I considered myself a patient person, but sitting in the corner of dining halls for hours, carefully examining every student that entered was agonizing. I kept several books in front of me, pretending to study their contents while secretly working to familiarize myself with each mana element. And it was a tortuously slow process only made easier by a realization I had come to in the process.

I had initially begun practicing mana sense to hide my power as much as possible. It was a skill for survival, and I had realized not long after the utility of sensing potential threats. And although this useful function would be critical to my plans for the upcoming tournament, it could have long-lasting consequences for my personal cultivation.

Every method leaves marks on a mage's mana, core, and channels. Their energy changes, and their channels mutate under the stress of their cultivation. I could see the changes in my own body from Iron Forging, and a true master of mana sensing could detect these changes in other's bodies. That understanding drove me to continue examining other apprentices, who would lack the skills to hide their mana from my eyes.

While I remained unsure when I would leave, I knew my time in Ferris was rapidly coming to a close. I had already run face-first into the limits of Ferren magical knowledge, with my accidental discovery of body refining. And Aether magic, due to its scarcity, was a mostly underdeveloped school of magic. My readings of "A Study on Aether" all those months ago had given me a solid base to build upon, but few mages ever bothered to create spells or techniques genuinely suited to the aspect.

And the more powerful I grew, the more noticeable these limitations would become to me. Any information and inspirations I could gain now would only let me progress farther along my path of cultivation. Saving Ferris was my immediate goal, but life was long, and I had no plans to stop at just that level of might.

Leaning backward and rubbing my throbbing temples, I debated heading back to my room to rest, but before I could make a decision, Flynn Sion entered the dining hall.

Most days, he was accompanied by a group of braying fools, scrambling to earn his favor. I noticed that several were the same arrogant nobles who often accompanied Leon and Sophia around, though I could not be bothered to learn their names. This was a mistake in hindsight, and I felt a twinge of regret that my distaste for their company had inadvertently given me a harder job in the present.

Yet today, Flynn was alone for a change. I mentally swore when he glanced around the room, noticing me sitting along with a grin that could almost be mistaken for friendly.

"Nice to see you again, Vayne. I must say, I'm surprised you are still here so late at night. I would have thought you would be hard at work studying in your room." he commented, not bothering to ask for permission before sliding into the seat across from me.

"Good evening, my lord. I would normally be, but I find a change of scenery helps me recall better. Though I do love reading, it does occasionally get boring. I would prefer to read outside, but the chill in the air is uncomfortable, especially at night." I responded, bowing my head low with a genial smile.

Chuckling, Flynn nodded several times, replying, "I agree completely. I spent more than a few nights reading outside on the lake on my family estate, though I suspect we preferred different books. My father had me read mostly political and military treatises growing up, and I often read what you might call 'useless stories' in my youth. Or at least, that's what he would call them."

"Yes, sir. I grew reading similar works on politics and strategy, though I also studied economics, philosophy, engineering, and other related topics. I have always loved to learn, and Duke Estton was more than happy to fulfill such a desire."

Smiling, Flynn glanced down at the menu, ordering several things for the table before looking back up to me.

"I always found them to be painfully dull, if essential topics. But my father has a role to fill, and I must rise to the occasion despite my distaste. I understand you will be fulfilling your own role as an advisor for the Esttons, and soon as well. The rumblings among the students is that you will be entering into the tournament with your lords." he commented, keeping his tone casual as he leaned backward in his seat.

So that was why he was coming here and attempting to appear casual and friendly. I almost laughed at the irony that I came down here to spy on other apprentices, and Flynn had, in turn, came to spy on me. Or, at least, he was using the opportunity presented to him.

Before I could reply, several trays of food approached, the main course appearing to be a beautifully seared steak with a dark red sauce. I felt my mouth water as I caught a hint of the smell, realizing I was far more hungry than I had thought.

Taking a moment, Flynn waved his hand, and I could see a slight shimmer of white mana pass along the table before a wine bottle appeared, along with two delicate crystalline cups. I was unable to hide a surprised expression, and Flynn's smile grew wider, seemingly happy at my impressed reaction.

"Spatial magic is typically the specialty of darkness magic, but my family has not gained a reputation as light magic masters for nothing," he explained with a sly grin. Producing a corkscrew in the same manner, he opened the bottle and filled both glasses high, the wine a deep scarlet red color. Although alcohol was frowned upon in the Academy, I doubted most masters would care enough to discipline Flynn.

