"The thing about runes is that once invoked, they can function as a closed system, fueling themselves until autophagy is complete. Nothing in, nothing out. Of course, the introductory rune courses don't teach cycling lines since there is typically little point in preventing re-invocation, but every rune can be adapted to cycle its current." His hands twitch upwards, as though trace runes in the air, then return to stillness, smile fading slightly. "The invocation process is somewhat different, since the goal is to create a local well within the rune rather than create a connection to your own well, but it is fairly straightforward. You could probably ask the Inscribed Thaumaturgy professor to guide you through it the first time. It is a little difficult to master through words alone." 

Jupiter listens intently, fascinated by the intricacies of runic magic. "A closed system," she muses. "Clever. And it would keep Madame Ryoko from sensing our magic." She watches the Professor's hands twitch, a pang of sympathy in her chest. His expertise is clear, even if he can no longer demonstrate.

"I could ask the Inscribed Thaumaturgy professor," she says slowly. "But wouldn't that raise suspicion? Asking about advanced techniques out of the blue?" She frowns thoughtfully. "Perhaps I could frame it as general curiosity about runic theory. Express interest in specializing, maybe." Her pale eyes search the Professor's face. "What do you think? Is there a better way to learn this skill without drawing attention?"

"You could make an attempt with just my explanation to guide you. Little harm in failing to invoke a rune. Of course, it is a tricky concept and usually learned through visualizing another's current flow. But who knows? Perhaps you are a prodigy." A flash of a grin, and then he continues. "There are also books with projections of current flow, though I don't think we have any in the public library. It may be less suspicious to ask the professor about a generalized book rather than a specific concept. You could also ask an advanced Inscribed Thaumaturgy student, if you know and trust any."

She looks to the Professor, pale eyes gleaming with determination. "I'll speak to the Inscribed Thaumaturgy professor tomorrow, then. Request some introductory texts on runic magic, maybe hint at interest in specializing." A faint smile touches her lips. "Who knows? I may even develop a genuine passion for it in the process."

He smiles back. "Ask for texts by Madame Ceratil. Her current visualisations are the most intuitive, I've found. We may make a runeweaver of you yet."

Jupiter nods, committing the name to memory. "Madame Ceratil. I'll be sure to request her works specifically." She hesitates, then adds softly, "Thank you for trusting me with this, Professor. I know it can't be easy, relying on someone else to pursue your life's work." Her pale eyes search his face, filled with empathy. "I promise I'll do my best to learn quickly and well. To honor the knowledge you've shared." She smiles, a determined glint in her eye. "Who knows? Perhaps I'll surprise us both with my aptitude for runic magic." Her tone is light, but there's an undercurrent of fierce resolve. She will not let him down.

For the first time in a long time, there is a strange peace in his heart. He is dead, both legally and thaumaturgically speaking, and the dead do not rest, but he almost feels like he could. "I would not be surprised by your talent. You have shown yourself to be a dedicated and powerful wizard hopeful." It has been a long time since he had an apprentice, but... He clears his head of idle dreams. The future only comes to those who make it so. 

Jupiter's cheeks flush slightly at the Professor's praise. "Thank you," she says softly. "That means a great deal, coming from you." She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "I'll begin my research first thing tomorrow. For now though, it's growing late." She glances out a nearby window at the darkening sky. "Perhaps we should both get some rest before the day's tasks catch up with us." Her lips quirk in a wry smile. "Well, figurative rest in your case, I suppose."

He nods, a brief grin crossing his lips. "Rest well, Jupiter. I myself shall find my solace buried deep in grading Magical Theory essays." He was slightly behind on his grading. Unusual for him, given the extra third of the day he had compared to his fellow teachers, but then again, this batch of hopefuls wrote particularly time-consuming essays. "On that note, do take care that this extracurricular research does not interfere with your schoolwork. My professional pride simply could not stand it if you were to slip in your coursework for miscellaneous tasks."