Return of the Runebound Professor

Chapter 380: Don't eat the potion

Chapter 380: Don't eat the potion

Was there anything else that happened while you and the others were out? Noah asked after giving Lee enough time to fully process their conversation. Or was that the extent of the damage?

Thats it, Lee said. She hesitated for a second, then wrung her hands together. Should we break my runes now? So they cant hurt anyone?

Do you feel like its going to overwhelm you?

I dont think so, but I dont know. I dont know how long whatever Azel did will hold, though.

Then well take a look at it as soon as we get home with a Mind Meld potion, Noah said. If it really looks like everything is going to fall apart, then Ill separate it on the spot and well figure out a different way for you to reach Rank 4.

What if it looks like its going to hold, then breaks later? Lee asked. I could hurt someone.

Possibly, Noah admitted. He wasnt going to deny it on the spot that would have just been plain stupid, not to mention dismissive of Lees feelings. But even Azel wasnt strolling around and randomly killing people. I mean, sure, he was stuck in my head, but he feeds on emotions, not murder. And his emotions were definitely more aggressive than yours, right?

Lee nodded slowly. I yeah. I guess so.

For that matter, did you figure out what your Emotion was? What is this Rank 4 Demon Rune you made?

Lee rubbed the back of her neck, her cheeks reddening as she looked to the side. I dont know.

What? How? Noah asked. You cant make a Rune without knowing what it is. Cant you just read it?

I dont want to. The more I know about it, the stronger itll become.

Im not sure I follow, Noah said. Your Rank 4 Rune should be made up of all the Rank 3s you put together, and you had to put them together with intent. How could you do that without knowing what Rune you were making?

It doesnt work the same way for demons as it does for you, Lee explained, pausing as she searched to find the proper words. Were similar, initially. But the stronger we get, the more that changes. Think about it. You dont have Human Runes, do you? Theyre just Runes.

Yeah, Noah allowed with a thoughtful frown. I suppose thats true. I didnt really think too much about it, but maybe I should have. You dont have domains either, right?

Not the same way humans do. Lee nodded. At Rank 4, our runes and our bodies become much closer. Theyre two parts of the same whole. So, while humans keep their runes exactly as they are and combine them without interference, the Rank 3s that I had were more like fuel for the combination, not the only components.

Your body played a part as well, Noah muttered, finally realizing what Lee was getting at. It was like an 8th rune?

Something like that. It took the other runes and changed them into what fit me but how do you know what that is? How do I know what that is? I dont know what kind of rune fits me, and my body is just going to choose the one that lets me survive. That means its probably some kind of emotion, and obviously not a good one.

I could be talking out of my ass here, but that doesnt seem like the full story, Noah said after thinking for a few seconds. Everything I know about rune combinations tells me that they become what we tell them to be. Runes dont have minds of their own. Are Demon Runes different?

No, I dont think so. But they can affect your mind. Its the same thing.

It isnt, Noah said, shaking his head. You still made that rune, Lee. There is a part of you that desired it to be the way it is. It might not have turned out exactly how you wanted it to, but it should have still become what you wanted.

You mean you think I wanted to become a monster? Lees features crumpled. Like its latent in me, or something?

No! Noah exclaimed. Thats not what I meant at all. I meant youre assuming this rune is so bad, but you dont even know what it is. Understanding something isnt going to make it stronger. If its dangerous, then well find a way to control it. If its truly just evil and a threat, then well destroy it. But dont treat a part of yourself as reprehensible, or whatever it is youre picturing. Youre you. I didnt care that you were a demon before, and I dont particularly care now. We just have to make sure you can make it to the point where you can control yourself like Azel, right?

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Lees brow furrowed in thought. A second later, her eyes went wide. Noah would have laughed if Lee hadnt looked so stressed. It didnt look like shed registered the fact that Azel, despite being a Rank 5, was fully in control of himself.

Sure, hed been an asshole, but hed also chosen to sacrifice himself for Lee. If hed really been completely consumed by his Runes to the point where he was just a slave to his desires, it shouldnt have been possible for him to make any decisions like that.

Youre right, Lee muttered. Maybe I just need to reach Rank 5.

Whatever it may be, Noah said with a shrug. Well figure it out. Worst case, you stay at Rank 3 while we gather runes and fill them up so you can jump all the way up to Rank 5 in a single session.

Lee nodded, some of her usual energy entering her posture as a small smile pulled across her lips. Yeah. We can do that. But if for some reason my Rune gets away from me and I do try to hurt someone, will you make sure I cant?

