Chapter 213: The Beginning Of Freedom
Noah stood before Professor Cecilia’s office door, raised his hand and knocked.
"Come in," came her voice.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Cecilia sat behind her desk, a cup of tea steaming gently beside the stack of papers she was reviewing.
He frowned at the sight, wondering if it was just a gimmick or if she was actually busy.
After all, every time he came here, she was always busy with documents.
She looked up, her golden eyes softening when she saw him.
"Noah. Good timing. Please, have a seat."
He nodded, taking the chair across from her.
She folded her hands neatly atop her desk. "I sent for you because I wanted to discuss your plans for the holidays."
Noah tilted his head slightly. "Plans?"
"Yes." She leaned back in her chair, the light from the window outlining her face.
"Most of your classmates will be spending their holiday in the capital or at home with their families."
"Your fellow heroes have their own arrangements. Some will be hosted by nobles, others will stay in the palace, and just a handful will stay within the academy grounds."
Her gaze met his. "I’d like to know where you intend to spend yours."
Noah already knew what he was going to do no matter where he spent the holidays.
He’d already found out that creatures with abyssal essence could level him up without a ritual or worrying about soul burn.
His intentions now were to clear as many monoliths as he could, and hopefully, find a creature with abyssal essence to devour.
Noah crossed his arms, thinking. "If I stay here in the academy, what are the rules?"
Cecilia smiled faintly at his directness. "You’ll have relative freedom."
"This means you can leave the academy whenever you wish, but the curfews remain in effect."
"If you can’t make it back before the gates close, you’ll have to spend the night wherever you went. The gates won’t open again until dawn."
He nodded slowly, considering it. "And the staff?"
"A handful of us will remain," she said. "The essential departments will still be running, including the cafeteria."
"You won’t be alone, if that’s what you’re asking."
Noah leaned back in his chair, his expression blank. "Then I’ll stay."
This was the best arrangement, all things considered.
Cecilia smiled, approving of his decision. "I expected as much."
She picked up her cup of tea and took a sip before continuing.
"Very well. Consider it approved. You’re free to use the training halls and the library as you please, though I’d suggest giving yourself a few days of rest before you start overexerting again."
"I’ll keep that in mind," Noah said, though she could tell from his tone that he probably wouldn’t.
Cecilia shook her head with a sigh. "Of course you won’t."
Setting down her cup, she continued, "One more thing."
"On the last week of the month, all students who choose to remain here will participate in a week-long hunt through the academy woods."
"It will serve as practical training, and perhaps, for some of you, a way to unwind before the new semester begins."
"Hunting monsters for relaxation." Noah smirked faintly. "That sounds about right."
"I thought you’d like the idea," she said with a knowing look. "We’ll be camping outdoors, and the goal will be to capture, not just kill."
"You’ll be partnered with others, so use that opportunity to observe and learn."
He inclined his head slightly. "Understood."
"Good." She returned to the papers on her desk. "That’s all I needed to discuss."
"You’re dismissed, Noah. Try to enjoy yourself during the break, for once."
He stood, giving her a nod, before turning towards the door.
"I’ll try," he said.
Cecilia looked up just as he reached the door.
"And Noah," she said softly.
He paused.
"I’m glad you’re still here."
He said nothing, merely gave a single nod before stepping out, the door clicking shut behind him.
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The cafeteria was louder than usual that morning.
The hum of chatter had risen into a full-blown roar, laughter and goodbyes echoing through the wide hall as students crowded around tables.
Trunks clattered across the floor, and letters and packages exchanged hands.
The students would all go back to the various counties they were from, all around Camelot.
Only a few would remain in the capital, being capital nobles.
Noah sat alone near one of the windows, eating quietly.
His food was half-finished, and he wasn’t paying much attention to it anyway.
Outside, he could see the main courtyard filled with gleaming carriages bearing noble crests. Family carriages picking up their children for the holidays.
Some students wept, others cheered, and a few simply vanished into teleportation circles summoned by their house mages.
"Still the life of the party, huh?"
Noah didn’t have to look up to know who it was.
Arlo slid onto the bench opposite him, setting down his now empty tray with a grin that hadn’t changed since the first day they’d met.
"Don’t you ever eat somewhere else?" Noah muttered.
"Not when my favorite grump’s here." Arlo leaned forward.
"So, last chance. Come to spend the holidays with me. We’ve got food, parties, and my father’s manor even has its own dueling court. You’ll love it."
Noah speared a piece of meat and looked at him flatly. "Pass."
Arlo sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "One of these days, you’re going to say yes to something, you know."
"Maybe."
"Sure, and maybe pigs will fly." Arlo laughed, then stood, dusting off his shirt. "Alright then, suit yourself. Try not to blow up the academy while I’m gone."
"I’ll keep that in mind."
Arlo grinned one last time, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "See you next term, partner."
And with that, he left.
Noah watched Arlo disappear into the crowd, his laughter fading with the rest of the noise in the cafeteria.
He sighed, spearing the last bite of his meal and swallowing it slowly.
The hall was slowly beginning to empty, the chaos dulling into quiet murmurs.
He placed his hands on the table, about to stand, when someone sat opposite him. Golden eyes met his.
"Going somewhere, Noah?" Princess Ines asked, smiling faintly.