MTLNOVEL Chapter 4: A Matter of Location
"Absolutely not!" Councilor Frost's voice echoed through the private chamber where the Council had withdrawn to deliberate. "The girl awakens chaos magic, and now we're discussing research privileges? She should be in the Obsidian Tower, not a laboratory."
"Marina," Councilor Reed sighed, shuffling through his notes, "the Right of Scholarly Redemption exists for precisely these situations. Magical knowledge gained, even through improper means, shouldn't be wasted if it can benefit society."
"And who would supervise this research?" Frost demanded. "Who would take responsibility if her chaos magic destabilizes?"
High Councilor Brightstone stood at the chamber's crystal window, watching storm clouds gather on the horizon. "The question of supervision is crucial. We would need someone with both the magical strength to contain any accidents and the academic expertise to guide the research."
"Archmage Winters," Councilor Chen suggested quietly. When the others turned to look at him, he continued, "She's already at the Crystalline Academy, overseeing their advanced theoretical studies program. If anyone could handle this situation-"
"The Crystalline Academy?" Frost laughed incredulously. "You want to send a chaos magic practitioner to our most prestigious magical institution? Where she could influence hundreds of impressionable students?"
"Where she would be surrounded by the realm's most powerful protective wards," Councilor Moonshadow countered, "and under the constant supervision of experienced faculty."
Brightstone turned from the window. "The Academy does have the most comprehensive magical containment systems outside of the Obsidian Tower. And Archmage Winters..." he paused, considering. "She has experience with unusual magical manifestations."
"She also has a soft spot for troubled prodigies," Frost muttered.
"Which might be exactly what we need," Reed pointed out. "Someone who can balance caution with opportunity."
The debate continued for nearly an hour, with Frost arguing for maximum security while Reed and Moonshadow advocated for academic rehabilitation. Chen kept returning to practical logistics, while Brightstone listened more than he spoke.
Finally, the High Councilor raised his hand for silence. "We seem to be approaching a compromise. Bring the prisoner back in."
When the guards escorted Sarah back into the main chamber, she could feel the tension in the air. The Council members had resumed their formal positions, but their earlier unity had fractured into clearly divided camps.
"Miss Blackthorn," Brightstone began, "we have considered your invocation of the Right of Scholarly Redemption. Before we render our decision, do you have any specific proposals for how such an arrangement would function?"
Sarah straightened, drawing on both her knowledge of the original story and Ravenna's memories. This was her chance. "I request placement at the Crystalline Academy of Magical Arts, under Archmage Winters' supervision."
She saw Frost's scowl deepen and hurried on, "The Academy has the strongest protective wards in the realm after the Obsidian Tower. All research would be conducted under strict oversight, with regular reports to the Council. Additionally," she paused, knowing this was the crucial point, "the Academy's extensive historical archives might help us understand why chaos magic was sealed away in the first place - and how to properly manage it now that it's awakened."
"You seem very certain about your preferred location," Councilor Chen observed carefully.
"The Academy is the logical choice," Sarah replied, careful not to reveal her true reason - her knowledge that Elena, the story's protagonist, would soon enroll there. "It has the facilities, the expertise, and the security measures necessary for this research."
High Councilor Brightstone studied her for a long moment. "And if we grant this request, you understand there would be strict conditions? You would not be a student, but a research subject under constant supervision. Any violation of the terms would result in immediate transfer to the Obsidian Tower for the full twenty-year sentence."
"I understand," Sarah said firmly, even as her heart raced. Everything depended on this moment - her chance to change not just Ravenna's fate, but perhaps the entire story's direction.
Brightstone nodded slowly. "Then hear the Council's judgment. We sentence you to twenty years for your crimes involving forbidden magic. However, invoking the Right of Scholarly Redemption, we will allow the first five years to be served at the Crystalline Academy, conducting research under Archmage Winters' supervision. If your behavior and research progress are deemed satisfactory after five years, we will revisit the remainder of your sentence."
He leaned forward, his expression stern. "But understand this, Miss Blackthorn. You will be bound by magical constraints. You will submit to weekly examinations. Your research will be monitored, your movements restricted, and your magic strictly controlled. This is not a reprieve - it is an opportunity to prove that your knowledge can serve the magical community you wronged. Do you accept these terms?"
Sarah bowed her head, hiding a small smile. "I accept, High Councilor. Thank you for this opportunity."
As the guards prepared to escort her out, Councilor Frost spoke up sharply. "Remember, girl - one mistake, one hint of chaos magic going unchecked, and you'll wish we'd sent you to the Tower in the first place."
"I understand, Councilor," Sarah replied calmly, even as the marks on her skin tingled with anticipation. Soon she would be at the Academy, where Elena's story was supposed to begin. But now, instead of being a cautionary tale mentioned in passing, Ravenna Blackthorn would be there in person, ready to change the course of events.
She just had to survive five years of constant supervision, manage unstable chaos magic, and convince the magical world to reconsider centuries of prejudice. Sarah almost laughed. Compared to being trapped in a prison cell, it sounded almost like fun.