With his back against the wall, Stroud let his eyes wander across the canopy of glittering azure crystals that illuminated the presentation hall. Judging by the grand decor and the massive size of the room, he assumed that this must have been one of the areas that the Sanctum held those biennial gatherings in. And with spaces like these already existing, it was no wonder the Marchioness was able to so easily establish an Arcanium.

The cavern was wide and rounded; although, not very tall. Instead, the floor sunk deep into the earth in descending layers until it reached a marble dais that currently stood empty. Each layer was encircled by a long, nearly continuous table, around which the few hundred new students sat scattered about.

Their hushed whispers filled the air with a low buzz as everyone waited upon the Headmistress’s appearance. It had already been around ten minutes, by Stroud’s estimates, and the noise level continued to escalate with each passing second.

Impatient, his gaze turned back to Maeve. There were many empty seats around the tables — as all the servants had been told to stand in the back — and yet, the Madam found herself wedged solidly in between the Berg twins. Much to her obvious dismay.

Her brows furrowed darkly as the girl with the long platinum braid dangling down her back made what Stroud assumed to be another snide comment. Childish bullying; he knew it for what it was: jealousy.

His hope was that Maeve would be able to brush it off, but he knew how difficult it could be to ignore day in and day out. They were a long way from home, and the insults would slowly erode her self-esteem and patience. He would do what he could to help — as was his duty. Though, there would be many occasions, such as now, when he was in no position to intervene.

His spiritual perception crept out towards them again, but a sudden torrent of wind and light burst through the room, interrupting his observation. Stroud was forced to shield his eyes, retracting his consciousness hurriedly as his heart skipped a beat.

Gasps of mixed surprise and fear swept away the low chatter, and the room sunk into silent expectation as the light faded.

Crisp footfalls rang out as Lady Adelais’s presence swallowed everyone’s attention. She glided down the steps towards the speaker's platform, her aura and ornate sapphire robes billowing outward in tandem. Cold and regal, she lifted her chin proudly like she was a goddess descending from the heavens to impart her will upon her devoted believers.

Stroud scoffed inwardly at her grandstanding, but his nerves tightened as he vividly recalled the pressure she had suffocated him with during their first meeting only a few weeks ago.

“Welcome, students,” Lady Adelais’ clear voice traveled smoothly into the ears of everyone present without raising her volume above a conversational level. “It fills me with tremendous joy to see you all here today. I’ve been waiting a long time to reopen these halls, and who better to fill them with than the brightest young minds of the Principality!”

She paused as applause thundered through the cavern. “Now… Some of you may know me as Marchioness Adelais or the Warden, but here — I’m just the Headmistress. I want us all to put rank and pretense aside and focus ourselves on exploring the Arcane.”

Applause sounded again, albeit much less enthusiastically. Lady Adelais’ smile only widened. “Many of you have traveled long distances from all over the reaches to get here. And we want everyone — regardless of circumstances — to reach their full potential. Our mission is to provide you with the best environment to do so.”

Her eyes circled around the hall as she rotated to meet everyone’s expectant gaze. “This year, the 732nd of the Draimor Imperial calendar... will go down in history. I say that with confidence because it is the year that you all have taken your first steps towards becoming Magi. Your glory and prestige will shake not only the Principality but the entirety of the Redenia Kingdom and the broader lands of the Empire for years to come!”

As outlandish as her claims were, she had sufficiently riled up the young apprentices. Stroud could feel the swelling pride that pervaded the room with his powerful perception.

He didn’t know what Lady Adelais’ true goal was, but it was certainly not to win the favor of these teenagers. The barren depths spanning underneath her lofty pride had revealed that much to him in their last meeting.

From Stroud’s perspective, this woman cared only for herself, looking down on all others. And her ambitions could not be contained within this city — or even this kingdom.

He tried to peer deeper while her attention was scattered, but her spirit locked him down in an instant. Without turning to look at him, her voice was delivered seemingly directly into his mind.

“Find time to come visit my office tomorrow morning. I reside above the upper halls. My attendant will be expecting you…”

Startled, he glanced around to see if anyone else had heard anything, but the servants around him remained fixated on the headmistress as she waved farewell.

In the next moment, her parting words rang out for all to hear, “Prepare yourselves to be challenged and inspired… I look forward to seeing everyone working hard in the coming days!”

Another flash of light followed, and she was gone, replaced by a young Magus with dark hair.

Stroud’s mind stirred into action as the hall erupted with excited babble.

Barely anyone paid attention to the man’s frantic announcement, “Quiet down, please! Staff members are waiting outside the hall to pass out schedules and room keys! Please make sure to pick them up on your way out…”

***

The first night in the Sanctum passed uneventfully.

