Power of Runes Chapter 4 4: True Awakening
Previously on Power of Runes...
Ash suddenly froze when his ears picked up the subtle noise of rocks moving.
A deep, rumbling growl echoed from under the debris. Dread gripped his heart as he faced the heap of stones, cold fear tightening around his chest.
'You've got to be kidding me,' he murmured softly, each word heavy with weariness and irritation.
Thoughts swirled rapidly in Ash's head.
He lacked the energy for another battle, and lingering while it burrowed out would be deadly.
His fingers clenched harder around the shattered sword. Its rough tip caught the weak light, taunting his frailty.
'Just die already,' he snarled, advancing on the beast.
His sight wavered, and agony overwhelmed him, nearly silencing his pounding pulse. Numbness clouded his mind from the sheer torment.
Yet hesitation was a luxury he couldn't claim.
Not in this place.
Not at this moment.
He lifted the fractured blade overhead, targeting the vulnerable spot on the rat's throat.
'This ends now.'
With one last burst of determination, Ash swung the weapon downward.
The sharp ring of metal piercing meat resounded nearby, then came a dull thump as Ash crumpled to the earth, gasping harshly.
'Finally…', he whispered.
Still holding the Rune firmly, he released the broken sword.
Blood smeared across the pale face of the Rune.
He pressed the Rune against his chest and, gathering his final reserves of power, he uttered,
'RUNE OF STABILITY'
As the final syllable escaped, his form slackened, yielding to blackout.
The Rune dissolved in his grasp, breaking into luminous shards that melted into sparkling motes absorbing into his flesh.
They rushed inside, blending with his essence.
For an instant, quiet enveloped the sealed mine opening, the strain fading into calm.
The sole noise was the soft buzz of energy rooting inside Ash,
But,
Gradually,
Mana thickened the atmosphere nearby, swirling to his limp body like insects to light.
Abruptly, a subtle shine sparked in his consciousness—a spectral gleam, remote but known.
Bright script materialized before his shut, senseless eyes, as if inscribed on existence's weave.
**
[Trait: ??????]
[Trait Synchronization: 67%....88%... 99%... 100%]
**
The atmosphere intensified around him,
Power exploded inside as the display's words started changing.
The radiant characters flared more vividly, scorching the veiled marks with fierce brilliance.
**
[Trait: Oracle of Path]
[Trait Synchronization Complete]
--
Trait: Oracle of Path
Rank: Growth
Description:
-It is a growth type trait that allows the user to walk their own Unique path towards the peak.
-Path Analysis: Continuously analyzes the user's potential, talent, action and decision, evaluating how they shape the user's journey and growth. After careful analysis, the trait evolves into a new Trait that is perfectly suited to the user's abilities.
-Protective Override: If the something poses a danger to the user, such as unstable mana flow or harmful traits, the Oracle overrides the process, shielding the user from harm while guiding them toward a safer, more beneficial path.
**
The atmosphere weighed down as the Oracle of Path started transforming.
A quiet vibration echoed in the area,
[Evolving Progress: 1%...]
Images of infinite options and myriad routes flickered near his form. The trait had surpassed mere examination—it was reshaping, crafting something vastly superior to its initial role.
[8%...]
An ancient, overpowering force flooded Ash's soul. The nearby space wavered, a soft golden light emanating from him.
[77%...]
The vibration intensified. Existence appeared to waver and twist, his wounds mended and his ashen complexion regained vitality,
[99%...]
Next, a wave of mana burst from his frame, quaking the atmosphere, while his lower belly's nucleus shattered,
[100%...]
['Oracle of Path' has evolved into 'Codex of Creation'.]
Yet this marked no conclusion.
[Re-Awakening Starting...]
The re-awakening reignited with fierce intensity as the dispersed mana retracted into him, churning like a furious tempest.
His arms and legs strengthened, flesh building where only frail outlines existed before. Faint lights traced his veins as the mana channels—previously blocked and idle—were aggressively purified.
Dark, viscous slime seeped from his skin, rank and pungent, expelling long-held poisons and injuries.
His build stretched a bit, skeleton popping into proper form, adapting to contain the emerging force within.
Simultaneously, the Rune of Stability engaged, its force uniting with the turbulent mana.
The rune's serene, firm nature spread across his system, calming the turmoil.
The erratic mana streams eased, turning fluid and restrained.
Bit by bit, his core stabilized.
Then, deep within, two shining white nuclei emerged—one in his Upper Dantian, the other in his Lower Dantian.
Their exteriors shone with clarity, forming the base of his renewed strength.
