Two days before the Solstice Demonstration, and despite daily intensive training sessions with Magister Elwin, Liam was no closer to understanding why his equations kept failing.

"That will conclude today's instruction," Magister Elwin said, her tone betraying concern as she watched him dissolve another failed attempt at the configuration. "You should rest, Initiate Thorne. Pushing yourself beyond exhaustion won't improve your performance."

"I need more practice," Liam insisted. "Just a few more hours."

She sighed but nodded reluctantly. "The private practice chamber is yours until evening meal. But please—don't deplete your reserves entirely."

After she departed, Liam remained where he sat, cross-legged on the floor surrounded by faintly glowing geometric formations—the remnants of failed experiments. Blue light pulsed from a new mana construct hovering at eye level—a modified Tellian Configuration that had collapsed three times already since Magister Elwin's departure.

His temples throbbed with exhaustion. Eight hours of formal instruction followed by four more of independent practice had left his reserves dangerously depleted. The polished stone floor was cool against his palms as he leaned forward to study the latest failure.

The energy alignment should have worked. The equations are sound. Why does the construct keep destabilizing at the seventh node?

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting back frustration. After four years of systematic experimentation, he'd developed a comprehensive framework for mapping and manipulating Arcane energies. His approach had yielded consistent results with basic and intermediate constructs. But these higher-order formations defied his models with maddening inconsistency.

The more complex the pattern, the more the mana seemed to develop... quirks. Behaviors that couldn't be predicted by the otherwise reliable equations he'd painstakingly developed.

He gestured sharply, dissolving the failed construct. Motes of blue light scattered like dying fireflies.

"Enough," he muttered. "New approach."

Despite his recent insights about observing mana's natural behavior at higher complexity levels, Liam was still falling into old habits—relying too heavily on mathematical precision when constructing the Tellian Configuration. His attempts to balance observation with calculation weren't sufficient. The configuration was far more complex than anything he'd worked with under Magister Elwin's supervision, and his hybrid approach was still missing crucial elements.

Liam closed his eyes, returning to the observational approach he'd begun developing in his sessions with Magister Elwin. He needed to go deeper this time, to fully surrender his preconceptions. Rather than the partial observation he'd managed before—still colored by his calculations—he now committed completely to sensing the mana's natural flow. The currents, eddies, and resonances formed intricate patterns he'd only partially glimpsed in previous attempts.

Stop trying to impose Earth physics. Observe the actual behavior. Build your model from observation, not assumption.

The ambient mana responded to his shift in approach, swirling around him like invisible currents. He extended his awareness further, tracing the natural pathways the energy seemed to prefer.

Interesting. The resonance patterns aren't conforming to standard wave equations. There's an additional variable I'm not accounting for.

Magister Elwin's words echoed: "Each circle of complexity introduces new harmonics that disrupt previous patterns."

What if the constants in my equations aren't actually constant? What if they shift based on complexity threshold?

He opened his eyes, a new theory forming. With careful precision, he began constructing the Tellian Configuration once more—but this time, he incorporated flexibility into his calculations. Rather than fixed constants, he implemented adaptive variables that could shift in response to the mana's behavior.

The first five nodes formed easily, pulsing with stable blue light. The sixth node—previously a point of failure—coalesced with only minor fluctuation. As he approached the critical seventh node, Liam focused entirely on the energy's natural tendencies, adjusting his mental formulations in real-time.

The seventh node stabilized.

It's working! The system doesn't follow fixed physical laws—it has parametric variables that shift at complexity thresholds.

His excitement was short-lived. As he attempted to add the eighth node, the entire construct began to vibrate ominously. The carefully balanced energies fluctuated in patterns he couldn't predict, harmonic resonance cascading beyond his calculations.

The failure was catastrophic. A shockwave of displaced energy knocked him backward, singeing his eyebrows and filling the room with the smell of ozone. The sound of shattering glass followed as a nearby window cracked from the pressure wave.

Liam lay flat on his back, staring at the ceiling as blue motes of dissipating energy drifted like snowflakes around him.

[CONGRATULATIONS ON BASIC PATTERN RECOGNITION!]

