Chapter 394: A little risk

Chapter 394: A little risk

Noah returned Alexandra to the group and swapped her out for Todd before flying back up to what was becoming a familiar looking plateau.

Youre pulling us up here to put magic into our patterns, right? Todd asked as soon as they landed.

Yep. I guess the next step was kind of obvious, wasnt it? Noah asked with a laugh. Either way, Im curious to see what youve got considering your unique choice of pattern. Did you manage to figure anything out? I havent seen much of it since the first Imbuement you showed me.

Kind of, Todd said. He took a metal bracelet off his wrist and held it out to Noah. Ive been working on something ever since I had a talk with Alexandra. Its not too far along yet, but I think its got promise.

Noah took the bracelet from Todd and studied it. Thin, nearly invisible lines had been carved throughout it in a borderline unreadable swirl. Noah squinted. There was definitely intention to the lines, but it was hidden so well that he could barely make it out. It took him nearly five minutes just to find a single pattern within it.

Really complex, Noah observed. He turned it over in his hands and shook his head, handing it back to Todd. Well, damn. I cant read this, Todd. Im sorry. Youre beyond me in imbuements.

I thought I might be, Todd said with a laugh. There was a smug note in his tone, but Noah didnt blame him for it. Hed worked hard to get to the level that he had been, and Noah had barely studied imbuements beyond the basics so he could imbue himself. Thats fine. The main threat of a Formation is that you get distracted and the energy breaks free in an unexpected pattern, right?

Yeah. It holds true for putting magic into patterns, since thats functionally creating a Formations earliest steps.

The housing for the magic. Todd nodded.

Noah didnt even bother to hide his surprise. Todd either really knew a lot about Formations or had managed to talk to Emily about what hed covered with her already. Noticing the expression on Noahs face, Todd grinned.

I got a book on Formations and started studying it. I already knew a bit from my dad, so it was mostly just touching up, Todd explained. Its nothing compared to what youve been talking about, but theres still some interesting information in it. Most Formations were pretty targeted at Imbuers since their standard medium is in rune circles.

That makes sense, Noah said. But it leads us to an important question. I cant help you the same way that I can anyone else. Your pattern is something youre working into your Imbuements, not any active abilities. I could be present whenever you activate items youve imbued, but

Yeah. Its a bit pointless. Ive been Imbuing things for longer than you have, so you wont be able to figure out if its going wrong or not and your domain isnt going to be able to do anything against an imbued item. The magic is already in it and I doubt youre at a rank high enough to start overwhelming imbued objects.

Noah started to nod, then froze. His eyes narrowed. Wait. How did you know I had a domain? Did someone go around telling others what Im doing up here? It was meant to be a surprise so you wouldnt overthink what youd be doing.

Nah, it was just kind of easy to guess. Todd shrugged. I mean, why else would you insist that we not put any magic into our patterns unless you were with us? The only logical answer would be that youd already reached Rank 4 and had a way to stop the magic should something go wrong.

Well, damn, Noah said with a huff. Does Isabel know too?

Not yet. Todd flashed him a grin. I thought it would be funnier if she figures it out herself. And, since you didnt tell anybody, I get the feeling you had the same idea. I didnt want to spoil the fun.

Good man. Noah clapped Todd on the shoulder. Ill be honest, I wish I could offer you more with regard to this. Is there anything you think Id be able to help with? Youre in a unique spot from the other students in that Im not really sure how much help I can give you. Your time might honestly be better spent sparring with Moxie or Lee.

What about you? Todd asked.

Its a miracle you survived Revin, Emily informed James.

One of his eyes cracked open. You have no idea.

Isabel shrugged and sheathed her sword. Ill get that match with James later. Its not like hell run away. I think that would be more effort than just fighting.

Very true, James agreed sleepily. The path of least resistance is always the best one.

I cant wait to see what his pattern does when its got magic in it. Will he just put himself to sleep? James is such an enigma. I dont understand how Revins student would end up like this. Theyre basically total opposites.

Well, lets get you handled so you can get back to sparring, Noah said to Isabel. Ill be back for you soon, James.

James murmured something that could have either been an acknowledgement or a curse. It was impossible to tell with him. Isabel shook her head, hiding a smile, and walked over to join him on the flying sword.

It lifted into the air. For the fourth time that day, Noah flew over to and landed at the top of the plateau. The tiny trips were starting to feel a bit ridiculous at this point. It felt like getting into a car to drive one house down the street.

Hows your pattern coming? I heard from Emily that it was pretty impressive, Noah said as he stepped off the sword.

Ive been practicing a lot, Isabel said. She wasnt really one to brag about any of her accomplishments, but Noah could still hear the pride in her voice. Alexandra is better than I am, though.

Weve all got our own unique problems and talents. Noah shrugged. Dont worry about comparing yourself to Alexandra. Dont forget shes also a Rank 3 and has a lot more experience fighting than you do. Besides, Ive seen you give her a pretty good run for her money with that pattern of yours.

A small grin crossed over Isabels lips. Shes been a lot of help. But I want more from it. Were going to be putting magic into the pattern, right?

Yep. Feeling ready for it?

Do you even have to ask?

Figured I would just in case, Noah said with a chuckle. Just a few ground rules. Put the magic in very slowly. Slower than you think you have to. Youll have some resistance while youre letting it flow, but dont overcorrect.

I can do that.

Also, no trying this without me around, Noah said firmly. I know Ive said this before, but patterns are just as dangerous as they are powerful. Im no stranger to how badly you want to grow strong. But you arent going anywhere if you kill or cripple yourself with this.

I understand, Isabel said, giving Noah a firm nod. I learned my lesson back in the Linwick Estate, Professor.

Noah gave her a smile. Good. Then lets do this. Begin your pattern and stay concentrated. I cant completely remove the risk from this. All I do is lower it.

Thats fine, Isabel said, drawing her sword and holding it out before her. Im used to a little risk.