The crowd had fallen silent like worshippers in a chapel. They awaited how the Grandmaster would respond to Aaron's challenge.

  The Grandmaster let his gaze wander over the crowd. "Equality is not the belief that all are the same, but that none should be constrained in their growth. Equalitarianism holds that mage and slave alike must share in rights, for only a Polis united in prosperity can endure."

  Aaron nodded, fingers tightening on his sleeve. How do I defend hierarchy in a system I don’t even believe in? He inhaled. If I win, I lose my stance. If I refuse, I lose their respect. He’s cornered me beautifully.

  Aaron reached out to the mind mage. ‘How can I even achieve victory here?’

  Silence. Then, the response slid in—smooth, oily, invasive. Like a whisper behind your eyes. ‘You are asking the wrong question. Debate and you will lose. Discuss, but do not identify. Hold a belief too tightly, and you may find yourself dying for it.’

  So I lay out my foundation instead of attacking his. "People are different. No human flies like a Grey, no Grey carries a halberd like a man. Strengths define roles. Some are masters," he gestured to his debate partner, then to himself, "others are initiates."

  Aaron looked around, seeing nods of agreement in the crowd. "Hierarchies of competence are real and important. Those who rise through competence and contribution rise to everyone’s benefit and no one’s cost. Equalitarianism would be foolish to deny this."

  A weight fell off his shoulders as a good part of the audience began thumping their fists to their chests. Aaron warmed at the appreciation. They did not applaud for the Grandmaster. Do they recognize how uneven this is?

  The Grandmaster inclined his head to Aaron. Touche. No malice, just acknowledgment. Is he actually seeing this as a fight? Or is this amusement? Or politics?

  Straightening up, the Grandmaster responded. "Appeals to natural dynamics are a common fallacy with tragic consequences. Nature does not judge. It simply functions. The old are turned into servile machines in Trebass—that, too, is a natural solution. Tell me, Champion, do you not find nature’s logic unsettling?" The Grandmaster paused, letting his serious gaze wander. "Is it not a fundamental aspect of humanity to hold the line at what is sacred in humanity?" A third of the crowd thumped their fists. The Grandmaster raised his hand, quieting them down. "Will such logic not ever lead to slavery? Will those who call themselves superior not ever fall to decadence? Will there be an end to what is sacrificed on the altar of natural efficiency?"

  The mind mage’s voice sounded in Aaron’s mind. ‘Attack his actions. He used his position to entrap you in his game where he now acts as if you are equals.’

  Aaron shifted in annoyance. I am doing fine, old man. Then Aaron’s brain started working as it should. Do not waste any advantage. His suggestion is brilliant. But, I want my own argument as well.

  He argues against nature. And while the naturalistic fallacy is a thing, nature nonetheless constrains us. Not accounting for that is just stupid. "I agree that there is value in moral limits. But morality doesn’t dictate reality. You can complain about gravity, but ignoring it will only bring you pain."

  Aaron observed the reaction from the audience. Some nods, most seemed neutral.

  ‘Go after his actions.’ whispered the mind mage.

  Anger boiled up in Aaron’s chest. ‘I’m just pausing for effect.’

  No response. Grinding his teeth, he continued. "You mistake function for failure. A poor hierarchy rots. A strong one endures. If corruption is the concern, the answer is not to tear down the structure, but to ensure only the worthy rise. The nobility that resists corruption must come from the heart of every man." Aaron paused and gestured at the Grandmaster. "Otherwise, someone who is a master might challenge a novice in a public display."

  The thumping of nearly the entire audience drew a smile onto Aaron’s face. Got you.

  ‘Well done.’ praised the mind mage.

  The Grandmaster laughed, a deep, rolling sound that rippled through the amphitheater. Aaron stiffened. Was it amusement? Approval? Contempt? He couldn’t tell. And that was worse than knowing. Aaron’s face began to darken. He turned around.

  ‘Calm yourself. It is not malicious. Watch.’ the mental voice cut into his mind from all directions, like a tsunami of broken glass.

  Aaron gasped, drawing a few odd stares.

