The Royal Academy of Magical Arts towered over the northern quarter of the capital, its spires and domes visible from miles away. Up close, the complex sprawled across several acres, a maze of interconnected buildings ranging from ancient stone structures to newer additions with gleaming enchanted glass. Magical lights illuminated the grounds despite the early morning hour, and even at this distance, Ryo could feel the complex web of protective wards humming in the air.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Magister Vela remarked as their carriage approached the main gates. "Over eight centuries of magical learning in one place."
Ryo adjusted the dampening amulet around his neck, still getting used to the uncomfortable sensation of having his powers muffled. It felt like wearing a heavy coat on a hot day, constricting and unnatural.
"It's... big," he replied noncommittally. "Lot of defensive magic for a school."
"The Academy houses some of the realm's most valuable magical knowledge," Vela explained. "The defenses are necessary. Though it seems some have been compromised regardless."
The carriage passed through massive iron gates inscribed with protective runes. Student guides in blue uniforms directed new arrivals toward different buildings, while senior mages in elaborate robes supervised from a distance.
"Remember your cover story," Vela said quietly as they neared the entrance. "You're Ryo from Millbrook, a tavern keeper who discovered moderate magical talent later in life. You're here because the local knight-captain noticed your abilities when you helped put out a magically-enhanced fire in your town."
"I know the story," Ryo said, resisting the urge to adjust the uncomfortable formal student attire they'd provided. The plain blue tunic and trousers were a far cry from his usual practical clothing. "Self-taught, some natural talent but unstructured, eager to learn proper techniques. Nothing special, nothing suspicious."
"And absolutely no dimensional manipulation," Vela added firmly. "That's advanced magic that would immediately draw attention. Stick to basic elements – a little fire, some minor wind manipulation, nothing more."
Ryo nodded, though he found the restriction irritating. Asking him not to use dimensional magic was like asking a master chef to cook using only salt and water.
"What about Anna?" he asked. "If Old Ones are targeting magically talented students—"
"Knight-Captain Elena is keeping watch in Millbrook," Vela assured him. "And we've arranged for regular message drops so you can communicate safely."
The carriage stopped at the Entrance Hall, a grand structure with soaring ceilings and enchanted banners representing the Academy's different colleges. Dozens of new students milled about, a mix of nervous teenagers and a few older individuals who looked as out of place as Ryo felt.
"This is where I leave you," Vela said. "Archmage Thorne knows you're here, but no one else does. To everyone else, including most faculty, you're just another late-blooming student. Your roommate assignment and class schedule are in this packet."
Ryo took the offered papers, scanning them quickly. "Second-tier housing? I thought new students got the fancy dormitories I saw on the way in."
"Those are for noble students and exceptional scholarship recipients," Vela explained. "You're being placed with other mature students in the East Tower. Less scrutiny, more freedom to move around."
With that, Vela departed, leaving Ryo to navigate the intake process alone. He joined a line of nervous-looking new arrivals, listening to their conversations to get a better sense of Academy culture.
"My father says Professor Calden is the one to impress if you want admission to Advanced Evocation," a well-dressed young man was saying to his companions. "He sits on the College Selection Committee."
"I heard the Artifice program only took eight students last year," another replied anxiously. "How are we supposed to stand out among hundreds of applicants?"
Ryo filed away these snippets, building a mental map of the Academy's competitive atmosphere. When he finally reached the front of the line, a harried-looking administrator barely glanced at his documents.
"Ryo of Millbrook... mature entrant... moderate initial assessment scores," the man muttered, stamping several papers. "East Tower, room 412. Basic Elements curriculum to start, reassessment after the first month. Uniform allowance has been applied to your student account." He pushed the papers back. "Next!"
Navigating the Academy grounds proved challenging. The layout seemed deliberately confusing, with certain paths accessible only to those with the right magical signatures. Twice Ryo had to ask for directions, playing up his "new country student" persona.
By midday, he had found the East Tower – a plain but solid structure housing older students, visiting scholars, and those without noble sponsorship. His room was small but adequate, with a narrow bed, desk, and small window overlooking an inner courtyard. A second bed indicated his assigned roommate hadn't arrived yet.
Ryo stored his meager belongings, carefully hiding the secure communication crystal Elena had provided in a dimensional pocket he'd created before putting on the dampening amulet. Then he consulted his orientation schedule. New student assessment was already underway in the Central Hall.
The Central Hall turned out to be a massive open space where dozens of faculty members sat at small tables, calling students forward for individual skill evaluations. The room buzzed with nervous energy as young mages attempted to demonstrate their abilities without embarrassing themselves.
