Amy stood at the entrance of room 708; her muscles still ached from combat class, and her head hurt from having to deal with all the stress that continuing the main storyline provoked in her. At this point, she started to wonder if a break would ever arrive.

Honestly, she'd been considering whether to skip this class entirely—the thought of facing Kaelen after their last interaction made her stomach churn—but ultimately decided that drawing more attention to herself by being absent would be worse.

Moreover, she needed to become stronger. Despite her ability's insane potential, her lack of control over it heavily handicapped her. The plot wouldn't wait for her. Just seeing Act one about to continue was enough for her to feel the necessity to keep working.

With a resigned sigh, Amy pushed open the door to room 708. Inside, students were already settling into their seats—including the protagonist group—the low murmur of conversation filling the air. Professor Kaelen hadn't arrived yet, giving her a brief window to slip in unnoticed.

Amy quickly scanned the room, her eyes automatically seeking out an inconspicuous spot. The back row, her preferred sanctuary, had a few empty seats remaining. Perfect.

She made her way toward the back, keeping her head down as she navigated between desks. Even with her efforts to remain inconspicuous, she felt the weight of curious glances following her progress.

This whole attention thing is getting old…

Settling into the farthest corner seat, Amy placed Libris carefully on the desk and glanced around again while she waited. Most of the class had arrived, their attention mercifully diverted by their own conversations and preparations. But as she continued her survey, she noticed something, or rather, someone missing.

Zayd Gaspard's seat was empty.

A curious absence, considering his uncle's insistence that she meet with him today. She stared at the vacant spot, a mixture of relief and curiosity washing over her.

Their last interaction hadn't been bad, in fact it had been quite respectful. But still, he was that guy's nephew...

[Concerned about your future husband?]

"Do you ever shut up?" Amy hissed under her breath, careful to keep her voice low. "And no, I was just wondering why he isn't here, considering this class is directly related to his power."

[Perhaps he is simply running late.]

"Maybe," Amy conceded, though something about the empty seat nagged at her. She didn't retain that much about the characters, but in the manga, Zayd had never come across as the type to miss anything, emphasis on anything.

Before she could dwell on it further, the classroom door swung open, silencing all conversation as Professor Kaelen swept in. Today, he wore robes of deep burgundy that seemed to absorb the light around him, making his pale skin appear almost translucent by contrast.

His dark eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly, and noticeably, on his nephew's empty seat. Something flashed across his features before his expression smoothed back into its usual impassivity.

The professor set his materials on the desk with deliberate precision, his movements economical and fluid. The burgundy sleeves of his robe whispered against the wooden surface as he arranged several ancient-looking tomes in a neat row.

"Today," Kaelen began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the silent classroom, "we will be discussing the fundamental principles of prophetic sight, its limitations, and the immutable laws that govern our relationship with fate."

"Professor," a first-year boy near the front with cat ears raised his hand, "why would non-seers need to learn this? Isn't divination extremely rare?"

Kaelen's dark eyes fixed on the boy. "A reasonable question," he continued, pacing slowly before the blackboard. "After all, prophetic sight is arguably one of the rarest magical abilities. In this room of nineteen elite students, only three possess something barely resembling divination." His gaze fixed briefly on Amy before moving on.

"And yet, understanding divination may save your life one day; after all, the enemies of humanity are quite fond of this practice. Consider this," Kaelen said, turning to face the room fully. "You are engaged in combat with an opponent who possesses prophetic sight. They can glimpse fragments of the immediate future, your movements, your attacks, perhaps even your strategies. How do you defeat such an adversary?"

A hand rose hesitantly from the middle of the classroom from a second-year boy with rectangular spectacles.

"Yes, Mr. Mercer?" Kaelen acknowledged.

"You'd need to be unpredictable," the student suggested. "Make decisions at the last possible moment to minimize their advantage."

Kaelen's thin lips curved into something resembling a smile. "A common misconception. True seers don't merely predict your decisions, they observe the flow of fate itself. Your last-minute choices were already visible to them before you made them. Did your past teacher not tell you this?"

