Combat training was supposed to be simple. Stand in formation, follow approved patterns, demonstrate standardized techniques for standardized evaluation. Even for a struggling student, it should have been predictable.
Zeph knew something was wrong the moment he entered the practice hall. His sensitivity picked up disturbances in the natural flows – something was disrupting both corporate channels and ancient currents. Professor Kendrick's expression confirmed his suspicion. Her magic moved in subtle patterns of preparation and concern.
"Today's evaluation," she announced, "will be slightly different. House Sterling has provided new testing protocols." Her eyes met Zeph's briefly. "Complete combat scenarios, not just forms."
"Well," Thaddeus muttered from Zeph's bag, quiet enough that only sensitivity could detect it, "this should be interesting. Try not to die spectacularly – it would reflect poorly on my teaching."
```
Status Assessment:
[Cover Status: Maintained]
[True Magic: Masked]
[Combat Experience: Minimal]
[Risk Level: Elevated]
[Modified Wand: Active]
```
The practice hall's crystal matrix hummed as new configurations activated. Corporate magic flowed through predetermined paths, reshaping the space. Training barriers rose from the floor, creating a maze-like arena. Above, targeting crystals pulsed with stored power.
"Combat scenarios?" Ash whispered from beside him. "They never run combat scenarios in basic training. Something's not right."
Zeph nodded slightly, feeling the currents of power shifting around them. His modified wand thrummed with potential, ready to channel both corporate and natural magic. The challenge would be maintaining his cover while defending himself effectively.
"Partners for the evaluation," Kendrick continued. "Mitchell and Cooper, you're first."
Raven Mitchell stepped forward, her premium-grade wand practically radiating corporate compliance. Top of their class, perfect form, textbook technique. She'd never shown any sign of sensitivity to natural flows.
"Try to keep up, Cooper," she said, taking her position. But something in her tone caught his attention – not quite mockery, more like... assessment?
"Begin," Kendrick commanded.
Raven moved like lightning, corporate magic surging through approved channels. Her first attack followed perfect standardized form – which meant Zeph knew exactly how to counter it. He let his sensitivity guide him, using natural flows to enhance his corporate-approved defense.
"Interesting choice," Thaddeus commented as Zeph deflected another burst of power. "Though your footwork still resembles a drunken penguin attempting ballet."
The combat maze complicated things. Corporate magic reshaped barriers randomly, forcing constant adaptation. Raven pressed her attack with textbook precision, but Zeph noticed something odd. Her power... flickered occasionally, moving in patterns just slightly off from standard forms.
A high-powered blast forced him to dodge. He channeled power through his modified wand, carefully balancing corporate and natural magic. The resulting shield looked properly standardized but drew strength from ancient currents.
```
Combat Analysis:
[Corporate Power Output: 12.4 (Apparent)]
[True Magic Enhancement: Active]
[Pattern Recognition: Detecting Anomalies]
[Opponent Assessment: Inconclusive]
```
"Your defensive patterns are unorthodox," Raven noted, launching another sequence of attacks. Was there something almost approving in her voice?
"Unorthodox is one word for it," Thaddeus grumbled. "Though I suppose 'barely adequate' would be another. Mind the flow convergence to your left."
Zeph spun just in time to avoid a power surge from one of the targeting crystals. The corporate systems were increasing combat intensity, pushing them harder. He maintained his struggling student facade while letting natural magic enhance his movements.
Then Raven did something unexpected. For just a moment, her power shifted into a pattern he recognized – not from corporate training, but from Thaddeus's lessons. A true magic form, disguised as a standard attack.
Their eyes met across the arena. Understanding passed between them as power sparked and flowed. She knew. Somehow, she knew about natural magic.
"Well," Thaddeus said dryly, "it seems the corporate pet has hidden depths. Try not to look too shocked – it ruins the effect of your carefully maintained incompetence."
The combat scenario shifted again. Training barriers realigned, forcing them closer together. Raven's next attack sequence contained subtle variations – corporate forms infused with natural power. Testing him, pushing him to reveal his true capabilities.
Zeph responded in kind, maintaining the appearance of corporate magic while weaving true patterns beneath. Their duel became a dance of hidden meanings, each exchange containing messages invisible to standardized monitoring.
"Not terrible," Thaddeus admitted as Zeph executed a particularly complex defensive pattern. "Though your energy distribution still needs work. And your strategic thinking could use significant improvement."
"Not helping," Zeph muttered, deflecting another attack.
"On the contrary. I'm helping you maintain your cover by providing appropriately discouraging commentary. You're welcome."
The scenario reached its final phase. Corporate systems demanded a decisive conclusion. Raven launched what appeared to be a standard finishing move, but Zeph's sensitivity detected the true magic hidden within.
He met it with his own combination – a corporate shield powered by natural flows. Their magic collided in a carefully controlled display of apparent student combat. To corporate sensors, it looked like a textbook exchange. To practitioners of true magic, it was something else entirely.
"Match concluded," Kendrick announced. "Results within expected parameters."
```
Evaluation Results:
[Corporate Assessment: Below Average Performance]
[True Magic Exchange: Successful]
[Cover Maintained: Confirmed]
[New Ally Potential: High]
[Thaddeus's Critique: Ongoing]
```
As they lowered their wands, Raven gave him the slightest nod. "Better than expected, Cooper. We should practice together sometime."
"Indeed," Thaddeus commented. "Though preferably somewhere with fewer corporate monitoring systems. And better architectural aesthetics. These crystal spires are an affront to proper magical architecture."
Zeph returned to his place in formation, mind racing. Another hidden practitioner, and one he'd never suspected. How many others were there? How deep did this hidden network of true magic users go?
"A question for another time," Thaddeus said, as if reading his thoughts. "For now, focus on looking appropriately discouraged by your performance. And do try to stop broadcasting your surprise so obviously – you're practically glowing with revelation to anyone with proper sensitivity."
The rest of the class continued their evaluations, but Zeph's attention was split between maintaining his cover and processing this development. Natural magic wasn't just surviving in hidden corners and secret libraries. It was adapting, finding ways to exist within the corporate framework itself.
"A decent beginning," Thaddeus concluded as they left the practice hall. "Though your expression management needs considerable work. You looked less like a struggling student and more like someone who's discovered salamanders in their breakfast."
Zeph smiled slightly. Even the ancient archmage's complaints couldn't dampen his growing sense of possibility. The Houses hadn't destroyed true magic – they'd just driven it underground, where it grew stronger in secret.
Now he just had to figure out how to approach Raven without drawing corporate attention. And somehow convince Thaddeus to be slightly less sarcastic during combat training.
"I heard that thought," the book grumbled. "And I'll have you know my commentary is perfectly calibrated for optimal instruction. The sarcasm is a vital teaching tool."
The crystal spires hummed overhead, corporate magic flowing through standardized channels. But beneath that rigid framework, natural currents moved in ancient patterns, carrying whispers of power and possibility. The true magic revolution was already happening – hidden in plain sight, one practitioner at a time.