You dont even have to ask, but I dont think itll come to that, Noah said. He nodded to the lift in the center of the tower, which had returned shortly after Moxie and the others had left. Shall we? If youre concerned about that rune, we should go get a Mind Meld potion and check it out as soon as possible.

Yeah, Lee said, stepping onto the lift. Noah followed after her. It rattled away, lowering them down to the bottom floor, and they started across the grass in the direction of the market so they could buy a potion.

By the way, Noah said. I was told Brayden showed up. Did he leave already or something?

No. He got sent back for a longer amount of time. Itll be a few more hours before he gets back. I think he was expecting a really difficult fight. He kind of showed up after everything was done, though. He didnt do anything.

Well, I suppose its the thought that counts, Noah said. What about Tim? Hes always in the tower. Moxie said he was the one that ran into Tim, but do you have any idea where he went? Can you smell him out or something?

I probably could, Lee said. His scent was really strong back in the tower, but aside from the concern he left behind when the Inquisitor first pushed past him, I cant smell anything else. I think hes fine.

Huh, Noah said, chewing the insides of his cheeks. Tim had done his absolute best to save everyones lives. Hed been saying that hed find a way to replace the elderly mans runes for far too long.

Lee seems confident hes fine, so Im going to find Tim tomorrow and just straight up tell him that Im fixing his runes. Forget hiding my abilities the old guy is in our corner and Im not leaving him hanging any longer.

***

Noah and Lee got back to Moxies room about an hour later. Theyd initially just planned to stop at the markets on the way back to get a Mind Meld potion, but the literal instant Lee spotted the first food vendor, Noah realized they werent going to be leaving without spending at least a gold or two on snacks. At least, hed only planned to spend a few gold.

All things considered, any amount of gold was a small price to pay to get Lees mind off what had happened. She mowed through twelve pies, a dozen hot dogs, some dead rats, and a not-so-dead squirrel that hadnt been fast enough to avoid her watchful gaze and that was just on the way over to the alchemist.

Noahs pockets were lightened of more coins as Lee ate her way through all the vendors on the way back over to the T building. He still had no idea where she put all the weight, but he wasnt about to ask.

The food seemed to bring Lee at least a little distraction, and he didnt want to bring her thoughts to anything possibly related to being a demon. They got back to the room and Lee opened the door for Noah, whose arms were full of meat pies that hed picked up for Moxie whilst following the wake of Lees tour de force.

A tiny flicker of concern passed through Noah as the door opened and he didnt immediately see anyone, but a relieved sigh replaced the worry as he finally spotted Moxie at her desk, balancing on the back two legs of her chair.

She hurried to stand as Noah and Lee entered the room, nearly knocking her chair down. A vine shot out, grabbing the chair at the last second and straightening it before sliding it back over to the desk.

How are you doing, Lee? Moxie asked.

Noahs gonna look at my Rune, Lee replied, sitting down at the base of the bed. But Im alive, and I think I should be fine.

Moxie nodded, looking over to Noah. Her eyes caught on the pies in his arms. Are those

For you, yes, Noah said. Its probably a stupid question considering youre just sitting here, but I have to ask the kids made it back okay?

Yeah. Theyre both fine. Emily is a bit shaken up, but Alexandra was talking formations with her on the way back. That girl has been through a lot, Moxie said with a sigh. She shouldnt be so used to near-death situations.

Arent you only a little older than her? Lee asked.

Oh, I already get that from Emily. I dont need it from you, Moxie said with a mock glare. Just because I had to live through shit doesnt mean I want others to, you know?

Noah laid the pies out on the table and handed the Mind Meld potion to Lee. She raised it to her mouth and Noah grabbed her wrist. Make sure to only drink half. No eating the glass.

Oh. Right, Lee said, working the first wax seal off.

Moxie walked up beside Noah and tapped him on the shoulder, a pie in her other hand. He glanced over to her just as she leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

It was my turn to apologize for almost dying, Moxie pulled back and gave him a small grin. Thanks for the pies as well. And dont worry, Lee. Well figure something out with your runes.

I know, Lee said, tipping the potion back and swallowing half of the shimmering liquid. She handed the bottle to Noah, who removed the second seal and sat down beside her.

Keep watch to make sure no stupid shit happens? Noah asked.

What else would I do? Moxie replied, rolling her eyes. Besides, Ive got a bunch of pies to keep me occupied. Ill be here. Good luck.

Thanks, Noah said, tipping the potion back. But we wont need it. Lees determination is going to be more than enough.

A familiar buzz enveloped his mind, and then the world was gone in a swirl of color.