MTLNOVEL Chapter 5: Welcome to the Academy
The Crystalline Academy lived up to its name. As Sarah stood before its towering spires, she could see why it was considered the crown jewel of magical education. Every surface seemed to be made of perfectly cut crystal, catching the morning light and fracturing it into rainbow patterns across the courtyard. Through Ravenna's memories, she recognized the complex magical formulae etched into each facet - protective wards layered so densely they made her chaos marks tingle.
"Impressive, isn't it?" A tall woman with steel-gray hair approached, her academic robes adorned with the silver and blue markings of an Archmage. "Though I suspect you're more interested in the theoretical principles behind the architecture than its aesthetic appeal."
"Archmage Winters," Sarah said, inclining her head respectfully. Through Ravenna's memories, she recognized the woman's reputation - brilliant, demanding, and notorious for taking on challenging cases. "Thank you for accepting this assignment."
"Assignment?" Winters raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you think this is? A bureaucratic inconvenience foisted upon me by the Council?"
Sarah chose her next words carefully. "I think this is an opportunity to study something that hasn't been properly understood in centuries. But I also understand that I'm here as a prisoner, not a colleague."
"Good." Winters gestured for Sarah to follow her. "The Council may have granted you research privileges, but make no mistake - one misstep and you'll be in the Obsidian Tower before you can blink. I've arranged a secure laboratory in the East Wing, far from the regular students."
As they walked through the crystalline halls, Sarah noticed how other faculty members and students gave them a wide berth, whispers following in their wake. She caught fragments of conversations: "chaos magic," "dangerous," "should be in prison."
"Ignore them," Winters advised, leading her down a less populated corridor. "Most of them don't know enough about magical theory to understand what they're afraid of. Though I suppose that's part of why we're here."
They descended a spiral staircase, the crystal walls gradually giving way to older stone construction. "The East Wing predates the Academy's crystal renovation," Winters explained. "The original wards are actually stronger here, though less flashy. Your quarters and laboratory will be on this level."
She stopped before a heavy wooden door marked with complex runic arrays. "Standard containment wards, modified to accommodate your... unique situation. They'll allow your chaos magic to remain stable but prevent any unauthorized usage. You'll be able to conduct approved experiments, but nothing more."
Sarah examined the wards through Ravenna's expertise. The modifications were elegant, working with the chaos magic's nature rather than trying to suppress it entirely. "Your work?" she asked.
"The Council provided a standard template. I made some adjustments." Winters' expression remained neutral, but Sarah caught a hint of pride in her voice. "I've studied your research notes. Your theoretical framework is surprisingly sound for someone your age."
"Thank you," Sarah replied carefully. "Though I understand now that my methods of obtaining that knowledge were... problematic."
"Problematic?" Winters actually smiled slightly. "You broke into sealed archives, decoded forbidden texts, and awakened a form of magic that terrifies the Council. 'Problematic' is a rather mild way of putting it." She touched the door, causing the wards to shimmer. "But you did it methodically, with proper documentation and safety protocols. That's why you're here instead of the Tower."
The door swung open to reveal a spacious chamber divided into two areas. One side was clearly set up as living quarters, with a bed, desk, and small sitting area. The other side contained a fully equipped magical laboratory, complete with research stations and monitoring equipment.
"You'll be confined to this level unless escorted," Winters continued. "All experiments must be approved in advance. You'll submit weekly progress reports to both myself and the Council. Any sign of instability or unauthorized research..."
"And I go straight to the Tower," Sarah finished. "I understand."
Winters studied her for a moment. "Do you? Because I've read your file, Miss Blackthorn. You're brilliant, methodical, and absolutely convinced that you're right about chaos magic's true nature. That combination of traits is what got you into this situation."
Sarah met her gaze steadily. "I also understand now that being right doesn't justify any means of pursuing that knowledge. I'm grateful for this chance to continue my research properly, under supervision."
"We'll see." Winters turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and one more thing. The Academy's new term starts next week. You may hear... discussions about a particularly promising new student. Elena Brighthaven, I believe."
Sarah kept her expression carefully neutral, even as her heart rate increased. "I'll be focused on my research, Archmage."
"See that you are." Winters' tone made it clear this wasn't just a suggestion. "Welcome to the Crystalline Academy, Miss Blackthorn. Don't make me regret accepting you."
As the door closed behind the Archmage, Sarah looked around her new home for the next five years. The laboratory equipment was first-rate, the wards were sophisticated enough to work with her chaos magic rather than against it, and soon Elena would be arriving at the Academy. Everything was falling into place.
She walked to the laboratory side of the room, running her fingers along the equipment. Through Ravenna's memories, she could already envision the experiments she could conduct, the theories she could prove. But she had to be careful, patient. One wrong move and she'd lose this chance forever.
The chaos marks on her skin shifted slightly, responding to her thoughts. Five years to prove herself. Five years to change how the magical world viewed chaos magic. And somewhere in those five years, a chance to reshape the story she'd been pulled into.
Sarah smiled. It was time to get to work.