Arlen's remarkable performance during the entrance exam didn't go unnoticed. Within days, whispers about the young adventurer with rare shadow magic and clever spellwork circulated among Rivenford's higher-ranking mages. Some saw promise, others harbored curiosity—and a few felt wary of powers so closely tied to legend and secrecy.
On his first day of advanced lessons, Arlen entered a grand, sun-dappled classroom lined with enchanted windows and swirling banners of light. He found himself among a small cohort of talented students, each specializing in different magical disciplines. The lessons were rigorous: spell theory, complex mana exercises, elemental manipulation, and magical dueling.
Mistress Elira took a particular interest in Arlen, often calling on him to demonstrate his control over shadow magic. She encouraged him to explore the boundaries of his spells, pushing him to blend shadow energies with other elements or to devise new uses for old techniques. Some classmates watched Arlen with admiration; others with a hint of envy.
Outside of class, the senior mages occasionally observed his progress, their conversations hushed but intense. Arlen focused on his studies, determined to master intermediate magic while refining his unique abilities. Each day brought him closer to the power and knowledge he'd need for the next labyrinth—and deeper into the mysteries that now surrounded his reputation.