Word of Anthony's incredible achievements eventually reached the ears of someone outside the school. One afternoon, as Anthony was reading in the library, an old man wearing simple grey robes sat down opposite him.
"Young man," the old man said softly, his eyes twinkling. "That book you are reading... 'The Principles of Runic Arrays'. Do you understand what you are reading?"
Anthony looked up. He felt a slight ripple in the space around the old man. Be careful, Aetherion warned. This person is very strong. His energy is hidden like a deep ocean.
"I understand it," Anthony replied politely. "In fact, I think the third array diagram in chapter five has a flaw. The connection point is off by three degrees, which causes energy instability."
The old man's eyes widened. He leaned forward. "Show me."
Anthony took a pen and drew the array, correcting the angle. Immediately, the lines seemed to come alive on paper.
The old man stared at it for a long time, then let out a long sigh. "I have studied arrays for fifty years, and I never saw that. Boy, who are you really? Your soul... it feels ancient. Older than this world."
"I am just Anthony," Anthony said calmly.
"Haha," the old man laughed. "Modest too. I am Elder Roth, from the City Lord's Mansion. I have a request. I have a damaged ancient artifact. No one can fix it. If you can... I will reward you handsomely."