Anton frowned as he turned the next page. The story just stopped. On the previous page Lucon was about to find Ikel and everything just…Stopped. Like a final chapter had been removed. What read next was an epilogue, stating the Beast-kin integrated into the United Empire and a considerable amount of pro United Empire propaganda and the dangers of outsiders and bargains with forces one did not understand.

“They can’t just stop there.” Anton flicked the pages back and forth. “Not when we were so close to a proper ending. Has it been removed?”

Anton checked the seam and could not find any sign there were missing pages. He sighed softly and gently closed the book. No one spoke a word as Anton tapped the hard cover.

“Well…” Anton couldn’t find the right words. “That was a tale. Especially those things near the end…That...”

“Beast-kin…Invaders?” Cetina said softly. “What…” She shuffled closer. “What do you think those back home would think?”

Anton ran a hand through his hair. Only then did he realise he had lost track of time. He understood completely why Mezot could become lost in intriguing tales.

“Honestly? I think it’ll give the people that hate Beast-kin-”

"How could he have known that?" Mezot asked, frowning lightly. She too pulled closer to Anton before opening the book and flicking through the pages. "Lucon. It is always told through his perspective..."

"He must have been the one to tell the story." Anton mused. "So whoever wrote this, Waltheof Pavlovna, did so from that point of view."

So observant to a flaw in a story and yet...

Mezot continued to frown. "But Lucon wasn't there when Svafar and Ikel fought, when the creation she was building failed. How..." Mezot ribbed her temple. "How did Lucon know what it looked like? Or that Ikel wanted to begin a Beastkin invasion?"

Cetina slowly nodded and looked to Anton for an answer.

"Well," Anton shuffled forward. “There are a couple of possibilities. First-”

“What…” Mezot shrunk down slightly.

“-First, it could just be entirely fictional. At least the part where Svafar and Ikel fought. It might just be propaganda.” Anton tapped the book. “Especially if the United Empire blamed the Beast-kin for their failure in defeating the Wood Elves in the subsequent years. A revision-”

“I’ve read that story!” Mezot smiled and pointed to the level above. “It’s somewhere up there. It’s an interesting story…But I don’t think we have time.”

Anton nodded. “Now, I don’t believe that’s true. This doesn’t look like propaganda…If they were trying to make the Beast-kin look like villains they wouldn’t have made them the inventors of an improved type of steel. Now,” Anton clapped his hands. “It could just be pure speculation. But I believe that Lucon found them.”

He opened the book to the last page. “It just sort of…ends. Right after they start organizing supplies to help the Beast-kin. There’s this end blurb that says the Beast-kin began to integrate afterwards… No. I think that when Lucon recounted what happened he left out what he found in the laboratory. He found them, Svafar and Ikel, or whatever was left of them. Maybe a pile of fused flesh. And from that, he found out what Ikel was originally planning. But it doesn’t explain why they put the part with them fighting in the laboratory. Perhaps the censors didn’t think the fight was an issue but the next bit was…I don’t know. Maybe the United Empire didn’t have issues with public order when they released this and this was one of the few copies to survive the disintergration of the Empire, especially when they started blaming the Beast-kin for their military failures. Again, this is all just speculation.”

Anton looked to where they had found the book. None looked similar to the book and the cover did not hint there was a second part. Lucon’s story might continue somewhere in the library but they did not have the time to search every book, every dusty and disintegrating tome.

“Beast-kin invaders,” Cetina smirked. “Imagine what Seocuria would say if they discovered this?”

“They’d certainly shit themselves.” Anton folded the book close. “I don’t think we can use this against them…Actually, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t really have any bearing on the Beast-kin today.”

“All from one Feline?” Mezot asked. “Ikel was a Feline Beast-kin.” Her eyes narrowed. “And from that came all the different varieties? Like the Arachnid and Minotaurs?”

“Perhaps it was in their genetics?” Anton mused. “Flexible genetics…I’m just talking out of my rear. But I think it’s possible. The whole story would explain why we can interbreed. And the Beast-kin can as well.”

