Noah headed out of Moxies room early in the morning, adjusting his jacket and combing his hair out of the way as he headed down the hall. His grimoire was slung over a shoulder, and the large book thumped against his back with every step.
Hed been slightly waylaid after hed woken up, but he was determined to find Tim and repair his runes before the day was over. The only question was if Tim would be back in the tower by the ti he got there and if he was how Noah would be able to justify what he could do.
I wish there was a way I could do this without revealing the existence of Sunder. Actually what happens if I knock him out while were in his soul space? Or, what if I knock him out before the Mind lds potions take effect?
That kind of feels like assault with extra steps, though. Damn. Maybe Tim will give permission to bludgeon him with a heavy object. That would make it fine.
Noah arrived at the base of the Transport Cannon a short while later. There was a small line built up at it, which was a good sign as to Tims whereabouts. After a few minutes of waiting in line, he found himself standing on the lift as it rattled up to the top floor.
Tim sat at his desk, stroking his beard and reading a book as Noah arrived. He glanced up, the skin around his eyes crinkling as he smiled. Vermil! What brings you here? I dont see your students.
Im here to see you, actually, Noah said. I heard about what happened yesterday.
Tims smile faded and he nodded. Yes. It could have been a horrible thing. I was relieved to hear that they were all safe, but I heard that speaking about it was a bad idea. The person responsible may have had so dangerous ties.
Yeah. Dont worry, thats not why Im here, Noah said. Not specifically, at least.
Oh? Headed sowhere, then?
Not that either, Noah said. He glanced through the window. The majority of the line had already gone through the transport cannon, but there were still a few more people waiting. Do you think youve got a little while? About half an hour or so?
I suppose so, Tim said. Let just handle the rest of the crowd and then Ill shut down for a little while.
Thanks, Noah said, moving to stand in the corner of the room. The lift rattled back down, and Noah waited as Tim spent the next few minutes sending everyone off to a variety of different areas.
Once hed finished and the line had dried up, Tim pulled a lever at the corner of his panel and pressed his hand against the desk. A small wave of energy ran throughout it, racing through imbuents. The lift rattled up, locking in place at the top floor.
All closed up for the ti being, Tim said, sitting back down. Im not sure how much Ill be able to help, but Id be glad to hear what I can do for you.
Its more the other way around, Noah said. So ti ago, you told about how you ended up here.
Did I? Tim asked, rubbing the back of his neck. My mory isnt what it used to be, but I suppose I must have. What does that have to do with anything?
Well, you ntioned that you landed this job because your Runes werent good enough to let you advance, right?
Tim grunted. Yeah, but I havent been beat up about that for years. You learn to deal with your lot in life as you get older.
Noah reached into his bag and pulled out a Mind ld potion, setting it on the counter. Tim tilted his head to the side, studying the vial with a confused look. Is this alcohol? Its quite shimry.
No, Noah said with a laugh. Its a potion. One thatll make it easier for us to speak privately.
Alcohol does the sa thing when you use enough of it, Tim said with a cackle. He pulled the wax seal off the top of the potion and sniffed at it, then shrugged before draining his half.
Noah took the bottle and removed the other seal, draining the rest of the bottle before returning it to the table.
Stay sitting, Noah said. You might feel a bit dizzy.
Even as Tim nodded, a buzz enveloped Noahs mind. He quickly lowered himself to lean against the wall, keeping one hand on his grimoire as the potion yanked him out of his mind and into Tims.
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When Noahs eyes opened once again, he found himself standing on a plain grassy hill. Seven Runes floated in the air around him, and Noah wasnt surprised to find that they were all horrendously bad.
They were all Rank 2, and even though theyd been filled, Noah could tell that not only were there constituents probably horrible, but theyd been combined rather poorly as well. But, despite that, the hill was probably one of the most hospitable souls that Noah had been to.
Gentle rays of sunlight ward his back, and a brilliant blue sky rose overhead. Tim stood at the top of the hill, looking around in surprise.
Is this a Mind ld potion? Tim asked. Ive never used one before, but it appears that weve entered my soul.
Yeah, Noah said. You drank that without realizing what it was? I thought you were joking.
Im afraid not, Tim said with a laugh. Im much too old to care about what gets put in front of now. I doubt poison is going to kill much faster than anything else, and I cant imagine youd try to poison anyway. So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?
