The final lecture of the day covered Advanced Theological Interpretation—examining how the Five Ancients' will manifested through historical events and contemporary Church policy.
Rey found the content simultaneously enlightening and frustrating.
Enlightening because it revealed how Aether authorities rationalized their actions through divine mandate.
Frustrating because the circular logic—Ancients are infallible, therefore everything they do or permit must serve righteous purpose—made genuine analysis impossible within the theological framework.
When the lecture concluded, students filtered out with conversations focused primarily on Rey's unexpected victory over Darius and Sephyr's dominant display.
Sephyr caught Rey before he could depart.
"Would you like to have dinner together?" she asked with warmth that appeared genuine. "I thought we could discuss your first day, address any concerns about Academy integration, and perhaps talk about your combat performance."
