Chapter XXVII

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up early in unfamiliar surroundings in the Academy, spending his morning routine trying to decide what to do with his extra time.
• He decides to familiarize himself with the Academy grounds and is approached by a female character, Aequa, who wants to talk about an event at the naumachia. She has suspicions about the protagonist's actions during the scene.
• They have a conversation and Aequa shares her doubts about how the protagonist seemed to know how to navigate the sewers and his lack of fear during the dangerous situation. He explains away her concerns with convincing stories.
• Aequa gives him a tour of the Academy grounds, showing him various buildings and facilities. She introduces him to the Labyrinth, a notorious test in the Academy that everyone must undertake.
• She seems to accept his explanations and they part ways amiably. However, before she leaves, she admits to having nightmares about the naumachia incident.
• The protagonist then attends the Academy's classes. He's quickly singled out by the teacher, Praeceptor Ferrea, for his knowledge, which he showcases by answering advanced questions correctly.
• During lunch, the protagonist chats with another student, Callidus, who warns him about making enemies in the Academy. They discuss some Academy politics and share a laugh about past exploits.
• In the afternoon lesson, Ferrea hands him a higher-level written test, which he also completes with ease. This hints that he might soon be promoted to a higher class in the Academy.
• The day ends with Praeceptor Ferrea directing him to clean the stables as part of his punishment from the day before, while the rest of the students head to dinner.

• The character observes a Transvect approaching and skimming the waves as it moves to an anchoring point before resuming motion and lifting off again.
• According to Lanistia, a single Transvect will be commissioned to run back and forth between their current location and the location of the Necropolis, Agerus, during the Festival of the Ancestors. The transit will occur every couple of hours for two days.
• The character considers this as a possible way to reach the ruins that Ulciscor mentioned, in hopes of finding something exploitable.
• They reflect on this plan as they continue their short walk to their punishment.