Four and a half years old, Ashen woke to unusual activity in the castle.
Servants moved through corridors with hurried efficiency, preparing guest quarters that hadn't been used in months. Through walls and floors, his Primordial Sovereign Eyes tracked the organized chaos—linens being changed, essence crystals being polished, formal reception areas being prepared for someone important.
Mira arrived earlier than usual to help him dress, choosing formal attire instead of his normal comfortable clothing.
"Big day today, young master," she said, buttoning his collar with practiced hands. "The Emperor's chief spatial researcher is arriving. Your father wants the whole family presentable for the formal greeting."
"Why is a researcher coming here?" Ashen asked, genuinely curious despite already knowing the answer—the spatial rift concentration in the northern territories had attracted imperial attention.
"To study those strange tears in the air that keep appearing," Mira said, her expression showing the worry common among people who didn't fully understand the threat but knew something was wrong. "They say she's the Empire's greatest expert on dimensional phenomena. If anyone can figure out what's happening, it's her."
Ashen's interest sharpened. The novel had mentioned an imperial researcher in passing—someone named Magistra Vex who'd made significant early discoveries about spatial rift patterns before being killed during a rift breach years later. This would be his first encounter with someone who actually understood dimensional mechanics at a scholarly level.
An hour later, the family assembled in the formal greeting hall. Aldric stood at the center in full ducal regalia, Seraphina beside him in elegant robes that enhanced her natural grace. Reikan positioned himself at his father's right hand, heir apparent maintaining perfect formal posture. Elara and Kael flanked the other side, while Lyra fidgeted restlessly near the back.
Ashen stood with Seraphina, appearing perfectly behaved while his enhanced perception tracked the approaching entourage before they'd even entered castle grounds. Fifteen people total—twelve guards, two assistants, and one woman whose essence signature radiated intensity that marked her as more than common nobility.
The doors opened and Captain Marcus announced, "Magistra Vex Astrium, Chief Researcher of the Imperial Academy of Spatial Phenomena."
The woman who entered was perhaps in her late thirties, with silver hair bound in complex braids and eyes that held the sharp intelligence of someone who'd dedicated their life to understanding reality's structure. Her robes bore enchantments Ashen could see pulsing with active essence—protective wards, sensory enhancements, spatial anchors.
Her cultivation was B-Rank Advanced, the same as Aldric, but her specialty was clearly research rather than combat. Her essence moved with mathematical precision, controlled and measured in ways that suggested deep theoretical understanding.
"Duke Silverion," Magistra Vex greeted with a respectful bow that was returned. "Thank you for hosting my research team. The spatial concentration in your territory presents a unique opportunity for study."
"Magistra Vex," Aldric replied formally. "Your expertise is welcome. We're as eager to understand these phenomena as the Emperor."
They engaged in diplomatic pleasantries while Ashen observed the researcher with his Primordial Sovereign Eyes. She carried multiple spatial sensing devices—essence-infused instruments designed to measure dimensional fluctuations. Each one registered in his perception as networks of carefully constructed enchantments that could detect what normal senses couldn't perceive.
Interesting. Her methodology is systematic and thorough. She's not just powerful—she's intelligent about how she applies her power. The kind of mind that would appreciate elegant solutions over brute force.
Magistra Vex's gaze swept across the assembled family, assessing each member with professional interest. Her eyes passed over Reikan, Elara, Kael, and Lyra without particular note.
Then she looked at Ashen.
For perhaps three seconds, their eyes met directly. Ashen didn't push his perception—no need to intimidate someone whose expertise he actually respected—but the Primordial Sovereign Eyes couldn't completely hide what they were.
Magistra Vex went very still. Her essence signature spiked slightly, the controlled pattern disrupting momentarily before she reasserted control. Her eyes widened fractionally, then narrowed in sharp focus.
She looked away and continued the formal greetings, but Ashen noticed her glancing back at him repeatedly, as if trying to solve an equation that didn't balance correctly.
She sensed something. Not my full potential—the concealment protocols prevent that—but she noticed that my eyes aren't normal. Someone with her training would recognize unusual spatial and temporal essence patterns.
