Sunday morning, the beginning of Sam’s second month on New Terra, brought with it with a change in routine. He was going to omit his fifteen minutes of morning meditation in favor of physical exercise. This would also happen to be the first instance of Sam straying from his new(ish) twice a day meditation habit and while he was far from happy about it, he was fairly confident that he’ll have no trouble returning to the habit tomorrow.

Yesterday, Lin had given him some exercises to train with during the days they weren’t going to meet (so technically, his first batch of homework). And while he only had to do the exercises three times in a week, with Sunday out, he still wanted to make sure he was doing it right. So he opted to perform it first thing in the morning, while it was still the freshest in his mind, and before working out this evening, when his friends could supervise him.

He did consider leaving meditation as it was and taking those fifteen minutes from his study time, but decided against it after taking into account the pace he and Dan were able to make in (highschool) magical theory due to Sam’s independent studying. Especially since his and Dan’s time together was going through a major change on Tuesday, when Dan will finally only have to spend half of their lesson in complete boredom while watching Sam struggle with the basics of practical magic. He wasn’t sure what would take the place of gathering practice, seeing as they’ve already managed to slot in magical theory with only minimal problems (and minimal lengthening of their already very long sessions).

He assumed patterns, though. The subject they started with way back when, in what was functionally their first lesson together, but haven’t touched ever since. Sam wasn’t happy with the prospect of going back to that difficult and incomprehensible subject, especially since he now had the (comparatively) more enjoyable experience of learning magical theory to contrast it with. Although, he was heartened by the thought that compared to four weeks ago, his knowledge of patterns and magic in general, while obviously still lacking, was leaps and bounds above not just his knowledge, but even his basic understanding of what magic was back then.

He took special solace in the fact that, unlike with math, patterns were also regularly applied by all people (or almost all people, based on some surveys Sarah showed him). Which meant that there were plenty of idiots out there who have managed to master at least the rudimentary aspects of patterns so that they could imprint without someone to guide them through the entire process (pricey enough for even your level 1 patterns). Which meant that Sam could too. And if he could master the basics, he could master Basic Patterns one through three. And so on and so on.

“Pretty stupid to get all caught up in worrying about that now, though,” Sam grumbled as he started upon some very minor stretching and warm-up maneuvers. What with it not coming into play for at least the next two days. Oh well, something being stupid never stopped my mind from being stupid before.

Warm-up finished, Sam settled his feet firmly on the floor and adjusted his body to the initial fighting stance Lin had taught (and kept teaching) him. Five different exercises. Three minutes each. Three for footwork: one for going on the offensive, one for defensive, and one for when you were too stupid and indecisive to pick one or the other, as Lin termed it. Then two exercises for attacking with a thrust (although they were still mostly footwork as Sam had no weapon to work with): a constant barrage of attacks in a consistent tempo, meant to wear down your opponent, and an all out rushing attack, for when you were all out of ideas and about to drop dead anyway.

A couple of sessions ago, Sam asked Lin when they were going to start learning about using the spear for defense. “When your offensive ability reaches a point where your life will actually be worth defending,” was what Lin said. He then immediately ruined it by telling Sam, “In all likelihood, in about two months.” And if only Sam knew about the upcoming tournament then, he would have had a great—an OK joke about not being ready in time for it. There’ll be more chances to tell it later, he consoled himself while transitioning between the pure footwork exercises to the “spear” ones.

Seven minutes later he was all finished and, after drinking some water (he sent the leftover soft drinks from yesterday back with Yvessa), sat down to get some studying down. He was almost a third through the textbook and it was showing. He still made short work of the exercises and questions, but they started forcing him to sometimes go back a couple of pages and reread the information and examples so he could answer them. This lion’s share of the textbook was more on the practical side then, by Dan’s own admission, meant to ready the prospective (and nonexistent) ignorant academy student to university level magical theory. Or, to be more exact, to the university level of studying the practical applications of magical theory. Since, for the most part, the academy’s mandatory courses on magical theory weren’t intended for the pursuit of theoretical knowledge by its students.