  The Grandmaster wiped a tear from his eye. Aaron’s social engineering guide could not tell if it was real. The Grandmaster spoke with a proud and amused voice. "A chain worthy of the Fist. Yet, you must learn to temper your passion, student." His deep green eyes met Aaron’s like those of a dragon. "I learned of your arrival and knew of this class. Rumors were already spreading, and those viruses of the mind are the Mother’s own creation, don’t you agree?"

  Aaron nodded and opened his mouth, but the Grandmaster continued, firm yet not unfriendly. "I created a focus, a stage where the people could measure you. And you have performed amiably."

  Aaron froze. He looked for the mind mage, but he was gone. Did not answer to his mental calls. The thumping of the crowd arose as he came to the realization.

  This wasn’t a battle. It was a stage, and I’d played my part perfectly. The Grandmaster hadn’t attacked—he’d maneuvered me into proving my own worth. Not by force, but by making me believe I was winning.

  With a single breath, he cooled his anger. It is misplaced. I came to a class and got a lesson. A masterful one. But the way he finished…

  Aaron inclined his head fully to the Grandmaster. Over the last thumps and cheers, he addressed the assembled mages. "I see now—this was never just a debate. My thanks, Grandmaster. A masterful lesson." His voice did not quite sound as chipper as he would have preferred. The heat in my chest is still there. I guess that is why they train the beast in all its aspects at this school.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  The Grandmaster smiled knowingly, then genuinely. "If my student doesn’t mind, I have prepared lots so that some may speak with him here. Unless his guardians object?" asked the Grandmaster with the perfect mixture of innocence and authority.

  Aaron had to smile, despite the creeping annoyance. Well done again. I can’t deny this. I would show favor if I only speak to him.

  Aaron tipped his lips. There was another lesson here. Even if the Grandmaster hadn’t been malicious, others with his skills might be. My thoughts drift toward the Hellionis Matriarch. I need to calm down and be more strategic.

  He raised his hand to the crowd, and it quieted down. "This is a great opportunity. I’ll happily talk to some of you."

  At a sign from the Grandmaster, several white-robed favored servants brought out tokens to the masses. Aaron observed the scene as his guards joined him on the floor. Bug held back Theon as he got up.

  Aaron narrowed his eyes. On the one hand, Theon’s knowledge might help him. On the other, having him by his side here would send a strong signal—one that Bug, and presumably those behind him, did not want. Is the Matriarch going to be mad?

  Aaron looked at Theon and shook his head. Theon’s face tensed before he schooled it into a neutral mask. Rhea just smiled and touched Theon’s shoulder. A short silent exchange broke out between them.

  Bug and Shard came to flank him—a lithe insect on one side, an obsidian statue on the other. The guards formed a loose cordon. Cheers and sounds of disappointment erupted from the crowd. People held up chips, most black, some white.

  Aaron smiled at the Grandmaster. A lottery—brilliant. No noble could complain about being passed over without revealing their hunger.

  Bug’s hand found Aaron’s shoulder. Bug’s grip tightened. A mental echo followed—broken, distant: fragments of warning.

  ‘I–Not–Good … Master–Told…’

  Bug let out a breath, sweat erupting on his forehead.

  Aaron tensed his lips to keep his expression neutral. Bug is a mind mage?

  Aaron focused on the spherical magnet generating his mindshield and spoke.

  ‘I understand you. What did the mind mage say?’ Strange—it’s effortless for me. Why isn’t it for him? His eyes fell onto Bug’s hand clasping his shoulder. Does he need physical contact?

  ‘Scratch–Self … Warn–Danger–Politics.’ Bug’s hand fell, and his jaw looked tight enough to break his teeth.

  The first few people walked down the steps. Apparently, I will speak with a dozen people. Manageable.

  Bug’s controlled exhalation drew Aaron’s eyes back. The man spoke casually. "I am curious to learn your affinities for magic. I would be very surprised if you were as limited as the likes of myself."

  Aaron smiled and nodded. So, there are affinities for magic. The Watcher did mention them in the ceremony. Is he telling me that I have an affinity for mind magic while he doesn’t? He only worked with ice so far. Flash-freezing things has a ton of interesting applications.