The student frowned but did not speak further.

"Anyone else?" Kaelen prompted.

After a moment of silence, a second-year girl with braided hair raised her hand. "Maybe you could overwhelm them with too many possibilities? Force them to see so many futures that they can't focus?"

"Closer," Kaelen nodded approvingly. "Though still incomplete. The true answer lies in understanding the fundamental limitations of prophetic sight." He moved to the blackboard and began writing in elegant script:

Energy expenditure.

Temporal distance.

Probability thresholds.

Conscious interference.

"These," he tapped the chalk against each point, "are the four primary weaknesses of divination. Now, I would not be teaching you these limitations if it wasn't explicitly in the program," he said, his mouth twitching slightly upward. "But fortunately for all of you, it is."

Amy found herself genuinely interested despite her wariness of Kaelen. While she knew her ability operated differently from traditional divination—being tied to reader sentiment rather than classical prophetic sight—understanding these conventional limitations might help her navigate her own powers more effectively.

"First: Energy expenditure," Kaelen continued. "Prophetic sight is among the most magically draining abilities known. Even masters of the craft cannot maintain continuous observation of future timelines without severe consequences. Some of you may have heard stories of seers bleeding from their eyes, experiencing seizures, or even slipping into comas after pushing their abilities too far."

Amy suppressed a shiver, remembering the blood that had poured from her own eyes in the nightmare ritual.

"Second: Temporal distance. The further into the future a seer attempts to look, the less reliable their visions become. While some particularly gifted individuals can glimpse events years ahead with reasonable accuracy, most if not all, struggle to see clearly beyond a few days. For combat applications, this often narrows to mere seconds or minutes."

Kaelen paced before the blackboard. "Third: Probability thresholds. Divination naturally follows paths of buffer fate's pull, or in other words highest probability. Low-probability events, particularly those resulting from random chance or outside intervention, often remain invisible until the moment they occur."

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room once more. "And finally: conscious interference. This is perhaps the most significant weakness. When a sufficiently powerful will deliberately alters the detail of the course of fate—especially if that individual possesses their own form of divination—it can create blind spots in prophetic sight."

Amy tilted her head slightly, considering the implications. If conscious interference created blind spots, could she deliberately manipulate her own actions to stay beneath notice? The thought was intriguing.

Crow's hand suddenly rose from the middle of the classroom. Even Kaelen seemed mildly surprised by this, pausing briefly before acknowledging him.

"Yes, Mr. Thorne?"

"Sir, I've read extensively on divination theory," Crow began, his voice steady yet curious. "Most texts suggest that seers cannot alter major points of fate, only the small details between those points. Is that accurate?"

A flicker of interest crossed Kaelen's face. "An astute observation, Mr. Thorne. Though take notice that the definition of ‘detail’ is quite broad and can encompass all the way toward human lives. The prevailing wisdom holds that fate operates on two levels." He turned to the blackboard, drawing a long horizontal line with several points marked along it.

"Major nexus points—" he tapped the marked spots on the line, "—represent immutable events that must occur. The paths between them—" his chalk traced the line connecting the points, "—offer limited flexibility. A seer might alter slightly how they reach their destiny but not the destiny itself."

Crow leaned forward slightly. "And if one tried to change these fixed points? Is it possible?"

"Resistance is costly," Kaelen replied. "The further one deviates from fated paths, the more energy fate expends to correct course. This creates turbulence—what we call 'fate backlash.' Accidents, coincidences, sudden reversals of fortune—all designed to shepherd the wayward back to their destined course."

Amy found herself holding her breath. She had an idea where this was going.

"Is there no ability, no power that would allow someone to truly choose their own path? To navigate between different destinies at will?"

The room fell silent. Amy felt the subtle weight of several gazes turn toward her—Ash, Lain, and Lyra all subtly glanced in her direction before quickly looking away. They knew what her ability supposedly did, what she had claimed it could do.

