Chapter XXXII

Summary

• The protagonist discusses with Callidus about them guiding Eidhin through the Labyrinth and the latter getting disqualified. The protagonist also reveals their knowledge of Cymrian language.
• Callidus talks about how the academy's system isn't fair and how it mimics the Hierarchy. He claims that it isn't about hard work and talent always but about who you are and who you know. He reinforces that their world isn't a meritocracy but a place where greed and power are rewarded over merit.
• Clallidus' father is Magnus Tertius Ericius, the Censor, responsible for the management of the Hierarchy’s most important resource, essentially the demographic data of the society. He uses this data to demonstrate that Octavii (lowest class) are the majority yet they have the least representation in the Academia. He also mentions that academy intakes are based on the calculation of how many high-level openings will be available in the near future due to retirements, deaths etc.
• The protagonist decides that they need to find another way around their mentor, Dultatis, who is a barrier to their progress in the academy, to advance in their class. They plan to study ruins that night, in hopes that the information they find will enable them to ask Ulciscor, another character, for help in exerting influence over Dultatis.
• In the afternoon, the protagonist observes Eidhin again while attending the labyrinth courses. They also take this time to mentally prepare for the potential risk of venturing into the ruins. Their plan involves mucking out the stables to access necessary equipment, storing it, and waiting for their roommates to fall asleep before making their move. The protagonist shows a little nervousness about what they might find at the ruins and the potential consequences if they're caught.
• Despite the apprehension, the protagonist is firm on their decision to explore the ruins in order to find out what the religion is up to and to have a reason to ask Ulciscor for help.