Chapter 397: Consuming knowledge

Chapter 397: Consuming knowledge

Isabel and Lee had just finished a sparring match when Noah and James returned from the plateau. James stepped off the flying sword and went to sit down beside the other students.

Thats everyone, Noah said as he picked the flying sword up and returned it to his side. How did things go down here?

Well, Moxie replied. Aside from nearly popping my arms out of their sockets while we were stretching. Lee is still a little overzealous about a few things, but shes getting better.

Its not my fault that your body is so stiff, Lee said defensively. You should have considered having joints that actually move the way theyre supposed to.

Joints dont move in every direction, Lee, Moxie said as she rubbed at her shoulder. Weve gone over this. Theyve got specific directions that theyre meant to go in.

You should fix that, Lee suggested. It sounds sub-optimal.

Noah shook his head and hid a laugh. If he looked too amused, Lee might take offense and try to apply some of her stretching to him when he wasnt expecting it. He might have been able to come back from death, but that wasnt going to do anything if she ripped an arm off by accident.

It looks like this is a decent spot to stop for a bit, then, Noah said. Everyone is now up to date on patterns and has successfully put their magic into them.

Moxies cheeks reddened slightly. Shed yet to actually put any magic into her own pattern yet. Noah made a mental note to make sure they had a private session where she could practice that before continuing.

You all did a great job. Everyone is advancing really fast possibly faster than I had thought you would. Weve only been working on this for a little while, but the results are already starting to show.

Can we get to the part where you tell us who the best one was? Todd asked with a grin. Were all dying over here.

A little patience wouldnt kill you, Todd. That got him a sharp look from Moxie. He coughed into his fist and pointedly ignored it. Hypocrisy was great when he was the one doing it. Anyway, I was getting there. Youve all got a lot to be proud of, and Ill be honest, it was pretty difficult to determine exactly who had come the farthest from where they were last time.

If it were purely just who had the strongest magic-infused pattern, I think Alexandra or James would win. Probably James. Hes got his pattern mastered perfectly and his magic already flows through it really well. Im curious to see what hell do once he gets to actual Formations.

But if I account for how far people have come rather than just their current strength

Third place, Emily, Noah said. Emilys eyes widened slightly as Noah continued. Youve made huge improvements from last time. Theres still a lot you can work on, but in terms of percent growth, youve come really far.

Emilys cheeks reddened and she just nodded, not saying anything else.

Second place, Alexandra, Noah said. You had one of the strongest patterns and a great understanding of how to use it. You need to work a bit on your concentration, though. But, given the amount of effort and time youve put into things, youre coming along great.

Alexandra inclined her head in appreciation. That just left Todd, James, and Isabel as the remaining students. James was probably the strongest of the three in terms of his actual ability, but Noah was pretty sure hed been restraining himself before. He hadnt actually grown that much if hed already mastered everything from the start. And, possibly most importantly, Noah could tell James didnt actually want to win. Even if his laziness did have a few small ulterior motives, he also really did just like sitting around and doing nothing. And, if that was what he wanted, there was no reason to stop him.

Todd well, Noah hadnt seen all that much of his pattern at all. It was hard for him to give it a real grade until they sparred. He definitely understood the basics of what he was doing and seemed confident, but it did put Noah in an awkward spot.

I dont want to exclude Todd, but I genuinely just dont know how to grade him yet. Maybe I should have had that sparring match before we did this. Whoops.

Todd caught Noahs eye, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips as he gave his head a small shake that told Noah not to worry about it. He took a tiny step back to make sure Noah understood. Noah gave him a small nod of appreciation. Avoiding the situation entirely was the best-case scenario.

In first place Isabel. Youve been improving at an incredible rate and your understanding of your pattern is very solid. I can honestly say that all of you are neck-and-neck, so this was quite difficult to decide.

James looked relieved at the results. Hed probably have been peeved if hed actually won.

Not really, Lee said with a shake of her head. But dont a bunch of noble families all have things they donate to the neutral grounds to keep them neutral or whatever? Like the Linwicks gave the Hellreaver.

Yeah, Moxie said. I was thinking the same thing.

No record of what the Torrins gave? Noah guessed.

Yep. Guessed it in one shot. Moxie sighed. Hence the research Ive been doing. They had to have given something to the school. It would have had to be pretty important as well. I just dont know what it would be.

I can try to help you look later, Noah offered.

Moxie sent him a surprised look. Seriously?

What? You dont have to look so surprised. I know how to read.

Yeah, Ive just barely ever seen you voluntarily choose to go to the library when there was literally any alternative available, Moxie said with a laugh. I wont turn down help, though.

I can come too. Lee offered. She paused for a second, then frowned. Wait. Can you eat in a library? I think I saw a sign on the door saying I couldnt.

No, Noah said. They dont want you getting the books dirty.

Oh, thats fine. I wont. Im very clean when I eat.

A thought struck Noah and his eyes narrowed. You cant eat the books either.

What? Lee exclaimed, her eyes going wide. Thats stupid. Theyre all just sitting around on shelves like pastries.

What part of a book even vaguely resembles a pastry? Moxie asked through a laugh. I dont think they could possibly be more different.

Theyre flaky.

Lee probably has more experience than you do with eating books, Noah said. Im inclined to believe her.

Thank you, Lee said.

That doesnt mean you can eat the books, though.

Aw. Are you sure?

Ill find some other books for you to eat later. Just settle for actual pastries or something in the meantime.

Oh, yeah. Thats a good idea. Lee grinned and nodded; the topic completely forgotten. Noah snuck a glance back at the book under Moxies arm. A small frown crossed his lips. If there was an artifact sitting around Arbitage that was strong enough for Wizen to put this much effort into getting it didnt take a genius to tell that it was bad news.

But what does it have to do with any of what hes done so far? Why all the clones and extra shit? Stealing something feels more like an espionage angle, not this.

What is Wizen playing at?