After the previous afternoon's meeting had adjourned, everyone was funneled back across the Borean tunnel to the Sanctum’s eastern wing.

The entire eastern half of the mountain peak that contained the Arcanium had been reappropriated to solely housing the apprentices and their servants. It seemed an excessive amount of space for barely more than a thousand or so people, but considering this place was previously used to accommodate Magi and their extensive posse’s up until now... maybe the opposite could actually be said.

Regardless, Stroud was still pleased with his new room as he rubbed the remnants of sleep from his eyes and glanced around. The bed rested atop a low slab of stone, but the mattress was feathered and actually large enough that his feet didn’t dangle over the edge. But most importantly, there was a washbasin in an attached area for his sole use. He’d grown used to drawing well water alongside the many housekeepers to wash at the Marwood manor, so these new luxuries were thoroughly satisfying.

Overall, he found it quite cozy. Though, he knew many would inversely see it as a relatively gloomy and cave-like space. The roof and walls were all curved, and there were no windows... But there was a grate in the ceiling that he assumed was for ventilation.

Yet, as satisfied as he was, Stroud couldn’t completely shake off the stirrings of jealousy as images of the mistress’ room flashed through his mind. The abodes of the servants could only be described as humble when compared to the formal, multi-room dorms of the students.

He’d seen Maeve’s when he helped her unpack her belongings yesterday, and admittedly, he was awed by the sight.

All the students had running water for both bathing and cooking — which Stroud had yet to figure out how it was achieved — and reception areas to host guests. They also had large workstations, and the young apprentices occupied all the outward-facing rooms with large, floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city.

The Madam had been delighted and he’d already been charged with purchasing decorations and plants while she attended her first lectures. But that would have to wait until later in the afternoon because right now he had an appointment to keep.

Stroud stepped out of the room and jiggled the key in his door’s lock until it snapped into place with a satisfying click. He’d spent much of the previous afternoon and evening contemplating the outcomes of this meeting.

Would she have a solution to his problem? It seemed plausible. Otherwise, he couldn’t imagine himself being of much use to her.

The price she would exact for a favor was certain to be heavy, but he was willing to pay almost any price for the opportunity to cultivate and gain power. And she likely knew that.

He would have to tread carefully. There was too much he didn’t know about Magi and the extent of their powers; his meeting with Gau had made that clear. Lady Adelais could exploit him in a multitude of ways he wasn’t even aware of in all likelihood...

Stroud exhaled a deep breath and put on his mask of apathy as he walked down the corridor toward the Borean Tunnel.

They were similar in that regard, he briefly acknowledged. Both he and Lady Adelais were skilled at hiding their true emotions and intentions.

Crossing the wide tunnel, Stroud immediately headed toward the intersection that had been pointed out to them during their tour. There was no need for a map in this place as the layout of the Sanctum was fairly straightforward — making it abundantly clear in his mind that these halls had not been designed by the original inhabitants and builders of Frostrane.

Puzzling once more over the incomprehensible layout of the inner city, Stroud took the northern staircase that spiraled toward the very top of the mountain peak. Upon reaching each floor, he slowed briefly to look out the windows revealing the cityscape. However, he found his eyes and mind were drawn more to the plains stretching beyond the walls.

It was so vast and bleak, and seemed to drain the brilliance of the city through its overwhelming scope. Out there, life continuously struggled to gain a foothold as grass and wildflowers sprouted amidst the sea of dirt and weeds. But these hearty plants could never fully overcome winter’s culling. They withered and perished year after year, only to bide their time below the surface — poking their head out precariously once again as the soil loosened in the spring.

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Even more impressive was the Tundra Walker's ability to persevere in such an environment. For centuries, their attempts to step into the kingdom had been thwarted after they’d been driven out by the Adelais family. One might think that such a long history of oppression would render them weak and hapless, but instead, they continued to thrive in the barrens and returned stronger to the borders each time...

Turning away, Stroud’s gaze was solemn. In the next few breaths, he finished his journey to the aerie, arriving in a cold and austere lobby that would put even medical professionals to shame.

A man wearing a full headwrap noted his arrival and held up a hand, signaling for him to stand by before disappearing behind a set of doors.

Stroud sat down upon one of the long benches, twiddling his thumbs idly as he waited… and waited. As time passed, he eventually settled into his Spirit Locus to work on his engraving. He figured he might as well get some work done if the Marchioness wanted to flex her authority.

At this point, more than a third of it had been completed; though, the most difficult part was yet to come. The inner portion of the sigil had more winding curves as well as varying depths and details in the markings. These were things difficult to distinguish when using the two-dimensional drawing on the parchment as a reference, so he had to feel them out naturally as he proceeded.

