Finding a secure place to talk with Raven proved more challenging than mastering flow patterns. The academy's monitoring systems covered every official meeting space, and unofficial ones tended to attract corporate attention. Which was how Zeph found himself in the library's theoretical section after hours, pretending to study while his sensitivity tracked approaching magical signatures.
"Your detection field is sloppy," Thaddeus commented from his hiding place in Zeph's bag. "You're monitoring surface flows but missing the deeper currents. A proper sensitivity sweep should—"
"Yes, thank you for the critique," Zeph muttered. "Any other helpful advice?"
"Several volumes worth. Starting with your posture, which suggests 'suspicious activity' far more than 'dedicated student.' Try to look more hopelessly confused by corporate theory. It shouldn't be difficult, given your usual expression."
```
Status Check:
[Detection Field: Active (Needs Work)]
[Cover Maintenance: Moderate]
[Ambient Magic Analysis: Running]
[Thaddeus's Patience: Limited]
```
Raven's arrival was nearly silent, her power carefully masked beneath layers of corporate compliance. If Zeph hadn't been specifically watching for the subtle signs of true magic, he might have missed them entirely. Her premium-grade wand remained holstered, but he could feel power moving around her in carefully controlled patterns.
"Interesting choice of meeting place," she said, sliding into the seat across from him. "Though your detection field needs work."
"That's what I said," Thaddeus chimed in. "Though I suspect she'd phrase it more diplomatically. The modern education system does tend to prioritize politeness over accuracy."
Raven's eyes widened slightly at the book's commentary. "Is that...?"
"Archmage Thaddeus Blackwood," the book introduced itself with its usual mix of dignity and disdain. "And before you ask, no, I'm not a 'magical diary' or whatever nonsense they're teaching about preserved consciousnesses these days."
"He's always like this," Zeph explained. "You get used to it. Eventually. Theoretically."
"I see." A hint of amusement touched Raven's expression. "And here I thought my mentor was demanding."
That caught both their attention. Thaddeus's pages rustled with interest. "Another survivor of the old ways? Now that is interesting. Who's teaching you true magic?"
Raven glanced around, then drew a pattern in the air – subtle enough to look like standard practice, but Zeph's sensitivity recognized the true magic woven through it. A privacy ward, far more sophisticated than corporate versions.
"My grandmother," she said quietly. "She was part of the last generation to learn directly from pre-corporate practitioners. She's been teaching me in secret since I was old enough to feel the flows."
"Which explains your excellent corporate facade," Thaddeus noted, sounding almost approving. "Though your third-tier resonance patterns could use refinement."
"Always the teacher," Raven smiled. "She said there used to be many like you – preserved knowledge from the old ways. Most were destroyed in the corporate purges."
"Or hidden," Zeph suggested, thinking of the library's secret section. "Like the true magic texts Ms. Voss protects."
"Millicent's still guarding the archives?" Raven leaned forward with interest. "Grandmother mentioned her, but I wasn't sure..."
"Oh wonderful," Thaddeus interrupted. "Another conspiracy of true magic practitioners for you to stumble through with all the subtlety of a rampaging troll. Because your current level of secrecy is so impressive."
But Zeph caught the undertone of excitement in the archmage's snark. Each connection they discovered was another thread in a hidden network, another proof that true magic hadn't been completely suppressed.
```
Network Update:
[Known Practitioners: Expanding]
[Secret Connections: Building]
[Historical Links: Confirmed]
[Potential Allies: Growing]
```
"We should train together," Raven said. "Compare techniques. My grandmother's teachings might complement what you're learning."
"Assuming he can maintain basic flow control long enough to attempt actual technique comparison," Thaddeus commented. "Though I suppose additional perspective couldn't make his form worse. Probably. I remain optimistically skeptical."
Their discussion was interrupted by a pulse of foreign magic – distinctly different from both corporate and true patterns. Zeph's sensitivity screamed a warning as power rippled through the library in ways that felt fundamentally wrong.
"Sacrifice magic," Raven breathed, her casual demeanor vanishing. "Someone's using corrupted techniques nearby."
"Well," Thaddeus said dryly, "it seems today's lesson will be practical rather than theoretical. Try not to die – it would reflect poorly on both your teachers."
Power gathered around them as both students prepared for potential conflict. Raven's premium wand emerged smoothly from its holster, while Zeph's modified practice wand hummed with dual-natured energy. Their corporate facades remained in place, but true magic flowed beneath, ready for whatever approached.
"Remember," Thaddeus advised, serious despite his sardonic tone, "sacrifice magic is true power corrupted by force rather than harmony. It's not enough to overpower it – you have to understand how it's twisting the natural flows."
"Any other helpful advice?" Zeph asked, tracking the disturbing magical signature as it moved closer.
"Several volumes worth," the archmage replied. "But for now, focus on not getting killed. And do try to maintain better posture while defending yourself. Even in mortal danger, there's no excuse for sloppy magical form."
As foreign power pressed against the library's wards, Zeph and Raven moved into defensive positions. Their magic resonated in harmony, corporate facades hiding true power beneath. Whatever was coming, they would face it together – two hidden practitioners of ancient arts, guided by teachings preserved against corporate suppression.
"Also," Thaddeus added, because of course he did, "if you survive this, we need to work on your emergency response protocols. Your power distribution is almost as concerning as your tactical assessment skills."
The foreign magic surged, and the real test of their training began.