You've finally realized that MAGIC DOESN'T FOLLOW YOUR EARTH PHYSICS after only FOUR YEARS of

evidence slapping you in the face repeatedly! This remarkable breakthrough puts you

on intellectual par with most LABORATORY RATS after their third electric shock!

ACHIEVEMENT: [OBVIOUS CONCLUSION REACHED]

REWARD: Singed eyebrows and the horrifying realization that your

precious PHYSICS DOCTORATE is about as useful here as a CHOCOLATE TEAPOT!

"Really? Now?" Liam grumbled at the mocking voice, brushing fragments of shattered crystal from his robes as he sat up. The disembodied system message faded, leaving behind only its stinging truth.

He was missing something fundamental. Four years of attempting to apply Earth physics to Evranth's magic had produced workable results for basic applications, but the higher-order constructs required something more. Something beyond pure mathematical precision.

A knock at the door interrupted his brooding.

"Initiate Thorne? Are you well? We heard an explosion." The concerned voice of an Academy guardian.

"I'm fine," Liam called back, hastily smoothing his singed robes. "Just a minor miscalculation."

"The Archmage requests your presence in the Grand Atrium. The demonstration rehearsal begins in one hour."

Liam's stomach tightened. "I'll be there."

After the guardian's footsteps faded, Liam moved to the small washbasin in the corner of the practice chamber. The mirror revealed the damage—eyebrows reduced to smoldering wisps, face smudged with blue residue, hair standing on end from residual energy.

Great. The prophesied Nexus Walker looks like he stuck his head in a lightning storm.

He cleaned up as best he could, changed into fresh robes, and headed toward the Grand Atrium. As he walked, his mind raced through calculations, model adjustments, and contingency plans for the upcoming demonstration.

The Grand Atrium occupied the central spire's base—a massive circular chamber with a domed ceiling of interlocking crystal panels. Sunlight filtered through the translucent roof, casting prismatic patterns across polished marble floors. Tiered seating encircled a central platform where the demonstrations would take place.

When Liam entered, preparations were already underway. Senior apprentices directed junior students in placing crystalline markers around the demonstration area. Others tested sound amplification arrays and lighting configurations.

At the platform's center stood Archmage Varian, deep in conversation with a group of elaborately robed individuals—visiting dignitaries, judging by their insignia.

Magister Elwin spotted him and hurried over, her expression shifting from relief to concern as she noticed his singed appearance. "What happened to your eyebrows?"

"Experimental mishap," Liam said with forced casualness. "The eighth node proved... challenging."

She pursed her lips. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. The Tellian Configuration isn't meant to be mastered in days."

It isn't meant to defy basic principles of energy conservation either, but here we are.

"I'll be ready," he assured her, though confidence felt like a distant memory.

Her expression softened. "I know you will. Come, the Archmage wishes to discuss your role in the ceremony."

As they approached the central platform, conversations hushed. The dignitaries studied Liam with undisguised curiosity—some skeptical, others reverent.

"Ah, the young prodigy arrives," the Archmage announced, gesturing Liam forward. "Lords and Ladies of the High Council, may I present Initiate Liam Thorne, whose remarkable insights have captured our attention."

Liam bowed formally, careful to maintain the expected decorum. "Honored to meet you, esteemed councilors."

A silver-haired woman stepped forward, her robes adorned with constellations that shifted subtly as she moved—a Soul practitioner of significant rank. "So young," she observed. "I confess I expected someone more... imposing, given the rumors."

"Greatness comes in unexpected packages, Lady Sendra," the Archmage replied smoothly. "His appearance in the Tellian Prophecy was equally unexpected."

There it is again. The prophecy claim that's making my life increasingly complicated.

A stern-faced man with a sword at his hip scoffed audibly. Red energy flickered briefly around his hands—an Aura practitioner, clearly. "Prophecies are convenient interpretations after the fact. I'll reserve judgment until I see evidence."

"You shall have it at tomorrow's demonstration, Lord Commander Darius," the Archmage assured him. "Initiate Thorne will present the Tellian Configuration at the ceremony's climax."

Liam felt all eyes shift to him, the weight of expectation almost physical in its intensity.