However, Stroud wasn’t worried about making any mistakes. It would just take time: about two more weeks for the interior, then another for the other half of the outer patterns, by his estimates. If he focused solely on its completion, he could cut down that period by a few days. But the cost in time was worth the payout — especially when his bodily strength was still lagging so far behind.

Feeling out the essence of a sigil and the runes within, allowed a Magus to increase the potency of their spells. It was one of the ways they distinguished themselves from their peers, and also the main reason that newly designed sigils were often the most effective in the hands of their creator.

Unfortunately, as soon as Stroud had settled into his work, the attendant reappeared and motioned him inside. He cursed Lady Adelais in his heart as he walked through the antechamber.

Statues depicting the same beast that had accompanied the woman to the Marwood estate glared down at him. But after experiencing the gaze of the real thing — the grandeur of mere marble and stone could in no way compare.

His steps carried him quickly into the office. Tucking his hands behind his back, Stroud straightened his posture as the doors slammed shut behind him.

The Headmistress didn’t speak right away, instead focusing her attention on the documents organized neatly atop her desk.

Throughout the room, tendrils of hoarfrost climbed the walls, throbbing ominously as they released a pale glow. Stroud’s heart quickly synced with their steady rhythm as he did his best to remain still and composed.

“I can’t give you exactly what you want.” The woman finally said as she dragged a fresh sheet of paper under her quill. “But I can offer you a degree of assistance — if you agree to work for me for a time…” A breeze swept through the room, punctuating Lady Adelais’ words as she let her offer hang in the air.

Stroud swallowed his saliva as his intestines squirmed uncomfortably. His final light of hope had been snuffed out so unceremoniously. Although, a part of him was relieved that she hadn’t claimed to be able to heal his Sea. He’d come to accept that what the old witch had told him was the truth. No one in the reaches — or possibly even the entire Empire — was capable of magic that could reverse the damage that had already been done.

“First, I must know what this work would entail,” Stroud replied, his voice shivering. She was much more… straightforward in her speech than in her actions, so he would try and behave in accordance.

Lady Adelais tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she halted her work and sat back in her icy throne. “Do you know the number one reason why Magi in the reaches — and in the Redenia Kingdom as a whole — struggle to advance to the 2nd Order?”

“I’m afraid not, Headmistress.” Stroud shifted his feet as her steely eyes fixed upon him.

“It’s because their bodies are too weak,” she spat out, her face briefly scrunching up with distaste. “Nura is easy enough to accumulate given time, but most Magi neglect improving their physique. This occurs either due to ignorance or their limited access to a properly designed aeditari technique — a more common problem in the reaches than one might expect...” Lady Adelais watched his reaction carefully, a smile now tugging at the corners of her lips.

“...Some people, like Baron Marwood, are blessed with natural robustness that allows them to avoid this pitfall. But many are born not much better off than you, and only manage to overcome their deficiency by spending decades in constant contact with the Nura stored in their body. And by that point, their lifeforce has greatly deteriorated. I only tell you this so that you’re aware: Even if you recover your Sea or cultivate through other means — which I have surprising confidence that you will — your progress will be sorely limited.”

“I presume you are offering a solution then?” Stroud remained stiff, his eyes trained over her left shoulder.

“Indeed.” The Headmistress sat forward, clasping her hands together as a predatory chill seeped through the office. “But we would have to perform a binding oath before I’d be willing to share the details. This involves one of my family’s closest held secrets, after all.

Goosebumps crept across Stroud’s skin, and he was unable to tell if they resulted from his excitement or the rapidly decreasing temperature. “That’s… fair. Though, I would still like to know more about what working for you would entail.”

Binding oaths were not uncommon among Magi, as far as he was aware. He'd seen mention of them a few times during his studies. When the law was unable to coerce people with supernatural power to abide by their word, practitioners could only resort to other means. Stroud was only hung up on the issue because he was unsure of their exact rigidness and consequences.

“Working for me is simple,” Lady Adelais replied promptly. There was a note of levity in her tone now. “I need more discreet eyes and ears within Frostrane and the Sanctum — especially from those willing to get their hands dirty.” Her words rolled off her tongue in a fluid, practiced manner, “Most Magi have an innate presence, as I’m sure you’ve felt, and this generally makes them poor candidates for subterfuge…”

Stroud could see where she was going with this, and he wasn’t entirely averse to the idea. Rather, his confusion stemmed mostly from disbelief. Who would dare make trouble in the Marchioness’ domain?

“...Your role as a servant is quite the opposite. It places you in an ideal position in the background.”