“Do you think we’ll ever get to this place?” Cetina asked. “Eidfell Trellbog? If it’s in the Deweth Clansmen territory then it’s basically off-limits for us.”

“True…” Anton looked to Mezot. He doubted she would have connections there. She barely had connections in the Royal Academy. “Something for another day. Now, Mezot?”

“Yes?”

“Can you keep everything you’ve seen today a secret?” Anton stopped. He could hear nothing from the levels above. They were quite far down so not hearing anything was a given, not to mention the guard was more than likely asleep. “Like my additions and what we’ve read in this book? Especially from the special people at my home. They don’t need this to distract them, and I honestly don’t know how they’ll take it.”

“I understand.” Mezot nodded once. “I can keep a secret.”

I wonder if anyone’s ever confided in you…That’s a slightly sad thought.

“That’s enough reading for today.” Anton slowly stood up. “Do you think we’ll be able to keep this?”

“I…I honestly don’t know.” Mezot’s chair loudly shuffled backwards. “Likely no. If it’s stored down here they won’t want it to leave. I might be able to…”

Mezot picked the book up. She huffed as she did not expect a simple book to be so heavy. Anton took it back. Mezot appeared a little embarrassed she was struggling with a book, no matter how cute it made her look.

“Let’s see if those guards say anything.” Anton lifted the book up. “We’d better run it by the librarians though.” He began walking to the stairs. “Last thing you ever want to do is to upset the stuffy bureaucrats. Easy way to make your own life a living hell.”

As they began to ascend the stairs, rather loudly given Anton and Cetina’s boots rather than Mezot’s soft shoes, the elderly guard snorted himself awake and unlocked the metal chain. He smiled as they passed, locked the chain once more and went back to his chair. He did not ask about the large book in Anton’s hands.

The floors above were now all but devoid of students. Some still lingered, those in deep study or remaining in their illicit groups. They were no longer so obvious about it, two still looked deeply embarrassed but they had not left, even though the guard continued to keep them in their peripheries. Mezot clearly wanted to explore the public levels again but she kept herself together and walking up. Axia was probably waiting for her at her home, if as much time had passed as Anton thought.

The moment they reached the top Anton felt eyes train on him. Thankfully it was just the Librarians, barely raising their heads from their desks but their fierce eyes refused to detach from Anton.

“You’d better not have been doing something naughty down there.” The front Librarian muttered towards Anton. Her eyes softened at Mezot. “Don’t let these strangers take advantage of you.”

“I’m not.” Mezot coughed and gripped her hands tight. “I finally understand what’s been done to me…I would like to take this book.”

Anton raised the golden trimmed black book.

“To study.” Mezot quickly added. “I wish to read this at my own leisure.”

“You’ve been down there a long time.” The Librarian did not take her eyes off Mezot as she helped a student. “How have you not finished that book?”

“I already have.” Mezot’s eyes flicked to Anton. “But I wish to read it again.”

The Librarian sighed and beckoned them to approach. A Librarian at the back eyed Anton and Cetina, a gnarled finger touched something hidden by her thick shawl. Anton was certain she was touching her Charm, just in case.

“This came from the restricted section.” The Librarian tapped the hard cover of the book. “So you understand that not just anyone should read this.”

“I understand.”

“…Very well.” The Librarian pushed the book back to Mezot. “Just return it when you’re done. It’s not a popular book, so there shouldn’t be many after it.”

“Thank you.” Mezot held the book to her chest, wrapping her arms around it to keep the heavy book from slipping down.

The Librarian almost smiled, shook her head and returned to her work. Anton had not seen her make a note but she must have. There was no way they could recall everything that passed through their doors, unless they all had photographic memories.

As they left Anton directed them to the side. Mezot was already walking towards her home when Anton gently held her should. She spun on the spot, almost losing her balance and needing Anton to hold her other. Mezot pulled an embarrassed face.

“Sorry,” Mezot mumbled. She held the book out, just for a moment before the weight became too heavy and pulled it back against her chest. “I was just so excited to get a new book. But…Axia will probably be home by now. The lessons don’t last that long.”