He made very good time, finishing one and a half chapter (laying the cause for that at Dan’s feet, of course), and stopping himself from setting upon the third because even were it not longer than the previous two, he would not have had enough time to finish going through it before breakfast. He then opened up his schedule to see where he was, compared to where he should have been, and, seeing that he was more than a session ahead in everything but math and statistics (neither scheduled for today), decided to use the remaining time in order to cultivate. Amazingly, despite it being very in character for him after hearing Yvessa’s “admission” yesterday that spending so much time cultivating wasn’t most people’s cup of tea, Sam felt no mental weariness, or even unwillingness, from spending the time as he did. Chalk it up to the novelty of the activity.

Unfortunately for Sarah, based on the frown on her face, she was having the exact opposite of a morning he had. “Dwarves were extra hard today, then?” he asked her while squeezing her shoulder for comfort.

“Ugh… don’t even get me started. She basically took everything we studied up till now and turned on its head. And it’s still supposed to fit together somehow? It doesn’t make a lick of sense.”

“My commiserations. And dropping out of the course is completely out of the question?”

“No… I’m too committed. I want to see this through. Besides, unlike other courses, this course doesn’t have any mid-trimester papers that I need to work on, only a test and a paper at the end, so if I was dropping any one course, this wouldn’t be it.”

“Want some of my Dan time for him to help you with your essay on the best patterns for trenches triage?”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “How do you know about that?”

“Don’t worry, you haven’t slipped up. I overheard you recording a message to Maurice about that a couple of days ago when we were working out.”

“Rude…”

“I’m warning you, don’t get me started on talking on the phone in public spaces. So, want me to deliver your plea for assistance to Dan? Ask him to spend some of his time with you instead of me?”

“No, I don’t need Dan’s help. Nor do I need him to help me at your own cost. What I need is to sit on my ass and spend more time studying, like you are.”

“That’s a tough ask. You’re working out twice as much as me and have at least four weekly combat practice sessions to my three. Maybe if you cut working out from today? Use that early morning for some extra studying instead?”

She gave him an incredulous look. “Are you joking? Working out is the only thing keeping me sane as of late.”

“So that leaves just the optional combat practices on Saturday, but you haven’t been going to any of those for the last three weeks, so I’m assuming you’re already counting that.”

She winced. “Yeah… once the midterm rush is over, I’ll go back to that, at least once every other week. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m not trying to change up my schedule to accommodate more studying in place of something else. I want to be able to use most of my free time for studying like you are.”

“So on the one hand you’re always on me that I’m working ‘too hard’, but on the other hand you want to be more like me? Shall we ask the audience what’s wrong with that statement? Besides, since when have I become the measurement by which people judge how hard they are studying or training? Don’t think I don’t realize what you’re trying to do. Letting Yvessa plant the seeds of the idea in my head yesterday, and then help them grow by reiterating on what she said today.”

“What are you talking about? The bit where Yvessa complimented your ability to be able to start cultivating at a moment’s notice and all the damn time? That’s got nothing to do with what I’m saying. Besides, just because I think that you should be taking it easier doesn’t mean that I can’t think that I should be pushing myself more. And since I’m not actually pushing myself as hard as you are, but just wish that I were, I think I’m more than justified in reproaching you for your reckless behavior.”

“Agree to disagree,” Sam said as he sat down next to Felix, “on both counts.”

“Starting the morning on the usual foot, I see.” Felix smiled.

“No. But speaking of foot. Lin gave me homework exercises to train in yesterday. So I’ll need you to judge my performance in them before we workout later.”

“Why me?”

“Cause you’re the spear guy of the group. And you’re the one I sat down next to. I don’t understand what you’re whining about, though, it’s not like I’ll only be wasting your time. Sarah and Yvessa won’t start until we finish with my bit.”

“Oh great,” Yvessa intoned, “so I’ll just use that time for cultivating, shall I?”

“How long are the exercises?” Sarah asked Sam.

“Fifteen minutes. But this’ll just be a onetime thing. So you don’t need to worry about losing any more of your precious, obviously just as scant as mine, free time.”

