Chapter 37: Necrotic Roots
The library’s upper floor was silent at this hour—just the occasional creak of the wooden beams and the soft rustle of turning pages. Tall shelves loomed overhead, filled with tomes on everything from elemental theory to magical ethics. But Cordelia wasn’t here for general knowledge.
She spotted her target tucked away in the corner: the girl known by Noah as the goth girl.
Long black hair flowed freely down her back, a stark contrast to the pale tone of her skin. Dressed in the standard uniform with subtle modifications—dark stockings, silver pins shaped like bones—she sat alone at a wide table, deeply focused on a thick book with a spine etched in necrotic runes.
Cordelia took a quiet breath and approached, stopping just at the edge of the table.
"Hi. I’m Cordelia Ross," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. "I know you’re a year above me, so senior, and since we’re both quad enchanters, I thought maybe I could ask you a few things—"
"Call me Saphielle," the girl interrupted, not looking up. Her tone was smooth but cool. "I’m not into formalities. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I want to be treated like some elder."
Cordelia blinked, then nodded. "Alright. Saphielle."
There was a pause. Then, Saphielle marked her page and finally looked up—her dark eyes sharp and unreadable.
"You can sit. If you’re actually here to learn."
Cordelia smiled faintly and took the seat beside her.
’Alright... progress.’