Chapter 792: Engeli and Devils

Chapter 792: Engeli and Devils

Right on time, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said.

The slight, white-haired professor was standing outside the registrar's office holding a bulging satchel.

Morning, professor, Alex said. Did you sleep well?

Well enough, all things considered, she said wearily. Now, then, shall we proceed?

Whenever youre ready, Alex said, frowning. Whats the protocol for giving someone access to the ninth-floor, professor? For the other floors, all you need is a professor to sign off that you can cast that tier of spell, butas far as I knowonly Baelins powerful enough to cast ninth-tier spells, right? So, does that mean hes the only one who can give permission?

It is a little more complicated than that, the professor said. The entire faculty has access to every single floor of the library, as do certain other staff members. However, we cannot give permission for a student to access any floor above seventh. Not on our own.

So, what happens in that case? Alex asked.

We would have to fill out a lot of paperworkand I do mean a lot. Professor Jules grimaced at her satchel. And then take it to be approved by either the chancelloror in the event of his absencethe registrar. If the registrar is absent as well, then every faculty member collectively must sign the permission documents for the matter to move forward, but since Registrar Hobb is here, that will not be necessary. He can approve your applicationthough he might require you to show that you're capable of ninth-tier spells.

I thought that might happen, Alex said. Umhow often is this procedure used?

Very rarely. Extremely rarely, Professor Jules said. Archwizards do not exactly grow on trees, Mr. Roth, and I imagine that you could probably count the number of times a student has become an archwizardbefore their graduationon a single hand, in spite of our long history. You are in a very exclusive club.

Wow, Alex said. I feel honoured

Could you feel honoured inside the registrars office? She raised an eyebrow. I have been up most of the night, and I would dearly love to sit down. Besides, we have about two minutes until our appointment begins, and if you know Registrar Hobb, youll know that he would rather us be slightly earlypreferably exactly on timerather than late, even by a second.

Oh jeez, sorry, let's get in there then.

Professor Jules knocked on the door, and Hobbs familiar voice called, Come iiiin.

Well, that doesnt sound at all sinister, Alex muttered as she opened the door.

Whenever Alex had met with Hobb, it had always been at the front desk near the main entrance of the castle. He had never been in the registrars office before.

It was smallalmost uncomfortably soand bare of decoration. Each piece of furniture was practical, and unadorned. The bookshelf to the right of the entrance was forged of solid iron and filled with leather bound tomes. In front of it were two chairs, and beyond them, stood Hobbss desk piled high with mounds of paperwork.

A large window allowed sunlight to stream into the room, falling on the devils back as he hunched over his desk.

He peered up owlishly, adjusting his monocle. There you are. Almost precisely at nine in the morning. Please have a seat and I will be with you once our appointment officially begins.

Professor Jules and Alex took their seats in front of his desk.

There was silence for a bit, only broken by Hobbs scratching pen and the ticking of a timekeeper. Alex frowned, looking around.

He found no evidence of a timekeeper anywhere.

Alright, then. The registrar put down his pen, looking up at Alex. His eyebrows rose. Your spirit has changed.

The young wizard paused. Wait, what now?

The devil watched him closely. You are still brandedbut its different now. Like baggage has been lifted. My, my. So you did it, then. Congratulations!

Oh, can you sensethe Mark? Alex asked.

Now that I know what to look for, yes, Hobb said smoothly. It's all vague, but I can tell that your soul has changed. It does not take a genius to figure out what that would mean, considering your goals. Well done, young man.

He looked at Professor Jules next. So, Professor Vernia Jules, Department Head of Alchemy, your emergency communication stated that we are to give Mr. Roth access to the highest levels of the library. He paused, then grinned. Or should I say the lowest, considering how our library is oriented.

That's right, the professor said, handing over the paperwork.

And for what tier? Hobb asked.

Ninth.

The young wizard gestured to Hobb.

With a sidelong glancefollowed by a double takethe engeli recoiled from the devil.

Hobb gave the celestial a little wave. Hello.

Ugh, the engeli made a sound. An offensive presence.

I am not too fond of you either, one beneath the wheel of burning eyes. Hobb glanced at the engelis halo.

The celestial looked like he was going to respond, when Alex interrupted.

I think, uh, we can leave it at that, right? the young wizard asked. I mean, that should be enough for the demonstration?

More than enough The devil looked at Alex with interest and a raised pair of eyebrows. He actually looked impressed.

Perfect, Alex said, looking at the engeli. I'll summon you again when it's more pleasant for you.

Thank you, archwizard. The engeli bowed as Alex dismissed him.

When the celestial faded, loud applause reverberated through the room. Registrar Hobb was all smilesone so broad that it almost split his face in two and showed far too many teethwhile he clapped enthusiastically.

Well done! Well done! the registrars voice thundered through the chamber. You are the third studentin all of Generasis historyto become an archwizard before graduation! Magnificent! You should call great armies to you! Raise the curtain of magic and drive the dead from their graves! Tame a dragon and fly upon its back, devastating the world with your

Registar Hobb! Professor Jules cut-in. Will you stop trying to influence the students in worthlessness! The time of necromancer-warlordspettily squabbling over petty fiefsis long gone. Try not to ruin Mr. Roth: the old goat is a bad enough influence as it is!

I am simply trying to A look crossed Hobbs face, one that said more than his words. Oh, never mind. Either way, congratulations, Mr. Roth. Please give me your student card.

Alex fished it out, giving the card to the devil.

In a tongue of devilsa very old tongueHobb waved a hand over it. Letthis one know the full knowledge of our institution. Let its full power be at his beck and call.

The identification card flashed once.

When the light faded, it had turned to sparkling crystal.

Its not too often that Ive had the opportunity to issue one of these, Hobb said, handing the card back.

Let me guess, only the third time ever, right? Alex asked.

Why, yes, Hobb chuckled. Either way, welcome to the ranks of those with grand, cosmic power. You might think that this is the end of your journey, but understand that it will be a beginning. It will be differentprobably much slowerbut Baelin has never stopped his ascension to higher tiers of understanding. Will you?

No way Alex paused, again struck by questions about his future. Sayand you'll have to forgive me, Professor Jules, but I'm curious. What were you trying to teach me earlier, Hobb?

Professor Jules rolled her eyes. You are simply obsessed with the worst influences.

Hobb chuckled. He has made his choice, Professor Jules. He looked at Alex, all humour fading. What I was trying to teach youfrom one powerful being to anotheris pride.

Pride? Alex repeated.

Oh, this sounds wholesome, Professor Jules nodded.

It is not, Hobb said. Which is the point. My young archwizard, how do you feel?

Good? Alex asked.

I mean, compared to how you felt when you first entered the university. Not in an emotional sense, but in a sense of your essence. Of who you are? How do you feel? Who are you?

Alex Roth, the young wizard said. And I feel the same as I always have.

And that, my friend, will get you into trouble with creatures like myself, Hobb smiled. If you do not heed my words carefully, I doubt you will survive your next trial.