After Mr. Thorne brought Leo to the infirmary, carefully laying him on one of the cots to rest, Ms. Raven gathered the other instructors and led them to a small, dimly lit meeting room adjacent to the testing hall. As they filed in, a heavy silence settled over them. Leo's test was on everyone's mind. His raw magical strength and instinct for combat were far beyond what they'd expected from a ten-year-old newcomer.
Ms. Raven, typically composed, appeared unusually pensive as she closed the door and took her seat at the head of the table. She folded her hands and exhaled slowly, her sharp gaze moving from face to face.
"I think we can all agree," she began, her voice steady, "that what we just witnessed was... unprecedented."
Professor Graham nodded, still looking a bit dazed. "I've run hundreds of simulations over the years. Only a handful of students—even in their final years—have handled a situation with that much intensity and control. And Leo's only ten."
"Not only did he survive," added Professor Yara, "but he faced those memories—his own trauma—and didn't break. That takes strength beyond his age. Emotional strength."
"But it wasn't just his control over the situation that was concerning," interjected Professor Amber. "Did anyone else notice the types of wisps he summoned at the end? He didn't just use elemental magic; he drew on wisps of death and sorrow. That's not something a child should even know how to do."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Drawing on such dangerous, volatile magic required mastery that even seasoned students struggled with. Yet Leo had done it instinctively, in the heat of battle, as if it were second nature.
Ms. Raven leaned forward, her fingers drumming against the table as her mind raced. "This raises serious questions, questions we need answers to. Who exactly is Leo Wildehart? His name doesn't trace back to any known magical lineage, and yet he fights with the skill and instincts of someone trained. Mr. Thorne," she said, turning to him, "you've spent the most time with him. Do you have any insights?"
Thorne hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "All I know is that he's from Eldergrove, and he came here alone. His family trained him, but he hasn't shared much beyond that. He's disciplined—more so than most children his age. He carries himself like someone who's used to bearing heavy responsibilities."
Professor Graham sighed and leaned back in his chair. "So what do we do with him? We can't put him in lower-level classes. That would stunt his growth, but advancing him too quickly could isolate him. He's still just a child."
"He'll stand out no matter where we place him," Yara said thoughtfully. "His abilities alone will make others wary of him. That kind of alienation could be harmful, especially at his age."
Ms. Raven felt the weight of the room's concerns. "We could place him in third-year intermediate classes based on his abilities and assign him a mentor—someone who can help guide him emotionally and magically."
"A mentor?" Professor Amber mused. "That could work. He clearly has a lot to learn, and he needs someone who understands the burden he's carrying."
Ms. Raven nodded. "Yes, and we'll need to make sure that whoever we choose can handle both his magical potential and his emotional needs. Leo is... different. How we support him will shape his future."
She rose, signaling the end of the meeting. "Let's reconvene in a week to assess how he's settling in. For now, we'll keep this discussion private. Leo has earned his place here, but how we guide him will determine the path he follows—and possibly, the path he creates for others."
The instructors filed out, murmuring among themselves about the task ahead. But as they left, Ms. Raven gestured for Mr. Thorne to stay behind. Once the door clicked shut, leaving them alone in the dimly lit room, she crossed her arms and faced him directly.
"I sensed hesitation in your response earlier, Thorne," she said, her tone sharp. "Is there something more about Leo that you didn't feel comfortable sharing with the others? Or are you unsure yourself?"
Thorne met her gaze, his expression serious. After a brief pause, he spoke. "When Leo came to me, he was alone."
Ms. Raven's eyes widened. "Alone?"
"Yes," Thorne continued. "His village, Eldergrove, is at least a day's journey from here. He made that trip by himself. And when he arrived, he was carrying the charred armor of those beastmen we saw in the simulation."
Ms. Raven's brow furrowed as the gravity of Thorne's words sank in. "The beastmen from his test?"
Thorne nodded. "It wasn't an easy fight. He didn't talk much about it, but it was clear that he's seen real battle before—and survived. His father taught him magic from a very early age, but there's more to his past than he's letting on."
Ms. Raven paced, trying to make sense of the puzzle before her. "And his family? Have you heard anything about them?"
Thorne sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Not much. I've got a meeting in Eldergrove in a few days. I'll see what I can find out from the village elders, but I'm not sure what I'll learn. There's something off about this whole situation."
Ms. Raven stopped pacing and faced him directly. "What do you mean?"
Thorne's face hardened. "There's a quiet darkness in Leo. It's buried deep, but I can feel it. He's been through something—something that left scars we can't see. If we're not careful, that darkness could surface."
Ms. Raven stood silent for a moment, absorbing Thorne's words. Then, with resolve, she nodded. "I'll keep a close eye on him. But make sure you find out everything you can in Eldergrove. We need to understand exactly what we're dealing with."
Thorne nodded grimly. "I will. Just be prepared for whatever might come next."
As Ms. Raven headed back to her office, her mind still churned with thoughts of Leo. Finding him the right mentor was critical, but it wasn't an easy decision. His power was undeniable, but his past was a mystery, and his emotional scars were clearly deep.
"Graham?" she thought aloud as she entered her office. "No. Darian's strictness would only stifle Leo. Amber's a great healer, but her duties would prevent her from dedicating the time he needs."
She sat down at her desk, frustrated. As she looked around the room, her eyes fell on an old photograph hanging on the wall. It was a picture of the academy's most accomplished mages from years ago, and in the center was a face she hadn't thought of in some time.
Suddenly, she smiled. There was one person who fit perfectly.
Pressing a button on her desk, she spoke with confidence, "Connect me to Mr. Brookfall."
As she waited for a response, she leaned back in her chair, her mind finally at ease. If anyone could guide Leo through the challenges ahead, it was Brookfall. He had mentored students with immense power and emotional struggles before. Leo was going to need more than just training; he needed understanding. And Brookfall, with his calm wisdom and experience, was the perfect choice.