Karn paused momentarily at the entrance of Master Theodoric's office, his eyes widening in surprise. The room was a labyrinth of towering stacks of ancient books, gleaming artifacts, and rolls of arcane scrolls that seemed to defy gravity with their precarious balance. These makeshift walls formed serpentine trails leading to a desk situated at the heart of the room.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Karn asked.

“It says Master Theodoric on the door,” responded Ellie who was in awe her eyes scanning the organised chaos before her.

Karn shrugged, hesitating for a moment longer before moving through the maze of treasures.

Behind the desk, a grand painted window reached towards the ceiling. It splashed the room with vibrant hues, creating a dance of colours that twirled and blended with the soft glow of the scattered candles around the room.

Ellie leaned close to Karn, her eyes darting around the cluttered room. "This place is a fire hazard," she whispered with a raised eyebrow.

Karn glanced around, suppressing his amusement. "Imagine the stories these flames would tell," he replied with a chuckle.

The effect of the candles meshing with the light outside was mesmerizing, a combination of order and chaos, tradition and magic.

Taking a deep breath, Karn ventured further in, threading his way through the delicate labyrinth. As the light danced over the countless magical objects, each shimmering, pulsing, or quietly humming with its own energy. The very air was thick with dust and energy.

Hope's eyes widened in wonder, her earlier nervousness momentarily forgotten as she craned her neck, trying to make sense of the eclectic collection. Ellie, always observant, tried to identify some of the objects, while Ralina's fingers twitched, a reflection of her restless spirit amidst this trove of treasure.

Approaching the desk, they found the stooped silhouette of the university's Master. His deep-set eyes flicked up briefly, capturing their gazes for a fleeting moment. With a subtle nod, he acknowledged their presence, inviting them to approach.

Karn took a deep breath. "Master Theodoric, with all due respect, our names were added to the Event Trials without our consent. We believe Marcella put our names down."

Master Theodoric, seated behind a grand desk of carved mahogany, raised an eyebrow. He studied them for a moment, his expression unreadable. "In this institute," he began, voice measured and cool, "it's a grave mistake to make unfounded accusations."

Ralina opened her mouth to retort, but Karn placed a calming hand on her arm.

Master Theodoric continued, "I put your names down for the trials."

The group exchanged surprised glances, all equally taken aback.

Theodoric’s expression didn’t change in the slightest as he persisted, "each of your potentials are outstanding, and it's only natural for scholarship students of such calibre to participate. This university's reputation rests on the abilities of its students. Also, your continued education here is dependent on how well you perform."

Karn felt overwhelmed. He'd come to the university to learn about the book of the known, but unexpected complications were already arising. Frustration clouded his usual calm.

"Why?" Karn finally uttered.

Master Theodoric leaned back, intertwining his fingers. "Because young Karn, sometimes the path to our goals isn't straightforward. Sometimes it's through a path of challenges we didn't anticipate."

Ellie clenched her fists, "But we didn't ask for this."

"No one does," the Master responded softly, then added. “One must use a whetstone to sharpen one’s axe.”

Karn's thoughts swirled, a storm of frustration, concern, and determination. This was not the start he had envisioned, but he'd be damned if it was the end.

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The rich amber hues of sunset played on Theodoric's face as he looked intently at the young faces before him. There was a serene gravity to his bearing, his eyes reflecting both wisdom and compassion.

"These trials," he began, pausing momentarily to let his words sink in, "are not barriers. They are bridges."

Ellie exchanged a quizzical glance with Karn.

Theodoric continued, "Each challenge, each trial you face, is tailored to match the trajectory of your education. As you grow and evolve within our university's programs, so too will the trials. Think of them as a mirror, reflecting your academic and personal journey."

Ralina's eyes searched Theodoric's for any sign of deceit. "So, you're saying these trials are... for own good?"

"Precisely," Theodoric confirmed, nodding. "Each trial you face is intricately designed to complement your learning curve, ensuring that you're tested on what you know and pushing you to discover what you're capable of."

A lightness began to replace the tension that had initially filled the room. Yet, Karn's furrowed brow remained. The idea of a personalized trial did offer a semblance of reassurance, but time was the enemy he was most fearful of.