After the formal greeting concluded, Magistra Vex and her team were escorted to prepared quarters. Aldric invited her to discuss research parameters over lunch, which turned into an extended conversation about spatial theory that gradually included Elara for administrative logistics and Reikan for territorial security coordination.
Ashen had been sent to continue his lessons with Master Corvin, but he could perceive the entire discussion through multiple walls. His enhanced hearing picked up every word while his eyes tracked essence signatures and body language.
"The concentration pattern is unprecedented," Magistra Vex was explaining, spreading maps across Aldric's desk. "Seventeen rifts in a ten-mile radius over six weeks. Normal spatial anomaly distribution would show more randomness. This suggests a focal point—something in this region that's either attracting rifts or causing dimensional weakness."
"What could cause that?" Aldric asked.
"Several possibilities. Ancient essence deposits that are destabilizing reality. Forgotten spatial anchors from previous civilization. Natural dimensional thin spots." She paused. "Or something actively generating the weakness from the other side."
"You think something is deliberately trying to break through?"
"I'm saying we can't eliminate that possibility. The pattern has geometric consistency that could indicate intentional action rather than natural phenomenon."
She's sharper than I expected. Most researchers won't reach that conclusion for another three years according to the novel's timeline. The accelerated rift activity is forcing faster pattern recognition.
The discussion continued with technical details about measurement protocols, safety procedures, and research timelines. Magistra Vex wanted to establish monitoring stations near known rift sites, with teams rotating observations to build comprehensive data.
Aldric approved everything, offering full territorial cooperation and military protection for research teams.
Ashen's lesson with Master Corvin proceeded normally on the surface—today they were studying geography and regional politics—but most of his attention remained on the conversation several rooms away.
At one point, Magistra Vex asked an unexpected question. "Duke Silverion, your youngest son. Ashen, correct?"
"Yes. What about him?"
"Has he shown any unusual spatial sensitivity? Unexplained awareness of dimensional phenomena?"
There was a long pause. Ashen could perceive Aldric's essence signature shifting to heightened alertness. "Why do you ask?"
"Professional curiosity. When I looked at him earlier, I detected... something. Spatial essence patterns that shouldn't be present in a child who hasn't undergone awakening ceremony." Magistra Vex's tone was careful, scientific rather than accusatory. "It's possible I misread the signature. Young children occasionally display temporary essence fluctuations."
"Ashen is gifted in several areas," Aldric said neutrally. "Advanced reading comprehension, strong observational skills. But he's never displayed anything I'd characterize as cultivation-related phenomena."
"Of course. My apologies for the intrusive question. When one studies spatial anomalies professionally, one begins seeing patterns everywhere."
The conversation moved on, but Ashen noted the interaction. Magistra Vex had detected traces of his Primordial Sovereign Eyes' spatial perception component. Not enough to understand what she'd sensed, but enough to register anomaly.
I'll need to be more careful around her. Someone with her training and equipment might notice things others miss. Not threatening necessarily, but potentially complicating.
The day proceeded with Magistra Vex and her team establishing their research parameters. Ashen maintained his normal routine—lessons, library time, afternoon in the garden with Pip—while monitoring the researchers' activities through his enhanced perception.
By evening, they'd set up their first monitoring station at the edge of the restricted forest zone. Essence-powered instruments measured dimensional flux, spatial stability, and temporal flow variation. All data fed back to their main workstation in castle quarters Aldric had provided.
Dinner that night included Magistra Vex as a guest. The family gathered in the formal dining hall, conversation flowing around research progress and territorial logistics.
Ashen sat between his parents, eating his dinner and listening while appearing appropriately childlike. Magistra Vex sat across the table, occasionally glancing at him when she thought he wasn't paying attention.
"How long have you studied spatial phenomena, Magistra?" Elara asked politely.
"Fifteen years intensively, though I've been interested in dimensional mechanics since I was a student." Vex smiled slightly. "Most people find it dry subject matter. Abstract mathematics and theoretical physics aren't as exciting as combat cultivation."
"I find it fascinating," Elara said. "The idea that space itself can be manipulated, that reality has layers we normally can't perceive—that's more interesting than hitting things harder."
