Light.

  A blinding white light tore through the darkness.

  The magical beams of the guards' lanterns swept across the decaying brick walls like swords of light.

  The sound of boots on gravel. Close. Very close.

  Maria was pressed against the wall. The small creature trembled in her arms.

  She quickly turned her head to find an escape route.

  Nothing but a wall.

  A high, ledgeless brick wall blocked the path behind her. Dead end.

  Maria gritted her teeth.

  There was only one way left. A dangerous gamble.

  Maria let go of the creature and gently nudged it with the tip of her boot toward the darkest corner of the wall, where a pile of rusted metal pipes was stacked.

  A hand gesture: Go. Hide.

  The creature paused. The light swung toward them.

  Maria took a deep breath and darted out of her hiding place. Right into the center of the light. She raised her hands to draw attention.

  "I'm here!"

  All the lights focused on her. The guards were taken by surprise.

  "Here she is! Got her! Don't move!"

  In that fraction of a second when attention was diverted, a small black shape slipped into the darkness behind the pipes and silently disappeared.

  A rough, powerful hand grabbed Maria's shoulder, spun her around, and slammed her hard against the wall. She felt the cold bite of the anti-mana cuffs around her wrists.

  Maria's face was pressed against the bricks of the wall. She could hear the panting of the guards.

  Another guard ran toward the trap site. A few moments later, his voice rang out:

  "Sir! The trap is disabled! The source crystals are shattered."

  The second guard, who was holding Maria, angrily pulled her collar and turned her around. He shone the light in her face.

  "Where is that beast? What did you do to it?"

  Maria narrowed her eyes against the glare.

  "I don't know what you're talking about. I was just taking a walk."

  "Taking a walk? Behind the restricted area building? Right when our trap malfunctioned? Do you think we're stupid?"

  The man turned to his colleague:

  "Hey, over there, search the pipes thoroughly."

  Maria froze, and a cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

  Hope he doesn’t find it…

  As the other man approached the pipes, Maria desperately searched for a way to let the creature escape.

  Nothing came to her mind. She wanted to make a fuss to distract them from the pipes. Just then…

  The man said loudly to his colleague:

  "There's a hole in the wall behind the pipes. It must have escaped through here."

  Maria let out the breath she’d been holding.

  So you managed to escape...

  The guards pushed Maria to start walking.

  "Where are you taking me? What are you going to do to me? According to Academy rules, you must take me to the Dormitory Warden."

  The guard sneered.

  "Warden? No, little girl. You entered Master Varon's private property. He decides what to do with a thief who destroyed his property."

  As Maria was being dragged away by force, in the heart of the darkness, ruby eyes watched her from the shadows until the last moment... as if this was not the end of their meeting.

  ***

  The pungent smell of ozone and unknown chemicals replaced the cold autumn air.

  The guards sat Maria on a metal chair in the middle of the room.

  It was one of the Academy's laboratory classrooms, cold and vast. Stone walls were lined with shelves full of jars containing organs of various creatures. In another corner, a large blackboard full of complex magical calculations could be seen.

  Behind a large desk at the end of the room stood a man with his back to them. He was carefully measuring something on the desk.

  "Sir, we caught the thief. The trap was neutralized, and the specimen escaped."

  The man behind the desk, without turning around, said in a calm but firm and cold voice:

  "Escaped? Is that so."

  He turned.

  Master Varon.

  Contrary to Maria's imagination, he didn't look like a mad scientist with spiky hair and thick glasses. He was a middle-aged man with short, neat salt-and-pepper hair, a bony face, and sharp, piercing eyes. His gaze was that of a surgeon looking at his patient; cold, precise, and devoid of extra emotions.

  Varon glanced at Maria.

  " A child? Seriously? I expected the Academy Guard or one of those nosy professors from the Ethics Department snooping around my work... but a child?"

  The guard stepped forward and placed a folder on Varon's desk.

  "Sir, this is the information we extracted from the ID card she had on her."

  Varon opened the folder. His eyes quickly scanned the lines.

  "'Maria'... Class F... First Year."

  His eyebrow went up slightly.

  "Interesting. The same girl who defeated Damian Von Taurus in strategy class today."

  Varon closed the folder and stared at Maria.

  "Apparently, your victory today has caused you to suffer from delusions and think the Academy rules don't apply to you."

  Maria remained silent. Her eyes scanned the environment. The exit door was locked, and two armed guards were there. She had no escape.

  Varon picked up a piece of crystal that Maria had shattered and the guards had collected, holding it up to the light.

  "Unauthorized entry into a restricted area. Destruction of expensive research equipment. And aiding the escape of a dangerous specimen."

  Varon came forward and leaned against the desk.

  "Do you know what the penalty is? Immediate expulsion and handover to a military court for damages. Even Edward can't save you, because this time you broke the law, not a student's nose."