"And what of the configuration's practical applications?" asked a scholarly-looking man with yellow-inscribed robes—a Runic practitioner. "Theoretical constructs impress academics, not warriors."

The Archmage smiled thinly. "The demonstration will speak for itself. For now, we have preparations to complete." He turned to Liam. "Initiate, please stand at the central marker. We must calibrate the amplification arrays to your mana signature."

Grateful for the reprieve from scrutiny, Liam moved to the designated spot. Crystal markers encircled him, each thrumming with potential energy. The rehearsal would be his first attempt at the full Tellian Configuration in a public setting—with dignitaries representing multiple magical systems watching his every move.

No pressure. Just demonstrate a complex magical formation I've never successfully completed while everyone watches for signs of prophetic significance.

The Archmage approached, speaking softly. "I understand you've been experiencing difficulties with the higher nodes."

Liam tensed. "The eighth node creates harmonic instabilities I haven't resolved yet."

"As expected." The old man nodded, unsurprised. "The Tellian Configuration wasn't meant to be mastered through conventional understanding. It requires... intuitive insight."

There's that mystical nonsense again. It requires accurate calculations adapted to the non-linear scaling of magical energy at complexity thresholds. Not 'intuitive insight.'

"I'm still working through the formulas," Liam admitted.

"Formulas," the Archmage repeated, a strange light entering his eyes. "An interesting choice of words for one so young. Most students speak of harmonies or resonances."

Careful. He's fishing for confirmation of his prophecy theories.

"I find precise terminology helpful," Liam said, deliberately vague.

The Archmage studied him for a long moment, then nodded as if confirming something to himself. "For tomorrow's demonstration, focus less on precision and more on allowing the pattern to emerge naturally. The Tellian Configuration responds to intention more than calculation."

Responds to intention? That's ridiculous. Energy patterns don't care about intentions.

But after today's failures, Liam wasn't in a position to dismiss any approach, no matter how unscientific it sounded.

"I'll consider it," he conceded.

"Excellent." The Archmage stepped back. "Now, let us begin. A partial demonstration today—just the first five nodes to calibrate the arrays."

Relief washed through Liam. The first five nodes he could manage reliably. He centered himself, reaching for the ambient mana that permeated the chamber. Blue light responded to his call, coalescing into the familiar spherical core of the Tellian Configuration.

As he expanded the construct, adding nodes in sequence, he sensed the amplification arrays activating—crystalline structures designed to magnify magical constructs for better visibility in large venues. The energy flowing through his creation magnified exponentially, each node glowing with increased intensity.

The fifth node stabilized perfectly, the entire construct hovering above the platform in magnificent blue radiance. Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the gathered dignitaries.

"Perfect calibration," the Archmage announced, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Tomorrow, this same configuration will expand to its full twelve nodes, revealing the complete Tellian pattern for the first time in three centuries."

Twelve nodes? We agreed on eight!

Liam's concentration nearly broke, the construct wobbling dangerously before he stabilized it again. "Archmage," he said carefully, "I've only practiced to eight nodes."

"Eight nodes is the senior apprentice standard," the old man replied calmly. "The true Tellian Configuration contains twelve. The prophecy states this quite clearly."

This is insane. I can't reliably create eight nodes, let alone twelve.

"I'm not sure I can—"

"You can and you will," the Archmage interrupted, his voice gentle but brooking no argument. "The amplification arrays will provide additional stability. Your task is to guide the energies into their natural configuration."

Liam wanted to protest further, but the assembled dignitaries were watching closely. Any sign of weakness or uncertainty would reflect poorly on the Academy—and potentially create more complications for him personally.

"I understand," he said, the words tasting bitter.

With a final nod, he dissolved the demonstration construct, the blue light fading like dying embers. The rehearsal continued with instructions about positioning, timing, and protocol for the ceremony. Liam absorbed the information mechanically, his mind preoccupied with the impossible task ahead.

Twelve nodes. The Tellian Configuration at full complexity. A formation he'd never seen, let alone attempted.

I need more information. If I'm going to stand any chance of pulling this off, I need to understand what I'm trying to create.