"A sensible perspective. Though I've found that combat cultivators and spatial theorists often look at the same phenomena from different angles. Warriors see space as obstacle to overcome. Researchers see it as structure to understand."
Kael looked slightly offended. "I understand space. It's the distance between me and whatever I'm trying to hit."
That got laughs around the table. Even Reikan smiled faintly.
"A practical definition," Magistra Vex acknowledged. "And not actually wrong from certain theoretical frameworks."
"Can you explain spatial rifts simply?" Lyra asked suddenly. "Like, why do they happen and what comes through them?"
"Simple explanation?" Vex considered. "Reality is like fabric. Normally it's smooth and complete, separating our dimension from others. But when the fabric weakens—from age, damage, or external pressure—tears can form. Things from other dimensions can pass through before the fabric repairs itself."
"What kinds of things?"
"Entities that evolved in different dimensional contexts. They don't follow our physical laws. Some are hostile, some are merely incompatible with our reality." Vex's expression grew serious. "All of them are dangerous, because contact between incompatible dimensional frameworks creates instability that can propagate."
"So the tears are bad," Lyra summarized.
"Yes. Very bad. Which is why I'm here—to understand them well enough to prevent catastrophic breakdown of dimensional barriers."
Ashen spoke for the first time that meal. "Can you make the tears stop happening?"
Magistra Vex looked at him directly, and he saw genuine intellectual honesty in her expression. "I don't know yet. First I need to understand why they're happening with such concentration in this region. Then I might be able to develop countermeasures."
"What if they're happening because something wants them to?" Ashen asked, recalling her earlier conversation with his father.
Vex's eyes sharpened. "That's a sophisticated question for someone your age. What makes you think that's possible?"
Ashen chose his words carefully, playing the role of bright child rather than knowledgeable adult. "You said things come through the tears. What if those things are making more tears so more things can come through?"
Silence settled around the table. Aldric and Seraphina exchanged glances. Reikan looked thoughtful. Even Kael had stopped eating to pay attention.
"That's..." Magistra Vex leaned forward slightly. "That's actually one of my working theories. How did you arrive at that conclusion?"
"It makes sense," Ashen said simply. "If I wanted to get into a locked room, I'd try to make more doors."
"But you're four years old. Most children your age don't engage in that kind of abstract reasoning about dimensional mechanics."
"I read a lot," Ashen offered. "Papa lets me use the library."
"What have you been reading?"
"History. Essence theory. Some books about space and time." He kept his tone enthusiastic rather than clinical. "They're interesting."
Magistra Vex sat back, studying him with undisguised fascination. "Duke Silverion, your son has an exceptional mind. Has he been tested for early cultivation potential?"
"He hasn't undergone awakening ceremony yet," Aldric said. "That won't happen until he's five."
"Of course. But even pre-awakening, some children show signs of natural essence sensitivity. Spatial awareness, temporal perception, unusual observational capabilities." Vex was still looking at Ashen. "Would you be willing to let me run some non-invasive tests? Simply to measure baseline essence interaction before awakening? It could provide valuable data about pre-cultivation development."
Ashen saw the trap immediately. "Tests" would involve spatial scanning equipment that might detect more than she claimed to be looking for. Her scientific curiosity had been triggered by his eyes and his unexpected theoretical insight, and now she wanted concrete measurements.
Refusing would be suspicious. Agreeing might reveal things I'm not ready to have revealed. Need a middle ground.
"What kind of tests?" Aldric asked, protective father instincts activating.
"Completely harmless essence resonance measurements. Similar to what healers do during medical examinations. The only difference is I'd be looking at spatial-temporal essence interaction rather than physical health markers."
"Would it hurt?" Seraphina asked, also protective.
"Not at all. He wouldn't even feel anything. Just some instruments near him recording natural essence fluctuations."
"Can I think about it?" Ashen asked, addressing his parents rather than Magistra Vex. "It sounds interesting but also kind of scary."
Perfect. Buying time while appearing appropriately childlike. Four-year-olds should be uncertain about strange tests from unfamiliar researchers.
"Of course, sweetheart," Seraphina said. "No one's going to make you do anything you're not comfortable with."
Magistra Vex nodded acceptance. "That's completely reasonable. The offer stands whenever you're ready. No pressure."
