Return of the Runebound Professor

Chapter 393: Forgot about that

Chapter 393: Forgot about that

You used magic in your pattern by accident? Noah repeated. Are you certain?

It wasnt intentional, Alexandra said hurriedly. It happened while I was fighting Gero.

Tell me more, Noah said with an encouraging gesture. It wasnt like stressing about things now would change anything. Alexandra wasnt dead, so either shed successfully added the magic to her pattern or shed misunderstood what happened.

Gero had some form of magic that made it impossible to hit him with physical attacks, Alexandra said. My sword was going right through him and I thought I was going to lose. He had me inside his domain so I couldnt even use what little magic I do have. I tried to push myself harder, but it was clear he wanted me to try and make space to attack from range.

Which you cant do, Noah said with a nod. Youre fully focused into close combat.

Yeah. All I could do was try to hit him faster and hope that he couldnt actually ignore every single physical attack. While I was trying to push myself to do more, I felt magic slip out of my runes, and I think it went into my pattern. Im not completely certain. Gero ended the fight almost immediately afterward.

Interesting.

It wouldnt have been too much of a surprise for Alexandra to be correct. She was the farthest along with her pattern out of everyone and Noah had lost track of the amount of times that frustration and impatience had pushed him to try something he probably shouldnt have.

The entire purpose of a pattern was to contain and use magic. If Alexandra had been drawing power without any intention, it was possible that it could have slipped into the pattern and empowered it.

Is that bad? Alexandra asked and swallowed nervously. I havent done more damage to my body or anything, have I?

No, nothing like that. If something went wrong, youd definitely know, Noah promised. Thats not to say it wasnt dangerous. What you did was the first step to casting a Formation. If it had gone wrong and youd screwed up your pattern, you could have seriously injured or killed yourself.

I cast a Formation? Alexandra asked, completely glossing over the second half of Noahs words as her eyes went wide.

He did his best to resist the urge to laugh. This was the time to be serious, and so much as chuckling would take the weight out of his words. The attempt was only partially successful and he couldnt keep a grin from tugging up one corner of his lips.

You cast the beginnings of one, Noah said. Much like Emily did. The difference is that I wasnt there to oversee it. If you want to keep all your limbs where they currently are, I suggest you avoid doing that in the future. Only use Formations when Im present until I tell you that youre ready for it.

I understand. Ill do my best.

That wasnt a promise. Fair enough. She knows the risks, and shes been through some shit. I can respect that shes not committing to something she doesnt plan to do. Im her teacher, not her father. I just hope it doesnt get her killed.

Good. Then well focus on trying to see just what it was you did in a more controlled environment. Noah extended his senses to his domain and peeled it back in the area around Alexandra, leaving only a thin layer of his mental presence behind. Whenever youre ready, go ahead and demonstrate your pattern. Let a tiny amount of magical energy seep into it as little as you can. The magic is going to flow slower than normal, but make sure to increase the amount you use very gradually.

Alexandra drew her sword and lowered into a fighting stance. In stark contrast to Emily, it only took her an instant to slip into her pattern, the blade of her sword flitting out and spinning around her like the path of a distracted insect.

It flicked and danced and spun around Alexandra in a mesmerizing dance. Noah couldnt help but marvel at the pattern. The tip of her sword seemed to have a life of its own. It changed speeds and accelerated seemingly at random.

If I were fighting against her and had the same Rank as she did, Alexandra would be a terrifying opponent. I wouldnt be able to let her get close to me or Id definitely lose. I can barely track that sword. What a menace.

Alexandra wasnt done. Noahs skull prickled as she started to draw on her magic. Energy rose off her as she pushed it into the pattern. Once again, there was very little hesitation in her moves.

While Emily had started from almost nothing and gradually brought her energy up to a visible level, Alexandra ramped up her power almost immediately. Wisps of white wind gathered around the edge of her blade, just barely rising off the weapon. They raced down her body and traced her movements.

Alexandra accelerated. Her blows zipped through the air with audible hums. Noah couldnt even see the tip of her blade anymore, just the streak it left in the air behind it. He kept a careful watch with his domain in case Alexandra drew too much power. It was tempting to turn his full attention to her movements, but he still had a responsibility to keep her as safe as he could.

The energy pouring into Alexandras pattern intensified. Noahs eyes narrowed as the power contained in her movements started to grow. Shed gone beyond the bare minimum that hed suggested.

Stolen novel; please report.

Shes using my presence as a way to test more of what she can do in what she believes to be a controlled environment. If I stop her here, shes probably going to just try to practice it on her own. But I think Alexandra is still taking this a bit too lightly.

Noah would have stopped her on the spot if her pattern hadnt been so flawless. But, since it was, he decided a different lesson was more in order. He gave her a few more seconds to use the more intensified magic, then knelt and picked up a small pebble from the ground beside him.

