Chapter 21 — A Table Set for Predators
The hall chosen for the dinner sat apart from the academy's main spire, nestled between two older wings that had not been renovated in generations.
That alone was telling.
Kairo arrived five minutes early.
Not because he was eager — but because arriving late ceded initiative.
The building's exterior was unassuming: pale stone, ivy creeping along carved arches, lanterns glowing softly with regulated mana. The interior, however, was designed with intention. Circular. No corners. No shadows deep enough to hide in.
A neutral killing field.
CIEL's analysis unfolded calmly.
[Spatial layout optimized for observation.] [Sound dampening active.] [Mana suppression: Partial.] [Conclusion: This is not a social dinner.]
Kairo stepped inside anyway.
The door closed behind him with a muted click.
Inside, a single round table waited beneath a suspended crystal chandelier. Three seats were already occupied.
None of them were first-years.
At the far end sat Professor Halvrek, hands folded, expression unreadable.
To his left: Mariel Asterwyn, posture relaxed, eyes bright with curiosity rather than hostility.
To his right: Iris Valen, arms crossed, Solar Resonance barely contained beneath her skin like an angry star.
An empty chair waited opposite them.
Kairo walked to it and sat.
No greeting.
No bow.
No hesitation.
"Direct," Iris said at last, breaking the silence. "I like that."
Halvrek's voice rumbled. "You were invited because the academy values… clarity."
Mariel smiled faintly. "And because chaos is expensive."
Kairo met her gaze. "Then this is an investment meeting."
Mariel's eyebrows rose. "Perceptive."
Halvrek gestured. Plates slid forward on invisible rails, food appearing — warm, fragrant, carefully prepared. The kind of meal meant to disarm suspicion.
Kairo didn't touch it.
Iris scoffed. "You think we poisoned you?"
"No," Kairo replied calmly. "You want me comfortable."
That earned a brief, sharp laugh from Iris.
Halvrek leaned forward. "You rejected three factions this morning."
"Yes."
"You embarrassed them."
"Yes."
"You destabilized first-year alignment."
"Yes."
Halvrek paused. "Why?"
Kairo considered the question.
"Because alignment before understanding is a leash," he said. "And I don't wear those."
Silence followed — heavier than before.
Mariel tapped a finger against the table. "You realize the academy isn't offended."
"I know," Kairo replied. "It's evaluating."
"And so are we," Iris said sharply. "Second-years don't like variables they can't pressure."
"Pressure is fine," Kairo said. "Control is not."
Iris leaned forward, eyes burning. "You think you can resist us?"
Kairo looked at her fully now.
"I already am."
The temperature in the room spiked.
Halvrek raised a hand, mana rippling outward to stabilize the air. "Enough."
He turned to Kairo. "This dinner is not a threat. It's a warning."
Kairo nodded once. "I expected one."
"You will be challenged," Halvrek continued. "Not in ways you can predict. Not always directly. Sometimes socially. Sometimes administratively. Sometimes through your peers."
Mariel's smile sharpened. "Some will approach you out of desire. Others out of ambition. A few out of fear."
"And some," Iris added coldly, "will want to break you just to see if they can."
Kairo finally reached for his glass — water only — and took a single sip.
"That's acceptable," he said.
Mariel blinked. "You don't sound concerned."
"I'm attentive," Kairo corrected. "There's a difference."
Halvrek studied him for a long moment.
"You don't seek protection," the professor said slowly. "You don't seek recognition. You don't seek leverage."
"No."
"Then what do you seek?"
Kairo's answer was immediate.
"Room."
Another silence.
Mariel exhaled softly, almost a laugh. "You want space in a system designed to close in."
"Yes."
Iris shook her head. "You're either insane… or far more dangerous than you appear."
Kairo met her stare. "Those aren't mutually exclusive."
Halvrek stood. "This meeting never happened."
Mariel rose as well, her gaze lingering on Kairo. "But understand this — you have been seen."
Iris paused beside him as she passed, voice low. "And second-years don't forget."
When the door closed behind them, the hall felt suddenly empty.
CIEL spoke quietly.
[Assessment: Pressure escalation confirmed.] [Second-Year Political Phase: Initiated.] [Recommendation: Maintain current behavioral pattern.]
Kairo stood alone at the table.
He had not gained allies.
He had not lost ground.
But the academy had shifted.
As he exited the hall and stepped back into the cool night air, Kairo glanced up at the academy spires — thousands of windows glowing like watchful eyes.
"They're circling," he thought.
[Correction], CIEL replied.
[They are waiting.]
Kairo adjusted his coat and walked on.
He did not run.
Predators never did.
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