The top ten meeting with Grand Marshal Kane would have to wait.
Because the next morning, all first-years were required to attend their first theoretical classes.
Arden sat in the lecture hall, surrounded by two hundred exhausted recruits who looked like they'd rather face another monster wave than sit through academic instruction.
The room was arranged in ascending rows of stone benches.
At the front, a large slate board dominated the wall.
Instructor Valen stood beside it, arms crossed, expression stern.
"Welcome to Military Theory and Beast Classification. Your first theoretical course."
Someone in the back groaned quietly.
Valen's eyes snapped to the sound.
"You think this is optional? You think you can fight monsters without understanding them?"
Her voice was sharp.
"Theory saves lives. Tactics win battles. If you're too stupid to learn, you're too stupid to survive."
The groaning stopped.
"This academy operates on a ranking system. Your class placement reflects your overall performance—combat AND academics."
She gestured to the room.
"Right now, you're all in Class 1-A through 1-G based on preliminary combat assessments. These classes will reorganize every four months based on updated rankings."
"Class 1-A: Students ranked 1-30. That's you lot in the front rows."
"Class 1-B: Ranks 31-60. And so on."
"Fall below rank 180, and you're expelled. No exceptions."
Brutal. But fair.
"Your theoretical courses are mandatory. Military Science. Beast Classification. Tactical Analysis. Mana Theory. Integration Studies."
She pulled out a roster.
"Let's start with Beast Classification. I'll be asking questions. Answer correctly, earn points. Answer incorrectly, lose points. Refuse to answer, lose double points."
Great. Participation is mandatory.
Valen scanned the roster.
"Number 0012. Serra Hallik."
Serra straightened slightly in her seat.
"What are the three primary classifications of monster waves?"
"Trickle, Surge, and Flood," Serra answered immediately, her voice quiet but clear.
"Correct. Distinguish between them."
"Trickle waves occur daily. Ten to fifty monsters, F to E-Rank threats. Surge waves occur weekly, hundreds of monsters, E to D-Rank with occasional C-Rank. Flood waves occur monthly, thousands of monsters, D to C-Rank common with B-Rank elites."
"Excellent. Five points."
Serra's expression remained neutral, but Arden caught the slightest relaxation in her shoulders.
She knows her material. Probably studied extensively.
Valen continued down the roster.
"Number 0089. Garrett Millhouse."
Garrett went pale.
"What is the primary weakness of Frostfang pack hunters?"
"Uh... the cold?"
"They're ICE-TYPE MONSTERS. Try again."
"Oh! Right! Um... fire?"
"Every monster is weak to its opposite element. That's not a specific weakness, that's common sense."
Valen's glare could have melted steel.
"The answer is: Frostfangs rely on pack coordination. Separate the pack, and individuals become significantly weaker. Minus three points."
Garrett slumped in his seat.
Harsh but accurate. He didn't study.
"Number 0001. Arden Valekrest."
Here we go.
"What is the theoretical maximum number of Integration cores a C-Rank Mana Heart can safely absorb?"
"Eight to ten cores, depending on individual compatibility and Resonance level."
"Correct. Follow-up: Why is quality more important than quantity in Integration builds?"
"Because synergy between cores amplifies effectiveness. Three perfectly compatible cores will outperform ten random cores due to reduced conflict in mana circulation and combined ability activation."
Valen nodded approvingly.
"And how would you identify core compatibility before Integration?"
Wait. That's not basic level material. That's advanced.
Arden answered anyway, his response flowing naturally.
"Meditation attunement test. Hold the core, circulate mana through it. Compatible cores will resonate with your Mana Heart frequency. Incompatible cores will create dissonance—manifesting as headaches, nausea, or mana circulation disruption."
Valen's expression shifted slightly.
"That's... remarkably detailed for someone with only two Integrations."
Shit. Showed too much knowledge.
"I read extensively. Family library has records of successful builds."
"Mm. Ten points. But in the future, cite your sources when providing advanced information."
That was a warning. She noticed.
The questions continued.
Elara answered perfectly.
Every single question.
"Number 0002. Elara Varen."
"What are the behavioral indicators of an apex predator leading a monster wave?"
"Coordinated attack patterns, strategic retreat formations, and targeted strikes against command structures rather than random violence."
"Correct. How would you counter such leadership?"
"Identify and eliminate the apex predator. Without central coordination, the wave fragments into individual hunting behaviors, making them easier to handle in smaller groups."
Valen actually smiled at that.
"Excellent tactical thinking. Ten points."
She's answering like she's lived through this. Not theoretical knowledge—practical application.
