Ashern City - Reinhart Institute of War, 1st of Brightforge, year 315 UC

"Silvermark, you need to work on your control. Don't worry about it for now as you won't have enough time to fix it, but your water can be used to help your teammates. You'll be a support for the remainder of this camp."

Alan moved on to the next person in the line.

"Heartland, impressive footwork but you missed the mark on a few of those targets. While your speed is admirable if you can't keep your coordination in sync then best slow down a bit. You'll be our slayer for the remainder of this camp."

"Rigof you'll be a mage, although you run out of stamina your wide area attacks can be used to keep your enemies at bay."

"Vane, you scored the lowest and you have a tell that can be spotted from a mile away. Tank for you as it is the least mobile out of all the positions. But, that does not mean you can sit around and wait for your opponents to come to you."

"Blackwood, considering the abilities you've shown you can fill any role, but I recommend you put yourself in a position to support your teammates so they don't falter. A lone bird can't do much alone."

Alan looked them over before he tapped his academic card once.

"There will be a match in three days, it's team-based and will give you a preview of what you'll be dealing with during your time here. This match won't be ranked so it won't go on your record, but I wouldn't slack off. There might be a reward in this for the winning team."

"Meet back here in four hours. That should be more than enough time to settle in to your dorms, get something in your stomachs, and get associated with one another. Do not be late. Dismissed!"

**********

They walked in a group of five with Bryan trailing slightly behind the rest. The polished stone corridors of the institute echoed with their footsteps, the morning light streaming through tall windows and casting long shadows across the floor. In front of him, he could see Farrah's back as she walked three feet ahead, her long black hair swaying gently with each step, while Sabrina led the front with confident strides.

With four hours to spare, he could return to his dorm and unpack the few items he'd brought - not that he owned much worth unpacking. That, or he could get some proper training in. The thought was tempting. His muscles remembered the rigorous routines from his time with the Inquisition, yearning for more action.

That little exercise with Alan hadn't even begun to satisfy his need for training. It was odd, considering how much he used to complain about the endless drills and sparring sessions. Now, he found his hand itching for more, fingers unconsciously flexing as if gripping an invisible weapon.

"So, you guys up for grabbing something to eat? I could go for something sweet right about now."

Sabrina was the first to break the comfortable silence, spinning around to face the group with an eager grin. Her coffee-brown hair caught the sunlight, making her freckles stand out against her skin.

"You're hungry? After what we just went through? How?"

Alexander asked. A few beads of sweat still clung to his forehead from their earlier exercise.

Sabrina shrugged her shoulders, the movement causing her uniform to rustle slightly.

"I just am. So, you in?"

Alexander seemed to think about it for a second, running a hand through his blonde hair before nodding.

"Yeah, I don't mind. Better to explore the campus with a group than by myself."

"True, this place is large. You could probably get lost if you aren't careful."

Sabrina commented, gesturing to the maze of corridors branching off around them. She turned to Christopher, who had been quietly shuffling along with his hands in his pockets.

"What about you?"

Christopher let out a tired sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"Think I'll pass. Need to rest up before the next session."

"Come on, you can rest when you're dead. Besides, how are you going to find your way around if you don't explore a bit?"

She told him with a smirk on her face.

Christopher's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes flickered briefly to Alexander, who was nodding in agreement.

"She's got a point. And you did use up a lot of energy earlier. Probably should eat something to recover."

Alexander added.

Christopher clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed at their persistence, but after a moment he shrugged.

"Fine. Whatever."

Sabrina beamed before turning her attention to Farrah, who had been silent.

"What about you? Care to join us?"

Farrah's bright green eyes met Sabrina's, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

"I suppose it would be beneficial to familiarize ourselves with the campus layout."

"Great!"

Sabrina exclaimed, before finally turning to Bryan, who maintained his position a few feet back from the group.

"And our number one? Coming to grace us common folk with your presence?"

A faint chuckle escaped Bryan's lips, the sound carrying a hint of amusement that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I'll pass."

Without waiting for their response, he strode past the group, his footsteps echoing in the corridor as he left them behind. He could feel their eyes on his back, but he didn't turn around. Their little social gathering wouldn't help him complete his mission.

They were beneath him, and the gathering they were doing wouldn't help at all.