He tossed it at Alexandra, boosting its flight with a small swirl of wind from Natural Disaster. The pebble streaked through the air and smacked into her shoulder. Alexandra stumbled in surprise.

Her sword missed a movement. She tried to resume the pattern as it had been before, but it was too late. The magic shed gathered rebelled. Noahs domain clamped down on her and the power sputtered. It resisted him, trying to fulfill its purpose, but Noah gave it no quarter and it slipped away harmlessly. Alexandra let her blade lower, breathing heavily and staring at Noah in surprise.

What was that?

Youre dead, Noah said. Or at least, you could have been. The instant your pattern goes down, if you dont adapt and change your pattern, its gone. Best case scenario it does nothing. More likely, you go boom.

I wasnt expecting you to throw a rock at me! Alexandra rubbed her shoulder. I had it under control.

Ill make sure to let the insect buzzing by your ear the next time you train know that, Noah said dryly. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. You cant control every single circumstance, Alexandra. If youd been using less power, there was a chance you might have been able to abandon the pattern or otherwise escape. You didnt do what I said to, though. That was a lot more power than you needed.

Alexandras shoulders stiffened and she averted her gaze. I wanted to see how far I could go. I could have handled it.

I know, Noah said. Alexandra looked up at him in surprise.

If you do, then why did you

Because its not about if you can handle your pattern in a normal situation, Noah said. Its about if you can handle it when things go wrong. I understand how you feel. You dont want to fall behind. Youre worried about getting passed up by the others, so you try to force more out of yourself. But tell me something are you going to be able to catch up with them if youre dead or so badly crippled that you need a ten thousand gold healing potion to fix all the damage?

Alexandra cringed back as Noahs words bit into her. Her jaw clenched and, after a few moments, she shook her head, not willing to speak any further.

Noah sighed walked up to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. Youre not going to fall behind, Alexandra.

How can you say that when

Alexandra.

What?

You specifically asked for me as a teacher. Do you trust me?

Yes, Alexandra said.

Then trust me. You arent going to fall behind. Not unless you do something stupid to yourself. Train with all the intensity you can muster. But not this. If youre willing to throw your body away, you eventually will.

This is the only option I have! Alexandra protested. Formations and patterns are the only way I can progress in the future. If I dont master them

Are you a liar?

Alexandra blinked. What?

Answer the question.

No, Alexandra said. I dont think I am.

Then do what you just said you would and trust me, Noah said simply. You will not fall behind. I swear. The world is bigger than you think it is.

Alexandra turned to meet his gaze and he held it. Several seconds passed before she pulled her eyes away and nodded. I okay. Fine. Im sorry for pushing so hard. I just dont want to become obsolete.

Just trust me. Youll be fine. Noah took his hand off Alexandras shoulder and gave her a nudge. Now stop looking so put out. If we ignore the part where I interfered, you were doing absolutely fantastic. Your understanding of your pattern is incredible and youre using it perfectly.

A small grin pulled across Alexandras lips. Thanks. I had an epiphany after training with Todd. He pointed out that the pattern has to be my whole body, not just my sword. You dont fight with just your sword, after all.

Well, that makes me want to see just how far Todds pattern has come, Noah said with a wry grin. But for now, well stay focused on you. I wouldnt be surprised if you did use your pattern while fighting Gero. I wont order you around but be careful with doing that again. You saw how easily things can go awry.

Alexandra nodded. Understood.

Good. Your next task is going to be working on doing your pattern without magic while people try to interrupt you. Im sure the other students will be more than willing to help, and youll get a chance to get your revenge when it becomes their turn.

Understood. When can I

When Im there and tell you that you can, Noah said firmly. Unless youre literally about to die and have no other choice.

Alexandra sighed. Okay.

If you cant help yourself, then come find me after class and I can help you practice then.

That lightened her expression. She gave him another nod. Okay. Thank you.

No problem, Noah said. He turned to his flying sword and stepped onto it. I think thats all I had specifically planned for today, so lets head back to the others and see how theyre doing.

Hold on, Alexandra said, her tone shifting.

Noah glanced over his shoulder at her. What?

You stopped my magic, Alexandra said, her eyes going wide as she thrust an accusatory finger at Noah. Youre a Rank 4!

Noah snorted. Bit of a delayed reaction, wasnt it?

I was focused! Alexanra exclaimed, her cheeks reddening. But when how? Are you getting fed runes or something?

Or something. Youll see soon enough, Noah said.

If I didnt know better, Id think you were the favorite child of the Linwick family, Alexandra muttered as she walked over to get onto the flying sword.

How do you know Im not?

I didnt think Alexandra knew all that much about my relationship with the Linwicks. Assuming theyre funding me wouldnt be that much of a stretch.

I spoke to a few people when I came to Arbitage, Alexandra reminded Noah. They were pretty clear as to where you stood. Your reputation really sucks, Professor.

Noah sighed.

Right. Forgot about that.