Nodding to indicate his understanding, Stroud carefully posed his next question: “May I ask who it is you need these eyes and ears upon?”

Her reply was blunt and assured, “The prince’s men. He didn’t help fund this school out of the goodness of his heart. It was only a convenient means for him to wedge his own agents into the Sanctum.”

Stroud fought the urge to step back. With a single word, this had become a matter he had little desire to involve himself in. And his hesitation was evident.

Lady Adelais snorted dismissively. “What? A powerful family suddenly opens up an Arcanium… Of course, the prince would want to keep an eye on them. I only need my own agents to ensure the peace of mind of my students. I’m sure you can understand that, right?” Her frown was innocent, but her eyes smiled teasingly.

“Headmistress—”

She held up a hand to interrupt him. “Prince Ajax and I stand at odds. It won’t be much of a secret for long. Redenia has long been fragmented, and the divide has only grown more clear now that the three princes are competing for the throne. Sides are beginning to form and it’s only a few of the more isolated nobles who remain unaware of this.”

Her voice took on an edge as she continued, “I’m offering you a chance to reap some benefits before the conflict escalates in the next few years. It matters not to me where you stand, Stroud. But for you — every step must be taken with care. I will give you a few days to decide. Think carefully...”

She waved him off unceremoniously and he departed after satisfying her with a hasty bow. The Magus wearing the guise of an attendant was nowhere to be seen as he passed back through the antechamber and the lobby.

Stroud slunk down the stairs and back into his cave in a daze, barely registering his arrival.

He felt light-headed and sick to his stomach as he sat in the darkness at the edge of his bed. While en route, his worries had uncoiled from his mind and punctured his heart with their poisonous thorns, wrapping snugly around it.

Part of him was relieved to discover that his fears had never been unfounded in the first place, but that glimmer of self-satisfaction was greatly overshadowed by their strengthened presence. They wrested themselves out of his control, swiftly growing beyond his range of comfort.

He had thought time to be on his side for once, but it had betrayed him again. Events had already been set rolling into motion and they were tumbling downhill with a speed he was not certain he would be able to outrun. Lady Adelais was no fool, but neither was Prince Ajax...

A few years—! Blood pumped furiously through Stroud’s veins as his dark eyes widened, blazing with a hint of madness. He refused to close them because all that waited for him behind his eyelids was the abyssal black waters of the Chasm.

Think, Stroud!

Lady Adelais’ estimate was sure to be generous. ‘A few years’ was likely when the conflict between her and the prince would erupt on the surface. Their battle in the shadows had already begun, and he had willingly delivered himself to the forefront.

Stroud’s breathing was heavy and ragged. In his mind, he could see the Guiding Hand grinning down at him from the depths of the void as he stumbled headfirst into every trap and pitfall it had designed. And it felt like looming behind Lady Adelais’ offer was another quagmire — deeper and more dangerous than any of the others. He would not be able to climb out with his meager strength.

It was no longer a simple matter of benefit or healing his Sea. It had become a fight for survival. And survive he must. There were still too many mysteries lingering behind the shadow of death and the process of transference into the afterlife. Unless he knew where the ferryman of the damned would deliver him and could ensure another successful reincarnation, Stroud was determined to exhaust every last option available to him in this life.

He contemplated running away. There were some meager funds remaining that could ferry him to another town or city… But what then?

More than anything else, he needed power and information if he was to become master of his own destiny. Since his very first day in this world — this thought had already been looping through Stroud’s mind in a neatly paved circuit. And his anxiety was the racecar scorching around this track. But now, his brakes had been cut and it was only a matter of time until his focus slipped and he crashed headfirst into a wall.

If he escaped and wandered aimlessly through the reaches, there were no guarantees. He had no practical skills outside of literacy and math, and those were not liable to take him far in such a dangerous world when he had no more connections to fall back on.

Stroud refused to rely on luck when the Mistress of Fate was dealing the cards.

At the Sanctum, he wasn’t completely without options. But with certainty, the Headmistress would make his life miserable if she didn't just outright have him killed for refusing her. The threat lingering at the end of her proposition was evidence of that.

Stroud had unknowingly delivered himself to the lion's den, and the lioness had issued him a choice: Join the pride or become their next meal.

Though, he rather imagined his existence in her mind would be more akin to a gladiator’s than a valued member of a family. He would fight in her name against the prince’s champions, receiving prizes for every victory whereas failure would mean his death.

For how long he fought in the bloody arena would be determined by how quickly he could gain her favor and prove himself more valuable than a mere pit fighter…

This was no longer a matter of him allowing his paranoia to rule his actions. Stroud was truly penned in. And he could only rely on himself.

The thorns punched deeper.