Chapter XVI

Summary

• The protagonist's rigorous and intense education is detailed, under the tutors Lanistia and Kadmos in the villa of Ulciscor. He adheres to a strict daily regimen, starting with intense physical training followed by educational lessons.
• Lanistia's harsh training focuses on enhancing the protagonist's speed and physical stamina. Despite the difficulties, the protagonist recognizes the effectiveness of this training considering his current circumstances.
• Kadmos handles the academic section of the protagonist's training, covering an array of topics such as geopolitical treatises, mechanical dispersion rates, and the Echelon Philosophies. Despite being polite and precise, Kadmos appears to be more of a watchful guard than a tutor.
• In addition to the academic and physical training, the protagonist is also taught the intricacies of the political landscape of Caten, which he finds particularly challenging due to the overwhelming amount of information.
• The protagonist also undergoes training in manipulating the "Labyrinth" and spends hours attempting to perfect his control over it. He recognizes this part of his training as the most draining—it requires consistency and intense focus.
• Despite the intensive training, the protagonist is becoming more concerned about his progress and his ability to impress the Senate. He is also trying to find a way to attend the Festival of Jovan, a task made more difficult with the continued absence of Ulciscor.
• The protagonist has doubts about his ability to sneak away without being caught and is desperate to find a solution. He is unable to risk not going to the Festival due to the threat the Anguis pose.
• One day, Magnus Quartus Advenius Claudius, an influential senator, visits the protagonist unexpectedly. The visit takes place in the early hours of the morning and in the baths, implying Claudius wants privacy during their discussion.
• Claudius expresses interest in the protagonist's background and upbringing. The protagonist adopts a series of rehearsed lies in response, concealing his true background.
• Advenius suggests that his daughter, Aequa, who is also attending the Academy, could potentially train with the protagonist. This proposal appears to be the main reason for his extra early visit.
• The protagonist is taken aback by this proposition, but does not outright reject it. However, he notes Advenius's insinuation that Lanistia and Ulciscor might dispute the idea due to their past experiences at the Academy. This leaves the protagonist intrigued and wanting to learn more about their history.
• The chapter highlights the protagonist's struggle to maintain his false identity and meet the high expectations set for him while handling intricate political dynamics.

• The chapter is centered around a conversation between the protagonist and Advenius, where Advenius subtly manipulates the conversation to gain positional advantage.
• Advenius discusses the official suicide story of Caeror and warns the protagonist not to bring the topic up around Advenius's daughter, Aequa.
• Advenius then abruptly changes the topic to question the protagonist about their reaction during the attack on Transvect and discusses the possibility that Ulciscor could be in league with the Anguis.
• The protagonist suspects Advenius's motive is not finding an unbiased observer but to further his own agenda by exploiting the strained relationship between him and Ulciscor.
• Seeing an opportunity in this situation, the protagonist proposes to get to know Aequa on a personal level, suggesting that they visit Caten during the upcoming Festival of Jovan.
• Advenius is delighted and readily agrees, assuring the protagonist that he would convince Aequa's father to allow Aequa to accompany him to Caten.
• The protagonist, knowing Lanistia and Ulciscor might not approve of this plan, feigns happiness and accepts Advenius's offer.
• They end their meeting with Advenius stating that he will make necessary arrangements with Aequa and anticipates more opportunities to meet in the coming years.
• After Advenius leaves, the protagonist is left contemplating the physicality and power of Advenius and prepares to subsequently face Lanistia.