Kalem had just finished securing the last of his tools, exhaustion finally creeping into his bones. He wasn't used to early nights, but after Lyra's intervention, fighting sleep was a battle he had already lost.
He lay back on the cot he had set up in the forge's storage room, Onyx's slow, steady breaths filling the quiet space. The bull was curled up nearby, his massive frame taking up an entire corner of the room.
Kalem sighed. Finally, rest.
Then came the knock.
A heavy, deliberate knock.
Kalem groaned, rubbing his face before dragging himself up. "If this is Garrick needing another adjustment on his armor, I swear I'll—"
He opened the door. And froze.
Standing outside was Headmaster Valdris. And beside him, Alaric Vermund, the Head of Material Studies.
Kalem immediately straightened, his exhaustion shoved aside. "Headmaster."
Valdris, tall and severe even in the dim light, inclined his head. His presence alone was enough to make any student stand at attention. But it was Vermund that made Kalem tense.
The Head of Material Studies was a meticulous man, known for his sharp mind and sharper tongue. His research had shaped the way the academy approached metallurgy and enchantment, and if he was here, it wasn't for a casual chat.
"We need to talk," Valdris said, his voice even. "May we come in?"
Kalem glanced behind him. The forge was a mess—papers, blueprints, metal scraps, half-forged components scattered across the tables. Hardly an appropriate place for two of the academy's most powerful figures.
But what choice did he have?
Kalem stepped aside. "Of course."
Valdris entered first, his sharp gaze sweeping the room, noting everything. Vermund followed, his eyes landing immediately on Kalem's notes.
"You keep thorough records," Vermund murmured, picking up one of Kalem's designs. It was a half-finished sketch of a reinforced alloy meant to handle resonance vibrations.
Kalem didn't answer.
The two men exchanged a glance before Valdris spoke. "I'll get straight to the point."
Kalem crossed his arms. "I'd prefer that."
Valdris nodded. "The academy has been deliberating on the aftermath of your match with Isolde. The official verdict stands: no winner declared."
Kalem didn't react. He had expected that.
"But," Valdris continued, "there is concern about you."
Kalem's eyes narrowed. "Concern?"
Vermund folded his arms. "Your weapon."
Kalem tensed.
"Your sword was unlike anything we've seen," Valdris said. "Its ability to cut through enchanted defenses, its resonance properties—there are no known materials that should function that way."
Kalem exhaled slowly. "It's not magic."
"Then what is it?" Vermund pressed. "Resonance amplification at that level is unheard of. We analyzed the remnants of the shockwaves your blade produced. The frequency should have shattered the weapon itself, yet it remained intact."
Kalem hesitated. He had expected curiosity, but this level of scrutiny was dangerous.
Valdris studied him. "Kalem. The academy is not your enemy. But you must understand—the more unknowns you introduce, the more eyes you draw."
Kalem knew that too well.
Vermund stepped forward. "We want to know how you forged it."
Kalem met his gaze. "Why?"
"To determine whether it's a danger."
There it was. The real reason.
Kalem inhaled, weighing his options. Finally, he spoke. "It's a blend of metallurgy and resonance theory. The crystal in the hilt isn't just amplifying the blade—it's stabilizing it."
Vermund's eyes gleamed. "A stabilizer?"
Kalem nodded. "The problem with resonance-based weapons is they either fail under stress or the wielder gets torn apart from the vibrations. My design prevents both."
Silence.
Then, Vermund exhaled. "Fascinating."
Valdris cut in. "We won't confiscate your weapon."
Kalem's eyes flickered with suspicion.
Valdris continued. "However, we will be monitoring you."
Kalem clenched his jaw. "So, the mental evaluation isn't just a formality."
Valdris didn't answer immediately. Then, with measured words, he said, "We need to ensure your judgment is sound. That you understand the weight of what you're creating."
Kalem's fists tightened, but he forced himself to relax.
Vermund, watching him closely, spoke again. "And your forge."
Kalem frowned. "What about it?"
"We want you to work with the Material Studies department."
Kalem blinked. "What?"
Vermund smirked. "You have knowledge that even our best minds lack. Your understanding of metallurgy and engineering surpasses most professionals twice your age. If you're willing, we'd like you to collaborate on select projects."
Kalem narrowed his eyes. "And if I refuse?"
Valdris exhaled. "Then you will still be watched. But we'd rather work with you than against you."
Kalem mulled over the offer. It wasn't bad—having access to the academy's material resources would help his projects immensely. But at the same time, it meant scrutiny.
"You don't have to decide now," Valdris said. "But know this—people beyond the academy are already watching. Nobles, factions, foreign guilds."
Kalem's stomach twisted. He already knew, but hearing it from Valdris made it worse.
"If you isolate yourself, you'll only make yourself more of a target," Valdris continued. "Work with us, and you gain protection."
Kalem met his gaze. "And if I just want to be left alone?"
Valdris gave him a knowing look. "Then you chose the wrong path, Kalem."
Kalem exhaled. "Is that all?"
Valdris and Vermund exchanged a look before Valdris nodded. "No. There's one more thing."
Vermund pulled a sealed pouch from his coat and tossed it onto Kalem's workbench. It landed with a heavy thud.
Kalem raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Your reward," Valdris said. "Since no winner was declared, the prize was split between you and Isolde. Your share is still considerable."
Kalem opened the pouch slightly. Gold. A lot of it. He closed it quickly.
"There's also another reward," Vermund said. "You are allowed to request one thing from the academy's resources, so long as it is within our power to grant."
Kalem blinked. "One thing?"
"Yes. Choose wisely."
Kalem thought for a moment. Then, to Vermund's visible surprise, he made his request.
"…That's what you want?" Vermund asked, looking almost disappointed. "With all the rare materials and lost knowledge at your disposal, and that is your choice?"
Kalem shrugged. "It's what I need."
Valdris chuckled. "I suppose we should've expected something unconventional from you."
Vermund shook his head. "I'll arrange it. You should be receiving it soon."
Kalem watched as they turned to leave.
As Valdris stepped outside, he gave Kalem one last look. "Think about our offer. And be careful."
The door shut behind them.
Kalem let out a slow breath, his eyes drifting to the pouch of gold, then to the scattered papers on his desk.
Everything was changing.
And he wasn't sure if he liked it.