The academy grounds were alive with a subtle, underlying energy the next day. Most students had returned to their training and study routines, but Max could feel something shifting beneath the surface—whispers in the halls, strange looks exchanged in passing. It wasn't paranoia. It was instinct.
After breakfast, Max decided to take a walk alone, heading toward the south path that led to the academy's older section. The air here was thick with an ancient, almost forgotten magic. The crumbling stone buildings and overgrown vines suggested an era long passed, and only a handful of students ventured here, for training or meditation.
But Max wasn't here to meditate.
According to Leo, this section of the academy housed one of the "informal" instructors—someone who didn't appear on any rosters but who had an uncanny ability to know more than anyone else. They called him "Thorn."
Max found him in the garden near an old sundial, his hands expertly trimming magical thistles with a worn silver blade. Thorn wasn't old, but there was something about him that exuded an almost ageless quality. His dark eyes were sharp, his movements deliberate, as though he could sense every shift in the world around him.
"You're Max," Thorn said without looking up.
Max didn't respond immediately. "You know who I am?"
"I know who everyone is," Thorn replied cryptically. "Sit."
Max obeyed, cautiously lowering himself onto a flat stone nearby. He kept his hand close to the small dagger hidden beneath his cloak, just in case. Thorn hadn't shown any sign of hostility, but Max knew better than to trust anyone completely.
"You've been digging into things that aren't meant to be found," Thorn continued, his voice steady and low. "I'm not talking about the academy curriculum. I'm talking about the things no one talks about. The things hidden in plain sight."
Max narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying?"
Thorn paused for a moment, as if considering his words carefully. "I've been watching you. Your progress is faster than expected. A lot faster than any of the other students. People don't just rise through the ranks like that. You're not just relying on basic talent, are you?"
Max didn't answer right away, but his mind raced. Was this some kind of test? Did Thorn know more than he was letting on? Could he know about Max's mysterious abilities?
"I'm just working hard," Max said, keeping his voice neutral.
Thorn studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Hard work won't get you far in this academy if you don't know the rules. Power, influence, knowledge—these are the true currencies. And you'll need all three if you plan on surviving what's coming."
Max's pulse quickened. He wasn't sure if Thorn was talking about the academy's political game or something more sinister. But the mention of survival struck a chord.
"I'm not interested in politics," Max said, though he knew that wasn't entirely true. Survival was a political game in itself.
Thorn gave a half-smile. "Politics is about control, Max. You want control of your own future, don't you? You want to shape your destiny."
Max clenched his fists, his gaze hardening. The answer was obvious.
"I can show you how," Thorn continued, his voice low and intense. "But it'll take more than just strength. You need knowledge. You need strategy. Most importantly, you need to understand who you're up against."
Max leaned forward, intrigued. "Who am I up against?"
Thorn's smile faded, his eyes darkening with a seriousness that seemed to carry the weight of years of experience. "The system. The noble families. The people who pull the strings from the shadows. They'll use you if they can, discard you if you're no longer useful. You need to be smarter than them. And I can help you with that."
Max hesitated, then nodded. "What do you want from me?"
Thorn's expression softened, and he stood up, brushing off his pants. "Meet me here at dusk. I'll teach you what the academy doesn't. But remember—every choice you make, every secret you uncover, comes with a cost."
Max stood as well, his mind racing. He still didn't know if he could trust Thorn, but one thing was clear: The man had information Max needed. Whether it was about the academy or something more, Thorn was a key piece of the puzzle.
"Don't be late," Thorn said, his voice quieter now. He turned and walked toward the archway leading deeper into the garden, disappearing into the shadows.
Max watched him go, the weight of his words lingering in the air. He turned and made his way back to the main academy grounds, his mind already spinning with questions. There was something about this place—about Thorn—that felt both dangerous and necessary. And for better or worse, Max knew that he needed every bit of information he could get to navigate the treacherous path ahead.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Skill Tree Branch Available]
New Option: "Strategic Mind – Tier One"
Max's fingers brushed the cool surface of the amulet hidden beneath his shirt. He hadn't forgotten about the mysterious artifact. But for now, his focus had to remain on survival. There were too many players, too many risks. Allies were necessary—but trust was another matter entirely.
And if there was one thing Max had learned, it was that the only person he could truly rely on was himself.