Page 106 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

The concept of "sacrifice" as an institutionalized aspect of Year Two progression raises disturbing questions about the academy's true nature and pedagogical philosophy.

If advancement requires either "acceptance" of true self or "sacrifice" of another being's wellbeing, what does that suggest about fundamental values underlying educational approach?

More immediately concerning is Zeke's apparent role within this system – cat shifter unable to access true form, undernourished despite the Abundance Tree's existence, exhausted yet continuing to function through apparent obligation to an unspecified beneficiary of his suffering.

If that bitch is still apart of the academy, I’m going to hunt her down like wild prey…

Despite the discomfort these revelations inspire, practical problem-solving takes temporary precedence.

Whatever injustices Zeke's circumstances represent can't be addressed without first understanding their complete nature, and immediate focus must remain on successfully completing Professor Valerian's assignment while potentially accessing Stellarum Archive that might contain information regarding the chalice.

The golden corridor gradually transitions to new architectural style that blends precious metals with what appears to be living crystal – transparent structures that somehow maintain structural integrity despite apparent fragility.

The effect creates spaces that seem simultaneously solid and ethereal, boundaries between physical and magical growing increasingly indistinct as we progress deeper into what must be the academy's most privileged areas.

Zeke's movements become more cautious as the environment changes, his advance slowing to permit carefulobservation before proceeding through particular junctions or past specific markers embedded within crystalline surfaces.

The increased vigilance suggests approaching sections with enhanced security or monitoring systems requiring specialized navigation.

"We're nearing the transition point between maintenance pathways and actual Stellarum Archive territories," he explains, voice lowered despite the apparent absence of other beings in our vicinity. "The Archive itself contains multiple security layers designed to control access based on student classification and faculty authorization."

The information, while useful, prompts immediate question regarding our ability to proceed given neither of us apparently holds special status that would justify unrestricted access to such restricted resources.

"How do we bypass these security measures?" I ask, practical concern outweighing potential ethical objections to circumventing institutional restrictions.

Zeke's smile returns, this time carrying mischievous quality that transforms his features from solemn intensity to almost boyish enthusiasm for momentary adventure.

"We don't bypass them," he clarifies, expression suggesting enjoyment of minor mystery unfolding between us. "We use them. The security systems are designed to keep unauthorized individuals out…but also to welcome those with proper credentials in."

"And we have proper credentials?" I question, skepticism evident despite my attempt to maintain a neutral tone.

Instead of direct response, Zeke reaches into the inner pocket of his pant pocket, extracting what appears to be an ordinary student identification card. Closer examination reveals subtle differences from standard issue –additional runes embeddedwithin a seemingly decorative border, with slightly different coloration to the academy seal pressed into the surface.

"Special access designation," he explains, holding the card where light from surrounding crystal structures catches and enhances its unique features. "Granted to those with certain... arrangements... within academy hierarchy."

“Arrangements, huh?” I toss with a hint of amusement to keep the mood lightened, even after such a heavy conversation.

The careful phrasing suggests institutional acknowledgment of his "sacrifice" status which apparently includes practical compensations alongside obvious hardships – access privileges representing partial payment for whatever suffering his role entails.

"And me?" I prompt, lacking similar credentials despite apparent need to access restricted areas for our current assignment.

"You're with me," he states simply, confidence suggesting this association provides sufficient justification for joint entry. "The Archive recognizes certain relationships, particularly those involving complementary energies. Since we’re doing this assignment together, we’re good."

We round the corner to confront what must be the formal entrance to Stellarum Archive proper – a massive doorway fashioned from what appears to be a single piece of opalescent crystal, its surface etched with constellations that shift and realign in patterns suggesting mathematical precision beyond ordinary astronomical movement.

Zeke approaches without hesitation, identification card extended toward a specific constellation within the door's elaborate design.

The pattern responds immediately, stars brightening momentarily before rearranging themselves into a completelynew configuration that somehow suggests welcome rather than mere acknowledgment.

"Place your hand beside mine," he instructs, positioning himself precisely before a specific section of crystalline surface. "The Archive needs to recognize your energy signature alongside mine for joint access authorization."

I comply despite lingering reservations, palm pressed against the cool crystal surface that immediately warms beneath my touch.

Curious sensation follows – gentle examination that feels more like respectful inquiry than invasive scan, consciousness behind a security system apparently possessing awareness beyond mere mechanical function.

Zeke remains perfectly still during this assessment process, expression suggesting familiar experience requiring patience rather than anxiety about potential rejection.

His confidence proves justified as constellation patterns suddenly accelerate their movement, stars tracing luminous pathways across the crystalline surface before coalescing into an elaborate doorway that materializes where a solid barrier previously stood.

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