But Ashen could see the intense curiosity in her eyes. She'd detected an anomaly she couldn't explain, and her researcher instincts demanded investigation. This wouldn't be the last time she brought it up.
Conversation moved to other topics, but Ashen noticed Vex watching him throughout the rest of dinner. Not hostile, not even suspicious—just deeply, scientifically curious about the child whose eyes held spatial-temporal patterns that shouldn't exist pre-awakening.
After dinner, Ashen retreated to his room with Seraphina for their evening reading ritual. Tonight's book was about spatial manipulation techniques—ironically appropriate given the day's events.
"What do you think about Magistra Vex?" Seraphina asked after finishing a chapter.
"She's smart," Ashen said honestly. "And she actually wants to understand things instead of just being powerful."
"That's a perceptive observation. You can tell that about her already?"
"She asked good questions at dinner. And she didn't get mad when I asked her questions back. Some adults don't like when children ask them things."
"Magistra Vex is a teacher and researcher. She probably loves when anyone asks intelligent questions." Seraphina smoothed his hair back. "Are you really scared about those tests she mentioned?"
Ashen considered how honest to be. "A little. What if they show something wrong with me?"
"There's nothing wrong with you, sweetheart. You're just different. Special."
"Different makes people uncomfortable," Ashen said, thinking of all the eye contact incidents over the past year. "I see how people react to me."
Seraphina's expression turned sad. "I know, baby. And I wish I could change that. But being different isn't bad—it's just challenging sometimes. The people who matter will see past it to who you really are."
If they saw who I really was, they'd be even more uncomfortable. An adult consciousness in a child's body, planning decades ahead for threats they can't imagine. But I appreciate the sentiment.
"I love you, Mama," he said instead.
"I love you too. So much." She kissed his forehead. "Now, sleep. Tomorrow we'll go visit Pip early before it gets too hot."
After she left, Ashen lay in darkness thinking about Magistra Vex and her research. She was sharp, methodical, and genuinely competent. The kind of mind that could actually make progress on understanding dimensional instability instead of just recording data without drawing conclusions.
Which made her potentially useful and potentially dangerous in equal measure.
I could help her. My Primordial Sovereign Eyes see spatial-temporal phenomena directly. I understand dimensional mechanics at levels she won't reach for decades. If I shared that knowledge, her research could advance years ahead of schedule.
But sharing means revealing capabilities I'm not supposed to have. Creates questions I can't answer without exposing my true nature.
Better to watch. Learn from her methodology. Let her make her discoveries naturally while I build my own understanding independently.
Through his window, the night sky showed stars in layers of dimensional space. His eyes perceived the subtle variations in spatial fabric, the way reality itself had texture and pattern invisible to normal sight.
Somewhere out there, in spaces between dimensions, entities that didn't belong in this reality were becoming aware of weakening barriers. Not organized yet. Not coordinated. But slowly recognizing opportunity.
Decades away from being actual threats. But the process had begun.
Magistra Vex was trying to understand that process from outside, using instruments and mathematics and brilliant deduction.
Ashen understood it from inside, seeing it directly with eyes that perceived reality's structure.
The difference between them wasn't intelligence or dedication. It was fundamental capability—she was limited to mortal perception, while he possessed something beyond mortal limits.
The system pulsed once in his consciousness.
[PRIMORDIAL AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM]
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No techniques detected.
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Six months until awakening ceremony. Six months until his affinities would manifest and cultivation could begin. Six months until the careful balance of appearing gifted-but-normal would need to shift toward talented-but-concealing-true-power.
And now there was an imperial researcher in his home, whose instruments might detect things his concealment protocols were designed to hide.
Not a crisis. Just a complication.
He could handle complications.
Outside, Magistra Vex was probably reviewing her team's initial data collection, noting the seventeen rift locations and building mathematical models to explain the concentration pattern.
She was doing good work. Important work.
And Ashen would let her continue doing it, from a careful distance, while he prepared for a future she couldn't yet perceive.
Sleep came eventually, but his eyes never truly closed, continuing their endless observation of reality in all its layered complexity.
Tomorrow would bring new data, new observations, new pieces of the vast puzzle he was assembling.
For now, rest was enough.