"Congratulations," the applause came from an unexpected source.
Daron turned towards the applause, his eyes falling upon a woman of imposing stature, standing at nearly two meters tall. She wore the unmistakable attire of a staff member, a symbol of authority and wisdom.
"May I know who you are?" Daron asked, curiosity and a touch of bewilderment coloring his words.
The woman replied with a knowing smile, "Ah, yes. I am Professor Ilya Senara, the Professor of Illusion Arrays." Her voice resonated with both warmth and wisdom as she introduced herself, commanding respect with her presence alone.
Daron regarded Professor Senara with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. The surreal experience he had just undergone, the meticulously crafted illusion that had enveloped the campus in an unnatural silence, left him with a multitude of unanswered questions.
"Illusion Arrays?" Daron echoed, his brow furrowing as he struggled to grasp the situation. "What just transpired here? Why was the campus shrouded in silence, and why did it dissipate when I touched the pond?"
Professor Senara's smile remained enigmatic as she gestured for Daron to join her by the now-calm pond's edge. As they walked, she began to elucidate, her words carrying the weight of both experience and knowledge.
"You've stumbled upon something that few are privileged to witness," she began. "This silence you experienced is a result of my research in Illusion Arrays—a unique blend of magic and technology designed to create the perfect illusion of silence. However," she paused, "you, dear Daron, managed to break through it."
Daron listened with rapt attention, taking in the information while he gazed at the serene pond. "Why did it break? Was it something I did?"
Professor Senara nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and curiosity. "Indeed. Illusion Arrays are intricate constructs influenced by intention and perception. Your determination to uncover the truth, to pierce the illusion, was the key. When you touched the pond, your actions disrupted the illusion's harmony, revealing the underlying reality. If your actions had been devoid of intent, you would have simply waded into the water, creating ripples—the only visible aspect of the illusion array. But your intent to break free caused the illusion array to crumble."
Daron couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder blended with trepidation. "What purpose does such an elaborate illusion serve on campus?"
The professor's expression turned contemplative. "It serves as a training ground for our students, a form of initiation. Those who can see through the illusion and break free are often the ones we seek for more advanced studies in Illusion Arrays."
Daron's mind buzzed with the implications of what he had just experienced. "So, this was a test?"
Professor Senara nodded. "A test of perception, determination, and the ability to question what you see. And, my dear Daron, you've passed with flying colors."
"Why me?" he ventured, his voice tinged with a blend of wonder and uncertainty. "I mean, I do have a unique power, but it's not the same as the Ability Domains everyone else here possesses. My healing ability, while potent, is seen as an outlier. I gained admission to this college through a competition, based on that ability. So why involve me in this illusionary experiment?"
Professor Senara fixed her gaze on Daron, her eyes revealing a depth of knowledge and secrets that transcended their current conversation. "Your healing ability, Daron, is indeed exceptional," she began, her tone filled with reverence. "It's a testament to your resilience and determination, qualities that set you apart even among the extraordinary individuals here at our college."
Daron felt a sense of validation in her words, but her next statement piqued his curiosity even further. "However, I'm afraid the reasons for your selection—and the selection of any student by any Professor—must remain confidential," she continued, her voice taking on a solemn tone. "All I can disclose is... consider it a favor repaid from an old friend."
Daron's curiosity deepened at her cryptic response. He couldn't help but wonder who this old friend might be and what favor had been extended on their behalf. The nature of his involvement in this illusionary experiment only added to the mystery shrouding his time at the college.
As he contemplated Professor Senara's words, a sense of purpose began to stir within him. Whether by chance or design, he had been chosen for a reason, and the path ahead promised to be filled with challenges and revelations. With the weight of the unknown resting on his shoulders, Daron knew that he was embarking on a journey that would test not only his abilities but also his capacity to unravel the secrets hidden within the college's halls.
______
"Professor Senara, did you succeed?"
"Yes, Director Aaron," Professor Senara replied, her voice carrying a hint of tension. "I didn't interfere with the experiment, as you requested."
Director Aaron's demeanor remained composed as he probed further. "How did it go?"
"He passed," Professor Senara responded, her tone holding a mixture of relief and pride. "He successfully broke free from the illusion array on his own. With this, he can join the class, and eventually—"
"Yes, I understand," Director Aaron interrupted, his voice burdened with unspoken responsibilities. "You need not remind me."
There was a tense silence before Professor Senara continued, her voice tinged with a blend of curiosity and concern. "I wouldn't have expected you to involve yourself in such matters, Director."
Director Aaron's response carried the weight of secrets and responsibilities that he bore alone. "I have to. Daron is already embroiled in something beyond his current abilities."
The line fell silent, and Professor Senara couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Daron and the unseen forces that had set him on this unique path within the college. As she contemplated the implications of her role in this mysterious affair, she knew that her journey alongside Daron was only just beginning, and the challenges they faced together would push the boundaries of their abilities and determination.
"I will do my best to assist, Director."
"Thank you, Professor. Goodbye."