"Sit," Malvorn commanded, gesturing to two chairs positioned in front of his desk. The classroom felt different when empty—larger somehow, with shadows gathering in corners that seemed too dark for the afternoon light.
"Your performance today was noteworthy," he began, settling behind his desk with characteristic precision. "But more importantly, your conversation suggests you're both aware that current events extend beyond normal academic concerns."
Axnem kept his expression neutral, though internally he was calculating how much Malvorn might know or suspect. The professor had always been perceptive, but Axnem couldn't afford to reveal the true extent of his knowledge.
"Mr. Ashmore's family connections provide valuable intelligence about conditions in the mining regions," Malvorn continued. "And Mr. Black's... intuitive grasp of mana manipulation suggests potential for advanced research applications."
"What kind of research?" Lyle asked, his practical nature demanding specifics.
"The Academy is forming specialized study groups to investigate the current crisis," Malvorn replied. "Students who demonstrate exceptional ability and mature judgment will have opportunities to contribute to real solutions rather than merely observing from the sidelines."
Axnem's pulse quickened. This was earlier than he remembered—in his original timeline, student involvement hadn't begun until much later in the crisis. The acceleration worried him, but it also presented opportunities.
"What would be required of us?" Axnem asked carefully.
"Research, analysis, and potentially field work under faculty supervision," Malvorn said. "The situations we're investigating involve real danger, not academic exercises. But they also offer the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in ways that could make a genuine difference."
Lyle straightened in his chair. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow evening. Meet me in Laboratory Seven after dinner. Bring whatever research materials you've been gathering—yes, Mr. Black, I'm aware of your recent library activities. Initiative is valuable, but coordination is essential."
As they left the classroom, Lyle seemed energized by the prospect of meaningful work. "Finally, something beyond classroom theory. My family's been dealing with these problems for weeks—it'll be good to actually help instead of just studying."
Axnem nodded agreement, though his thoughts were more complex. The early formation of student research groups suggested that events were accelerating beyond his future memories. Whether that acceleration worked in their favor or made the situation more dangerous remained to be seen.
Walking across the academy courtyard, he noticed more activity than usual—faculty members moving with obvious purpose, older students engaged in intense discussions, and an overall sense of urgency that hadn't been present just days before.
Change was coming, whether they were ready or not. The golden generation was about to discover that their education would involve more than books and theories—it would require them to reshape the world itself.
Somewhere in the distance, the academy bells marked the end of another day, but Axnem knew that normal routines were becoming a thing of the past. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new knowledge, and new responsibilities that would test everything they thought they understood about magic, power, and their place in the world.