Just like me.
After an hour of questions, Valen set down her roster.
"Most of you performed adequately. Some of you—" she glared at Garrett, "—need to actually study."
"However, three students demonstrated knowledge significantly beyond first-year level."
She wrote on the board:
Number 0001 - Arden ValekrestNumber 0002 - Elara VarenNumber 0012 - Serra Hallik
"These three will receive advanced theoretical materials. The rest of you will continue with standard curriculum."
Murmurs rippled through the room.
"That's not fair!" someone called out.
"Fair?" Valen's expression was cold.
"They demonstrated superior knowledge. They've earned advanced materials. You want the same treatment? Study harder."
She dismissed them to a fifteen-minute break before the next class.
Arden stepped outside the lecture hall for air.
The morning sun was bright, almost painfully so after sitting in the dim classroom.
He was reviewing his mental notes when someone approached.
"You were impressive in there."
Elara.
She stood a respectful distance away, but her expression was... complicated.
"You too," Arden said. "Your answers were perfect. Almost too perfect."
"I could say the same about you."
They studied each other.
"How do you know so much?" Arden asked bluntly.
"About apex predators coordinating waves? That's not common knowledge."
Elara was quiet for a moment.
"I read a lot. Military histories. Frontier reports. You can learn a lot from studying past disasters."
That's the same deflection I used.
"Which specific reports?"
"Does it matter?"
"It does if you're trying to hide something."
Elara's expression shifted—surprise, then something softer.
"You're perceptive."
"You're evasive."
She laughed quietly.
"Fair point."
She moved closer, close enough that Arden could see the details of her face.
Up close, she was... striking.
Not conventionally beautiful in the soft, delicate way some nobles were.
But strong.
Sharp features that suggested determination.
Eyes that had seen more than any twelve-year-old should.
"I'll make you a deal," she said quietly.
"I won't ask about your unusual knowledge if you don't ask about mine."
"That's a terrible deal. We both stay suspicious of each other."
"Better than the alternative."
"Which is?"
"We dig into each other's secrets, find things we're not ready to share, and destroy whatever trust we're building."
She's... not wrong.
I can't explain my knowledge without sounding insane. And clearly she can't explain hers either.
"Mutual non-aggression pact," Arden said.
"Exactly."
She held out her hand.
Arden shook it.
Her grip was firm, confident.
"I'll accompany you," Elara said suddenly.
"When you work on those strategic theories. I know you'll do it eventually—start developing the ideas you mentioned. I want to help."
"Why?"
"Because I believe in them. In you."
Her expression was earnest.
"There's no one whose judgment I trust more, even if we just met. Call it instinct."
That certainty again. Like she KNOWS I'll succeed.
"Alright. Partners, then."
Elara's smile was genuine and warm.
"Partners."
The next class was Beast Classification Theory.
A different instructor—Professor Aldwin, an older man with sharp eyes and extensive scarring.
"Beast Classification is the foundation of survival. Know your enemy or become their meal."
He pulled out anatomical drawings of various monsters.
"We'll start with basic categories, then progress to specific species."
The questions began immediately.
"Number 0034. Thrain Vokker."
Thrain straightened.
"Yes sir!"
"What distinguishes a Mutated Beast from an Evolved Beast?"
"Uh... Mutated Beasts are bigger?"
"Wrong. Size is irrelevant. Evolved Beasts develop intelligence through natural progression. Mutated Beasts develop through external corruption—environmental exposure, cursed territory, or artificial enhancement. Minus two points."
Thrain slumped.
Poor guy. Not his strong suit.
"Number 0147. Kari Shen."
Kari sat up straighter, her dual-colored eyes bright with determination despite her obvious fatigue.
"What are the primary behavioral patterns of aquatic monster types during coastal raids?"
Kari's face lit up.
"Aquatic monsters prefer ambush tactics! They use tide patterns to maximize mobility—attacking during high tide when water reaches further inland, retreating during low tide when defenders expect them!"
Professor Aldwin's eyebrows rose.
"Correct. Elaborate on defensive countermeasures."
"Deploy barriers during low tide! Force them to attack when water levels are lowest! Also monitor tidal schedules and position ranged defenders at maximum effective range from high tide lines!"
Her enthusiasm was building, hands gesturing.
"And for supply protection, convoy ships should travel during specific lunar phases when tidal extremes are minimized! Also establish layered defensive positions—"
"That's sufficient," Aldwin interrupted, but he was smiling.
"Excellent answer. Clearly you've studied naval defensive doctrine. Ten points."
Kari beamed, absolutely radiant.
