Meeting the director

Leo and Elly followed the stream of students toward the dormitories until a guard intercepted them.

"Special program candidates, this way." The guard pointed down a different corridor.

Marcus broke away from his group at the same time, his long strides carrying him quickly to the front. The three of them walked in silence, footsteps echoing off stone walls.

The guard led them to an ornate door carved with military insignias. Inside, the commander's office stretched wide, its walls lined with maps and weapon displays.

"Sit." The commander gestured to three chairs before his desk. "You've demonstrated exceptional potential in your respective fields. The standard curriculum would waste your talents."

He pulled out three folders. "We're placing you in an accelerated program. More demanding, more dangerous, but with greater rewards."

"What kind of rewards?" Marcus leaned forward, eyes sharp.

"Direct commissioning into elite units upon graduation. Advanced combat techniques usually reserved for veterans. Access to restricted knowledge." The commander tapped the folders. "But first, you'll need to prove yourselves worthy."

Elly's fingers twisted in her lap. "How?"

"You'll train separately from regular students. Higher standards, harsher consequences for failure. One mistake could see you returned to the standard program."

Leo met the commander's gaze. "When do we start?"

"Tomorrow at dawn. Report to training ground seven - it's not on your maps. Ask the guards, they'll direct you." The commander handed them their folders. "Study these tonight. They contain your new schedules and expectations."

"That's all for now. Get settled in your quarters. Your belongings have been moved to the special dormitory wing."

They stood, clutching their folders. Marcus strode out first, head high. Elly and Leo followed, exchanging quick glances.

The guard reappeared to escort them to their new quarters, leading them deeper into the academy than the regular dormitories. The special wing sat apart from the main buildings, its stone walls older, more weathered.

Inside the special wing, a stone staircase split into two paths.

Marcus disappeared up the right staircase without a word. Leo turned to Elly.

"Room 204." She held up her key.

"203, right across from you." Leo climbed the left stairs with her.

Their footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor until they reached their rooms. Inside Leo's quarters, a neatly pressed uniform lay on the bed - dark blue with silver trim, the academy's crest embroidered on the breast pocket. A thick leather-bound schedule sat beside it.

"Leo, look at this." Elly's voice drifted from her doorway. She held up her own schedule, pages already flipped open. "We've got specialized combat magic training every morning before dawn."

Leo scanned his own schedule. "Offensive spells with Master Reid at sunrise. Defensive techniques right after."

"Then we join the regular students for navigation and geography." Elly crossed to his room, comparing their schedules. "But look - we get private lessons with element masters in the afternoons."

"Water manipulation for you, earth for me." Leo flipped through more pages. "Plus empire history, tactical theory, advanced spell crafting..."

"They're not making this easy." Elly sank onto his bed, thumbing through the course materials. Thick tomes on magical theory and combat tactics filled the shelves. Maps of the empire covered one wall, marked with strategic points and resource deposits.

"That's the point." Leo picked up his uniform, testing the fabric's weight. "We asked for this."

"At least we'll suffer together." Elly stood, gathering her materials. "Better get some sleep before tomorrow's dawn session."

Leo had just finished hanging his uniform when sharp knocks rattled his door.

"Cadet Shmidt." An officer's voice cut through the wood. "The principal requires your presence immediately."

Leo opened the door to find a stern-faced officer in a crisp black uniform. Silver pins marked him as part of the academy's administrative staff.

"Now? It's almost lights out."

"The principal's time is not bound by the dormitory schedule." The officer's boots clicked against stone as he turned. "Follow me."

Elly poked her head out of her room. Leo gave her a quick shrug before hurrying after the officer's retreating form.

They wound through empty corridors, their footsteps echoing off ancient walls. Moonlight filtered through high windows, casting long shadows across their path. The administrative wing stood separate from the rest of the academy - a towering structure of polished granite and carved pillars.

The officer led Leo up a spiral staircase to the highest floor. A massive door of dark wood blocked their path, brass handles gleaming in the lamplight.

"Wait here." The officer rapped twice on the door, then slipped inside.

Leo studied the intricate carvings on the door frame - battles and victories from the empire's history, rendered in loving detail. The door creaked open before he could examine them further.

"Enter." The officer held the door. "The principal will see you now."

Leo stepped into a circular chamber. Moonlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating shelves of ancient tomes and gleaming artifacts. At the center, behind a massive desk of polished oak, sat Director Vance.

"Ah, young Shmidt. Please, take a seat." Vance's blue eyes fixed on Leo with laser focus. The old man's white beard seemed to glow in the silvery light.

Leo settled into the plush chair, back straight. The weight of that piercing gaze made him conscious of every movement.

"First, let me congratulate you on your acceptance into our special program. Your entrance exam results were... remarkable."

"Thank you, sir."

Vance leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Tell me, what drove you to apply to our academy? There are closer institutions to your family's lands."

"I seek the best education possible, sir. Your academy's reputation speaks for itself."

"Indeed." Vance's lips curved slightly. "And what do you hope to achieve here?"

"To master my abilities and serve the empire effectively."

"Diplomatic answer." Vance chuckled. "But I sense there's more beneath the surface. You have an intensity about you, young man. A focus I rarely see in students twice your age."

Leo met his gaze steadily. "I believe in making the most of every opportunity, sir."

"As do I." Vance stood, circling his desk. "That's why I'll be watching your progress with great interest. I expect remarkable things from you, Cadet Shmidt."

He placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "Now, get some rest. Dawn comes early, and tomorrow's training will test your limits."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"Dismissed."

Leo rose and headed for the door, feeling Vance's eyes follow him until he stepped into the corridor.