I took a small sip from my cup, giving him a genuine smile at the smooth, fruity taste. It was delicious, my improved sense of taste letting me pick up on subtle notes of flavor that would typically take years of experience to detect.

"Thank you, my lord," I said, inclining my head before beginning to dig into the perfectly cooked steak in front of me.

"I treat my friends well, and a nice bottle of wine is far from the limits of my generosity."

"My lord, I am afraid I do not know what you mean. I have done nothing to warrant such a gift." I replied, keeping my tone neutral. I had an idea of what he was proposing, but I would prefer to hide my reactions until I had all the information I could get.

Chuckling at my overly respectful tone, Flynn took another sip of his drink before continuing, "Would you like to be a real mage, Vayne? I understand you are going to be an advisor for the Esttons, but a man of your talents should not be limited to such a lowly position. You hide it well, but I suspect a true battlemage is hidden behind your polite, quiet demeanor."

Something about the way he spoke set my instincts alight with suspicion, and I took a drink while I considered a reply. Thankfully, my strengthened body was able to process alcohol more efficiently than before, and my thoughts were still fast and precise.

"With all due respect, My lord Duke Estton has already given me a gift I can never hope to repay, and I would not dream of spurning his generosity. I am happy to be an advisor, and I hope to fulfill that duty to the best of my ability." I said, keeping a polite smile plastered to my features.

Flynn stared at me quietly for several seconds, before laughing loudly. I glanced around the room in surprise, noticing that the few apprentices that had been there before were gone. Was this a coincidence, or had Flynn arranged this private meeting?

Leaning in closer, Flynn said, "I respect your loyalty to your lords. It is that loyalty and intelligence that drew my attention and respect. I will cut to the chase. I want you on my team for this tournament. I have three other excellent choices, but we need a fifth, and I believe you are the best option."

Before I could respond, he held up one hand, continuing, "I know you are conflicted. Your lords gave you many great gifts, and I can understand you feeling uncomfortable with the thought of betraying them. But trust me when I say that we can offer you much greater rewards in return for your help. In particular, I can offer you the sort of resources to improve your growth beyond anything you can imagine."

His offer struck me as uncharacteristic, and entirely against what Leon told me about Flynn Sion. I did not reply for a minute, carefully considering what he said, before raising my head to him.

"My lord, I am just a simple commoner, given a gift I can never repay. My talent is mediocre at best, my aspect is limited, and my skills are entirely ordinary. What could you possibly want from me?"

Flynn's sudden wide grin struck me as a friendly and predatory mix, an unsavory expression that nearly caused me to cast a Flicker Step to escape. I pushed back this instinct, gripping my knee under the table to keep it from moving anxiously.

"Well, let's just say you could serve well as a blade against our foes. After all, there are many dangers outside of Ferris, and it pays to prepare against any and all. My family has not gotten this far by not taking advantage of all available resources and opportunities."

Standing, Flynn smoothed out his shirt, stating, "If you decide to join us, meet me by the fountain at midnight a week from today. I will arrange for you to move to our team for the tournament, and have my father send Duke Estton a sizeable bit of gold to repay his tutelage of you."

He glanced down at the table, specifically the half-finished bottle of wine before saying, "Oh, and keep the bottle. We can call it a welcoming gift, from a lord to his newest friend and confidante. Good evening, Vayne."

I watched him leave, taking a minute to collect my thoughts before making my way back to my room. Along the way, I replayed the meeting in my head, wondering what Flynn's real motivation was for asking me to betray the Esttons.

He must know that I would refuse such an offer. Even if they did pay Duke Estton for the investment that he already made, it was a massive breach of cultural norms. Trying to steal a member of one noble household was against all customs and would earn the Sion family nothing by disdain from most families.

Laying down in my bed, I went through the entire meal again, recalling every sentence he had said. Most of it was straightforward and friendly conversation, all designed to lower my guard and make me more receptive to his offer. I had no doubt that he was honest about his desire to have me join the Sion's service. But there must be a reason that he would make such an offer, knowing that it would cause a significant backlash.

If he was making such an offer, it would either need to be worth the potential loss of reputation, or it would not matter soon. I knew the second was likely the case, due to the impending invasion, but he had no way of knowing that.

Or did he?

Straightening up like a bolt of lightning had struck me, I remembered one of the last things Flynn had said. He called me a blade against his foes. I had thought it was just poetic wording, but the way he emphasized it felt deliberate.

The pieces began to slide into place, and I felt a sense of dread settle over my thoughts as I came to a terrifying conclusion.

Flynn knew about my future.