  Maria swallowed and clenched her fist. The image of the slums and her mother Alice came before her eyes.

  Expulsion means the end. It means becoming homeless, returning to the slums, breaking the promise I made to my mother.

  "I didn't steal."

  "Doesn't matter what you say. The evidence is against you."

  Varon threw the broken crystal onto the desk. It hit the desk with a sharp crack.

  "But what has made me curious isn't your motive. It's your method."

  Varon's look changed. From the look of an interrogator, it turned into the look of a researcher.

  "This trap was a 'Closed Mana Circuit'. According to the principles of magic, if you physically broke the source crystal, the stored energy should have been released and an explosion occurred. Your hands should have been blown off. But you... you are completely unharmed."

  He looked at Maria's hands.

  "According to your file, you don't have the mana capacity to cast a 'Counter-spell'. So how did you cut the current without it exploding?"

  Maria realized this was her only trump card. Varon wasn't looking for a thief; he was looking for answers.

  Maria raised her head.

  I have to embellish my story as much as possible and tell it with scientific details; even use parts of my guesses from Varon's own words to get his attention.

  "I didn't fight it with magic, Master. I worked with the laws of physics."

  "Explain."

  "Your trap had three sources. Like three legs of a table. If I broke one, the other two would lose balance and an explosion would occur. So I drained the energy."

  "How? You don't have the capacity."

  "Not me. But my bracelet did."

  Maria shook her now-empty wrist (the guards had taken her mana storage bracelet).

  "I connected the bracelet as an energy sink to the circuit. The bracelet's potential was empty; the source crystals' potential was full. According to the laws of nature, energy flows from high to low. When the crystal emptied, I broke it. Without energy, there is no explosion."

  A heavy silence filled the laboratory.

  Varon blinked for a few moments. Then a faint smile appeared on his lips. Not an evil smile, but the satisfied smile of someone who had just found a useful tool.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  I knew from the moment the trap went off there was a brain behind it, not simple vandalism.

  "Laws of nature... using potential difference..."

  He suddenly laughed. A dry, short laugh.

  "Interesting. Very interesting. Students here only know how to chant spells and wave wands, even the upperclassmen. No one cares about the 'Physics' behind the magic."

  Varon turned and walked toward a large blackboard full of complex formulas. Formulas that remained unfinished.

  "You know, Maria... I'm working on a project that has hit a dead end for months. I'm trying to build a 'Magic Circuit' that can simulate the trait of that escaped creature. 'Shadow Movement'."

  He tapped a spot on the formula with chalk.

  "But every time I close the circuit, it becomes unstable and burns out. I have many strong mages, but I don't have an 'Engineer'. Someone who can see the flow without magical bias."

  Varon picked up a paper and started writing.

  "I have a proposal for you."

  He placed the paper in front of Maria.

  "I can write your expulsion report right now, and you pack your bags in the morning."

  He slammed the pen down next to the paper.

  "Or... you can become my 'Personal Assistant'. You come here at night. Work on my circuits. Use your weird perspective on 'potential difference' and such things to solve my problem."

  Maria looked at the paper.

  This man was dangerous. He was the one who wanted to dissect that creature. But... this laboratory was full of equipment and knowledge. The only place that could compensate for her mana weakness.

  If I accept, I'm walking into the lion's den. If I don't accept, everything is over.

  Maria fixed her gaze on Varon.

  "If I help you... what do I get? Besides not getting expelled."

  Varon clasped his hands behind his back.

  "Access. Access to my personal library, rare parts, and the science of crafting magical equipment. You have no mana, little girl. But if you can understand these circuits... maybe you can build things that even an S-Class can't stand against."

  A deal with the devil. Or perhaps a deal with science.

  Maria took a deep breath.

  "Deal."

  Varon tore up the report sheet and threw it in the bin.

  "Good. Tomorrow night, 10 PM, be at the Academy's basement laboratory."

  Then he added in a serious and warning tone:

  "And by the way... don't think I forgot. If you see that creature again, bring it to me. Every progress requires a sacrifice; the question is who the sacrifice will be."

  Maria took her mana storage bracelet from the guard and left the room.

  When the door closed, Varon whispered under his breath:

  "If you hid that creature... or prove useless in my experiments... I see no reason for you to stay alive."

  ***

  Maria turned the key in the lock and entered the room silently.

  Sarah paced in the middle of the room, chewing on her thumbnail. The light from the magical lamp beside her bed illuminated her anxious face.

  As soon as the door opened, she jumped toward Maria.

  "Maria! Where were you?!"

  Sarah grabbed Maria's shoulders and shook her worriedly.

  "The Prince, the other kids, and I looked everywhere! We wanted to celebrate for you. We thought maybe... maybe Damian's henchmen mugged you!"

  Maria hid her exhaustion behind a mask of indifference. She put her hand on Sarah's hand and gently lowered it.

