Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Caradun Kingdom
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‘The larger the rune gets, the more mana it demands... Naturally, the magic's power increases too... It feels like magic specialized for crafting tools.’
The larger the rune character grew, the exponentially more mana it required. Naturally, the magic's power increased as well, but blindly enlarging it wasn't efficient.
Finding the right balance was key.
‘This size should be enough... But how many can I engrave?’
This question had arisen the moment he first engraved a rune character embodying the law of "Sharpness" onto Durel's new sword. The instant the rune was completed, mana drained from his body, activating its power.
Whooosh—
The magic enveloped the entire sword. It meant some power was being wasted, but that wasn't a big issue. The moment he recognized the flaw, the internal structure engraved in the rune corrected itself instantly.
‘That should do it...’
Once the rune was refined, a faint mystical aura shimmered along the blade of the black iron sword. At the same time, he gained insight into the efficiency of the imprint magic.
‘This is like organizing limited storage space...’
The realization came instantly: the approximate number of runes this black iron sword could hold—about six.
‘The problem is mana...’
More functions meant more mana required.
‘I should block simultaneous activation. Then, partially...’
The second rune was decided: one embodying the law of "Absorption." It absorbed shocks transmitted to the blade through magic, ultimately enhancing the tool's durability.
It was an obvious choice to engrave it.
Using imprint magic, he engraved the rune and infused mana simultaneously. Confirming the completed magic envelop the entire sword, he lightly tapped the blade with his other hand. Not even a faint metallic ring emerged.
‘Good.’
Now engraving the third rune, "Impact." The moment it completed, he noticed the magics covering the sword were linked.
‘The runes can connect?’
It wasn't a major drawback. Mana consumption just increased slightly. Just in case, he drew a thick stroke between the runes.
The result was as expected. The linked magic separated completely, reducing the excess mana absorption.
‘That means...’
If they could be separated, they could also be combined. He quickly flipped through his notebook.
Flip flip flip—
‘Not this one... Not this... This...’
He found it: a rune embodying the law of "Wind." His eyes rapidly scanned the notebook. After memorizing the rune's full form and its Erkamon, he immediately moved his hand to engrave a new rune onto the black iron sword.
Positioned right below Sharpness. Once the Wind rune was engraved, the sword could unleash gusts of black wind. But that wasn't what he had in mind. Though the magics were connected, the link was too shallow. It needed reinforcement.
‘Like this...?’
His activated right index finger from the imprint magic touched the end of Sharpness. Molten mana carved a long stroke across the sword, extending down to connect with the Wind rune.
In that instant, a burst of wind from the sword's tip sliced through a wooden chair in a straight line.
Slash—
The black iron sword's blade clearly hadn't touched the chair. Yet, a sharp cut mark scarred its surface, as if sliced by a blade. The wind had wielded blade-like power.
“Oh...”
Sharpness and Wind had fused. Their individual functions remained, but a new one was added. In effect, four runes enabled five magics.
He gazed at his notebook with a hint of regret. He had transcribed only a few runes. Moreover, a significant portion of the dwarves' runes had been lost.
If runes could embody every law in the world, he could have crafted something even more magnificent. Runes and imprint magic held mysteries distinct from human magic.
‘Two spots left...’
In truth, those two were already decided.
The first was "Bond," which imprinted specific mana onto a tool, forbidding use by anyone but the owner.
The second was "Return," which brought the tool back to its owner from a set distance.
After finishing both engravings, he carefully set down the completed sword. He hadn't noticed during the work, but fatigue hit him now. Sitting motionless for so long had left his body stiff.
“Hoo...”
He leaned back in the chair, exhaling deeply. The dim light filtering through the window signaled dawn approaching.
Finally, he closed his eyes for some rest.
When he awoke from a long sleep, the first thing in his sight was the sunset glow filtering through the window. He must have dozed off sitting in the chair for hours.
As he tried to rise, a groan escaped his lips.
“Ugh~”
“You're awake, Master.”
“Did you sleep well?!”
Startled by the sudden voices, he turned to see his two disciples still sitting there in the same positions from early dawn. They sat quietly, each holding a book—they had apparently been waiting for him there.
“What are you all doing there?”
“Waiting for you, Master.”
“We were reading while we waited.”
Glancing at Durel's reaction, he seemed unaware of the changes to his sword. With a casual wave, he pointed to it.
“Durel. Take it and check it out.”
“The sword... you mean?”
“Yeah.”
Gulp—
Recalling yesterday's events, perhaps. The tense boy swallowed dryly and cautiously approached the black iron sword. Before picking it up, Durel glanced back at him one last time.
With a silent nod, the boy squeezed his eyes shut and drew the sword.
Shing—
The moment he unsheathed it, myriad mysteries swirled over the black blade. Blues and purples, greens and reds intertwined in an ethereal glow, faintly circling before being sucked back into the sword.
“Th-this... is...?”
As a mage, he couldn't miss it. The sword housed countless mysteries. Durel swung the sword lightly in awe.
From the silent slash through the air, formless wind flowed. Only after it carved a long sword mark into the inn floor did Durel speak.
“Wh-what in the world... did you do?”
“Put in some effort.”
“For me...? H-heavens...!”
He nodded and looked toward Shimo, sitting in the corner trying to act nonchalant. Envy filled the boy's gaze—it was obvious.
“I'll make one for you next, Shimo. I'm just a bit tired now.”
“R-really...?”
He nodded. Tools engraved with runes offered immense convenience—anyone who could use mana could wield magic. For Shimo, who dreamed of magic beyond blood magic, it would be a turning point.
He had no intention of favoring his two disciples unevenly. What he did for Durel, he'd do for Shimo.
Of course, until the blood mana absorption issue was resolved, powerful magic would be off-limits.
Rolling his stiff neck, he pondered.
Commonly known general magic.
Dwarven runes and imprint magic.
Drakain blood magic.
All had major flaws. Was there truly no perfect magic?
One unrestricted and free, embracing all the world's mysteries.
‘I'm the closest, aren't I?’
The thought made him chuckle unconsciously. Then he remembered his lightened pockets. Buying Durel's sword had been a big expense. He needed something to refill them.
“Durel.”
“Yes!”
“Here's some money. Go buy a few swords and some bracelets or rings. Not too many.”
“Yes!”
“And Shimo.”
“Yes!”
“Go find out how much tools with runes engraved cost. Then bring Mr. Mangor back. We owe him thanks too.”
“Right away!”
Durel and Shimo energetically replied and rushed out of the inn room, competing to be first.
He had just learned about runes and imprint magic. Short on cash? Craft various magic tools and sell them. But he wouldn't sell recklessly. Hawking goods from another country could invite trouble.
That's why he needed a local like Mangor.
Before his disciples returned, he took a quick shower and changed into comfortable clothes.