"Ryo of Millbrook?" A middle-aged woman with spectacles and practical robes called his name from a nearby table.
"That's me," he confirmed, approaching with the deliberately awkward demeanor of someone unused to formal magical settings.
"I'm Professor Maren, Basic Elements Department," she introduced herself briskly. "Your preliminary assessment indicates some untrained ability. Show me what you can do with fire."
Ryo focused on creating the weakest, most unstructured flame he could manage while still showing some control. A small, flickering fire appeared above his palm, wavering unsteadily.
"Hmm, rudimentary control but poor form," Professor Maren noted, scribbling on her assessment sheet. "Let's try air manipulation."
For the next twenty minutes, Ryo carefully performed each requested demonstration with just enough skill to avoid suspicion but enough imprecision to appear untrained. It was a delicate balance – too weak would be unbelievable given his age and reported experience, too strong would draw unwanted attention.
"Well, Mr. Ryo," Professor Maren concluded, "you clearly have natural ability but absolutely no formal technique. Your energy patterns are... unusual. Almost as if you've been teaching yourself entirely wrong methods." She made a final note. "You'll start with Basic Elements Control, Magical Theory Foundations, and History of Arcane Development. We'll reassess after the first month."
Ryo accepted his class schedule with appropriate gratitude, hiding his amusement at her assessment. If she only knew how "wrong" his methods actually were.
As he turned to leave, a commotion erupted at a nearby assessment table. A young man in expensive clothing was gesturing dramatically, sending controlled bursts of flame spiraling into complex patterns.
"Show-off," muttered a girl standing near Ryo. "That's Darius Blackwell. His father practically owns the western provinces, and he never lets anyone forget it."
"Impressive control," Ryo observed, watching the student's technique.
"He's been trained by private tutors since he was five," the girl explained. "Most noble children have. That's why they resent non-noble students who get admitted on talent alone – we mess up their neat social hierarchy." She offered her hand. "I'm Lydia, by the way. Scholarship student."
"Ryo. Tavern keeper turned very late student."
Lydia raised her eyebrows. "A tavern keeper? That's unusual. What made you decide to join the Academy?"
"Knight-Captain in my town thought I could be useful with proper training," Ryo replied, sticking to his cover story. "Not sure how I'll fit in with all these young talents."
"Don't worry about it," Lydia assured him. "There are more mature students than you'd think, especially in the practical application tracks. Not everyone wants to be a high-theory research mage."
Their conversation was interrupted by a cold voice. "Well, what have we here? The Academy truly is lowering its standards these days."
Darius Blackwell had apparently finished his impressive demonstration and now stood before them, flanked by two equally well-dressed companions. Up close, Ryo noticed something odd about the young man's magical aura – a subtle darkness around the edges that shouldn't have been there.
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"Lord Blackwell," Lydia acknowledged stiffly. "Congratulations on your assessment."
"Thank you, scholarship girl," Darius replied dismissively, his attention focused on Ryo. "And you must be another of the Academy's charity cases. I heard Professor Maren's assessment – 'teaching yourself entirely wrong methods.' Embarrassing."
Ryo studied the young noble with genuine curiosity. The darkness in his aura was interesting – not quite Old One corruption, but something similar. Worth investigating.
"I'm just happy to be here learning," Ryo replied mildly. "We can't all have private tutors from birth."
Darius's eyes narrowed. "You should show more respect to your betters, tavern keeper. Magical society has hierarchies for a reason – those with talent and breeding at the top, those who serve drinks at the bottom."
"Funny, in my tavern, the hierarchy is simple – those who behave get served, those who don't get tossed out," Ryo replied with a genial smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Much simpler system."
Several nearby students gasped at the open defiance. Darius's face flushed with anger, and his hand twitched as if reaching for magic.
"You'll regret that attitude," he promised quietly. "The Academy has ways of reminding people of their proper place."
Before the confrontation could escalate further, a stern voice cut through the tension. "Lord Blackwell, you're expected at the Advanced Placement evaluation. Professor Nevlin is waiting."
A tall, severe-looking student with the insignia of a student prefect stood nearby. Something about her seemed oddly familiar to Ryo, though he was certain they'd never met.
Darius backed down immediately, his demeanor shifting to practiced politeness. "Of course, Prefect Selene. I was just welcoming new students." With a final glare at Ryo, he and his companions departed.
"Thank you," Lydia said to the prefect. "He was getting—"
"You shouldn't antagonize Lord Blackwell," the prefect interrupted, her piercing gaze fixed on Ryo. "His family has significant influence here. And you," she turned to Lydia, "should know better than to engage with him at all."