  "Don't worry. Just... I needed to be alone. The pressure of controlling all those golems was a lot. I went for a walk to get some air."

  Sarah looked doubtfully at Maria's pale face.

  "A walk? Until this time of night? You look like you've seen a ghost."

  Maria went to her bed and sat down. Her body ached, but not from battle, but from the pressure of the guards' anti-mana cuffs.

  "I'm fine, Sarah. Just tired. We'll talk tomorrow."

  Sarah sighed. She realized Maria didn't want to talk. She turned off the lamp and went to her bed.

  "Alright... but let me know next time. My heart was in my throat."

  The room plunged into darkness.

  Maria stared at the ceiling.

  Her hand trembled slightly, as if she could still feel the coldness of the anti-mana cuffs on her wrists. The psychological pressure of those moments in Varon's lab... the interrogations... the threats... Did I have any other way?

  Thinking about that helpless creature kept her from sleeping, and she tossed restlessly in her bed. The image of the creature's ruby eyes and Varon's cold smile spun in her mind. She now officially had a double life: Academy classes by day, assistant to a dangerous scientist by night.

  I have to find that creature... before Varon finds it.

  ***

  News of Maria's victory against Damian Von Taurus had spread through the entire Academy like wildfire.

  When Maria entered the dining hall, the atmosphere changed.

  No one called her the "Mana-less Girl" anymore. The looks were heavy and mixed.

  A group of first-year students smiled and nodded upon seeing her.

  The dining hall was busier than ever. The sound of clashing dishes, scattered conversations, and the smell of hot food filled the space.

  Near the entrance, four first-year students — two girls and two boys — were sitting around a table, talking quietly but excitedly. Just at that moment, Maria entered the hall.

  One of the boys immediately stopped talking mid-sentence, stood up, and walked toward her.

  Maria noticed his approach and slowed her steps.

  The boy stood in front of her and said with a flustered smile:

  "Hello, Miss Alessandra. I'm Arian Lucas."

  Maria turned slightly and faced him.

  First-year uniform... but I don't know him. What does he want with me?

  "Hello."

  Arian cleared his throat a little.

  "I wanted to congratulate you on your victory against Damian Von Taurus in yesterday's simulation."

  Maria paused for a moment.

  Unlikely he just came to congratulate... but better to be polite. I'm just starting to fit in.

  She said in a calm tone:

  "Thank you. It wasn't anything special. Winning and losing happens to everyone... luck was with me this time."

  The boy laughed a little nervously.

  "Well... actually, a few of us have a joint study and practice group. For practical lessons and simulations. We thought if you also... I mean if you'd like... joining our group would be very helpful."

  Maria glanced briefly at their table; the other three were watching her with curiosity and hope.

  She was silent for a moment.

  If I accept now, it means entering their circle... but I don't have the patience to deal with new people yet, and besides, I have my own problems (Varon and that creature).

  She said to Arian:

  "It's kind of you to consider me... but for now, I prefer to train alone. I'm still trying to catch up on my shortcomings."

  Then she added with a gentle smile:

  "Maybe later."

  A brief disappointment crossed the boy's face, but he quickly composed himself.

  "Ah... sure. If you change your mind, we'd be happy."

  "Thanks."

  Arian returned to his friends' table.

  Maria continued her path, but she felt curious gazes following her.

  So now everyone remembers I exist...

  On the other side was Damian's supporters' table. They looked at her with anger and toxic whispers.

  "It was just luck..."

  "Damian went easy on her."

  Maria picked up her breakfast tray and sat in a secluded corner by the window.

  Outside, a light autumn snow had started to fall. An early snow that melted before it could settle on the ground.

  Maria put a piece of bread in her mouth but didn't taste it. Her gaze was fixed on the trees behind the glass.

  It's snowing... does that creature have shelter? Is its wound infected?

  She felt a heaviness in her heart. She remembered that feeling of loneliness in the cemetery, that cold night Maria fell asleep on her mother Alice's grave, alone and helpless.

  The bite got stuck in her throat.

  I have to find it. But where? If I bring it to the dorm, Sarah will find out. If I leave it in the forest, it will freeze.

  Her mind was occupied when a familiar shadow fell over her table.

  "Congratulations, little strategist."

  Maria turned her head. Julian Vane, with that same usual crooked, charming smile and an apple in hand, stood before her.

  Maria sighed. She had no patience for anyone, especially someone too smart.

  "Good morning, Julian."

  Julian pulled out the chair opposite and sat down without ceremony. He tossed his apple up and caught it.

  "You don't look like a winner. More like someone trying to hide a corpse."

  Maria listlessly stirred her spoon in the soup.

  "And you look like someone who is unemployed and looking for entertainment."

  Julian laughed and took a big bite of the apple.