As the rehearsal concluded, Liam approached Magister Elwin. "I need access to any historical records of the complete Tellian Configuration. Diagrams, eyewitness accounts, theoretical analyses—anything that might help."

Her brow furrowed. "There are some ancient texts in the restricted archives that contain partial descriptions, but no complete diagrams exist. According to historical accounts, no one has been able to fully recreate what scholars believe to be the original configuration in three centuries."

Wonderful. I'm supposed to recreate something no one has seen in three hundred years.

"I should review what's available," Liam insisted. "Every detail could help."

"I'll arrange access," she promised. "But, Liam..." She hesitated, glancing around to ensure they weren't overheard. "The Archmage has staked considerable reputation on your success. The political implications of this demonstration extend far beyond the Academy."

The weight of her warning settled uncomfortably on his shoulders. This wasn't just about magical theory or personal achievement—it was about power dynamics between magical systems, with him as an unwilling focal point.

"I understand," he said, though understanding did nothing to simplify his predicament.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Hours later, Liam sat alone in a secluded corner of the Great Library's restricted section, surrounded by ancient texts and fragile scrolls. True to her word, Magister Elwin had arranged access to every historical reference to the Tellian Configuration—which proved to be frustratingly incomplete.

The accounts were fragmented, contradictory, and infuriatingly mystical in their descriptions. One text described the configuration as "the geometric expression of universal harmony." Another called it "the skeleton key to the seven locks." Neither provided practical guidance for actually creating the damn thing.

The most useful document was a partial diagram from 172 years ago—an attempt by Archmage Laiden to reconstruct the formation based on historical accounts. It showed nine of the twelve nodes, with annotations about theoretical positions for the missing three.

Liam copied the diagram meticulously into his hidden journal, adding his own notes and calculations in the margins. If he could develop a working model based on these fragments, perhaps he could improvise the rest during the demonstration.

As he worked, a familiar presence approached—Vance, the skeptical senior apprentice from earlier. The tall student seemed to materialize from the shadows between bookshelves, his expression neutral but eyes calculating.

"Researching your own prophecy?" Vance asked, echoing the librarian's earlier comment. "Most would consider that cheating."

Liam didn't look up from his notes. "Most would consider it practical preparation."

"Indeed." Vance settled into a chair opposite him, uninvited. "Practical preparation for a configuration you supposedly understand intuitively. Curious."

He's fishing for inconsistencies. Looking for proof that I'm a fraud.

"Understanding principles doesn't eliminate the need for details," Liam replied carefully.

Vance leaned forward, examining the ancient diagram Liam had been copying. "Laiden's reconstruction. Interesting choice. Most scholars consider it fundamentally flawed—he reversed the polarities of the seventh and ninth nodes."

Wait, what?

Liam studied the diagram more carefully. If Vance was right, the model he'd been developing contained a critical error—one that might explain some of his previous failures.

"You seem knowledgeable about the configuration for someone so skeptical of its significance," Liam observed.

A thin smile crossed Vance's face. "Know your enemy, as the Aura practitioners say. I've studied the Tellian Prophecy extensively—enough to recognize when it's being misapplied."

His implication was clear. He thinks the Archmage is manipulating me—or everyone—for some purpose.

"And what's your conclusion?" Liam asked, genuinely curious about this unexpected ally or adversary.

Vance's voice dropped to a near whisper. "That the Archmage's obsession with the prophecy has clouded his judgment. That parading a nine-year-old prodigy before the Seven Systems Council serves political ambitions more than academic truth."

He's not wrong.

"I didn't ask for this role," Liam said truthfully.

"Few pawns do." Vance stood. "A word of advice, Initiate Thorne. The demonstration tomorrow isn't just about magical prowess. It's about system dominance. The Arcane system has been losing influence to Aura practitioners for decades. Your 'prophetic significance' is a convenient counterweight to shifting political tides."

With that cryptic warning, he turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and regarding the configuration—the missing three nodes form a triangular stabilization field above rather than below the central axis. Laiden never figured that out."

Before Liam could respond, Vance disappeared among the towering bookshelves, leaving him with more questions than answers.

System dominance? Political tides? What exactly am I being dragged into?