Skills were needed in order to survive. These kids wouldn't know that, but he did and a moment slacking off was a moment someone else was getting stronger.

He had to get stronger, much stronger.

The Inquisition's grip was already wound around him so tight he could hardly flinch without anyone batting an eye his way. If he wanted freedom, he had to train himself to a higher degree to get away from them later on.

Although his father sent him to them, Bryan never wanted to go. He simply did as he was told because what else could he do?

But, being alone in a room with white walls was no way to live.

Now that he was out, he wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible.

So, he'd follow their orders, find suitable people to recruit, and help Alessia graduate. But then…

Once his rank increased and they allowed him the slightest bit of freedom after he grew stronger, he'd make his move.

He mostly wanted answers from Veron as to why he was never around, and what was the point in all of this. His father was distant and only sent him messages every so often.

The last one was eight months ago, and that was merely to tell him he was doing an excellent job.

He needed to document everything he'd observed about the Excellence Camp participants - their abilities, their tells, their personalities. Especially Alessia Hayes. The Inquisition's orders had been clear about monitoring her, though they'd been frustratingly vague about why.

She could be the first piece he'd need to move in order to gain real freedom. So he had to get started.

'Might as well start with what I know, Ranked nineteenth, but that placement feels off somehow. Her family's too prominent for her to be that low.'

He thought.

A familiar scratching sound pulled him from his thoughts. Something small and dark scurried up his pant leg, and Bryan felt tiny claws climbing their way up to his shoulder.

"Miss me?"

Zoltan's voice echoed in his mind as the black mouse settled onto his shoulder.

"That was quite the show you put on back there. Though I notice you didn't use all your abilities."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Bryan kept walking, maintaining his pace as he responded.

"Where did you disappear to?"

"Had to check something out."

Zoltan transmitted.

"That training room... it's a lot more advanced than should be possible."

"What do you mean?"

Bryan asked.

"The training room's design is based on..."

Zoltan paused abruptly.

"Actually, never mind. It's not important. What are you doing?"

"What do you mean never mind?"

"Look around, Bryan."

Zoltan's tail flicked against Bryan's neck.

"You're all alone."

Bryan shrugged, the movement gentle enough not to dislodge his tiny companion.

"I like it this way."

"This isn't the Inquisition, you know. You don't have to be alone anymore."

Zoltan's voice carried a hint of concern.

"Turn around. Join the others."

"It's not worth it, they'll only drag me down."

Bryan muttered as he thought back on the spells they showcased.

"It's an academy, Bryan. They aren't special like you - not yet anyway."

Zoltan's purple eyes fixed on Bryan's profile.

"You've had your powers for ten years. They just got theirs. You honestly think you were any better than them when you first started?"

Bryan blinked, his stride faltering for a moment.

"Things are different now."

Bryan told him as he continued his way down the stone path.

"You can't be alone forever; those kids aren't a liability You need to drop your guard, and relax a little. Live a little."

Zoltan told him.

"I'm not doing that."

Bryan said firmly.

"Besides, we wouldn't have anything in common anyway."

"Are you sure about that?"

Zoltan's whiskers twitched.

"That Sabrina girl seemed pretty interested in magitech. Might know something about those designs you're always studying."

Bryan laughed, waving his hand dismissively.

"She wouldn't know a thing about them. They're too complex for her to understand."

"You're just assuming that. It's not a fact."

Zoltan replied.

"Not yet."

Bryan quipped.

"Do you really want to spend three years alone here?"

Zoltan pressed.

"Not really, but opening up to people, it's..."

Bryan's words cut off as he winced, his hand rising to his temple. A sharp pain lanced through his head.

"Are you alright?"

Zoltan's voice carried a note of concern.

"Yeah, just felt something."

Bryan muttered, blinking away the discomfort. "

"What did you feel?"

Bryan shrugged.

"Nothing. It's fine."

He changed the subject, his steps slowing slightly.

"Why did you recommend this place anyway?"

"Because this is where you belong. It's where your story is just beginning."

Zoltan replied.

"This isn't some novel."

Bryan scoffed.

"And if it is, my story started a long time ago."

"Yes. Much more than you know."

Zoltan agreed.

The way he said it caused Bryan to raise his eyebrow. Was Zoltan holding something back from him? Something he didn't want to share?

Was it about his father?

"What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing."

Zoltan transmitted quickly.