  The Grandmaster led two young mages toward Aaron. Red and orange— a male initiate and a female novice. Their faces looked similar.

  Aaron smiled and inclined his head partially as they bowed at the hips. Lesser nobles, then.

  "Initiate Betir Lunaris Lupui and Novice Lenora Lunaris Ursai, Adept of Photomancy, greet the Weaver’s Champion," intoned the red-robed man formally.

  A classmate of mine. I thought only distinguished mages would get to talk to me here. So the lottery maybe wasn’t rigged.

  A quick glance showed that most robes waiting for his meet-and-greet were colors from the rainbow’s middle. Makes sense, they make up most of the audience.

  Into the silent amphitheater, Aaron returned the greeting. "I, Initiate Aaron Hellionis Ultima Melas, Champion of the Weaver of Lives, greet you warmly."

  Reikaia’s endless drills had lodged the proper etiquette into his mind like a cancerous harpoon. Both of them held out their hands, offering trinkets. "We humbly request you accept our tokens of appreciation. May they serve you well," said the older girl.

  Aaron noticed that there was a red impression on her forehead and that her hair was a bit ruffled. So they took off their jewelry to make a gift? Gift-giving would be appropriate here, but it was rather sudden. Do I actually have to wear the jewelry later? Is selling it impolite?

  Aaron inclined his head. "I shall remember the generosity of Clan Lunaris."

  Taking another breath, he noticed Bug scratching his arm. Danger. Am I too friendly?

  Bug reached out and took the items. "As the Champion’s guard, it is my duty to test those artifacts. The Senior President ordered it."

  The polite smiles on the nobles' faces were a bit forced. Aaron gazed at Bug, the nobles, and the gifts. Artifacts? If they are magical…

  "I would be happy to hear about the gifts you gave me. What is their provenance?" Aaron smiled. I almost sound like a local.

  The orange-robed girl smiled broadly. "My gift is a diadem of seeing." She pointed to a silver band with several clear gems at the front. "You will perceive magic better. Furthermore, it prevents the wearer from being blinded."

  Aaron returned the smile. It must have been a core piece of her Photomancy. A light mage flash-banging herself with every spell is probably pretty useless.

  Aaron’s yearmate pointed to the short dagger he had offered. "This blade will dispel many constructs. Then it must recharge over a full cycle. May it serve you in the academy competitions and beyond." He inclined his head.

  Aaron raised his eyebrow and nodded. "Two impressive gifts. They will certainly come in handy." Mild confusion flickered over the faces of the two at the last words. Aaron rubbed the bridge of his nose. "They will be of great use to me."

  "Maybe our squads might train together sometime?" inquired Betir.

  Aaron noticed the discreet scratch Bug gave his lower arm just in time. He swallowed his first response. Have I really rejected Theon only to get another chaperone running my social life? I kinda wanna go with my instincts.

  Aaron pressed his lips together. But Theon is just an ambitious peer. Bug is my contact person to a shadowy conspiracy, which my god told to work with me.

  Betir coughed politely. A sheepish grin spread over Aaron’s face. "I will see if that could be arranged," he hedged, recognizing a smile on the frontier of politeness.

  Orange-robed Lenora smiled at him. Somehow, the tone of her robes worked with her intense green eyes. Aaron caught himself smiling broadly back at her. His gaze drifted. Her eyes didn’t flinch. Then the warning tingle at the back of his neck—too eager, too perfect.

  Suppressing the annoyance, Aaron moderated his smile. I might have been transported to another world as a god’s champion to learn magic, but I don’t see how that would result in me getting the standard isekai harem. I need to start thinking with my brain.

  "Our clan would be honored by your presence at our gathering. A simple affair, of course—just young mages. An opportunity to understand your peers, and be understood."

  She winked at him. "It would be an amazing opportunity to get closer to your fellow alumni."

  Aaron smiled, this time in amusement. That had been blunt enough even for me. Maybe I do get a harem after all—if I forget that every smile costs me something.

  +++ Shout-Out Time +++

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