firstFacultyReview()

Alaric's nerves hadn't settled much after his first class. Rumors about his "logic script" approach buzzed through the halls of Ivory Spire—some students found it fascinating, others thought it nonsense.

He spent the afternoon reviewing student lists, re-reading notes, and experimenting with the system's new Debug View. When a student's spell fizzled, a faint message appeared in his vision:

[Debug View: Step 2 failed — focus too weak]

or

[Debug View: Step 4 failed — focus interrupted after three seconds]

It helped. He could now pinpoint exactly where students got stuck—though he still felt like he was bluffing through a job interview for a position he'd never trained for.

That evening, he was summoned to the staffroom for his first faculty review. The table was crowded with senior professors and Headmaster Drell, each with a copy of his lesson plan and class report.

Professor Helena Valen smiled with polite interest. "Instructor Telwyn, how did you find your first day?"

Alaric cleared his throat. "Challenging, but…illuminating. The students are sharp."

Professor Margrave tapped his notes. "Your lesson plan is unconventional. No incantations, no formal gestures. Just logic and steps?"

Alaric nodded. "I find that breaking magic into a sequence of instructions helps students see where things go wrong. If a spell fails, we look for which step didn't work—SET focus, IF focus, THEN spark, REPEAT if needed."

A brief silence followed. The Headmaster glanced down at a page of classroom reports.

Helena stepped in. "Results speak for themselves. Isolde Ashbourne produced a stable spark. Three others improved compared to last year's first lesson. The class is talking. Some seem excited."

Alaric risked a small, hopeful smile.

Margrave sniffed. "Unorthodox, but not ineffective. We'll observe more lessons before passing judgment. Continue as you have, but expect scrutiny."

The meeting ended, leaving Alaric both relieved and exhausted. As he stepped out into the corridor, he nearly collided with a senior student—silver-haired, posture precise, gaze cool and unflinching. He recognized her instantly from the courtyard. There had been something about her presence that stuck with him, but this was the first time she'd spoken to him directly.

She regarded him with calm appraisal. "Just remember, Instructor Telwyn, the academy is not easily impressed."

Alaric nodded, feeling a strange mixture of tension and curiosity. "I'll keep that in mind, Lady Seraphina."

A small, almost invisible nod. "I'll be watching."

Before he could reply, she walked away, her presence somehow lingering even after she vanished into the crowd.

He returned to his quarters, mind turning over the encounter. The system flashed an update:

[System Note: First Faculty Review Complete.]

[Reputation: Slightly Improved among staff.]

Your reputation measures how much the faculty trusts and respects you. High reputation can unlock new privileges, while low reputation might attract trouble.

[New observer: Seraphina Ravenshield.]

An observer is someone whose opinion now influences your journey. Seraphina will now pay special attention to your actions—impress her, and new opportunities may appear. Disappoint her, and you may face unexpected challenges.

He managed a wry smile. For a single day, it was enough.