“If they try to teach for too long the student’s mind just goes soft.” Anton mused.

“Actually…” Mezot glanced to her distant residence. “I think that…That might work.”

“What are you planning?” Cetina asked. Her lip twitched, and she almost rolled her eye as she realized her words might sound a little derogative.

Mezot did not notice and continued. “I believe that Axia will be using a training Charm, one that has no specific affinity. They’re very sturdy. Though…Though the magic that goes through it won’t be as strong as mine. Great for…Practice. Especially…If you don’t know anything about Principle Magic…”

“I see.” Anton held his chin, staring down in faux puzzlement. “Who would need something like that? You already know more about Principle Magic that any of us…”

Mezot looked genuinely concerned. Anton smiled and waved down her impending panic attack.

“Sorry, Mezot.” Anton took the book from Mezot’s arms. “If you’re willing to teach an unruly and foolish person like me, I’d be delighted to be your student.”

Mezot’s face lit up in delight. “After everything you’ve done…Of course.” Mezot rubbed her cheeks. “I was trying to ask that…Would you be interested? Even if it’s for a short time I think you would do extremely well.”

“Of course.” Anton smiled at Cetina. “I’m sorry that you’re going to have to watch me struggle with something that even a young child would succeed at.”

Cetina smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to tell Verona and Kal. It’ll be a great story to tell, I’m sure that it’ll give them a few good laughs.”

Anton returned the smile and leant to Cetina’s ear. “Prepare yourself. I’m not going to let you get a wink of sleep tonight.”

Cetina’s face instantly turned red. She kept her face flat as Mezot frowned at Anton.

“What did you just say?” Mezot asked softly.

“Don’t worry.” Anton gently ushered Mezot towards her residence. “She’s just contemplating a few things. Now, how quickly you give me a crash course?”

---[]---

Anton groaned and stared at the ceiling. “This is incredibly difficult. How do you manage to do this so fast?”

Anton and Mezot sat at a small desk inside a magically protected building. It was used for practising large magic and bared the scars of mistakes; damaged and burnt walls, wooden floor panels were warped from water and even a few tiny scraps of clothes.

“Practice,” Mezot said calmly. “Lots of practice.”

Mezot sat barely an inch from Anton, the simple chairs were almost touching. Mezot took her charm, removed from her staff with some difficulty, and placed it before her. She held one hand on the central crystal.

“But…But I understand that it can be difficult to do on your first attempt.” Mezot frowned lightly. “Though most students do know how to read, like you…Where you did you learn to read?”

Anton stopped looking at the ceiling. He lightly slapped his cheeks for behaving like a petulant child and forced himself to focus. Mezot looked rather concerned that he just attacked himself but he focused on the simple Training Charm before him. Unlike Mezot’s rather beautiful and ornate charm his looked rather pathetic. It had the same shape but was much smaller and the gemstones were dull and roughly cut. They were fastened well but it looked far cheaper than Mezot’s.

“Sorry, Mezot.” Anton held his hand on the Training Charm. “You’re trying to teach me and it feels like it’s just bouncing out of my mind.” Anton lightly sighed. “Perhaps this is one of the disadvantages of using Glyph Magic to start with. It’s so, so much more simple.”

Mezot nodded understandingly. “Given what little I’ve read about Glyph Magic I thought that it might be a hindrance…But usually a prospective student would be able to make some type of magic.”

Mezot took the Training Charm from Anton and inspected it closely, almost right up to her bright blue eyes.

“Perhaps there’s something wrong with it,” Mezot whispered.

“It worked fine for me!” A voice called out from behind. “I was able to use a Fire Snake and an Earth Pebble today.”

Axia and Cetina sat on a bench behind them, behind a bar that glowed with a faint magical hue. Scorch and scuff marks stopped a few inches away from the edge. Hurting or killing those observing magical demonstrations was a sure way to destroy the Royal Academy. The two were speaking softly just, mainly Axia was interested in Cetina’s armour and how she, a woman without magic, fought alongside Anton. Despite her inquisitive face, Anton could tell her attention was divided between Cetina and Anton.