  "Yeah, came to enjoy the show. Damian was very quiet this morning. His face is a sight to see. You messed up the Academy's power balance, Maria."

  Julian's gaze went toward the students eyeing Maria furtively or directly.

  "Now everyone is betting on what your next move is. Joining the Prince's faction? Or building your own empire?"

  Maria decided to seize the opportunity. Julian was the "eyes and ears" of the Academy. If anyone knew anything, it was him. She knew if she wanted information, she had to endure his game first.

  "I'm not looking for a faction. I just want to survive and study."

  Julian laughed.

  "'Just study.' Yeah, sure."

  Maria leaned forward a little and tried to make her tone sound natural.

  "Now that we're talking about studies... I want to ask you about one of the professors."

  Julian's smile faded slightly. His expression changed from "joking" to "curious."

  "Oh? Which professor has caught our genius's attention?"

  "Master Varon."

  Julian stopped chewing the apple.

  His honey-colored eyes sparkled mischievously. He had seen the bait, but didn't intend to be caught so easily.

  He swallowed the apple and looked nonchalantly at the ceiling.

  "Varon?... What a boring choice. Why not ask about the swordsmanship master? Or, for example, Ms. 'Eleanor' who teaches dance class? Heard she's very strict."

  Maria ground her teeth together.

  He's dodging. He knows something's up.

  "I'm not interested in dancing, Julian. I heard Varon is a genius in 'Magic Engineering'. Because of my lack of mana, I was curious to know how his classes are, maybe it'll be useful for me."

  Julian tossed the apple up again and caught it with one hand.

  "Engineering... yeah, nice excuse. But usually, first-years don't go to Varon. Unless..."

  He paused and stared at Maria with a scrutinizing look.

  "Unless... they're in trouble."

  Maria's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face stony.

  "Trouble? What trouble could there be with a researcher professor? I just have a few questions about magical equipment for him."

  Julian gave a wry smile and leaned back in his chair. He fell silent. Just watching.

  One second... five seconds... ten seconds.

  Julian's silence and that sly smile grated on Maria's nerves like sandpaper.

  Maria finally couldn't take it. She dropped her spoon loudly into the bowl.

  "If you don't want to say, don't. Don't waste my time."

  She wanted to get up when Julian raised his hand.

  "Okay, okay! You boil over so fast. That's your weak point, Maria; your patience is thin."

  Julian became a little more serious, but that glint of mischief was still in his eyes.

  "Varon... he's not just a professor. He's a walking disaster."

  "What does that mean?"

  Julian picked a piece of bread from the basket and played with it.

  "He's a genius, no doubt. Most of the Academy's security systems are his work. But... there's a reason his lab is in the restricted basement and he lets no students in."

  Maria asked:

  "What reason?"

  Julian paused again. As if he wanted to give words drop by drop to gauge Maria's reaction.

  "Rumors are plenty... some say he clashed with the 'Church of Solareth'. The Church believes Varon's research is an 'insult to the sacred'."

  "Why?"

  "Because Varon is looking for something that shouldn't exist. He wants to break the 'Natural Laws of Mana'."

  Julian suddenly leaned forward and stared straight into Maria's eyes. He lowered his voice:

  "Maria... You're not very good at lying. At least not in front of me. I don't know why you're after him, but let me tell you something..."

  His smile vanished.

  "If Damian is a 'Viper' that bites, Varon is a 'Spider'. He doesn't bite... he weaves a web around you. So quiet and imperceptible that when you realize you're caught, you can't move anymore."

  Julian pulled back and smiled again, as if he hadn't said anything serious.

  "Heard a few of his assistants resigned in a state of madness before. They said Varon has no 'red line'. To get the answer to his experiment, he's willing to sacrifice anything."

  This sentence struck Maria's heart like an arrow. "Sacrifice anything." She remembered that wounded creature.

  Maria swallowed her saliva. Julian's information, though given with reluctance and sarcasm, was accurate.

  "Thanks."

  Julian stood up and picked up his half-eaten apple.

  "Watch out the spider doesn't bite you, little strategist. Curiosity... is your most dangerous trait."

  He winked and walked away.

  Maria watched him go and exhaled in frustration.

  Smart bastard... he realized something's up. But at least now I know who I'm dealing with. A mad spider.

  She picked up her tray angrily. It was time to get ready for the night. First shift in the spider's web. But Maria still didn't know, some webs don't just hold the prey... they slowly change it.

  ***

  Elsewhere in the Academy,

  In basements where sunlight had long forgotten...

  Master Varon stood alone behind his desk, analyzing the data from the mana trap. Glowing lines on the recording crystal blinked on and off.

  He opened a file. Maria's picture was visible on it.

  Varon whispered under his breath:

  "Maybe I finally found the right tool."

  He closed the file and placed it next to the escaped creature's report.

  The lab light went out.