Without waiting for a response, she walked away, her perfect posture and confident stride drawing admiring glances from younger students.
"That's Selene Winterheart," Lydia explained quietly. "Top student in the Academy for three years running. She's brilliant, powerful, and absolutely dedicated to rules and traditions." She gave Ryo a concerned look. "You really shouldn't make enemies your first day here, especially not someone like Blackwell."
"I've dealt with bullies before," Ryo shrugged. "But noted. I'll try to be more... deferential."
As they exited the Central Hall, Ryo consulted his schedule. "Looks like I have the welcome dinner next, then Basic Magical Theory first thing tomorrow."
"Same here," Lydia brightened. "At least for the dinner. Want to go together? I can point out who to avoid and who might be actually helpful."
Ryo accepted gratefully. As they walked across the Academy grounds, he took the opportunity to examine the buildings more carefully, noting defensive weaknesses, unusual magical patterns, and potential escape routes – habits ingrained from countless lifetimes that were hard to break.
The dining hall was a cavernous space with long tables organized by college affiliation and year of study. New students were segregated at tables near the entrance, easy to identify by their clean, unmarked robes.
"The table by the north window is all noble students," Lydia whispered as they found seats. "The one near the faculty platform is for top academic performers. See how everyone's clustered? The Academy talks about merit, but the social divides are pretty rigid."
Ryo nodded, taking in the subtle power dynamics playing out across the hall. It reminded him of court politics, just with younger players and more obvious magical displays as students showed off for their peers.
As they ate, an older student slid into the empty seat across from them. He was thin and perpetually anxious-looking, with ink-stained fingers and rumpled robes.
"You must be my new roommate," he said to Ryo. "I'm Morris. Fourth-year research track, Theoretical Applications of Elemental Convergence." He spoke rapidly, his attention constantly shifting around the room. "They told me I'd be getting a mature student as a roommate. Glad it's not another teenager. Last year they put me with a noble's third son who kept setting my research notes on fire as a 'prank.'"
"Nice to meet you," Ryo replied. "I'll try not to burn any notes."
"Good, good," Morris nodded distractedly. "Just so you know, I sometimes work late in our room. Lots of important research. Very sensitive. Currently exploring the theoretical interfaces between elemental and spatial magics. Breakthrough imminent." He sounded like he'd had too much of whatever stimulant the researchers used to stay awake for extended periods.
Ryo's interest was immediately piqued. "Spatial magic? Like teleportation?"
"Oh, much more interesting than simple teleportation," Morris replied, lowering his voice. "I'm investigating how elemental forces interact with dimensional boundaries. The Academy's traditional approach is too rigid, too formulaic. There are underlying patterns that conventional magical theory doesn't account for." His eyes gleamed with the fervor of someone on the edge of discovery. "I've been granted special access to restricted texts because of my research potential."
Alarm bells rang in Ryo's mind. This was exactly the kind of research that could be manipulated by Old One influence – a talented mage pushing boundaries in precisely the area where the barriers between realities were thinnest.
"Sounds fascinating," Ryo said carefully. "I'd love to hear more about it sometime."
Morris seemed about to continue when the room suddenly quieted. At the front of the hall, Archmage Thorne had risen to address the assembled students.
"Welcome, new and returning students, to another year at the Royal Academy of Magical Arts," his voice carried effortlessly across the vast space. "For eight centuries, these halls have nurtured the greatest magical minds in our realm. You sit where legendary mages once studied, where world-changing discoveries were made."
As Thorne continued with the expected inspirational speech, Ryo scanned the faculty table with greater interest. Now that he was looking more carefully, he could see subtle signs of magical influence around certain professors – nothing as obvious as corruption, but small indications of external pressure on their natural magical signatures.
"Is that normal?" he whispered to Lydia, nodding toward a professor whose aura seemed particularly disturbed.
"Who, Professor Nelron? He's the Advanced Conjuration instructor. Always looks a bit off, but they say he's brilliant." She studied Ryo curiously. "How can you tell something's wrong? We haven't even had aura reading classes yet."
"Just a feeling," Ryo covered quickly. "Something about his expression."
As dinner concluded, students were directed to their assigned dormitories. Morris immediately rushed off, claiming he needed to check on an experiment, leaving Ryo and Lydia to navigate the evening crowd together.
"So what's your actual story?" Lydia asked as they walked toward the East Tower. "Most people don't suddenly leave established careers to become mages unless something interesting happened."