Liam returned to his diagrams, incorporating Vance's corrections—if they were corrections and not deliberate misinformation. The resulting pattern looked more stable, at least theoretically. Whether it would work in practice remained to be seen.

As midnight approached, Liam gathered his materials and made his way back to his quarters. The corridors were deserted, most students and instructors long retired for the night. His footsteps echoed against stone walls, the sound emphasizing his isolation in this increasingly complicated situation.

In his room, he carefully hid his journal beneath the loose floorboard, then collapsed onto his bed, physical and mental exhaustion overwhelming him. Tomorrow would determine whether his understanding of magical physics was sufficient to create a legendary configuration no one had successfully manifested in centuries.

Just as sleep began to claim him, a translucent blue window appeared in his vision:

Copy

STATUS UPDATE: - Arcane Theory increased to Level 43 - New challenge unlocked: Tellian Configuration (Difficulty: EXTREME) - Warning: Current success probability: 17.8%

Only a one-in-five chance of success. Seems optimistic, given my track record with the eighth node.

As the notification faded, Liam stared at the ceiling, a realization settling uncomfortably in his mind. Four years of careful scientific experimentation had brought him further than most practitioners achieved in decades. Yet he still couldn't reliably predict how mana would behave at higher complexity levels.

What if some aspects of this world's magic truly couldn't be reduced to equations and constants? What if there were variables his scientific approach couldn't account for?

Day 1,463 since consciousness transfer (Evranth Calendar Year 542, Day 180): The inconsistencies in higher-circle constructs continue to defy conventional physical models. Energy conservation principles hold at lower complexity levels but break down unpredictably as node count increases. There seems to be an additional variable I cannot measure or account for—something beyond the standard parameters of mass, energy, and dimensional constants.

Hypothesis: The magical system of Evranth may incorporate factors that existing Earth physics cannot explain. This doesn't mean abandoning scientific methodology, but it may require developing entirely new theoretical frameworks beyond what I learned in my previous life.

Tomorrow's demonstration will be a critical test—not just of my abilities, but of my fundamental approach to understanding this world's magic.

If I fail, the consequences extend beyond personal embarrassment. The Archmage has positioned me as a political symbol in some inter-system power struggle I barely comprehend.

If I succeed... I fear that will only deepen my entanglement in prophecies and politics I want no part of.

Note: Consider Vance's information about node polarity and positioning. If accurate, it suggests previous scholars have fundamentally misunderstood the Tellian Configuration's structure—which would explain why no one has successfully recreated it in centuries.

The morning of the Solstice Demonstration dawned clear and bright. Liam woke before sunrise, his mind already cycling through calculations and contingency plans. Based on his research and Vance's surprisingly helpful information, he'd developed a new approach to the Tellian Configuration—one that accounted for the reversed polarities and repositioned nodes.

Whether it would work remained to be seen.

As he dressed in the ceremonial robes provided for the occasion—deeper blue than standard apprentice attire, with silver geometric patterns embroidered along the hems—Liam considered his options. Success would further entangle him in the prophecy narrative. Failure would create political complications for the Archmage and potentially for himself.

Either outcome led to complications.

A knock at his door announced Magister Elwin's arrival. "It's time," she said, her usual composed demeanor slightly strained. "The Grand Atrium is already filling with dignitaries from all seven systems."

All seven systems? The political stakes keep rising.

"I'm ready," Liam said, projecting confidence he didn't feel.

As they walked through the Academy's corridors, Magister Elwin offered last-minute guidance. "Remember, the amplification arrays will enhance your construct's stability. Focus on establishing the core structure first, then allow the pattern to develop naturally."

"Allow it to develop naturally," Liam repeated skeptically. "That seems more mystical than practical."

She smiled faintly. "Sometimes the most practical approach is to recognize when precision becomes counterproductive. The Tellian Configuration responds to intention as much as calculation."

There's that nonsense again. Energy patterns don't have preferences or respond to intentions.

But after yesterday's failures and revelations, Liam was no longer certain of anything.