"So, what are you planning to do if you're not joining the others?"

"I'll unpack, write down some notes—"

"You're not being serious, are you?"

Zoltan cut him off.

Bryan's silence was answer enough.

"It's worse than I thought."

Zoltan's tail covered his eyes as he shook his small head.

"What is?"

"You."

Zoltan's tail twitched in irritation.

"I'm being serious here. You're actually taking notes on the others? And to make matters worse, they're your own teammates."

"It's always good to be prepared. Never know when I'll have to face them."

"This is an academy, not a death match."

"And after that…"

Bryan continued as if Zoltan hadn't spoken.

"I'll have to explore, maybe spy on the other teams and see what they're capable of."

"I'll give you credit for that - it's some true dedication."

"It is."

Bryan's lips curved into a slight smirk.

"Now, are you ready to tell me what was up with what happened back in the gym?"

Their conversation paused as they reached the Rose Garden dormitory. The building rose before them, its white walls accented with gold trim and deep red highlights that caught the morning sun. A massive hedge sculpted into the shape of a rose dominated the entrance, real roses blooming throughout its carefully maintained form. Twin fountains flanked the marble steps, their water catching the light and creating tiny rainbows in the mist.

Bryan's eyes traveled upward, counting the floors - one, two, three, four, five - before settling on the golden nameplate above the door that simply read 'Rose' in elegant script.

"Well, they sure didn't hold anything back."

Zoltan transmitted.

Bryan approached the entrance - a set of double glass doors with intricate golden bars twisting through them in elegant patterns. He pulled the handle, but it didn't budge.

"To the right."

Zoltan directed.

Bryan spotted a small square box mounted on the wall, a red light glowing at its top.

"I wonder..."

He murmured, pulling out his academic card and holding it up to the box. The light turned green with a soft chime, followed by a distinct click from the door.

"Ah, so you're the first to arrive."

As Bryan stepped inside, he found a woman standing behind a large black desk. Her uniform was different from the other staff he'd seen - all black, cut in a more formal style. She offered him a warm smile.

"Welcome to the Rose Garden. I'm Rebecca, and I'll be here in case you need anything."

Bryan nodded once, his eyes sweeping across the lobby. The interior was just as impressive as the outside - plush carpets, ornate furniture, and artwork adorning the walls.

"Rooms are on the third floor and above."

Rebecca explained.

"If you come here, I can check which room you've been assigned."

Bryan approached the desk, and Rebecca held out her hand. He raised an eyebrow.

"Your academic card."

She pointed to the card in his hand.

"I'll need to scan it to ensure you're registered. Once the academic year starts, we believe students will be trying to sneak into other dorms because they'll be unhappy with their arrangements - though that shouldn't be an issue for you."

Rebecca took his card, scanning it against another card she produced from her desk. Her eyes lit up as she read the display.

"Bryan Blackwood."

She said, then gasped slightly before her smile widened.

"Rank one at that! Well, congratulations."

"Thanks, I guess."

Bryan replied. He wasn't thrilled about the rank, as it meant nothing. Thinking back on Zoltan's earlier comment, if he couldn't be rank one with ten years worth of training then he didn't deserve to be a mage.

"You're all booked for room 505. During Excellence Camp, your lodging is free, but once the academic year starts, the fee will be 2000 AC per month."

Rebecca told him.

"Is that a lot?"

Rebecca laughed softly.

"For ordinary students, yes. But given your rank, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to earn that amount, given you maintain it. You can always downgrade to another dormitory if you prefer - the cheapest runs about 200 AC monthly, but it's basically a closet. Here, though..."

She gestured to their surroundings.

"You'll find most of your needs met."

She winked as she handed back his academic card.

"Thanks."

Bryan said, pocketing the card.

"Would you like a tour?"

Bryan shrugged.

"Why not?"

Rebecca smiled at his response.

"Well, this is the first floor, the reception area."

She gestured around them.

"Anyone belonging to the academy can enter here, same with other dormitories. All high-end dorms have a receptionist in the lobby. We handle everything - keeping the dorms clean, providing for residents, maintaining security, and offering any information they might need about the dormitory."

She clasped her hands together.

"From upgrading rooms with new amenities to booking large feasts for entertaining guests."

She paused, her expression becoming more serious.

