Chapter 61. Krozball
Adom nodded.
"And I'd like to add two extracurricular electives as well," he said. "Advanced Alchemy from Professor Mirwen's department and Basic Bonding from the Druidic department."
Crowley raised an eyebrow. "An ambitious schedule. Most students struggle with just their core classes."
"I can handle it," Adom said simply.
Crowley made the additional notations without comment. The scratching of his quill was the only sound in the office, which now smelled oddly sweet—like toffee candy. Adom hadn't pegged the stern professor as someone with a sweet tooth.
"That gives you a full course load," Crowley said, making a final notation on Adom's schedule. "Battle magic fundamentals in the morning, followed by elemental theory, practical applications, and tactical studies. Advanced combat and magical artifacts in the afternoon. As for the extracurricular, you'll get an update soon."
He handed Adom a folded piece of parchment. "Your new schedule. Take note that the mission board has been moved to the east wing, third floor. You'll need to complete at least two rank D missions each semester."
"Thank you, Professor," Adom said, taking the schedule.
"You're welcome."
Adom didn't move from his seat. His fingers tapped against his knee, betraying his hesitation.
Crowley looked up from his desk after a moment. "Is there something else, Mr. Sylla? A question or concern?"
"Actually, yes." Adom leaned forward slightly. "During the adventurer exam, we encountered gankers in the dungeon. They tried to kill us."
"I heard. The reports crossed my desk." Crowley's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then you know no one intervened."
"And that bothers you."
"It should bother everyone," Adom said, more forcefully than he'd intended. "Senior mages are supposed to monitor all Xerkes students during adventurer exams. Safety protocol."
Crowley set down his quill and folded his hands on the desk. "Yes. They should have stepped in, if not during the encounter itself, then immediately after to ensure your safety and assess any injuries."
"So why didn't they?"
"That's an excellent question." Crowley's voice went flat. "One I've been asking myself since I reviewed the report."
Adom hadn't expected that. He'd been preparing for deflection, perhaps even some institutional defense of a clear failure. Crowley's apparent candor caught him off guard.
"The official explanation," Crowley continued, "is that there was a monitoring gap. A shift change among the observers that wasn't properly executed."
"You don't believe that."
"I believe it's convenient." Crowley's fingers drummed once on the desk. "Too convenient."
A chill ran down Adom's spine. So his suspicions hadn't been paranoia after all.
"Professor Lyvnell was responsible for that shift," Crowley said. "He's been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation proceeds."
"And in the meantime?"
"In the meantime, Mr. Sylla, I suggest you exercise caution." Crowley's tone shifted, became less formal. "Your name has been heard quite frequently in certain circles lately. Even the Emperor knows who Adom Sylla is now."
"Ah."
"You've done nothing wrong," Crowley added. "But not everyone will see it that way. Prince Kalyon had allies. Supporters. People who likely don't appreciate the role you played in his arrest."
"You think someone at the academy wanted me dead?" The words hung in the air between them.
"I think," Crowley said carefully, "that being a hero is often more dangerous than being a villain. Villains expect people to come after them. Heroes rarely see the knife until it's already in their back."
Adom absorbed that, turning it over in his mind. "What should I do?"
"For now? Nothing dramatic. Keep your head down. Focus on your studies. Take only the required missions, nothing that would put you in unnecessary danger." Crowley paused. "And perhaps consider who you trust with information about your whereabouts."
"I understand," Adom said.
"Good." Crowley's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer. "You show promise, Mr. Sylla. It would be a shame to see that promise cut short because you drew the wrong kind of attention."
"Thank you for the warning."
"Don't thank me yet." Crowley gestured toward the door. "Now, I believe you have a combat athletics meeting to attend, if you still plan to participate this semester."
Adom blinked in surprise. "How did you--"
"I'm the battle magic professor, Mr. Sylla. It's my job to know these things." The faintest hint of amusement crossed Crowley's face. "Besides, the new Coach, Viriam has been quite vocal about recruiting new talent after last season's disappointing performance in Krozball. You should give it a try."
Adom stood to leave, already thinking about what was discussed just now.
"One more thing," Crowley said as Adom reached the door. "If you notice anything unusual—anything at all—come to me directly. Not the Headmaster, not campus security. Me."
Adom nodded, understanding perfectly.
Crowley wasn't just warning him. He was offering protection.