Chapter 365: Spider

Chapter 365: Spider

Ulya felt like her eyes were about to pop out of her head. They ached something furious from constantly looking around, staring at anyone that seemed like they were getting too close for comfort.

Every single shadow felt like it was just inches from jumping out to grab her, and she was pretty sure half of the feast on the table was moving. She could barely remember the last time shed gotten a proper night of sleep even though it had probably only been a day or two ago.

The only person she knew was safe was Vermil. If she trusted his word, then the rest of his group was probably fine as well, but there was no way to know if hed actually tested all of them. The smug bastard barely even looked concerned about the whole situation.

As soon as Godrick had told everyone to eat, hed promptly darted right over to the table, shoved Gero out of the way, and started shoveling food into his mouth.

His students had done much of the same, though at least a few of them had been polite enough to spend a little time greeting Gero. Nobody else from the advanced track made any moves to introduce themselves yet a fact that Ulya was thankful for.

The tension hanging in the room meant nobody was getting too close to her. She couldnt just go around cutting the back of everyones necks to test them. The others would have assumed she was insane at best.

Ulya bit her lower lip, moving to put her back to the wall so she could observe the entire room. Before she could get far, Vermils mentor stepped into her path. Ulya paused as she felt his gaze fix on hers from behind the whorls of his wooden mask.

Whos the big guy? the man asked, nodding over Ulyas shoulder to Godrick.

Thats the second strongest member of the advanced track. His name is Godrick, and hes a Rank 5, Ulya replied, sending a glance toward Godrick. Hed sat back down at the head of the table and was happily eating away, chatting with Verrud, another one of the professors in the program. Why do you ask?

Curiosity, the man said. The hooded man that had accompanied them walked up to join Ulya, glancing around the room and yawning in clear boredom.

I hope youre going to make this more exciting soon.

Exciting? I certainly hope not. Id kill for a nice, peaceful night of rest where Im not worried about a puppet ripping me apart from within.

Well see, Vermils mentor said with a one-shouldered shrug. Id request that you avoid taking steps to remedy that yourself, though.

Me? I would never, the hooded figure said, pressing a hand to his chest and letting out a chuckle. Ulya sent a faint tendril of magic out to feel how strong the man was, but it evaporated the literal instant she tried to manifest it.

Why is Vermils mentor letting his domain seep out like this? Is he trying to piss everyone off?

Sure enough, there were more than a few peeved looks being sent their way. Generally, it was polite to keep your domain under control unless one was in a combat situation. Letting it roll across the room without any attempt to even control it was a blatant challenge to every single member of the advanced track.

Im not sure we were ever properly introduced, Ulya said, pushing down her apprehension. Puppets didnt have domains which meant, even if he was rude, the man was probably safe. You know my name, but I never found out yours. Is there something I can call you by?

It was a moment before Vermils mentor responded. Spider.

Spider? the hooded man asked through an amused snort. Thats cute.

I didnt come up with it.

Id certainly hope not. Id much rather be something more interesting. A butterfly, maybe. Oh! A hummingbird. Ever seen one of those? Fascinating creatures, really. Its unfortunate theyre so rare. Id imagine its because the stupid things hum so much that they probably accidentally set off Formations and blow themselves up.

You mean through some form of sympathetic magic? Ulya considered Spiders words, then nodded slowly. That makes a lot of sense. Thats genius, actually. I wish we had an Inquisitor with us. Their blood magic excels at sympathetic purposes. Ive heard they can take out portions of bloodlines if theyre strong enough.

Do our targets even have blood? Spider asked.

Ulya opened her mouth, then closed it again. Oh. Yeah. Good point. I didnt think that through but there should still be some form of sympathetic magic that could work. I think youre onto something.

Perhaps you should look into that, Spider suggested. Until then, just stay by Jays side. Hes an asshole, but hell probably keep you alive.

That was possibly the least convincing thing that Spider could have said. Ulya caught a flash of a cold grin beneath Jays hood that didnt make her feel even slightly reassured. It looked more like Jay was hoping shed trip and faceplant on the table.

A few cheers rose into the air as Vermil devoured another roast chicken along with the plate that it was on. Ulya stared in disbelief, then risked a glance at Spider. She still couldnt tell what the man was thinking, but she suspected he was one step from blowing steam out of his ears.

Vermil is certainly making an impression. I didnt think hed be this much of a party animal, but I suppose some of the rumors going around campus about him were right. At least he hasnt made any moves toward the other female professors or their students. Maybe Moxie straightened him out?

The commotion died down as footsteps echoed down the stairwell behind them. Everyone other than Vermil, who was occupied dragging another professors plate over to himself with two fingers, turned toward the stairwell.

Metallic clicks accompanied every step, and it wasnt long before two people made their way down the stairs. A large, uncomfortable looking boy took the lead, his hands shoved deep into his pockets and his shoulders hunched.

Behind him strode Silvertide, his leg glistening in the faint light with every step he took. Ulya shot a glance at Spider to see if hed reacted negatively to the new arrivals, but his stance hadnt shifted.

That means hes probably not a clone, right? Who am I kidding if someone took out Silvertide, wed all be doomed. Thank whatever gods are listening. Having Silvertide here changes everything in our favor.

Silvertide! Godrick exclaimed, raising a hand and beaming. We were all thrilled to hear you accepted the invitation to join us. That must be your apprentice with you Tyler, was it?

Silvertide clapped Tyler on the shoulder. The boys back was as stiff as a rod, and his face was ghostly pale. We appreciate the invite. Im looking forward to seeing what you all have to offer.

Ulyas brow furrowed as she watched Silvertide speak. Something about the demeanor of his apprentice was off. Everything shed heard about Silvertide said that he was a great teacher and a kind man.

Sure, there was a chance it had been rumor, but Tyler looked terrified.

Is Peter with you? Godrick asked when Silvertide and Tyler stepped off the stairs and into the room. He was meant to escort you here.

Peter? Silvertide tilted his head to the side. His eyes lit with understanding and he nodded. Ah, Peter. That was the man that came to bring us to the advanced track meeting, was it?

Yes, that was him.

Im afraid not, Silvertide said with a frown. It would have been rather difficult for Peter to make it.

Whys that? Godrick asked. He said hed be open. Did he give you a message? Everyone that wasnt currently out on a trip or otherwise tied up was meant to come to meet the new members today. He should have known that.

He didnt give me a message, Silvertide said, tapping his staff on the ground. There was something brownish on its tip. Ulya squinted closer at it, then paled. It wasnt brown. It was dark green plant matter.

I would have been quite impressed if Peter had said anything at all, Silvertide continued, his gaze cold. After all, Ive found that the dead typically dont speak and the person using magic to puppet his body certainly wasnt Peter. Would someone care to explain to me why your group sent a corpse to my apprentices door?This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.