“We determined you were ready for the next step. You didn’t really think you’d be able to get away with such a small class forever, did you? Besides, there’s only two of them. The ones that were in the competition, and then later protected you. Their bravery is certainly not in question. You still have the smallest class in the entire academy, so I won’t hear any complaints from you.”

A small smirk made its way onto her face as she continued. “Your class has been pestering me non-stop on how you’ve been. Don’t be surprised when some of them come to visit later. A few of them already have while you were still asleep.”

Aldric ignored the warm feeling that suddenly came over him at her words and rubbed at his face. Now he had six students. Six. With his luck, they’d be just as infuriatingly talented as the others.

“So, what about Rainer?” he asked, dreading the topic but needing to know.

Zasia actually sneered at the mention of the man’s name. “He will live, for now. We’ve sent him off to the capital under guard for a trial. His crimes are rather obvious, and there were dozens of witnesses. His family is obviously unhappy. They're losing a very talented summoner, after all. The Asimov family, thankfully, has taken a hands-off approach to everything. They are apparently taking their... training of young Lilianna seriously. They view the incident as beneficial for her development.”

“Think it’ll stay that way?” Aldric asked, already knowing the answer.

“I don’t know, but we’ll be ready for anything. Kedrin already has his people keeping an ear to the ground for any unfortunate rumors about you. So far, there’s been nothing, but we’ll be cautious.”

“Kedrin has people? Since when?”

“You underestimate how influential our friend has become. Why wouldn’t he have spies? How do you think the headmaster of one of the most prestigious academies in the empire keeps mostly politically neutral? He needs to play the political game just as much as any other.”

While Aldric was mulling over that piece of news, Zasia continued. “As for whatever that amulet was the Rainer used, it must have been destroyed when he activated it. As such, we have no idea what it was or how it was made. They’ll be interrogating him about it and many other things once he reaches the capital, but he made it sound like people were backing him. Perhaps they gave it to him? Since you’re the best sorcerer we know, you wouldn’t happen to have any insights into that, would you?”

Aldric was quiet. He did, actually. He just wasn’t sure he should voice them. The enchantment Rainer had used was uncomfortably familiar. Aldric was surprised Zasia hadn’t thought of it.