They reached the antechamber adjoining the Grand Atrium. Through the archway, Liam could see the massive chamber filled to capacity—hundreds of spectators arranged in tiered seating according to their magical affiliations. Blue-robed Arcane practitioners occupied the eastern section. Red-clad Aura users filled the south. The remaining sections contained representatives from the other five systems, their distinctive colors creating a vibrant patchwork around the central platform.

On a raised dais at the chamber's far end sat seven individuals in elaborate ceremonial attire—the High Council representatives, one from each magical system. At the center, impossibly old and draped in golden robes that seemed to capture and reflect sunlight, sat an elderly woman wearing the insignia of the Divine system.

"The Radiant Matriarch herself," Magister Elwin whispered, noting Liam's gaze. "She rarely leaves the Celestial Sanctum. Her presence elevates this demonstration to unprecedented significance."

Wonderful. No pressure at all.

The Archmage appeared beside them, his ceremonial robes shimmering with embedded crystals that pulsed in time with his heartbeat. "Ah, our young prodigy is prepared," he observed, studying Liam with calculating eyes. "Remember, Initiate Thorne—this demonstration represents more than individual achievement. You stand for the Arcane tradition itself today."

I'm nine years old! I shouldn't be representing anything but basic arithmetic and playground games.

"I understand, Archmage," Liam said, the expected response.

"Good." The old man nodded, satisfied. "You will be the final demonstration, following performances by our senior apprentices. Observe from here until called."

Liam watched as senior students performed increasingly impressive magical feats—complex geometric constructs, animated crystal formations, even a remarkable display where three apprentices working in concert created a miniature replica of the Academy that floated above the platform in perfect detail.

Each demonstration received polite applause, but Liam could sense the anticipation building. The audience wasn't here for standard magical displays—they had come to witness the prophesied Tellian Configuration, the legendary formation that supposedly held significance for all seven magical systems.

Finally, the Archmage stepped onto the central platform, arms raised for silence.

"Honored representatives of the Seven Systems, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues," his voice carried effortlessly through the massive chamber, enhanced by acoustic enchantments. "We have saved our most significant demonstration for last."

A hush fell over the audience.

"For centuries, the Tellian Prophecy has spoken of one who would bridge our divided understanding—one who would naturally perceive the patterns underlying all magical systems. Today, we present evidence that this prophecy is manifesting in our lifetime."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Skepticism from some sections, eager anticipation from others.

"I present Initiate Liam Thorne, whose unprecedented insights have already transformed our understanding of Arcane fundamentals."

That was his cue. Heart pounding against his ribs, Liam stepped through the archway onto the demonstration platform. The sudden silence was deafening as hundreds of eyes fixed upon him—a child in ceremonial robes, supposedly the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

He took his position at the platform's center, surrounded by the crystalline amplification arrays. The Archmage stepped back, joining Magister Elwin at the platform's edge, leaving Liam alone in the spotlight.

Focus. Observation, not assumption. Allow for parametric variables in your calculations.

Liam closed his eyes, reaching for the ambient mana that permeated the chamber. It responded eagerly, drawn to his awareness with familiar precision. Blue light coalesced between his outstretched hands, forming the spherical core of the Tellian Configuration.

The first node established easily, pulsing with stable energy. The second and third followed in quick succession, arranged in perfect geometric alignment. As the fourth and fifth nodes took shape, Liam became aware of the amplification arrays activating—enhancing his construct's stability and visibility.

So far, so good. These were formations he had mastered through years of systematic experimentation. The real challenge would begin with the sixth node—and escalate dramatically with each subsequent addition.

Liam established the sixth node carefully, adjusting the energy distribution to accommodate the harmonic shifts he'd observed in his practice sessions. The configuration hummed with power, blue light casting intricate shadow patterns across the platform.

Now came the critical seventh node—the one where polarity reversal had been identified in Laiden's reconstruction. Rather than following the traditional pattern, Liam implemented Vance's correction, reversing the energy flow and adjusting the node's position slightly.

For a heart-stopping moment, the entire configuration wavered—energy patterns fluctuating dangerously as the new arrangement disrupted established harmonics. Murmurs of concern rippled through the audience.

Then, remarkably, the configuration stabilized. The seventh node locked into position, its energy signature pulsing in perfect counterpoint to the core structure.

It worked! Vance was right about the polarity reversal.