"I understand the purpose, Master," Karn voiced, his tone measured but laden with underlying urgency, "Time is not a luxury we, have."

Theodoric's gaze fixed intently on Karn, assessing the depth of his concern. "Young man, the road to true understanding is seldom straight. Hastiness can be as much an obstacle as any external challenge. You must learn to discern when to sprint and when to stride."

Karn swallowed hard, grappling with Theodoric's words.

"Now, ladies, could I speak with Karn privately for a moment?"

Ellie and Ralina exchanged uneasy glances. "Of course, Master," Ellie said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Ralina added, "We'll be right outside," as they carefully navigated their way through the cluttered office.

As the door clicked shut behind the departing group, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Master Theodoric turned his piercing gaze to Karn, his deep-set eyes seeming to read straight through him. "Karn," he began, voice soft yet weighty, "You may have the other master’s fooled, but I've been in this line of teaching long enough to recognize when a student is driven by more than just academic curiosity. Sit."

Karn took a deep breath and settled into one of the heavy chairs opposite Theodoric's desk, which was almost hidden beneath a pile of scrolls and tomes.

"What is it you seek?" Master Theodoric asked, leaning back, his fingers steepled.

Choosing his words carefully, Karn responded, "I, uh. I wish to find a way, a spell, or a method to traverse... distances. Greater distances than what's considered normal."

"Distances or dimensions?" Theodoric's voice carried a hint of challenge.

Karn hesitated, then chose to remain vague. "Both, perhaps. It's a form of transportation I seek, to places not easily reached."

Master Theodoric's gaze sharpened. "You tread on dangerous grounds, young man. Such pursuits can lead to unintended consequences." He paused, considering. "Your cryptic description matches my concerns about you. But understand this: rushing headlong into the unknown without proper guidance is a fool's errand."

Karn nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Theodoric's scrutiny.

"You're referring to something that isn't categorized within the recognized event spell casting books," Theodoric continued. "But that doesn't mean it's forbidden. It simply means you must tread with care."

Karn leaned forward. "So, you'll help me?"

Master Theodoric held up a hand. "Not so fast. First, you must study under both me and Master Waverly. He has expertise in events that could be invaluable to you. Only when you have a robust foundation of knowledge and understand the implications of what you're asking can you venture into such a pursuit."

Karn felt a mix of relief and frustration. He had hoped for a straightforward answer, but Theodoric's caution made sense.

"This university," Theodoric mused, "is a place of discovery, of pushing boundaries. But it is also a place of responsibility. Remember that."

Karn nodded, taking in the Master's words, knowing the path to his goal might be longer and more challenging than he'd anticipated, but it was a path he was determined to tread.

Karn descended the tower's winding stairwell, the weight of the conversation with Master Theodoric heavy on his mind. He emerged into the dimming light of the evening, spotting his friends waiting for him just beyond the archway.

Ellie raised an eyebrow at him, "What took you so long? Trying to become teacher's pet already?"

Karn smirked, "Apparently, it's hard to keep secrets in this place."

Ralina snorted, "Secrets? In a school of magic men and seers? Good luck with that."

Hope giggled, "Besides, Karn, you're as transparent as Scarf."

Karn playfully rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the support, guys."

Ellie patted Karn's back. "Come on. Let's head back home. We don’t want to bump into those spoilt brats from today."

Hope smirked, "Did you all catch Marcella's face after Ellie's jab? She looked like she'd choaked on a Binlop."

Ralina's laughter erupted, catching them off guard.

"A Binlop?" Ellie and Karn questioned in unison, eyebrows raised.

Ralina and Hope exchanged amused glances. Ralina then explained the details while Hope was trying to stifle her giggles. Ralina ended her explanation with a wink.

Karn's laughter boomed, while Ellie's eyes widened, taken aback by Hope's comment.

"I didn't think you had it in you, Hope," Ellie teased.

The group shared a collective laugh, the stresses of the day melting away with every tear shed. As they made their way to the Amber sector, the university's golden lights twinkled in the distance, reflecting their shared determination. There were so many questions, so many challenges ahead, but one thing was certain: they were in this together.