Kaelen's expression hardened almost imperceptibly. "Everything in this world is possible, Mr. Thorne. To choose one's own destiny would require standing outside the flow of fate entirely—something like an outsider you could say… Either way, we are moving from the topic at hand," Kaelen continued, abruptly shifting his attention away from Crow, "I will now provide the foundation for counter-divinatory strategies. To defeat a seer, you must force them into situations where their gift becomes unreliable or drains them too quickly to maintain."

He turned abruptly, pointing to a burly second-year student in the front row. "Mr. Harwick, imagine you're facing an opponent with minor prophetic ability. How might you apply these principles?"

The student straightened in his seat. "I'd... try to extend the fight, sir? Wear them down until their energy and physical reserves are depleted?"

"A valid approach," Kaelen nodded. "Though potentially dangerous if they recognize your strategy." He pointed to another student. "Miss Silvermoon?"

Alba blinked in surprise at being called upon. "I would... create distractions? Multiple possible threats to divide their attention?"

"Indeed. Forcing a seer to track too many potential futures simultaneously strains their ability to focus on any single outcome. But I doubt a student like you has a way of doing that." Kaelen's dark eyes narrowed slightly. "And what of you, Miss Stake? How would you counter someone with predictive abilities?"

Great…

Amy stiffened as the entire class turned to look at her. Maybe it was her imagination (probably not), but the question felt deliberately pointed.

"...I would try to adapt to the seer's actions," she answered carefully. "I'd make my decisions based on what situation I find myself in, trying to be as flexible as possible."

Kaelen studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Interesting. And potentially effective, provided your opponent hasn't already accounted for your uniqueness."

Was that a jab? Amy couldn't be sure, but the slight emphasis he placed on "uniqueness" suggested it might be.

"There is, of course, one other approach," Kaelen continued, returning his attention to the class. "The simplest and most straightforward method to defeat a seer is to bring in your own seer of greater power. As I explained before, divination can change detail, this allows one to counter other divinations; visions can obscure other visions. It becomes a contest of skill and natural aptitude."

He turned back to the blackboard, writing in an elegant script: Divination hierarchy.

"In the field of prophetic sight, there exists a natural hierarchy. Minor talents—those who experience occasional premonitions or dreams—stand at the bottom. Above them are active practitioners who can deliberately invoke visions through meditation or ritual, these are often self-taught through the intermediary of magic. Higher still are natural seers, born with the ability who can access visions at will. And at the apex..." He paused dramatically, "stand the Oracles and True Prophets, whose sight transcends what we could understand. They see the world in a way we could never be able to comprehend."

Kaelen set down his chalk and faced the class. "The Gaspard family founder was a True Prophet," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Since its creation, our family has also produced some of the most powerful seers in recorded history. Their techniques have been refined over centuries, passed from generation to generation."

Amy barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Of course he would use this as an opportunity to brag about his family.

"For this reason," Kaelen continued, "understanding the Gaspard methodology provides invaluable insight into countering divinatory abilities. In the absence of my nephew—who I was planning to assist with demonstrations—I will be presenting a simplified version of the family's basic techniques."

He reached into his robe and withdrew a small velvet pouch. From it, he produced a set of small crystal discs that caught the light, sending prisms dancing across the classroom walls.

"These are focal crystals," he explained, arranging them in a pattern on his desk. "Even those without natural talent can use them to experience a shallow form of divinatory sight—enough to understand how true seers perceive the world."

A murmur of interest rippled through the classroom.

"We will pass these around," Kaelen said. "Each of you will hold one crystal and attempt a simple exercise. This isn't about developing ability, it's about comprehension. Understanding your enemy's weapons is the first step toward defeating them. As I said before, the enemies of humanity are quite fond of divination techniques. This is a quite necessary ability for you to be able to combat."

As the crystals were distributed, Amy watched with cautious interest. She'd never seen these particular tools in the manga, possibly because they appeared in chapters she'd skipped. A small white crystal eventually made its way to her desk, handed over by a wide-eyed second-year who seemed eager to avoid touching her fingers.