Emboldened, Liam proceeded to the eighth node—his previous point of failure. This time, rather than forcing predetermined patterns, he allowed his awareness to expand, observing the energy's natural tendencies. Where his calculations predicted specific behaviors, he noticed subtle variations—almost like quantum probability fields rather than deterministic mechanics.

The system doesn't follow fixed laws. It has probability distributions that shift based on complexity and intention.

The realization struck him like a physical blow. If magical energy behaved more like quantum fields than Newtonian mechanics, his entire approach needed recalibration. Not abandoned, but adapted to incorporate probabilistic elements.

The eighth node stabilized, followed by the ninth—both incorporating Vance's corrections from Laiden's flawed reconstruction. The audience's murmurs shifted from concern to awe as the configuration grew more complex, its blue radiance intensifying until it illuminated the entire chamber.

Now came the truly uncharted territory—nodes ten through twelve, positions that weren't documented in any historical record Liam had accessed. According to Vance, they formed a triangular stabilization field above rather than below the central axis.

Liam hesitated, uncertainty flooding through him. His scientific approach had brought him this far, but now he faced a gap in his knowledge that calculation alone couldn't bridge.

Maybe there is something to this 'intention' nonsense after all.

Rather than attempting to force specific formations, Liam focused on the configuration's overall purpose—stability, harmony, balanced energy distribution. He visualized a triangular arrangement above the existing structure, allowing the mana to flow naturally into the most stable formation.

To his astonishment, the energy responded—not exactly as he had visualized, but in a pattern that somehow felt right. The tenth node established itself with visible instability, wobbling at the apex of an invisible triangle. The eleventh and twelfth nodes followed, equally unstable, barely forming the base points of the triangle. As the final node locked into position, the entire configuration shuddered violently—nodes briefly misaligning before snapping back into a three-dimensional pattern that fluctuated between coherence and chaos.

It wasn't stable—far from it. Energy leaked from multiple junction points, creating miniature cascades of blue particles that rained down onto the platform. The edges of several nodes blurred periodically, threatening to collapse at any moment. Liam's hands trembled with the effort of holding the chaotic energies in even this tenuous arrangement.

But it was recognizable. Unstable and imperfect as it was, the Tellian Configuration existed before them—twelve nodes arranged in a pattern that hadn't been seen in centuries. Despite its instability, or perhaps because of it, the configuration pulsed with an irregular rhythm that somehow seemed more alive than the perfect geometric constructs that preceded it.

A collective gasp echoed through the Grand Atrium. Even the High Council representatives leaned forward, their expressions ranging from shock to reverence. The Radiant Matriarch stood, her golden robes catching the blue light in patterns that created flashes of violet where the colors intersected.

As Liam maintained the configuration, something unexpected happened. The normally blue Arcane energy began to shift, subtle variations appearing at different nodes. One pulsed with faint red undertones—reminiscent of Aura energy. Another developed greenish harmonics similar to Ki manifestations. Each node, while remaining predominantly Arcane in nature, began to resonate with traces of the other six magical systems.

[MIRACLE ALERT! MIRACLE ALERT!]

Against ALL ODDS and BASIC COMMON SENSE, you've somehow created

the TELLIAN CONFIGURATION without blowing yourself into COMPONENT ATOMS!

The laws of probability are currently filing a FORMAL COMPLAINT against your continued existence!

ACHIEVEMENT: [DUMB LUCK MISTAKEN FOR GENIUS]

REWARD: +5000% Reputation as "THE CHOSEN ONE"

(Hope you enjoy being a POLITICAL PAWN in games you don't understand, WONDERCHILD!)

The mocking voice echoed through Liam's mind, but he couldn't spare attention to be annoyed. Maintaining the complex configuration required his complete focus, especially as the energy patterns continued to shift in unexpected ways.

The Archmage stepped forward, his voice trembling with barely contained excitement. "Behold! The Tellian Configuration—manifested in our lifetime! And note the harmonic resonances with all seven systems, exactly as the prophecy foretold!"

The chamber erupted in commotion—exclamations of wonder, gasps of disbelief, and heated discussions on implications. Representatives from different systems consulted urgently with their colleagues, pointing to specific nodes that resonated with their traditional energies.

