Two weeks later, Alex looked at his reflection in a still pond. He wore fine, dark clothes, a stark contrast to his brilliant white hair. The half-mask was gone, but his face still felt exposed.
"Well?" he asked, turning to Corbin and Elara.
"The white hair is a bold choice," Elara said, her head tilted. "They'll definitely remember you."
"That's the point," Alex said. "Hiding it would look more suspicious. This way, I'm just a unique-looking student. It's a different kind of mask."
Corbin grunted in agreement. "Your name is Kaelen. From a minor, isolated noble family in the northern mountains. The white hair is a rare family trait there. You're here because your father used his last favor to get you this chance. You are quiet, observant, and fiercely dedicated to your studies." He handed Alex a sealed letter. "This is your invitation. Now, you walk through the front gate."
Elara stepped forward, her expression serious. "Your hair makes you memorable, Alex. It will be harder to blend in. Be careful."
"I will," he promised.
He turned and walked towards the Scholarium. The huge, ancient buildings towered over him. Students in neat robes glanced at him as he passed, their eyes lingering on his white hair. He heard their whispers. He felt the weight of a thousand magical Laws pressing in on him from the stones and the air itself. He forced himself to stay calm.
I am Kaelen, he thought. I am here to learn.
He found the main office and handed his forged letter to a clerk.
"Kaelen of House Silverwood?" the clerk read, looking up at Alex's hair with curiosity. "Proctor Valerius is expecting you."
Alex kept his face neutral, but his heart beat faster. Valerius. Of course it's him.
He was led into a large office. The Lexicon from Oakhaven sat behind a massive desk. He looked up, and his cold eyes immediately fixed on Alex's white hair. A flicker of something—interest, recognition?—passed through his gaze.
"Kaelen," the Lexicon said. "Welcome. Your father's letter was quite persuasive. He believes you have a... unique perspective." His eyes stayed on Alex's hair. "A striking feature. A family trait, I assume?"
"Yes, Proctor," Alex said, keeping his voice soft and his head slightly bowed, playing the part of the humble, rustic scholar.
"We shall see if your mind is as distinctive as your appearance," the Lexicon said, standing. "Come. I will take you to your first class. Introduction to Foundational Laws. Let us see what you are truly made of."
As they walked through the grand halls, Alex felt every glance, every whisper about his hair. It was a beacon, and he was putting himself right in the center of his enemies.
The Lexicon stopped at a classroom door. He turned to Alex, his voice low.
"Try to keep up, Kaelen," he said, that same small, knowing smile on his lips. "The students here are the best. It would be a shame if someone as... noticeable... as you were to fall behind."
He opened the door. Dozens of young, gifted faces turned to stare at the new student. Their eyes immediately locked onto his white hair. Among them, a girl with sharp, intelligent eyes and dark hair watched him, not with judgment, but with open curiosity.
Alex took a deep breath and stepped into the room. The door closed behind him, sealing him in his new cage.