“And what about my free time, then?” Felix asked. “You’re going to give me back those fifteen minutes somehow? Not all of us are able to starve ourselves of entertainment like you can, you know?”

“Don’t you start with me on that as well. You’re just strengthening my conviction that a conspiracy has been brewed.”

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“The only conspiracy around here is the three of us trying Sarah to drop some of her electives. Any progress on that, by the way?”

Sarah released a threating growl. “No. And there won’t be any. Just like there isn’t any conspiracy involving you, Sam.”

“Not necessarily,” Yvessa said. “The only thing we know for certain is that we aren’t part of any conspiracy regrading him.”

All heads turned to regard her. “What?” Sarah asked her.

“Well… think about it. As a future Ruler, and all the hubbub surrounding him as a result of Farris’ involvement, it would make sense if someone out there had some secret machinations—don’t have to be nefarious—about Sam and his future.”

“The cynical and jaded diplomat’s daughter has a good point,” Sam said. “Although, I would have to wonder what exactly constitutes a conspiracy before I agree with her. Also, I’ll have to think about what it means for my ego if I’m willing to allow the possibility of strangers out there having plans about me.”

“I wouldn’t worry about your ego too much,” Felix said. “After all, the gap between ‘strangers out there’ and one of the most important people in the Web wrecking havoc because he wanted an excuse to meet you isn’t all that big.”

“Yeah, but deep down I still think Farris is somewhat insane so I’m more comfortable internalizing his weird opinion of me. Wait, does what he did with the summit and coming to meet me count as a conspiracy?” Sam asked Yvessa.

She shrugged. “I can think of some people who would probably think so. Although they’ll see the conspiracy directed at them instead of you.”

“Well, whatever the case. The whole discussion is moot without an agreed upon definition of what a conspiracy is. Note that I won’t accept any definition that doesn’t have your recent statement about me and my usage of time as a part of it.”

“No one’s conspiring to convince you of anything, Sam,” Sarah said. “People are just telling you the truth. You just don’t want to admit that it’s the truth.”

Sam shook his head. “Maybe so. But I’ll just wait for an unbiased opinion on the matter, if you don’t mind. Maybe ask my fellow mentee to weigh in.”

“I’d like the record to show that Sam was the one who brought Erianna up now,” Yvessa said.

“Hold on a minute. That doesn’t count. I didn’t mention her by name.”

“It counts. I think it’s been well established at this point, to everyone here, who your fellow mentee is, so that mentioning her name wasn’t necessary.”

“Yeah… alright.” Sam reclined his head in an admission of defeat. “Oh, Felix, before I forget, I got a text about your PC today. They’ll send it by tomorrow or the day after.”

“Please let it be tomorrow.” Felix crossed his fingers.

“It’s only been four weeks. I’m not going to be able to help you carry it to your room.”

“Why are you so sure that’s my reasoning? Maybe I just want to get it as soon as possible.”

“Then you would’ve paid for their premium express shipping or whatever. I still don’t know why you didn’t.”

“Because I understand the value of money.”

“Sure you do. Anyway, I gave them your information as well, so you’ll be able to go pick it up from security without me there. If I’m not with you when it gets here, I’ll text you.”

“And if you are with me, you’ll come with me to get it.”

“Fine, whatever. Just remember all your complaining when it comes time for you to help me this evening.”

“I’ll try,” Felix lied. “And speaking of trying”—he turned to Yvessa—“I think I’m going to try for two of the physical combat practice lessons on the next two Saturdays. You coming with?”

She shook her head. “I’ll just join you for the first one. Twice a day seems like overkill. Plus, I’m going to win anyway, so…”

“So cocky? And not just sure of beating me, but everyone else as well? No dark horse which could possibly upstage you?”

“Nope. Blame having access to the same sword instructors that a Sarechi royal princess had since I was nine.”

“Nice!” Sam gave her a thumbs up and mimicked writing on his palm, audibly mumbling, “So that negates mine.”

Felix chuckled, and said to Yvessa, “Well, if you’re so sure of yourself, then I won’t argue with you. Can’t say that I’m not hoping for you to be wrong and for me to win. But I guess that I’m still allowed to hope that you won’t end up regretting your confidence.”