[Careful with that.]

"Mmm?"

[For someone with natural talent, even training tools can amplify abilities beyond intended parameters. Given your unique situation...]

Amy frowned, studying the seemingly innocent crystal. She thought for a second and then her face froze.

Wait! Is this a trap!?

Going by Libris's words, this could be used to measure one's powers. The thing with Amy was that her power was stronger than she could control. So this tool, which amplified abilities beyond intended parameters, was just plain dangerous.

Amy's eyes darted to Kaelen discreetly. He was now instructing the class on a breathing technique to use while holding the focal tools. His eyes swept the room continuously, eventually landing on her with unmistakable interest.

This guy…

"Remember," he cautioned the class, though his gaze remained fixed on Amy, "these crystals merely assist visualization. Do not expect true visions."

Amy hesitated, suddenly wary of using the crystal. If it truly amplified natural talent, what might it do with her reader-powered abilities? The last thing she needed was to demonstrate more of her capabilities to Kaelen.

She pretended to follow the breathing exercise, keeping the crystal in her palm but deliberately failing to focus on it properly. Around her, most students wore expressions of concentration that gradually shifted to disappointment as they experienced no significant effects.

"What do you see?" Kaelen asked the class at large.

Various responses echoed around the room: "Nothing." "Just the crystal." "A slight warming sensation."

Kaelen nodded, unsurprised. "As expected. For most of you, this exercise simply demonstrates what seers experience constantly—an awareness of potential. The crystal should feel slightly warm, perhaps pulsing in rhythm with your heartbeat. This is normal."

His dark eyes found Amy again. They stayed on her, examining. Then something like annoyance flickered across Kaelen's features.

The class continued with Kaelen explaining increasingly complex divination countermeasures, from mental shielding techniques to special materials that disrupted prophetic sight. Throughout it all, Amy kept the crystal in her palm but refrained from engaging with it fully, unwilling to risk exposing more of her abilities in such a controlled environment.

As the lesson drew to a close, Kaelen collected the crystals personally, pausing longer than necessary at Amy's desk.

"A productive session, wouldn't you say, Miss Stake?" he asked quietly as he plucked the crystal from her palm. "I do hope you have found the Gaspards' knowledge illuminating."

"Very educational, Professor," Amy replied evenly.

Kaelen's thin lips curved into that not-quite-smile. "Education is, after all, why we're here." He lowered his voice further. "I trust you haven't forgotten our discussion about tea with my nephew?"

"I haven't."

"Excellent." Kaelen straightened, addressing the class again. "For the next session, read chapters seven through nine in 'Veils of Time.' First-years, prepare a short essay on one counter-divinatory technique you find most practical. Second-years, I expect a more comprehensive analysis comparing at least three approaches."

As students gathered their materials and began filing out, Kaelen called out one final instruction: "Miss Stake, a moment of your time, if you please."

Amy suppressed a sigh as she remained seated, watching the last students exit the classroom. When the door finally closed, leaving her alone with Kaelen, she straightened her shoulders, preparing for whatever came next.

Kaelen moved to lean against the edge of his desk, studying her with those penetratingly dark eyes. "I noticed you were quite... reserved with the crystal exercise."

Amy met his gaze steadily. "I was following the instructions as given."

"Were you?" Kaelen tilted his head slightly.

"Yes, I was."

"How curious."

"Indeed."

"..."

"..."

[...]

Kaelen's eyes became incredibly focused on her, but he eventually just let out a sigh. "Either way. This isn't what I wanted to talk to you about."

"...What did you want to talk about, sir?"

Kaelen straightened and walked toward the window, his burgundy robes catching the afternoon light. For a moment, he said nothing, simply gazing out at the academy grounds.

"My nephew," he began finally, "is quite gifted in many ways. His abilities in divination, while not as... pronounced as some in our family, are nevertheless impressive." He turned to face Amy, his expression impassive. "But he has a blind spot."

Amy remained silent, waiting.