“We should have checked how much mana you two have,” Anton said.

“How did you manage to get a Mana Determinator?” Mezot frowned as she continued to inspect the Training Charm. “Those are extremely expensive.”

“We kind of made our own.” Anton tapped on the Glyph of Tethra on his hand. “Using Tethra’s power. It’s not really that accurate…Do you have it anywhere nearby?”

“It’s normally only brought out during the spring, so…”

Mezot placed the Training Charm beside her own and left the table. She made a hurried walk towards the exit, Cetina raised a silent brow while Axia sighed loudly.

“So…” Axia slowly sauntered to the table. “Did you find what you were looking for? I take it’s that book?” Axia nodded back to the black and gold-trimmed book resting on the bench. “Mother’s looking very excited.”

Anton turned in his chair. “We did. Not exactly what we were expecting but certainly an answer. Unfortunately…”

“It raised more questions than answers,” Cetina said. “I don’t think there’s anyone alive that knows the truth.”

“True.” Anton sighed. He slapped his thighs. “And what about you? Mezot said you were having a practical test. And are the other students still being jerks?”

Axia took Mezot’s seat with a might flop. “Not so much. Some heard how much my mother’s improved. One even asked if she was seeing anyone. Well…We know that’s an interesting conversation.”

“And I’m sure you were giggling every step of the way.” Anton ruffled her hair. Axia went silent until he was done. She blinked harshly and shook her head.

“I can’t believe that you’re having difficulty using this to use magic.” Axia held the Training Charm with one hand. “Even just to make it glow bright. That would be a good start.”

“Well,” Anton heard Mezot begin to return. “I don’t think I have any magic in my body.”

Axia’s blank face quickly transformed into a deep frown. “But I’ve seen you-”

“I have it.” Mezot proudly held a small box in her arms. “It wasn’t even locked…”

Mezot stared at Axia, who sat in her chair next to Anton. Axia shuffled closer to Anton, just for an instant, before jumping out of her chair. She gave Anton a wink when Mezot could not see her. She had done it just to see Mezot’s eye twitch.

“This…” Mezot threw a long sideways glare at her daughter as she placed the box onto the table. “Is the Mana Determinator. A delicate magical construct that accurately and reliably shows how much mana a person has within their body.”

Mezot opened the box. The Mana Determinator was built into the box, a strange assortment of thin metal wires dipped in thick different coloured waxes all connected to a large dull-white spherical rock nestled in the centre. Two wires led out of the base of the stone and to the inside of the lid and a dial, ranging from zero to one hundred.

“I think I understand this without even having an explanation,” Anton said. “Just for an example, can you show me what yours is?”

Mezot eagerly placed her hand onto the stone. The dial quickly shifted off the zero and began to slow as it reached the eighty mark. It stopped completely when it sat on eighty-six.

“Eighty-six…What?” Anton peered closer at the dial. “What units do they measure magical capacity in?”

“I don’t know.” Mezot pondered his question for a time. “I don’t know. Everyone has talked about it as their reading.” Mezot frowned. “I don’t know.”

“Let me try!” Axia excited wormed her way underneath her mother’s arm.

Mezot removed her hand, almost smiled at her daughter as she placed hers on the stone. This time the dial stopped on seventy.

“Damn.” Axia snapped her fingers. “I thought I would be better than that.”

“It will continue to grow.” Mezot tried to reassure her daughter, who wasn’t really perturbed. “Mine was lower when I was discovered.”

Axia smiled at her mother’s attempts.

“I suppose I should see how much I can do,” Cetina said.

The dial only read five for Cetina. She didn’t appear that disappointed but Mezot looked very perplexed.

“Most humans have at least eight or nine on the dial.”

