Return of the Runebound Professor Chapter 863: Ill Omens

“Can you believe this?” Renewal whispered in awe, bending so far over in her Cumulo that she nearly tumbled out of the enchanted cloud-chair and smashed face-first into the floor. Yet that risk paled compared to the dazzling visions playing out in the air in front of her.

“There’s literally nothing else in this room besides you,” Decras drawled back. Shadowy strands of substance coiled up from under his feet, shaping into a seat as he lounged back with arms folded behind his head. Renewal didn’t need to glance at the other deity to sense his focus on the display matched hers perfectly.

“So?” Renewal demanded, her impatience clear. “I wish we had a fast-forward button. I’m dying to see the tournament. Does Noah have any clue how near they all are?”

“It makes no difference,” Decras responded. Real irritation laced his tone. “That pesky prophecy demon is meddling far too much. Without her interference, Lee could have gathered everyone and reunited them long before stepping foot in the city.”

Renewal snorted in dismissal. She folded her arms across her chest. “No chance. The demon’s a bratty sort, but she’s thinking straight this time. Her actions have purpose. I bet she’s predicted major problems if they unite too soon.”

“Someone could detect Arbalest’s lingering traces on them,” Decras pondered aloud. Silence fell for a beat. Then he grumbled. “But who’d be hunting for that now? Months have passed. Those chasing such signs won’t be strolling through Aqua Terra. They’ll be in the wilds.”

“Remember, this is Noah we’re discussing,” Renewal said, shaking her head with a chuckle. “That infuriating mortal jams every finger and toe into danger. He can’t escape any mess without making at least a few foes. You’ve caught what’s going on, haven’t you?”

“He’s not at fault this round,” Decras shot back. “Blame Yoru. There wouldn’t be half the buzz about him without her stirring things up… and ironically, the gossip is just the tip. If your favorite Prophet learned Noah visited the Beyond and fled it—”

“She might just end herself,” Renewal grumbled. She pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled deeply. “I pray that detail stays buried. But you’re spot on there. Folks fretting over Yoru’s rumors grasp only a fraction. They’re scared for the wrong causes.”

“That’s typical. Mortals hunt dangers in the wrong spots. They dread the heart’s murmurs more than the eyes’ assurances.” Decras let out a soft breath and stood, palm outstretched. Onyx essence trickled from his hands, morphing into a golden-edged glaive. He struck the weapon’s base against the floor. “We gods aren’t much better, Renewal. Watching has its limits. We need to keep sharpening ourselves. Noah isn’t alone in facing looming perils.”

“Only you’re on your feet,” Renewal retorted. “We were merely warming up. That’s our routine. You’re not suggesting we skip the tournament, are you? We’ve waited ages for it! Since Noah clawed free from the Beyond and slipped the Citadel—facts we’ve no cause to doubt—he merits a captivated crowd.”

Decras stepped before Renewal, raising a brow while blocking her view.

“He has no idea you’re spying, pervert.”

“It changes nothing,” Renewal barked. “Great feats demand observers. They’d lack purpose without them. Move aside. And stop calling me a pervert! You were right beside me moments ago.”

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“Addict?”

“I am not.”

“Then what’s this? Get your ass in gear, Goddess. We’re still too feeble. Or invite Judgement to watch with us next time she shows up?”

Renewal’s gaze sharpened. Then she flung her hands skyward. “Damn it. Alright, you win. Let’s pummel each other senseless. But we return for the tournament, got it? I won’t miss a second.”

“Why such obsession?” Decras wondered, cocking his head. “It’s not our first tournament view. Noah’s presence doesn’t guarantee thrills.”

“That’s a dumb question,” Renewal replied. She fixed Decras with a deadpan stare. “What do you figure will unfold in the tournament?”

“A few fights happen, Noah holds back on Sunder to avoid pulling extra eyes his way, and the group gets back together,” Decras answered. “Likely in that sequence. Yoru’s got everything handled.”

“Indeed,” Renewal agreed. “That section is pretty much guaranteed. But it’s not the focus of my curiosity. Except for the reunion part—I definitely want to witness that. You’re skipping right over something way more thrilling.”

“What’s that?” Decras inquired. “Don’t say you’ve developed a weird obsession with one more of them.”

Renewal parted her lips. Then she snapped them shut as her gaze narrowed further. “Stop acting like you don’t totally love that little knowledge demon. You’re not as chill as you think, Decras. Remember, I’ve been hanging out here with you the entire time. Or should I start listing—”

“No need, no need. That’s all good.” Decras cleared his throat into his hand. “Let’s skip the irrelevant bits. Just tell me. What’s got you hooked? Watching Yoru’s schemes fall into place?”

“Nope,” Renewal responded. “Noah.”

“How original.”

“Close your trap and let me talk for longer than a couple seconds,” Renewal snapped, releasing a faint pulse of her domain that made Decras stagger back half a step. “Forgot Noah’s current rank?”

Decras halted. His head cocked slightly. “5?”

“Recall what occurred when he last reached Rank 6?”

Understanding dawned across Decras’ face. “He almost kicked off the ascension.”

“Exactly,” Renewal said, flashing a sly smile. “And that came from a sloppy, rushed rune. He’s ditched that one. Now, how many Rank 5 runes does he possess?”

“Five,” Decras replied, glancing over his shoulder at the monitor. “Just two more till his set’s complete and he hits Rank 6.”

“And?” Renewal prompted, raising her brow. She knew it was pointless—Decras had caught on. But a little smugness never harmed. In fact, it was basically godhood 101.

“With how massive this tournament is… no Rank 5 will cause enough waves to get spotted,” Decras murmured. “Noah’s no fool. He’ll see he needs a larger splash than his current power allows. He must ensure his name echoes through all of Obsidia so none of his students overlook him.”

“Once that hits him, he’ll ascend,” Renewal declared, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “It’ll be easy for him this round. Reuniting with Moxie and Grim gives him the means to rise right after their embrace.”

This time, Decras stayed silent. He peered back at the screen over his shoulder. Then he turned to Renewal, gulping. “Remember how near he got before?”

“Oh, yes.” Renewal’s smile widened across her face. “This one will pack more punch. Way more. He’ll start crafting a Divine Rune any moment now. I’ll be front row for it. That’s our spark of inspiration. A Rank 6 forging a Divine Rune… ever heard the like?”

“Never,” Decras denied, shaking his head. “It’s not supposed to happen. Yet that fool’s soul is a chaotic blend of alien powers, shattered beyond fixing. It could work. You’re spot on. We must monitor the tournament. Observing such a rune’s birth from inside Noah’s soul? The gains would be massive.”

“We’ll thank him post-ascension for the spectacle,” Renewal concurred. “He won’t object.”

“Right. And—hold on.” Decras stopped short. Then he burst into laughter. “There it is. I’ve got it.”

“Got what?” Renewal questioned, her eyes widening.

“Yoru’s scheme. She’s delaying Noah’s full student reunion on purpose,” Decras explained, swiveling toward the screen. “She knows Rank 5 won’t cut it. Yoru’s rushing him toward godhood as quick as possible.”

“Smart little devil,” Renewal remarked. She paused briefly before adding, “Though I tend to side with you, doesn’t that spark yet another puzzle?”

“It sure does,” Decras replied darkly. “What foresight did Yoru glimpse that demands Noah craft a Divine Rune this soon?”