He earned his place at Grimoire. Now the Crown wants to set his price.
Rian Vale’s students have accomplished the impossible, and powerful people have noticed.
An invitation to the Crown Trials promises recognition, resources, and a future beyond the academy’s restrictions. It also comes with terms. Every public success gives someone another reason to claim his methods—and decide who deserves to benefit from them.
Then Rian meets Seraphine Arden, the Crown’s celebrated champion. He sees a flaw beneath her flawless victories. She sees a man willing to tell her the truth. Their private lessons soon carry stakes neither can measure on a practice floor.
With Mira, Eleni, and Kaela beside him, Rian pursues the authority to build something of his own. But independence costs money, influence, and favors he refuses to owe.
When a new ward begins excluding the very people who keep the city running, the consequences spread from ruined livelihoods to failing infrastructure. Winning applause will not stop it.
Rian must confront the interests behind the ward—and prove his methods work when lives depend on them.
The Crown can offer him a title. It cannot buy the man who earns it.
Year Two continues the Professor Zero HaremLit progression-fantasy series with political pressure, inventive magical advancement, a growing adult harem, system-style panels, and explicit romance. Read Year One first.