She caught Arden's eye across the room and gave him a subtle thumbs up, silently mouthing: I studied!
She really did. Probably stayed up late preparing.
He nodded back, and her smile somehow got even brighter.
"Number 0001. Arden Valekrest."
Again.
"Describe the weaknesses of Howler-class apex predators."
"Howlers are 2nd Stage equivalent threats with pack coordination capabilities. Primary weaknesses: overconfidence in their regeneration abilities, making them vulnerable to overwhelming burst damage; reliance on intimidation tactics, which fail against disciplined defenders; and weak joint protection, particularly at the knees and elbows."
Aldwin nodded slowly.
"Have you fought one?"
"During the entrance ceremony. Personally engaged and killed a Howler during the monster wave."
The classroom went silent.
Everyone stared.
"You... killed a 2nd Stage monster? At twelve?" someone whispered.
"With assistance," Arden clarified.
"Team effort. Serra Hallik provided elemental support, Thrain Vokker created openings, I executed the final strike."
Spread credit. Reduce attention.
Aldwin was studying him with new interest.
"Practical experience beats theory every time. Fifteen points. And after class, I'd like you to write a detailed account of that engagement for the academy records."
Great. More writing.
"Yes, sir."
The questions continued for another hour.
Arden found himself being asked increasingly difficult questions.
Not just basic classification.
Advanced topics like monster mutation patterns, corruption spread rates, behavioral adaptation to different climates.
"Number 0001. What are the environmental indicators of an impending Calamity Wave?"
That's... way beyond first-year material.
But Arden knew the answer.
From his novel.
From the patterns he'd written.
From... somewhere deeper?
"Monster populations in the Dead Zones decrease dramatically seven to ten days before a Calamity Wave. They're not dying—they're regrouping under apex predator command. Secondary indicator: mutation rates in surviving monsters increase as ambient corruption concentrates. Tertiary indicator: environmental anomalies—sudden temperature drops, unusual fog formations, wildlife fleeing the region en masse."
Aldwin's expression was unreadable.
"That information isn't in any first-year textbook."
Shit.
"Family records. The Valekrest family has defended the Northern Frontier for generations. We maintain extensive documentation of monster wave patterns."
It wasn't entirely a lie.
His family DID have such records.
He just hadn't read them in this life.
"I see. Twenty points. And I'll be requisitioning those family records for the academy library if possible."
Double shit.
"I'll write to my father."
And hope he doesn't question why I'm suddenly citing records I've never shown interest in before.
After class, Arden was approached by Serra.
She stood at a polite distance, as always.
But she spoke first.
"The environmental indicators you mentioned. About Calamity Waves."
"What about them?"
"I've read similar patterns in historical accounts. But the specific timeline—seven to ten days—that's not commonly known."
Her periwinkle eyes were thoughtful.
"How did you know the exact timeframe?"
Because I wrote it. Because in my novel, that's the warning period before major disasters.
"Pattern analysis. Multiple historical accounts, cross-referenced for common factors."
Serra studied him for a long moment.
"You're remarkably analytical for someone our age."
"So are you."
"I have reasons to be."
Her voice was quiet.
"When everything falls apart, knowledge is the only thing they can't take from you."
Her family's destruction. That's what she's referring to.
"Knowledge is power," Arden agreed.
Serra nodded slowly.
"I..."
She hesitated, clearly uncomfortable.
"I wanted to thank you. For yesterday. For including me in your combat tactics. For the credit you gave during Professor Aldwin's class."
"You earned it. Your ice magic made the difference."
"Still. Most people don't acknowledge support roles."
She paused.
"Especially not when they could take all the credit themselves."
"Taking credit for other people's work is how bad leaders get good people killed."
Serra's expression shifted—surprise, then something warmer.
"That's... a very mature perspective."
"I've seen what happens when leaders fail their people."
In my novel. In my memories. In whatever these flashes of knowledge are.
Serra was quiet for a moment.
"Would you..."
She stopped, visibly gathering courage.
"Would you be willing to study together? For the theoretical courses? I work better with structure, and you seem to understand the material well."
She's reaching out. Actually trying to connect.
That's huge progress for someone with her trust issues.
"Sure. Library after dinner?"
"Yes. Thank you."
She started to walk away, then paused.
"Arden?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm... I'm glad you're here. At this academy."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"It's nice to have someone who treats people fairly. Who doesn't judge based on... circumstances."
She left before he could respond.
Her family's fall from grace. The accusations. The isolation.
She's spent so long being treated like a pariah that basic decency feels like kindness.
God, the things I put these characters through.
Lunch was the usual chaos.
