Grandfather Aldric's private study occupied the mansion's highest tower, accessible only through a spiral staircase that had been warded against casual intrusion. The room itself felt like stepping into another era—dark wood paneling, leather-bound tomes whose titles were written in scripts Axnem couldn't identify, and artifacts that hummed with barely contained magical energy.
"Sit," Aldric commanded, gesturing to a chair positioned across from his imposing desk. Unlike his father's careful formality, his grandfather's presence was direct, almost overwhelming. As Axnem settled into the chair, he could feel the weight of his grandfather's magical aura—dense, controlled, and far more powerful than he'd remembered from his youth.
"You've grown," Aldric observed, settling behind his desk with the fluid motion of someone whose body remained perfectly under control despite his advanced years. "Academy training suits you. Your mana core development shows proper foundation—you're approaching Advanced Initiate level, which is respectable for a first-year student."
The casual assessment made Axnem realize his grandfather could read magical development as easily as checking the weather. In the academy's classification system, students progressed from Basic Initiate through Advanced Initiate, then to Junior Adept upon graduation. Most never progressed beyond Senior Adept in their entire careers.
"Your father tells me you're involved in advanced research," Aldric continued. "Crisis response under Master-level supervision. That's significant recognition for someone barely past Basic Initiate level."
"Professor Malvorn and Master Vash selected a few students to assist with analysis," Axnem replied carefully.
Aldric's expression sharpened with interest. "Cordwin Vash is involved? That changes things considerably. He's one of only seven Continental Masters—power level equivalent to a small kingdom's entire magical defense. If he's personally overseeing student research, this crisis is far more serious than public reports suggest."
The casual mention of Master Vash's true standing sent a chill through Axnem. He'd felt the man's power, but hadn't fully grasped what it meant in practical terms.
"The Black family has maintained its position for three centuries precisely because we understand the value of principled action," Aldric continued, his tone growing more serious. "Our current financial pressures aren't symptoms of weakness—they're the cost of refusing profitable but morally corrupt opportunities."
"What do you mean?"
His grandfather gestured to a portrait on the wall—a stern-faced man in formal robes. "Your great-grandfather, Aldric the First, was offered substantial payments to provide intelligence about academy research to foreign interests. He refused, despite financial difficulties. That refusal cost us immediate wealth but preserved our integrity and long-term position."
Axnem felt a wave of relief. This was different from his memories—his family wasn't sliding into moral compromise, but struggling because they'd chosen principle over profit.
"The forty thousand gold sovereigns we owe," Aldric said, using the standard continental currency, "represents accumulated interest on loans we took to maintain essential operations rather than accept questionable contracts. One sovereign equals approximately twenty silver marks or four hundred copper bits—enough to support a common family for two months."
The currency explanation helped Axnem understand the scale. Forty thousand sovereigns represented wealth that could fund a small city for years.
"However," his grandfather continued, "our position isn't as precarious as your father believes. The Black family archives contain knowledge that legitimate institutions would pay handsomely to access. Ancient mathematical frameworks, pre-imperial magical theory, historical records of previous crisis events."
He stood and retrieved a leather-bound tome from a locked cabinet. "This contains theoretical work on mana manipulation that predates current academy doctrine by five centuries. Similar resources throughout our archives represent genuine value to scholars investigating current problems."
"You want me to trade family knowledge for money?"
"I want you to understand that knowledge shared for mutual benefit serves everyone's interests," Aldric corrected. "Your academy research gives you insight into what specific information might prove most valuable. We provide that information to legitimate scholars, receive fair compensation, and contribute to solving genuine problems."
The approach felt fundamentally different from the mercenary schemes Axnem remembered from his previous timeline. This was principled cooperation rather than opportunistic exploitation.
"Your current power level limits your options," Aldric continued practically. "Advanced Initiate rank gives you access to basic research but not decision-making authority. However, your exceptional theoretical understanding—which I've noticed in our conversations—suggests potential for rapid advancement."
"How rapid?"
"With proper guidance and resources, you might reach Junior Adept level within two years rather than the usual four. That would put you in position to influence real decisions rather than merely implementing others' plans."
Aldric returned to his desk, his expression becoming more serious. "The crisis you're investigating represents a fundamental threat to magical civilization. Families like ours survive not by hiding from such challenges, but by contributing meaningfully to solutions while maintaining our principles."
"What specifically do you want me to do?"
"Excel in your research. Identify areas where our family archives might contribute valuable information. Facilitate legitimate knowledge exchange between the academy and our resources. And develop your own capabilities as rapidly as possible—this crisis will require leaders, not just followers."
The path his grandfather outlined felt both challenging and morally sound. Instead of compromising principles for short-term gain, they would leverage their genuine assets to serve both family interests and broader needs.
"I can work with that approach," Axnem said finally.
"Good. Because time remains our critical constraint. The Valdris Syndicate operates within legal boundaries, but they're not patient. We have sixty days to demonstrate sufficient value that they'll accept structured repayment rather than demanding immediate liquidation."