the dampening amulet. He opened the door to find Prefect Selene standing in the hallway, her perfect posture and immaculate uniform as intimidating as ever.

  "Routine room inspection," she announced, though her tone suggested this was anything but routine. "All East Tower rooms are being checked for prohibited materials."

  "Of course," Ryo stepped aside, allowing her to enter. "Though my roommate isn't here at the moment."

  "I'm aware," Selene replied coolly. "Morris is attending an advanced research session. This won't take long."

  She moved through the room with practiced efficiency, checking standard hiding places and casting what appeared to be a basic detection spell. If she sensed the traces of Outside influence on Morris's materials, she gave no indication.

  "You seem to be settling in well," she commented as she completed her inspection. "Your instructors report adequate progress, though nothing exceptional."

  "Just trying to learn the basics," Ryo replied with deliberate humility. "It's a big adjustment from tavern life."

  Selene paused, studying him with that same unsettling intensity he'd noticed before. "Yes, quite an adjustment. From Millbrook to the Academy. Interesting timing."

  There it was again – the second reference to Millbrook's "interesting timing" in one day. Clearly his cover story was drawing more attention than intended.

  "Just following the Knight-Captain's recommendation," Ryo maintained his story. "Right place, right time, I guess."

  "Indeed." Selene moved toward the door, then paused. "A word of advice, Ryo of Millbrook. The Academy has many layers. Not all learning happens in classrooms. Keep your eyes open, but don't look too hard in directions that don't concern you. For your own safety."

  The warning was unmistakable, though whether it was threat or genuine caution remained unclear.

  "I'll keep that in mind," Ryo promised. "I'm just here to learn the basics."

  After Selene departed, Ryo waited a reasonable interval before acting. Her "inspection" confirmed his suspicions that someone was watching him specifically, not just as part of routine Academy monitoring.

  He needed to communicate his findings to Archmage Thorne, but direct contact would be too obvious. Instead, Ryo retrieved the communication crystal Elena had provided, activating it with a subtle pulse of energy.

  "Progress update," he spoke quietly to the crystal. "Identified multiple ward distortions creating unmonitored access points throughout campus. Professor Nelron running unauthorized research involving dimensional boundary work. Students reporting dream influence and behavioral changes consistent with Outside contact. Recommend immediate investigation of special research sessions and ancient texts recently introduced to research students."

  The crystal pulsed once, indicating the message had been transmitted to its counterpart. Ryo carefully returned it to its hiding place, thoughts turning to his next steps.

  Morris would likely return with new information from tonight's session. Darius Blackwell's unusual aura and apparent ability to sense Ryo's dampened power warranted closer investigation. Professor Valerian's interest in Millbrook needed to be understood. And most importantly, the extent of Professor Nelron's activities needed to be mapped before confronting the source of corruption.

  As Ryo prepared for bed, maintaining the routine of an ordinary student, he reviewed the Academy's political landscape as he now understood it. The traditionalists led by Archmage Thorne, focused on stable, proven magical approaches. The progressives, ostensibly led by Professor Nelron, pushing boundaries and recruiting talented students. And beneath it all, the subtle influence of Outside forces, exploiting academic ambition and the hunger for new knowledge.

  The pieces were coming together. Now he just needed to determine how far the corruption had spread, and who was knowingly participating versus being unwittingly manipulated.

  Tomorrow would bring new classes, new opportunities to observe. And perhaps, if Morris returned from his special session, new insights into exactly what the Old Ones were trying to achieve within the Academy's hallowed halls.