Liam maintained the configuration for several minutes, studying its behavior with scientific fascination despite the circus unfolding around him. The energy patterns exhibited properties he'd never observed before—coherent oscillations between different magical signatures, harmonic resonances that seemed to bridge fundamental differences between systems.

This isn't just an Arcane construct. It's somehow incorporating aspects of all seven systems. Which should be impossible according to everything this world knows about magical compatibility.

Finally, with his mana reserves approaching depletion, Liam carefully dissolved the configuration. The blue light faded gradually, leaving spectral afterimages dancing across viewers' vision.

In the moment of silence that followed, the Radiant Matriarch's voice filled the chamber—gentle yet carrying effortlessly to every corner. "The Nexus Walker awakens. The first sign is fulfilled."

Her simple statement carried the weight of divine pronouncement. The chamber exploded into chaos—questions, exclamations, arguments erupting from all sides. The Archmage raised his hands for silence, but the commotion only intensified.

Magister Elwin appeared at Liam's side, gently guiding him toward the antechamber. "Come quickly," she murmured. "Before they all start demanding personal audiences."

As they retreated from the platform, Liam glanced back at the High Council. The representatives from each system were engaged in animated discussion, their expressions ranging from excitement to alarm to calculation. The Radiant Matriarch alone remained serene, her ancient eyes following Liam's departure with knowing intensity.

Once safely in the antechamber, Magister Elwin turned to him with undisguised awe. "That was beyond anything we anticipated. The multi-system resonances weren't part of any historical account of the configuration."

Liam leaned against the wall, suddenly exhausted. The demonstration had depleted his mana reserves more thoroughly than any previous practice session. "I don't understand what happened. Those variations shouldn't be possible."

"And yet they manifested," she said, studying him with new consideration. "Exactly as the most esoteric interpretations of the prophecy suggested."

The Archmage joined them, practically vibrating with excitement. "Magnificent! Beyond our highest expectations! The High Council is in complete disarray—the Radiant Matriarch's acknowledgment alone would be momentous, but the visible evidence of multi-system resonance..." He trailed off, shaking his head in wonder.

"What happens now?" Liam asked warily.

"Now?" The Archmage smiled, his eyes calculating despite his jovial tone. "Now, my boy, you become the most sought-after individual in the Seven Systems. Each magical tradition will want to examine you, test you, perhaps claim you for their own studies."

That sounds terrifying.

"But you remain under Academy protection," Magister Elwin interjected firmly. "No matter the political pressure."

"Of course, of course." The Archmage patted Liam's shoulder. "Rest now. Tomorrow will bring many curious visitors, I expect."

After they departed, Liam made his way back to his quarters, deliberately taking less-traveled corridors to avoid the excited students and faculty already discussing his demonstration. Word had spread quickly—he heard fragments of conversation about "the prophecy child" and "system resonance" echoing through the hallways.

In his room, he collapsed onto his bed, physical exhaustion temporarily overriding mental turmoil. The demonstration had been successful beyond anyone's expectations—including his own. Yet that success had catapulted him further into a political situation he barely comprehended.

More concerning were the implications for his scientific understanding of magic. The configuration had behaved in ways his equations couldn't predict—incorporating elements of other magical systems that should have been incompatible with Arcane energy.

Either his fundamental understanding was flawed, or there were aspects to this world's magical systems that defied conventional physics entirely.

As he drifted toward exhausted sleep, a final system notification appeared:

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MAGICAL SYSTEMS STATUS: [ARCANE] - Partially Awakened (194%) ↑ [AURA] - Dormant (4%) ↑ [KI] - Locked (0%) [SOUL] - Locked (0%) [RUNIC] - Locked (0%) [SHADOW] - Locked (0%) [DIVINE] - Locked (0%) WARNING: System interaction detected. Harmonization process 0.6% complete.

The Aura system energy increased? From what?

But exhaustion claimed him before he could properly consider the implications, dragging him into dreams filled with geometric patterns that shifted between different colored energies—blue to red to green to purple to yellow to black to gold and back again in an endless cycle of transformation.