"Zayd sees many things clearly," Kaelen continued, "but he struggles to see himself. It is a common affliction among seers; the difficulty of turning one's gift inward." His dark eyes fixed on her with unsettling intensity. "That is where you come in, Miss Stake."

Amy felt a chill creep up her spine. "I'm not sure I understand, Professor."

Kaelen's lips curved into that same not-quite-smile. "During your tea with Zayd, I would like you to pose him three specific questions." He reached into his robe and withdrew a folded piece of parchment, which he extended toward her. "These questions, to be precise."

Amy hesitated before accepting the parchment, careful not to let her fingers brush against his. The paper felt unusually heavy– almost warm to the touch.

"Ask them in the exact order written," Kaelen instructed. "And be sure to observe his reactions carefully. Not just his words, but his expressions, his body language, any... disturbances in the air around him."

"You want me to spy on your nephew?" Amy asked bluntly.

Kaelen's expression didn't change. "I want you to help him. Zayd stands at a crossroads, one he cannot properly see. These questions will... clarify certain matters for him. And your unique perspective may prove invaluable."

"...And if I refuse...?"

Kaelen's eyes turned cold, and he let out a deep breath before speaking. "Let me be clear with you, Miss Stake. If you refuse, I will make your life hell."

Wow.

[Mask off, huh.]

"I see..." Amy frowned, looking down at the folded parchment in her hand. She was tempted to open it immediately but decided to wait until she was out.

"What do you expect to happen when I ask these questions?" she asked.

"That depends entirely on Zayd's answers," Kaelen replied cryptically. Then he moved back to his desk, gathering his materials with practiced efficiency. "One more thing—do not tell him I provided these questions. Present them as your own curiosities."

Amy slipped the parchment into her pocket, her mind racing. "Is that all, Professor?"

"For now." Kaelen nodded toward the door. "Zayd should surely be in the East Tower garden at this moment. I suggest you don't keep him waiting."

As Amy rose to leave, Kaelen added, "And Miss Stake? Should anything... unusual occur during your conversation, I expect to be informed immediately."

"Understood," Amy replied, already planning to do exactly the opposite.

She left the classroom. Once she was safely out of earshot, she ducked into an empty alcove. And casted the middle finger in Kaelen's direction.

"You know what professor! Bitch, I CHANGED MY MIND. How about I don't, huh? What are you going to do about it, you whore? Gonna make my life a living hell. Try it you stupid dumbass. C'mon go ahead...!"

[So brave...maybe next time try to say it to his face and not while whispering and cowering under an alcove.]

Amy straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger simmering just beneath her skin. She pulled out the folded parchment from her pocket, weighing it in her palm as she considered her options.

"What do you think?" she whispered to Libris. "Should I actually go through with this?"

[How about you read the questions first?]

Amy carefully unfolded the parchment. On it, written in Kaelen's elegant script, were three questions:

Have you ever tried to see your own future?

If you could change one moment in your past, would you?

Do you believe fate can be changed?

Amy blinked several times, rereading the cryptic questions with growing bewilderment.

"What the actual hell?" she whispered, frowning at the parchment. "These aren't casual conversation starters—they're like... mystic mumbo-jumbo. If I ask this shit, Zayd will know something's up immediately."

[Indeed. These are clearly designed to trigger something specific. Divination-related triggers, if I had to guess.]

"You guess? Aren't you like the manga's will? Don't you know, like, everything?"

[Only what I choose to know, I don't like spoilers after all—and before you try, I'm not allowed to help you that directly, so don't ask useless questions.]

"I wasn't gonna ask. I was just curious, dummy."

[Dummy...?]

Amy carefully folded the parchment and slipped it back into her pocket, her mind racing. "I don't know what Kaelen is plotting, but I'm definitely not going to be his puppet. I'll make sure to completely mess this up."

[Oh? And how do you plan to do that?]

A slow smile spread across Amy's face as she pushed away from the alcove wall. "I got powers of my own, don't I? I'm sure there is something I can cook up."