Chapter 364: Heartbeat

Chapter 364: Heartbeat

The rest of class passed quickly, and the time for them to wrap things up soon came. Noah was pretty happy with how things had gone. Even with the wrench that Jalens appearance had thrown into his plans, it didnt seem like anything had gone awry.

Jalen seemed generally interested in his students and didnt look like hed be messing with any of them, and he didnt even appear to suspect too much about his teaching methods or contents.

Its definitely a good thing I toned things down. If I started going on about giving a Master Rune away or any of the slightly more detailed things I had planned, he might have picked something up.

But, as things are now, it looks like hes pretty much just watching whats happening and isnt all that more interested than he would be in anything else.

Noah gathered everyone up when there were just a few minutes left before the transport cannon was due to kick back on and draw them back to Arbitage.

Are you finally going to tell us the announcement? Todd asked. Because Ive barely been able to concentrate. You cant just dangle something like that over a mans head. Its not right.

Your complaints have been duly noted and ignored, Noah said without missing a beat. But yes, its time for the announcement. Its about the advanced track.

Did our acceptances get rescinded? Alexandra asked. That wouldnt surprise me in the slightest.

What? No.

Did they decide to give us a bunch of Runes because of how cool we are? Todd asked.

Also no.

Theyre throwing us a pizza party? Moxie asked.

No! Why Noah cut himself off and spun to look at Moxie, who wasnt even bothering to hide the grin on her face. Dont join them! You already know the bloody announcement!

Well, get on with it then.

Noah rolled his eyes. I was getting there, if youd stop throwing guesses out and give me a second to speak. Weve all been invited to meet the rest of the advanced track tonight. Something like a welcoming party.

So they are throwing us a pizza party! Isabel pointed out.

Its not a pizza oh, whatever, Noah grumbled, throwing his hands up in defeat. Either way, its exiting. You should all look forward to it. But, at the same time, dont forget where it is well be or who is there with us.

Youre saying you think itll be another test of some sort? Alexandra asked, her brow furrowing.

I dont know if itll expressly be a test, but you can assume that theyll be paying very close attention to all of us. Were all going to need to put on the appropriate behavior and ensure we make the right impression.

Isnt the saying putting on our best behavior? Isabel asked, tilting her head to the side.

Noah grinned. Yes.

Yes, Ulya said curtly. Vermil turned and pulled his hair back so Ulya could make a small incision at the back of his neck. She let out a small breath and stepped back. Youre absolutely sure theyre safe?

Yes. Theyre fine. Have you even met anyone since we last spoke? Or have you been hiding away?

Does it matter?

I suppose it doesnt, but you should be careful. You might end up getting yourself killed if youre so tired that you cant react properly.

Your concern is appreciated, Ulya said, not sounding like she appreciated it in the slightest. She sheathed her dagger and jerked her chin over her shoulder. Lets go.

They all followed her out of the building and along Arbitages streets.

As they walked, Ulya fell in closer to Vermil and sent a glance over her shoulder at the hooded figures taking up the back of the party. I recognize your teacher. Whos the other one?

His friend, Vermil replied.

Ulyas eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. Equally as powerful?

Yes, but hes not going to be doing anything to help. My teacher might not as well, but the other one is purely here just to observe.

Hes trustworthy?

I dare you to tell him he cant come. Hes a Rank 6, and a strong one.

Ulya grimaced, then inclined her head. I was prepared for as much. Ill handle things, then. Stick close to me once were there. I havent been able to check anyone other than you lot and Gero, and I wont have seen Gero in the time it took me to come get you.

Vermil just inclined his head, and the rest of the trip went quietly. After about thirty minutes of walking, theyd left the main grounds of the school behind and made their way deep into the city. Ulya brought them several alleyways, then up to an inconspicuous door in a plain stone wall.

She pulled it open, revealing a well-lit stairwell leading underground, then started down without a second of hesitation. Everyone piled in behind her, the masked figures keeping their spots at the rear of the party and closing the door behind them after they entered.

It only took a few more minutes to reach the bottom of the stairs, but the sound of muted chatter and clinking silverware heralded their trip down. About a dozen people sat in a large, circular room along a table that split the room nearly in half.

The majority of the chairs at the table were empty, and everyone sitting at it sat in very clear groups. Even within the advanced track, it was pretty evident that not everyone was on the exact same page.

As soon as people spotted the group enter, much of the conversation fell silent. Everyone turned toward them and a tall man sitting at the end of the table rose. He had a neatly trimmed grey beard and toned muscles covered by red velvet clothes emblazed with a golden heron.

The man spread his hands out, a smile crossing over his lips in greeting. Ah. Ulya has returned with the newly accepted members of our program. Welcome, all. Please, sit. Get some food and enjoy. Well get to business shortly, but theres no need to cloud our enjoyment of the night too early.

He seemed perfectly friendly, and the wide grin on his lips was earnest. Even though he was dressed in gaudy, expensive clothes, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes showed that he was often locked in a perpetual smile.

There was just one slight problem.

The man didnt have a heartbeat.