"Speaking of guests, unless someone is assigned a dorm room here, they can't enter any rooms on the upper levels - or any rooms at all, really. The only way they can enter is if a resident lets them inside."

"Unlikely that'll happen for me."

Bryan muttered. He was not expecting any company, and he doubted anyone would be seeking him out after this whole camp was done and over with. He was expecting people to stop talking to him in about four or six days really.

Granted, he still had to communicate with his team, but he'd figure something out.

Maybe he would try to reach out to them and see what happened. Zoltan might be a pain in his ass sometimes, but the little mouse had not steered him wrong yet.

But, what would that look like for him? He shook his head slightly, he could not even begin to picture it.

Rebecca's smile returned as she pointed to a set of doors behind her desk.

"Through there, you'll find the training room."

She motioned for him to follow.

They stopped at another door, and Rebecca motioned for Bryan to hold his academic card up to a mounted device.

"Everything is locked behind your academic card. Without the right credentials, it won't work."

The door clicked open with a soft hiss, revealing a vast chamber beyond. Bryan's footsteps echoed against the polished gray floor as they entered. The space was dominated by a central area where a massive black stone table rose from the floor like a monument. Above it, six monitors hung from the ceiling in a hexagonal pattern, their screens currently off.

Soft, ambient light emanated from strips embedded in the floor leading to the six identical doors that lined the perimeter of the main chamber, each marked with a number in glowing blue script.

"Here's the training area - we have six rooms available in the dorm itself, with more on campus. While it's not quite as advanced as the campus facilities, it's still cutting-edge. However, it costs 500 academic credits per hour to use."

She ran her hand along the smooth surface of the central table, which Bryan now noticed had thin lines etched into its surface.

"There's a sign-up system accessible through your academic card once you're in your room. You'll be able to see your room number, features, payment due dates, and training room availability. The system updates in real-time."

"Do all the dorms have this?"

Bryan asked.

"No."

Rebecca shook her head.

"It's exclusive to the Rose Garden. And, if you manage to gather 25,000 academic credits, you can have a personal training room installed in your room. The room would convert from sleeping quarters to an open gym, with a monthly fee of 250 AC to keep it running."

She held up a finger.

"Any additional features - holograms, agility, or strength tests - would cost extra, but without increasing the monthly rate."

"What's the difference between these training areas and the ones on campus?"

Bryan asked.

Rebecca brightened at the question.

"The facilities here have hologram systems programmed for combat training, with difficulty settings that adjust to match the user's capabilities. We also have a targeting range to help students improve their accuracy, speed, casting speed, and spell range, plus a physical enhancement zone with adjustable gravity settings."

She gestured with her hands as she continued.

"The campus facilities have all of that and more - dueling arenas, recording sensors for analyzing your performance, a full array of magitech weapons to train with, and a dedicated recovery area. It costs 100 AC more per hour than our facilities here, but it's also a twenty-minute walk from the dorm."

Rebecca turned to head out of the room.

"We should move on to the second floor, but..."

She paused, studying Bryan's expression.

"Do you have any other questions?"

He only had one. Bryan could already tell he was going to spend a lot of time here as the features in this room alone offered more than what the Inquisition had to offer. There was always someone challenging him, not holograms.

Although, having an actual opponent could teach him a lot more than any hologram would unless it was capable of learning from its mistakes. But that seemed too far-fetched.

"How long are the facilities open?"

He asked as he turned his head to look at the room once more.

"The dorm's training rooms are available twenty-four hours a day, but the campus facilities close at 8 PM and reopen at 5 AM."

Her smile turned knowing.

"Classes start at 6 AM, but there are showers available in the campus training rooms. Depending on how far your first class is, you might want to take advantage of that extra hour in the morning - if you can afford it, of course."

He thought about it for a second, a twenty-minute walk at the cost of an extra hundred didn't sound that bad if there were more features. But, it would be better to see if his needs would be met here before he went off to another building.

Depending on his schedule, he might be better off training here in the morning, attending classes where he was needed, and finishing his day off at the training facilities on campus.

Maybe he would put his plans on hold and take this time to train and see how far he could push himself. If he kept all of his spells under wraps then he might get rusty since he did not plan on using them often.

With this though he would not have to worry.

'It might be alright to take some time off and just enjoy this camp like Zoltan wants me to. And to think, this is only the first floor.'

Bryan thought to himself.