This, Noah replied, gesturing vaguely around himself. But first, Im going to need a promise from you. Everything that I say and do here needs to stay between us. Nobody can ever find out what happened.
Tims smile faded as he took in the intensity in Noahs voice. This sounds serious.
Incredibly so, Noah said. And its dangerous enough to get all of us killed if the wrong person finds out.
Do you want a Rune Oath? Tim asked.
Noah almost refused on the spot but paused to think for a mont. He did trust Tim, but as kind as the old man was, the information he was about to share had dire consequences. If anyone stronger than him found out about Sunder, infinite lives would do nothing for him. Theyd torture him until he gave them the rune or imprison him for its powers.
Except making an oath here really doesnt even do that much in solving the actual problem. The only thing it helps is if Tim was going to rat out intentionally, and I dont think hes got any plans to ever do sothing like that. Its more likely that soone figures out he knows sothing and tries to get information from him forcefully. A Rune Oath would do nothing there. Either Tim says nothing, or his runes get shattered and he tells them anyway. But therein lies the problem with Rune Oaths. If I made it so strong that it killed Tim if he broke it, he might just get killed and give my information away anyway.
No, Noah said. I dont want a Rune Oath. Theyre flawed tools. I will take a normal promise, though.
I can do that. I swear Ill keep anything you tell to myself, no matter what happens or who it involves. Tim paused for a mont, then cleared his throat. Unless it brings threat to a student. I take my job as a worker at Arbitage very seriously. If youve got issue with any students, it may be best that you do not tell .
Noah smiled, even more confident that hed made the right choice. Ive got nothing like that. This is entirely about you, Tim.
Now I feel like Ive done sothing wrong. Tim laughed. Just tell , would you? What is this about?
Your runes.
A flicker of sha passed over Tims features as he looked out at the poorly constructed runes circling them. Ah, yes. Theyre not much too look at, are they?
No, Noah admitted honestly. But thats why Im here. I can help you fix them.
Tim coughed into a fist, hiding a smile. Thats very kind of you, Vermil. Ive had the offer before, but I appreciate it every ti. Unfortunately, I cant accept. No matter how much I would be thrilled to repair so of the damage my younger self did to , its impossible. At my age, the soul damage would tear apart.
I can circumvent that, Noah said. I have a way to handle the soul damage, and I have Runes as well. Not an infinite supply, but I have a lot of the basic ones. Even though youll probably get sent back to Rank 1, I can give you another chance at this.
Tim lowered his hand, narrowing his eyes in confusion. Im sorry? Youve found a potion thatll heal soul damage?
Err sothing like that, Noah said. And a way to remove the runes from your soul without being too invasive. Its safe, so long as you actually want to do it.
This isnt a joke, is it? Tim asked.
Not at all. Im completely serious. Just say the word. I dont know if Ill be able to handle everything at once, but I can do a lot of it.
Just like that? Tim stared at Noah, letting his hands drop by his sides. How?
I think we should probably focus more on if you want it or not, Noah said. The exact details are well, Id prefer to keep them as close to chest as possible. It wont be relevant to its effectiveness, though. Id be willing to show you with a single rune if youd feel safer that way.
I no, I dont doubt you, Tim said hurriedly and shaking his head. I just well, its hard to believe. Youre claiming the impossible, Professor Vermil. Nobody can remove runes without soul damage. If youve gotten a potion that lets you do that, is it really wise to waste it on ? It would be worth millions. Maybe more. You could retire for the rest of your life and never worry about another thing.
Sounds boring, Noah said. If I was going to sell it, I would have. Its up to you. Dont feel pressured if you arent comfortable with it, but the offer is there.
Tim swallowed. Show .
What kind of Rune did you want? Noah asked. I may not have it, so Id have to go get my hands on it.
Er an Earth Rune, perhaps? Tim asked hesitantly, still sounding like he couldnt tell if Noah was playing with him or not.
Ah. That, I can do, Noah said. This had been a long ti coming, and he was eager to get started. Ah could you turn around? The less you see, the better.
Tim turned to face away from Noah. Is this fine?
Perfect. Just stay there for a minute. He cracked his knuckles. Lets get you fixed up, shall we?
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