“Thank you, I suppose,” Yvessa said. “You do realize that with your planned schedule, you won’t have a lot of time to appreciate the new computer Sam so generously bought for you?”

“Nah, I’ll make time, move some things around. Enough to get well acquainted with that fancy VR setup to let off some steam before the tournament.”

Sam held up his hands in warning to the table. “Nobody say anything. Don’t encourage him.”

“That reminds me,” Yvessa said, “what are either of you going to do with your fancy new computers when it’s time to graduate?”

“Send it back home,” Felix answered. “I’m pretty sure any one of my sisters would be able to make good use of it… Anything to add to that, Sam?”

“Hm… no. I’m not going there.” He shook his head. “I guess that means that I’m sending the PC to Felix’s sister, then. I was going to donate it anyway, so it might as well be to people who I ‘know.’”

“Make sure you scrub the hard drive first, though, will you?”

“Wow. So you just made the joke that I purposefully didn’t. Jerk move. And after all I’ve done for you and yours in the computer department.”

What remained of the breakfast (for Sam) passed very quickly from that point and the minute his glass and plate were emptied, he got up and bid his friends goodbye. He had a reason for leaving as early as he did, of course, one that didn’t have anything to do with being any more hardworking than his peers. He was simply conscientious of his body. So despite his new workouts becoming easier, it was still very stupid to downplay their effect on his body. Especially when you added the effects from the extra thirty-minutes that he would’ve spent exercising by the end of the day. So, his reason for leaving early was that he planned to walk in a very leisurely place to Dan’s building. He only managed to bear through it for half the distance, though. The latter half he passed in his usual brisk walking speed.

Operating by habits already deeply ingrained in him by this point, he opened the door to Dan’s office without announcing himself beforehand. His old habits hadn’t prepared him for the possibility of more than two people capable of being spatially located in the confines behind the door. So it came as a surprise that a genuine prefix-less general was sitting with her back turned to Sam, deep in conversation with… what was Dan’s rank even?

“Sam,” Dan said while looking up at him and away from the screen he was just pointing at, “early as usual, I see.”

Sam nodded sheepishly, closing the door behind. “You know me. I hate to disappoint more than I have to.”

“May I introduce General Sakina Asun? Fear not, we were just finishing.”

“Were we?” asked the general with a half smile and raised eyebrow. “Usually it is the higher-ranking officer who dismisses the junior.”

“Usually we’d be sitting at your office, on the opposite sides of the desk.”

She let out a small chuckle and stood up facing Sam, presenting her hand forwards. “It is a pleasure to finally put a living face to the name, Mr. Anders. The entire chain of command has heard a lot about you in the last couple of weeks.”

“Um…” Sam shook her hands on instinct. “Aren’t I supposed to salute or something?”

“Only in… two and half years, is it? Going by your ambitions. Until you graduate, you are still not sworn in.”

“I thought I was under the authority of Home Command as a cadet.”

“You are,” Dan said, “but not as a solider yet. You are, for all intents and purposes, a civilian contractor.”

“Also,” General Sakina added, “you’re technically not under the authority of Home Command but rather of Education Command, and the relationship between the two is very complex. Less so when it comes to the cadets here, though, as under EDCOM you’ll find the only branch of the military with any actual jurisdiction concerning you. And trust me, you won’t find a branch more lax with its requirement for military discipline than COTAR. Still, if you’re so inclined to, I won’t say no to a salute from a future ruler. I won’t be getting one from any of them anytime soon.”

“I’ll have to decline, then, I’m afraid,” Sam said. “I’d like to put me as far away as possible from ‘military discipline’ while I still can.”

“Better train hard to make Ruler, then. Even level 10s—most level 10s—aren’t so far removed from the mandated military etiquette. Well then, since I have been so decisively dismissed, I won’t keep you two from your duties any longer. Dan, send me your opinion once you’re finished with it. Don’t bother having other people weigh in. Mr. Anders, I await our meeting under official circumstances with bated breath. Farewell.”

