The academy's training grounds were a testament to the institution's commitment to practical magical education. Crystalline formations amplified ambient mana, while carefully maintained wards ensured that student exercises couldn't cause permanent damage to the surrounding infrastructure.
Axnem stood with a group of first-year students as Professor Malvorn demonstrated basic power measurement techniques. The exercise would establish baseline capabilities for each student and identify those ready for advancement to more challenging coursework.
"Magical classification follows established principles," Malvorn explained, gesturing to a series of enchanted crystals that would measure and display mana output. "Basic Initiate level requires sustained output of at least fifty mana units. Advanced Initiate demands one hundred units with precise control. Junior Adept level begins at three hundred units."
The numbers meant little to most students, but Axnem understood their significance from his future memories. Most academy graduates never exceeded Junior Adept level—around five hundred units of sustained output. Senior Adepts reached the thousand-unit range, while Scholar-level individuals could manage three to five thousand units.
"To provide context," Malvorn continued, "Master-level capability begins at ten thousand units with perfect theoretical understanding. Archmaster level represents capabilities beyond normal measurement—power that transcends individual classification."
As students began their individual assessments, Axnem watched his classmates' results with interest. Kai managed a respectable seventy units, placing him solidly in Basic Initiate range. Lyle achieved ninety-five units, nearly qualifying for Advanced Initiate status despite being only in his first year.
Noharim stepped up to the measurement crystal with characteristic confidence. Her mana output stabilized at one hundred and twenty units—well into Advanced Initiate range and exceptional for a first-year student.
"Impressive, Miss Vaelthorne," Malvorn noted, making careful notes on his assessment sheet. "Your theoretical knowledge clearly translates to practical capability."
When Axnem's turn arrived, he approached the crystal with careful consideration. His future memories suggested he possessed significantly more power than appropriate for his apparent age and training, but revealing too much capability would raise questions he couldn't answer.
He channeled mana into the crystal, carefully controlling his output to achieve what would appear as natural development for someone of his theoretical background. The crystal's glow stabilized at one hundred and fifteen units—Advanced Initiate level, impressive but not impossibly so.
"Excellent progress, Mr. Black," Malvorn said, though his sharp eyes suggested he detected something unusual about Axnem's energy patterns. "Your control demonstrates sophisticated understanding of mana manipulation theory."
After the formal assessment, Noharim approached him with curiosity evident in her expression. "Your power output was strong, but it felt... restrained. Like you were holding back deliberately."
"Everyone holds back somewhat during formal testing," Axnem replied carefully. "No point in revealing your full capabilities to everyone watching."
"True, but your energy signature was different. More mature than what your training should produce." She paused, studying his face intently. "Sometimes I get the feeling you know things the rest of us haven't learned yet."
Before Axnem could respond, Lyle joined their conversation, his own assessment clearly on his mind. "Advanced Initiate level in first year puts us in the top five percent of the academy. That should qualify us for accelerated coursework."
"Which means more challenging assignments," Noharim added with obvious enthusiasm. "Real research opportunities instead of basic exercises."
Professor Malvorn's voice interrupted their discussion. "Black, Vaelthorne, Ashmore—remain after class. Your assessment results warrant discussion."
As other students filed out of the training area, the three Advanced Initiates waited with mixed anticipation and concern. Being singled out could indicate either recognition or trouble.
"Your power levels exceed typical first-year standards," Malvorn began without preamble. "More importantly, your theoretical understanding suggests readiness for material normally reserved for second or third-year students."
He gestured to a nearby table where several advanced texts had been arranged. "I'm authorized to offer accelerated progression to students who demonstrate exceptional capability. This would involve additional coursework, direct research participation, and mentorship from faculty members."
"What kind of research?" Lyle asked practically.
"Investigation into current magical instabilities. Analysis of historical crisis patterns. Theoretical work on large-scale mana manipulation." Malvorn's expression grew more serious. "Real problems requiring real solutions."
Axnem felt the weight of opportunity and responsibility settling on his shoulders. In his previous timeline, he hadn't been offered accelerated progression until much later. The earlier recognition suggested events were moving faster than his memories indicated.
"There are risks," Malvorn continued. "Advanced research involves exposure to dangerous magical phenomena. Students working on crisis analysis have been injured when theoretical exercises exceeded safe parameters."
"But the knowledge gained would be worth the risks," Noharim said immediately.
"For those committed to genuine understanding rather than mere academic achievement, yes." Malvorn studied each of them carefully. "I need your decisions within three days. Accelerated progression isn't reversible—once you begin advanced coursework, you'll be expected to maintain that level indefinitely."
As they left the training grounds, Axnem's mind raced through implications. Accelerated progression would provide access to information and resources crucial for understanding the developing crisis. It would also put him in position to identify areas where his family's archives might prove valuable.
"We're really going to do this, aren't we?" Kai asked, though his tone suggested he'd already made his decision.
"Of course," Noharim replied with characteristic determination. "This is exactly the kind of opportunity we came to the academy to find."
Axnem nodded agreement, though his thoughts were more complex. The accelerated program would advance his capabilities toward the levels needed to influence real events. But it would also expose him to scrutiny that might reveal more about his unusual knowledge than he could safely explain.
The path forward offered both promise and peril, much like everything else in his strange new timeline where the future he remembered was becoming increasingly unreliable.