Group 1-A gathered at their table, comparing notes and complaints.
"I hate theoretical classes," Garrett moaned.
"Why do we need to know about monster mating habits?"
"Because knowing breeding cycles helps predict wave patterns," Rykard said without looking up from his food.
"How do YOU know that?"
"I read the textbook."
"We have a textbook?"
"You didn't read the materials list?"
"I thought that was optional!"
Thrain laughed.
"Nothing's optional here, buddy."
Arden was reviewing his notes when Kari appeared at their table.
She was carrying her lunch tray, looking slightly nervous.
"Um... Arden? Can I... can I sit here?"
The table went quiet.
Everyone looked at Arden.
Why are they looking at me? It's not my table.
"Sure," he said.
Kari's face lit up.
She sat down next to him, carefully arranging her tray.
"I did well in class! Did you see? I answered the naval question perfectly!"
"You did. Good work."
"It's because I studied! All night! I read three books about coastal defenses and tidal warfare!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious.
"I didn't even know there were that many books about tides! But there are! It's fascinating!"
Garrett stared at her.
"You... studied all night? For one class?"
"Of course! I can't let Arden down!"
Why is this about me?
"You should study for yourself, not for me."
"I am! But also for you! Both can be true!"
She took a bite of her food, then continued talking.
"Did you know that lunar phases affect monster behavior too? Not just tides! Some aquatic monsters are more aggressive during full moons!"
"I did not know that."
"It's in Chapter Seven of 'Maritime Monster Classification'! I can lend it to you if you want!"
She's like a puppy. An extremely knowledgeable, tactics-obsessed puppy.
Elara sat down on Arden's other side.
Without asking.
Just... claimed the seat.
"Interesting class," she said casually.
"Very," Arden replied.
"Your answers were impressive. Almost like you'd seen those situations before."
"Could say the same about you."
Elara smiled.
"Touché."
Kari looked between them, her enthusiasm dimming slightly.
"Oh! You're Number 2! Elara! You were amazing in class too!"
"Thank you."
Elara's smile was polite but distant.
"You're Kari, right? Number 147?"
"Yes! I'm working really hard on theoretical studies! Arden's helping me!"
I gave her advice once. That's not the same as tutoring.
"How kind of him," Elara said, her tone unreadable.
The temperature at the table seemed to drop a few degrees.
Garrett, Thrain, and Rykard exchanged glances.
What the hell is happening?
"So, Arden," Elara said, her voice light but her eyes intent.
"After lunch, want to start discussing those strategic theories? We could use the library."
"Actually," Kari interjected quickly, "I was hoping Arden could help me with my Integration research! I found some information about Harmony cores and I wanted his opinion!"
"I'm sure that can wait," Elara said smoothly.
"Strategic doctrine development is time-sensitive."
"But my health issues are also time-sensitive! The sooner I find the right core, the sooner I can train properly!"
Are they... competing for my time?
No. That's ridiculous. They barely know me.
Right?
Serra appeared at the table, holding her tray.
"You said library after dinner for studying," she said to Arden.
"Did that change?"
"No," Arden said quickly, seizing the escape.
"That's still happening."
"Oh! Can I come too?" Kari asked immediately.
"We could all study together! It would be fun!"
"Study sessions should be focused," Serra said quietly.
"Too many people creates distraction."
"But collaborative learning is proven to be more effective!" Kari countered.
Elara sipped her water, watching the exchange with amusement.
"Perhaps we should let Arden decide how he wants to spend his time," she said.
"Rather than assuming he'll accommodate everyone's schedules."
Why does that sound like a challenge?
Arden looked around the table.
Three girls.
All looking at him expectantly.
Garrett was trying not to laugh.
Thrain was openly grinning.
Rykard was eating his lunch with perfect calm, completely unbothered by the social dynamics.
How did this become my life?
I'm mentally forty-plus years old. I've commanded troops in combat. I've survived Iraq and Afghanistan.
Why is THIS more stressful than a firefight?
"Library after dinner for Beast Classification review," Arden said firmly.
"Anyone who wants to study that subject is welcome. Strategic theory development happens separately when I have time. Integration research for Kari happens when I've gathered enough information."
He stood up, grabbing his tray.
"Right now, I'm going to eat lunch somewhere quiet. Alone."
He walked away before anyone could respond.
Behind him, he heard Garrett whisper: "Did he just... run away?"
"Tactical retreat," Thrain corrected. "There's a difference."
Damn right it's a tactical retreat.
I know when I'm outmaneuvered.
Arden found a quiet spot outside, near the training grounds.