“I have Ghlyirl in my blood.” Cetina tapped her eyepatch. “That’s why I can’t see. Anton can heal just about any wound but not anything with Ghlyirl in it. And my eye, and the skin around it, is infested in it.” Cetina smiled. “I don’t want to have someone carve into my face in the chance I might be able to get it back. This eyepatch lets me see better than before. Besides…It makes me a little unique. Don’t you think?”

Mezot stared blankly at Mezot’s eye, Axia gave an encouraging thumbs-up.

“What about you?” Mezot snapped away from Cetina.

Anton lightly sighed and held the stone. The dial refused to shift from the zero mark. Axia leant over and pushed the dial forward. She smiled as it easily moved but the moment she let go the dial snapped back to zero, far faster than when they had removed their hands.

“I don’t understand.” Mezot tapped the back of Anton’s hand. “Is it related to that?” She pointed to his feet.

“No.” Anton removed his other glove. “It’s related to this.”

He held his other hand up, the hand with the dulled white crystal embedded.

“I think that this is the only thing that allows me to use magic.” Anton gestured to the dial. “It’s quite clear I have none. I…I hope that this doesn’t break it.”

Anton turned his hand over and touched the smooth stone with the crystal. The dial shot up to a hundred and threatened to go further. Anton immediately removed his hand. A faint hint of burning plastic, wax, filled the air. The wax coating the wires was now shiny and soft, as if it was incredibly hot. Axia dared to touch it but Anton gently blocked her fingers.

“That is…Fascinating.” Mezot held Anton’s hand. “Incredibly fascinating.”

“Despite your best work, I think Principle Magic might just be impossible for me.” Anton dramatically sighed. “I have a great teacher. But it might just be beyond me.”

Mezot’s shoulders dropped. “I really wanted to teach you…”

“And you still can.” Anton gently held her hand. “But…This, I think, is just one of those things that you can’t fix. No one can.”

“Did something happen to you like what happened to Cetina?” Axia asked softly.

“…Kind of.” Anton shrugged. “I don’t have a good memory of what happened before I arrived in Atros. Everything’s a blank. Who knows, I could have easily an escaped magical experiment, wandering the lands until I stumbled into Atros.”

Axia liked the idea, if only in an attempt to make Anton feel better, but Mezot did not buy a word. Nevertheless, she did not object or try and pry further.

“I-”

Mezot’s words were cut off by a loud but gentle chime that rang throughout the hall.

“Oh. That’s the end of the day.” Axia laughed. “I can’t believe we actually spent nearly a third of it here.”

“Even more in the library.” Anton rose from his chair. “I’m sorry, Mezot, that I can’t be a better student…”

He trailed off as he saw Mezot staring daggers at the Mana Determinator, as if it was responsible for Anton’s lack of magic and inability for him to be her student.

“Mezot?”

“Yes?” Her eyes snapped away.

"I will consult the library tomorrow about this," Mezot mumbled. "I haven't read of any human, not afflicted by Ghlyirl, that has a zero reading."

"Please just be delicate with your questions." Mezot threw him an odd look. "Someone might get the idea that's the reason why I sought you out."

"It was part of the reason," Mezot said softly.

"True. But to learn Principle Magic." Anton tapped the Training Charm. "Anyway, I just don't want them to find out."

Mezot gave a final nod.

"When will you be free next?" Anton closed the lid of the Mana Determinator. "We need you in Atros as often as we can."

Before Mezot could reply Axia nudged her mother's side.

"What?"

Axia refused to answer and simply nodded towards Anton.

"I...I could come in two or three days. I need time to settle my schedule. Work out my teaching plans, now that my head is working better, so I can visit Atros."

"Fantastic." Anton locked the box. "We'd better be going ourselves. It's getting late and I want something good to eat."

"What do you have in that city of yours?" Axia asked.

"A great many things. Actually...Actually not as many as I first thought, but everything is fantastic."

"Especially those cheesy potatoes you made for Rasha," Cetina said. "Those were delicious."

"Next time you swing by Atros I'll make you some so delicious you’ll eat until you burst."

Axia was ecstatic and her mother wasn't that far behind. Good food was always a sure-fire way to impress.