"It's pretty much what I said," Ryo replied, admiring her perceptiveness. "I was running my tavern, minding my own business, when magical trouble found me. Figured I should learn to handle it properly instead of just reacting."
"Magical trouble? Like what?" she pressed.
Ryo decided a partial truth might help establish his cover better than a complete fabrication. "There was an incident with some blood magic in our town. I helped stop it, but mostly through luck and instinct rather than skill. Made me realize how much I didn't know."
Lydia's eyes widened. "Blood magic? That's serious. No wonder a Knight-Captain recommended you." She lowered her voice. "Listen, if you need help catching up with the basics, I can share my notes. First year was brutal for me since I didn't have any formal preparation either."
"I'd appreciate that," Ryo said sincerely. "Especially for Magical Theory. Never been much for book learning."
They reached the point where their paths diverged, Lydia heading to the scholarship dormitory while Ryo continued to the East Tower.
"See you in theory class tomorrow," she called. "And try not to antagonize any more noble students if you can help it!"
Ryo waved acknowledgment, then continued alone. The Academy grounds were quieter now, with most students settled in their dormitories. Perfect time for a little investigation.
Instead of heading directly to his room, Ryo took a meandering path that allowed him to examine various buildings more closely. The dampening amulet limited his magical senses, but he could still detect more than most trained mages.
Near the central administration building, something caught his attention – a subtle warping in the magical defenses, almost invisible unless you knew exactly what to look for. He approached carefully, mindful of the risk of discovery.
The ward distortion wasn't random. Someone had deliberately modified the Academy's protective barriers, creating what amounted to a magical blind spot. A secret entrance, perhaps, or a way to communicate undetected with the outside world.
Before he could investigate further, footsteps approached. Ryo quickly adopted the lost-new-student pose, pretending to consult his map.
"Students should be in their dormitories by now," said a cold, familiar voice. Prefect Selene stood a few feet away, her expression suspicious. "Especially new students unfamiliar with the grounds."
"Just trying to find my way back to East Tower," Ryo explained, playing up his confusion. "All these buildings look the same in the dark."
Selene studied him with unsettling intensity. "You're the one who challenged Lord Blackwell. The tavern keeper."
"Not challenging, just introducing myself," Ryo corrected mildly. "Ryo of Millbrook, at your service."
"Millbrook," she repeated, something flickering in her eyes. "Interesting. East Tower is that way." She pointed in the opposite direction from the ward distortion. "I suggest you go directly there. The Academy has strict rules about curfew."
"Thanks for the direction," Ryo said, forcing an appropriately grateful expression. "Hate to start off breaking rules on my first day."
As he walked away, he could feel her eyes on his back. There was something odd about Prefect Selene – a precision to her magic that felt almost too perfect, too controlled. Another person of interest in his growing mental list.
By the time Ryo reached his room, Morris was already there, surrounded by scrolls and open books that covered every available surface, including Ryo's bed.
"Sorry, sorry," the researcher muttered, gathering papers from Ryo's side of the room. "Got excited about a new theoretical approach. Did you know that elemental affinities might actually be dimensional resonances? It's all in the frequency patterns, if you look closely enough..."
Ryo helped clear a space for himself, noting the titles of Morris's books with growing concern. Several dealt with boundary theories between realms, exactly the kind of research that could inadvertently create openings for Old One influence.
"Where did you get these?" Ryo asked casually, picking up a particularly ancient-looking tome. "Some of these look like restricted materials."
"Special research dispensation," Morris said proudly. "Signed by Professor Nelron himself. He's been very supportive of my work, says I'm asking the right questions that no one else is brave enough to pursue."
Professor Nelron – the same one whose aura had seemed disturbed at dinner. The connections were beginning to form, though still too tenuous to act upon.
As Ryo finally settled into his narrow bed, Morris still muttering formulas across the room, he reviewed what he'd learned on his first day. Noble students with unusually dark-tinged auras. A perfect prefect with too-precise magical control. Disturbed wards near the administration building. A professor encouraging boundary research. And his roommate, unknowingly pursuing exactly the kind of knowledge that could create vulnerabilities to Outside influence.
It wasn't proof of Old One corruption, but it was certainly enough to justify his presence. Something was happening at the Academy, something that went beyond normal academic politics and student rivalries.
Ryo closed his eyes, feigning sleep while maintaining awareness of his surroundings – a skill perfected over countless lifetimes. Tomorrow would bring classes, more opportunities to observe, and hopefully clearer indications of where the corruption originated.
His first day as a student had been illuminating.