He sat on a bench and ate in blissful silence.
What just happened?
Kari's attached because I showed her basic kindness. Classic trauma response—first person to believe in her becomes the center of her world.
Elara's... I don't even know what Elara is. She acts like she knows me. Like she's seen my future. Like we're already partners in something bigger.
And Serra's starting to open up, which is good, but also complicated.
I came here to prevent disasters and collect Integration cores.
Not to... whatever this is.
He finished his lunch, trying to organize his thoughts.
Focus. Priorities.
1. Survive and get stronger
2. Develop strategic doctrines
3. Help key people reach their potential
4. Prevent catastrophic events
Everything else is secondary.
These are children. I'm mentally an adult. This isn't... it's not appropriate to think of them as anything other than students who need help.
Keep professional distance. Be helpful but not... whatever creates this level of attachment.
Easy.
Simple.
Definitely won't backfire.
That afternoon, Professor Aldwin called Arden aside after class.
"Number 0001. A word."
Arden approached the instructor's desk.
"Sir?"
Aldwin pulled out a stack of papers.
"Your theoretical knowledge is significantly advanced. Beyond even some fourth-year students."
Here it comes.
"I study extensively, sir."
"So I've heard."
Aldwin's expression was thoughtful.
"But there's a difference between studying and understanding. You demonstrate practical comprehension that suggests experience."
He leaned forward.
"The other professors and I have discussed your case. Along with Number 0002 and Number 0012."
All three of us. The ones showing advanced knowledge.
"We've decided to offer you a choice. You can continue attending standard first-year theoretical classes, or..."
He pulled out a different set of materials.
"You can test out. Take comprehensive examinations covering first through third-year theoretical material. Pass them, and you're exempt from those classes. You'd only attend specialized fourth-year advanced seminars."
That's... actually perfect.
More time for practical training and Integration hunting.
"What's the catch?"
Aldwin smiled.
"The catch is that you'd need to write a thesis. Two, actually. One on Military Science, one on Beast Classification Theory. Demonstrating not just knowledge but original analysis."
"How long do we have?"
"Three months. Submit before the first quarterly ranking assessment."
Three months to write two academic theses while training, developing strategic doctrines, and managing... whatever social complications I've created.
Wonderful.
"I'll do it."
"Excellent. The same offer has been extended to Number 0002 and Number 0012. They've both accepted as well."
Of course they have.
Aldwin handed him the materials.
"The examination parameters are here. Study well. And Number 0001?"
"Sir?"
"Don't let the theoretical work interfere with practical training. Knowledge is worthless if you're dead."
"Understood, sir."
That evening, Arden sat in the library.
It was a massive stone building filled with rows of shelves, study tables, and the quiet scratch of pens on paper.
Serra arrived exactly on time, carrying a stack of books.
She sat across from him without a word, opening her materials.
They studied in comfortable silence for twenty minutes.
Then Kari burst in, slightly out of breath.
"Sorry I'm late! I had to finish organizing my notes! And I brought snacks! I thought we might get hungry!"
She set down a small basket of bread and dried fruit.
"I hope you don't mind! I know Serra said focused studying but I thought—"
"It's fine," Serra said quietly.
"Thank you for the snacks."
Kari beamed and sat down, pulling out her own notes.
Ten minutes later, Elara appeared.
She didn't ask to join.
Just sat down at the table and opened a book on military history.
"Convenient meeting you all here," she said casually.
She absolutely planned this.
They studied together for two hours.
Kari asked enthusiastic questions about everything.
Serra provided precise, detailed answers when she knew them.
Elara occasionally offered insights that were oddly specific and suspiciously advanced.
And Arden found himself... actually enjoying it.
This is nice. Studying with people who actually care about learning.
Even if their motivations are complicated.
As the evening bell rang, signaling curfew approach, they packed up their materials.
"Same time tomorrow?" Kari asked hopefully.
"I have extra combat training tomorrow," Arden said.
"The day after?"
She looked so hopeful that Arden found himself nodding.
"Sure."
"Yes!" Kari pumped her fist quietly.
Serra was already heading for the door, but she paused.
"Thank you. For studying together. It was... helpful."
She left before anyone could respond.
Elara lingered as Kari rushed off to return a book.
"You're good with people," she said quietly.
"I'm really not."
"You are. You make them feel valued. Seen."
She smiled.
"That's a rare gift."
"I'm just treating them like people."
"Exactly."
She turned to leave, then paused.
"I'll stay by your side, you know. Through whatever comes. There's no one I trust more to handle what's ahead."
She walked away before Arden could ask what she meant.
What's ahead?