Chapter 647: The Secrets of the Stars

Chapter 647: The Secrets of the Stars

Alex rarely had drinks with his professors. As a matter of fact, he could probably count the number of times hed done so on half the fingers on a single hand. Raising a few glassesor more than a few, was normally reserved for enjoying time with his friends, especially his cabalmates. But today, here he was throwing back drinks with Professor Jules.

He remembered the very first time hed seen her. It was the day he, Selina, Theresa and Brutus had arrived on campus; theyd watched her soar overhead on her flying disk on the way to an explosion in the Cells. Little did he know that one day, hed be sitting in the office of that same professor sharing dwarven whisky and conversation with her. In a way, he couldnt believe it. But, there were lots of things that had happened in the last little while that hed found hard to believe. Hed heard that some of the older members of the research expedition went out for drinks with their professorsespecially after a big project, or a particularly challenging semesterand hed even heard that some of those profs could really hold their liquor.

Alex used to think that one day, hed be sitting down for a drink with certain professors; like Baelin, ValRok, Mangal or even Professor Hak.

But, even though hed had tea with Professor Jules, drinking strong liquor with her had never crossed his mind.

Yet, there she was, sitting in front of him, hunched over a very large tumbler of dwarven fire spirits, tossing it back like water. He had to admit, he was impressed; the liquor burned his tongue and went down his throat like liquid fire; it was all he could do to stifle a fit of coughing that was fighting to get out.

Professor Jules, however, didnt flinch as she drained her glass, quickly pouring herself another one. I dont think Ive drunk like this since I was a studentor maybe since Toraka and I got together for her birthday. Goodness, what a disgrace Ive become, letting one of my mentees see me like this.

The alchemist looked older.

And tired.

So very tired.

So. She put the bottle down on the floor beside her. How did you find out that there were other worlds among the stars?

Alex glanced at her. Would you believe that it was acombination of a tavern, and a half-goddess ghost?Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

At this point? Yes. But, do go on.

And so Alex told her about his last trip to the hells, the slaying of Ezaliel, Kaz-Mowang, Yantrahpretaye, Zonon-In and the fall of Cretalikon. He spoke of the strange wonders in the Whetstone tavern, the heroism of his mercenariesEzerak, Guntile, Ripp, Celsus and Kyembe the Spirit Killerand lastly, he told the tale of the Traveller and her journey across the universe.

And now Hannahs becoming a goddess, Alex finished. It was a lot to wrap my head around, so I brought it up to Baelin. Thats when he admitted that there was a whole universe out there, but he asked me not to tell anyone except those closest to me.

Of course, Professor Jules chuckled. Mr. Roth, I hope you understand how deeply Baelins fondness for you goes; Ive seen others discover secrets that the old goat hoards to himself, and he reacted much less kindly to them than he did to you.

Alex swallowed. What do you mean?

You do not want to know. She took another drink.

Fair, he agreed. Alex had seen enough nightmare-horrors in the last twenty- four hours. He didnt need anymore in his head. How about you? How did you find out that there were other worlds?

Professor Jules shook her head. My story is not nearly as grand: it all happened on a sunny afternoon about oh She paused for a moment. ...must have been fifty years ago now. By the gods, I am old.

The alchemist took another drink. I had obtained some material from a fallen meteorite: a hunk of starmetal. Very powerful stuff; some of the greatest weapons that have ever been forged by alchemy or divinity have been made of starmetals of one kind or another. Its both expensive and rare, so I was eager to examine it.

Really? Alex raised an eyebrow. But he communicates with his cabal all the time, I would think.

Im not sure how often he does, Professor Jules said. But I do know that the magic required to communicate across the stars is far beyond the capabilities of almost every living wizard. Baelin can manage it, of course, and maybe a few other archwizards in the world, but no one else in Generasi has the sheer power or skill required to manage such a feat.

Well, youd think, hed have some magic item that could do it, Alex suggested.

He does. Professor Jules gave him a look. And yet we dont have access to it; why do you think that is?

Alex made a face. Because he doesnt want others examining how it works and potentially figuring out that there are other worlds among the sea of stars.

Exactly! Professor Jules said, her face flushing. Andwhen I asked for such a device to communicate with himdo you know what he told me?

What?

She took another long drink. He told me, and I quote: you are very intelligent, Vernia, and so I do not doubt that you would be able to figure out how such an item is crafted in short order. With the right alchemical techniques and perhaps a summoned entity, you might even be able forge a similar device yourself. That would give you the ability to contact the stars before you had the power to stand against anything that you might accidentally alert. A Proper Wizard has the power to face foes that they might draw to themselves. And you are not ready for the foes that you might draw to our world.

Jules let out a bitter laugh. The condescending old bastard was right, unfortunately! I am terrible in a fight, and I couldnt take responsibility for any monsters I drew to us.

She sighed wearily. And that is how it is with him, Mr. Roth: because we are not ready to face the stars, we cannot contact the mighty chancellor.

But what if something attacks the school, like Ezaliel did? Alex asked. Shouldnt we be able to call him back?

The school is protected, she assured him. You have no idea the things that Baelin left behind to make sure the school survives. Registrar Hobb is one of them; I tell you, Im convinced hes a retired archdevil or something similar. But for expeditions? Were on our own. Baelin wouldnt want us to get soft, now would he?

No he would not, Alex said. I bet you thatin his own wayhe would be proud of what Carey did. She made a tactical decision that saved our lives and destroyed the enemy. When she was cornered, she eliminated her foes. I bet you he might even say she died in glory.

Professor Jules yawned, leaning back in her chair and putting the empty tumbler on the ground. You are right, Mr.Roth, which might mean that his absence is a blessing in disguise: Im likely the better choice to inform Miss Londons parents of her death rather than Baelin.

Im sorry that burden has to fall on you. Alex drained his glass.

She yawned again, her voice growing weaker, though her words never slurred. It is my job, Mr. Roth. I will do it because I have to.

Well. Alex leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. We have Uldars notebook, and thatll be a good way to avenge her at least. When do you want to start working on i

Professor Jules breathing had grown quiet and rhythmic.

He looked back at her; the weary alchemist was asleep in her chair, slumped to the side and breathing quietly.

Alex gave her a gentle smile as he slowly and quietly made his way to the door. Rest well, professor. Youve earned itand we have a lot ahead of us.

Silently, he left the room, shutting the door behind him.