Dan got up to walk her to the door, and after closing it behind her, nodded to Sam and started on his usual beverage-making ritual for the two of them. Sam sat down, well acquainted with the two minutes wait at this point. Thanking Dan for his glass of cold water, he asked, “So, what was that about?”

“Nothing for you to worry about, I assure you. General Asun just wanted my opinion—but really a sign of my support—for a new policy she hopes to bring forward.”

“So this was like a political courting call? That’s why she came all the way here?”

“In a way…” He took a long sip once he saw Sam’s questioning look. “Very well, no use beating around the bush. I suppose that I might as well tell you what this was about, seeing as teaching you about the military and it’s operations is one of the academy’s major goals. General Asun is newly promoted to her position, which itself was newly created just recently.”

“Wait, how recently?”

“Two weeks ago, good catch. Yes, both her new rank and position are a result of changes brought on by the summit that your mentor called on short notice. Although, neither brought any functional changes to General Asun’s day to day, I assure you. Instead of being the lieutenant general in charge of Terran Inner-Web Operations, she is the Commanding General of Terran Inner-Web Command. A completely meaningless change for anyone who doesn’t care about the intricate politics of the military’s command structure away from the front.”

“And is General Asun such a person?” Sam asked.

“In a way. It depends on how you define such a person. But in any case, I would categorize Sakina as one of those politicians who are more concerned about using politics to advance their own agenda, simply than for just politics’ sake. From that aspect, she would only care about her new rank because it might help her accomplish what she wants to set out and do.”

“Which in this case is?”

“Create a joint training program for senior commanding officers between us, the elves, and the deshars.”

“Sounds reasonable… right?”

“Indeed, and it is a plan which she would’ve never been able to propose were she still without her new authority.”

“So you’re going to give her your support?”

“Yes, but she won’t need it. This plan of her, with all it’s consequences was thought of long before she received her promotion or the summit which caused her promotion was called.”

Sam chuckled. “What, are you saying that it was some sort of conspiracy?”

“All I’m saying is that I don’t foresee neither the deshar military, nor the elven one, objecting to her proposal. Your mentor would’ve made sure of that. And by making sure one of his closest allies in the Terran military got what seems like only a promotion on paper, he could hide the signs of him being a part of the proposal’s conception. But enough of that for now. We’ll circle back to this topic at lunch if you’re still interested. You’ve already lost the few minutes you gained by being early, and you should be well aware that we have a hectic two days before us.”

And I might have some reevaluating of Farris to do before me. And some research if I want to teach my own conclusion independently. Nah… I’ll just grill him about this if I still care when we next talk.

“So we’re definitely finished with focusing so much on gathering?” he asked Dan.

“Yes, although it’s still going to take up most of our time on the first two days of the week, when we’ll still practice.”

“And what will we do on the other days?”

“If all goes according to plan, half of the day will be spent on tracing practice. The other half will be split between magical theory and patterns. Which we’ll go back to on Tuesday. But, I also want to start you on applied tracing sometime soon, next week I hope. We’ll see.”

“Applied tracing? Like actual magic?”

“Actual magic indeed. I want you to start being able to trace simple self-restorative tracings. Very inefficient in both time and magic, but in lieu of your lack of patterns. And since we’re going to be having you train in tracing anyway, why not get something out of it? Of course, it’ll be quite a while before you’ll be able to trace those. We’ll have to work our way up to them.”

“Well, I, for one, can’t wait. Hopefully, I’ll finish working my way up before Sarah decides that my workout’s difficulty should go up.”

Dan smiled. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”

Thankfully, Dan’s statement wasn’t as ironic as Sam kept fearing it was all through the day. For when it came time for his after dinner workout, it was unchanged. Sarah’s hellish torment of him was held at bay for yet another week. Also thankfully, he managed to complete the exercises Lin assigned to him well enough so that none of his friends (who all ended up waiting for him to start with their own workout) had anything major to correct. Well, Felix kept yelling “ugly,” but Sam had nothing he could do to correct that. Not that he needed to, as Sarah did it for him by kicking Felix in the shins when she finally had enough of him.