Chapter 387: Fixed up

Chapter 387: Fixed up

Noah headed out of Moxies room early in the morning, adjusting his jacket and combing his hair out of the way as he headed down the hall. His grimoire was slung over a shoulder, and the large book thumped against his back with every step.

Hed been slightly waylaid after hed woken up, but he was determined to find Tim and repair his runes before the day was over. The only question was if Tim would be back in the tower by the time he got there and if he was how Noah would be able to justify what he could do.

I wish there was a way I could do this without revealing the existence of Sunder. Actually what happens if I knock him out while were in his soul space? Or, what if I knock him out before the Mind Melds potions take effect?

That kind of feels like assault with extra steps, though. Damn. Maybe Tim will give me permission to bludgeon him with a heavy object. That would make it fine.

Noah arrived at the base of the Transport Cannon a short while later. There was a small line built up at it, which was a good sign as to Tims whereabouts. After a few minutes of waiting in line, he found himself standing on the lift as it rattled up to the top floor.

Tim sat at his desk, stroking his beard and reading a book as Noah arrived. He glanced up, the skin around his eyes crinkling as he smiled. Vermil! What brings you here? I dont see your students.

Im here to see you, actually, Noah said. I heard about what happened yesterday.

Tims smile faded and he nodded. Yes. It could have been a horrible thing. I was relieved to hear that they were all safe, but I heard that speaking about it was a bad idea. The person responsible may have had some dangerous ties.

Yeah. Dont worry, thats not why Im here, Noah said. Not specifically, at least.

Oh? Headed somewhere, then?

Not that either, Noah said. He glanced through the window. The majority of the line had already gone through the transport cannon, but there were still a few more people waiting. Do you think youve got a little while? About half an hour or so?

I suppose so, Tim said. Let me just handle the rest of the crowd and then Ill shut down for a little while.

Thanks, Noah said, moving to stand in the corner of the room. The lift rattled back down, and Noah waited as Tim spent the next few minutes sending everyone off to a variety of different areas.

Once hed finished and the line had dried up, Tim pulled a lever at the corner of his panel and pressed his hand against the desk. A small wave of energy ran throughout it, racing through imbuements. The lift rattled up, locking in place at the top floor.

All closed up for the time being, Tim said, sitting back down. Im not sure how much Ill be able to help, but Id be glad to hear what I can do for you.

Its more the other way around, Noah said. Some time ago, you told me about how you ended up here.

Did I? Tim asked, rubbing the back of his neck. My memory isnt what it used to be, but I suppose I must have. What does that have to do with anything?

Well, you mentioned that you landed this job because your Runes werent good enough to let you advance, right?

Tim grunted. Yeah, but I havent been beat up about that for years. You learn to deal with your lot in life as you get older.

Noah reached into his bag and pulled out a Mind Meld potion, setting it on the counter. Tim tilted his head to the side, studying the vial with a confused look. Is this alcohol? Its quite shimmery.

Now I feel like Ive done something wrong. Tim laughed. Just tell me, would you? What is this about?

Your runes.

A flicker of shame passed over Tims features as he looked out at the poorly constructed runes circling them. Ah, yes. Theyre not much too look at, are they?

No, Noah admitted honestly. But thats why Im here. I can help you fix them.

Tim coughed into a fist, hiding a smile. Thats very kind of you, Vermil. Ive had the offer before, but I appreciate it every time. Unfortunately, I cant accept. No matter how much I would be thrilled to repair some of the damage my younger self did to me, its impossible. At my age, the soul damage would tear me apart.

I can circumvent that, Noah said. I have a way to handle the soul damage, and I have Runes as well. Not an infinite supply, but I have a lot of the basic ones. Even though youll probably get sent back to Rank 1, I can give you another chance at this.

Tim lowered his hand, narrowing his eyes in confusion. Im sorry? Youve found a potion thatll heal soul damage?

Err something like that, Noah said. And a way to remove the runes from your soul without being too invasive. Its safe, so long as you actually want me to do it.

This isnt a joke, is it? Tim asked.

Not at all. Im completely serious. Just say the word. I dont know if Ill be able to handle everything at once, but I can do a lot of it.

Just like that? Tim stared at Noah, letting his hands drop by his sides. How?

I think we should probably focus more on if you want it or not, Noah said. The exact details are well, Id prefer to keep them as close to chest as possible. It wont be relevant to its effectiveness, though. Id be willing to show you with a single rune if youd feel safer that way.

I no, I dont doubt you, Tim said hurriedly and shaking his head. I just well, its hard to believe. Youre claiming the impossible, Professor Vermil. Nobody can remove runes without soul damage. If youve gotten a potion that lets you do that, is it really wise to waste it on me? It would be worth millions. Maybe more. You could retire for the rest of your life and never worry about another thing.

Sounds boring, Noah said. If I was going to sell it, I would have. Its up to you. Dont feel pressured if you arent comfortable with it, but the offer is there.

Tim swallowed. Show me.

What kind of Rune did you want? Noah asked. I may not have it, so Id have to go get my hands on it.

Er an Earth Rune, perhaps? Tim asked hesitantly, still sounding like he couldnt tell if Noah was playing with him or not.

Ah. That, I can do, Noah said. This had been a long time coming, and he was eager to get started. Ah could you turn around? The less you see, the better.

Tim turned to face away from Noah. Is this fine?

Perfect. Just stay there for a minute. He cracked his knuckles. Lets get you fixed up, shall we?