CHAPTER 37: STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

Noah and Arlo walked side by side across the academy grounds, the cool afternoon breeze brushing through the trimmed hedges that lined the path.

The hum of distant conversation filled the air as students moved between buildings, but Noah’s mind was still caught in their last class.

"That was something." He muttered.

"Theriology?" Arlo grinned, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah. Stark’s the type that makes sure you remember every word."

Noah nodded. "I didn’t know abyssal beasts could be that important after merging. Or that they still run wild after slipping through Monoliths."

"Well, they’re not just important," Arlo said. "They’re the core of the entire mage system. From the moment we merge to the moment we die, we’ll be dealing with abyssal beasts one way or another."

They turned the corner, the white stone path giving way to the wide steps that led to the cafeteria. The scent of roasting meat drifted through the air, and both boys felt their stomachs growl.

Arlo glanced at Noah as they climbed the steps. "Speaking of beasts, did you know the capital’s monster hunter guilds start scouting students from second year?"

Noah looked over, curious. "Really?"

"Yeah." Arlo nodded. "But they usually start paying attention from first year. Watching duels, checking grades, monitoring practicals. They want to know which students are worth investing in."

They entered the cafeteria, heading toward the line. It wasn’t too crowded yet, which meant they’d arrived at just the right time.

"And they’re serious?" Noah asked. "They actually offer students contracts?"

"Absolutely." Arlo confirmed. "If you’re in the Gold tier, or one of the stronger Silver-tier students, you’ll get offers from the top guilds by the time you’re nearing the end of second year. Especially if you’ve already awakened a few high-ranked skills."

They grabbed trays and began loading their food.

"What about Stone-tier students?" Noah asked.

Arlo shrugged. "If you’re good enough, you might get an offer from a mid-level guild. It won’t be glamorous, but it’ll mean stability. A decent life. Better than being a wandering freelancer hoping to scavenge off scraps."

They walked to their usual corner table and sat down.

"Top guilds don’t look twice at Stone-tier students." Arlo added. "Not unless you do something loud enough to make them notice."

Noah picked up his fork, thinking about that.

’Loud, huh?’

He smirked.

He had barely taken his second bite when a shadow fell across the table.

He looked up, blinking just in time to feel soft lips press against his cheek.

He froze.

Juniper Rowe, in her Gold-trimmed uniform and radiant confidence, slid into the seat beside him like she belonged there.

Her dark hair shimmered beneath the overhead lights, and her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled sweetly at him.

"Miss me?" She asked, looping her arm through his.

Noah blinked. "What...?"

Across from him, Arlo burst into laughter. "Told you, didn’t I?"

Juniper turned to her cousin and gave him a quick grin before focusing all her attention back on Noah.

"So, how were your classes today? Did you sit at the front? Did you remember to take notes? What did you learn? Did anyone bother you?"

"I... I... it was fine?" Noah stammered, leaning away slightly. "Could you let go of my arm?"

She didn’t budge. "Noah, if I let go now, someone might snatch you up."

Arlo nearly choked on his drink.

Noah sighed and gave up trying to wrest his arm free. "Why is this happening to me?" He muttered.

Juniper beamed, completely unbothered. "You’re sweet."

She launched into a monologue about her day, sharing how her Enchantments class had bored her to tears but her Combat Tactics instructor had praised her sword form.

She recounted how one of her classmates fainted during a demonstration and how the rest of the class had to spend five minutes pretending to be concerned.

Through it all, she kept her hand over Noah’s, patting it gently now and then.

Finally, she let out a content sigh. "Well, I suppose I’ll leave you alone... for now."

Noah arched a brow in hope. "Really?"

She nodded, solemn. "Distance makes love stronger. Besides, my friends are waiting for me."

She stood with a dramatic flair, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. Then she leaned down and whispered near his ear, "Don’t miss me too much."

And just like that, she walked off, humming to herself.

Noah stared after her, utterly bewildered.

Arlo grinned across the table. "She’s a force of nature."

Noah sighed, poking at his food. "She’s going to drive me insane."

"Don’t worry." Arlo chuckled. "You’ll get used to it."

Noah pointed at his face. "Do I look like I want to get used to it?"

"Have you ever heard of those stories where the victim falls in love with their kidnapper?" Arlo asked, adjusting his blindfold.

’Stockholm Syndrome?’ Noah frowned. "Yes...?"

"That’s exactly what’s going to happen between you two." Arlo chortled. "And I’ll be here to enjoy the show."

"Fuck you." Noah snarled at his friend, who roared in laughter.

After finishing the last bite of his meal, Noah stood and stretched, brushing invisible crumbs from his uniform.

"I’m heading to the library." He said, slinging his satchel over one shoulder.

Arlo leaned back in his chair with a lazy grin. "Of course you are. I, on the other hand, am heading back to the dorm. I hear my bed calling me for a very important nap."

Noah chuckled. "Try not to snore too loud."

"No promises."

They exchanged a quick wave, then parted ways.

Noah walked through the campus with a steady pace, the now familiar library building soon coming into view.

He stepped inside, greeted by the scent of parchment, ink, and dust.

The library was quiet, with students scattered in corners, hunched over scrolls or flipping through thick tomes.

Noah made his way past the librarian’s desk with a polite nod and headed straight for the general section. Rows of shelves stretched around him, packed with books organized by subject and affinity.

He took his time, running his fingers along the spines until he found what he was looking for. A cluster of books labeled Affinity Studies.

He grabbed a few promising titles, such as; An Introduction to Elemental and Non-Elemental Affinities, Darkness and Its Depths, and Hunger: A Study of Endless Consumption.

Noah blinked at that last one, eyebrows slightly raised. The title alone was unnerving.

He carried the stack to a nearby table, settling into the quiet with the soft creak of wood under him.

With the sun filtering in through the high windows and the low murmur of turning pages surrounding him, Noah opened the first book.

It was finally time.

He wasn’t going to wait for Magical Theory to catch up.

If he wanted to wield his affinities, really wield them, then he needed to understand them.

It was time to learn what it truly meant to be a Dark Dragon.