Faint golden runic marks carved into the flawless white nuclei.
Afterward,
The rune's power withdrew, its task fulfilled.
Ash's re-awakening transcended mere change; it heralded a fresh journey, shaped by the Codex of Creation and his unyielding resolve.
Quiet lingered in the vicinity.
While Ash slumbered beyond the forsaken mine's gateway.
***
Starfall city
Melissia Ravencroft, the sole heir to one of Humanity's 7 Saints and head of the Mage Tower.
She traveled to Starlight Academy's admission test in her opulent vehicle.
'Miss, we'll reach Starfall City soon,' announced Nyra, the vehicle's operator. Nyra was no mere driver—she served as a Mythical Rank guard, handpicked to safeguard Melissia.
In the rear seat lounged a 12-year-old girl, her vivid crimson locks and vivid scarlet gaze gleaming softly, as she browsed an e-commerce site,
Her face lit up upon spotting a fresh limited-run plushie.
Not raising her gaze, Melissia answered offhandedly, 'Okay, Sister Nyra.'
Nyra peeked at her via the mirror and gave a wry grin. 'Miss, I've said it often. No need for 'Sister.' Nyra alone works.'
Melissia halted her browsing, a cheeky sulk on her mouth,
'And I've repeated it plenty, Sister Nyra! You're like family to me, so that's how I'll address you. No debating!'
Nyra chuckled gently, her grin broadening at Melissia's cute grimace.
'Very well, Miss. No more debate.'
'Don't you dare mock me—!' Melissia started chattering but cut off abruptly.
Her gaze whipped to the glass,
Nyra tensed as well. Her refined instincts, forged as a Mythical Ranker, detected the subtle odd mana fluctuation beyond Starfall City.
Silence blanketed the vehicle as they both honed in on the peculiar aura.
'Sister Nyra, something's stirring over there,' Melissia noted, her tone blending intrigue and thrill.
Melissia held the Saint Rank Trait: Mana Manipulation, an uncommon and exceptional ability.
This trait bestowed not just supreme command over mana but also a natural attunement to its currents, letting her sense even minor ripples in the ambient power.
It distinguished her, branding her a genuine wunderkind in magic's realm.
Nyra's brow furrowed, her keen sight probing the path forward. Her hold on the wheel firmed as she responded,
'Indeed, but it might prove risky, Miss. Let's proceed to the academy per schedule.'
Melissia sulked, shifting ahead in her seat. 'But riding in the car is dull! Can't we investigate? What if it's exciting?'
Nyra's firm look shifted to the mirror, locking with Melissia's beseeching crimson stare.
'Miss, should trouble arise, I'll need to inform your father. You know his response.'
Melissia recoiled, folding her arms defiantly. 'No! Keep Father out of it! He'll scold me endlessly and likely confine me once more.'
'Please, Sister Nyra, just a peek. You're here, so if it's hazardous, we flee. You're incredibly strong. What's the harm? Pretty please?'
Nyra exhaled deeply, her face easing slightly. 'Agreed. But merely a glance, and we depart at any sign of peril. No objections.'
'Yay!' Melissia exclaimed, applauding victoriously as a beam crossed her features.
Nyra shook her head, halting the car near Starfall City's edge.
Upon exiting, the subtle mana hints in the breeze sharpened and deepened.
Evidently, an entity or individual fueled this anomaly.
Melissia's petite figure advanced with a youngster's zeal for discovery.
Her blazing red tresses bounced with each stride, her luminous red eyes aglow with anticipation.
This beat lounging in a vehicle, thumbing through her device.
Nyra showed far less zeal, though.
She delved into her space ring, calling forth her armament—a slim, ebony lance that shimmered subtly in the sun.
Her clasp on the handle strengthened, her stance alert for any threat.
'Miss, remain at my rear constantly,' Nyra ordered, her voice firm and resolute.
'Got it, Sister Nyra,' Melissia affirmed with a jaunty wave, her sly smirk revealing her eagerness.
She glanced past Nyra's shielding build, keen to spot whatever sparked this odd event first.
The pair progressed warily through the modest woods outside the city, Nyra at the fore with precise, measured paces, her awareness extended fully, probing all in front.
A Mythical Rank Hunter perceived all in a set range, missing nothing.
Each advance drew them nearer the origin.
Once Nyra's detection assured no prompt threat, she permitted a touch of ease, dipping her lance a tad.
Soon, they arrived at a modest glade, its floor blanketed in tender turf and shed foliage.
In the midst stood the portal to a deserted mine, half entombed in wreckage, a Shadow Fang pinned underneath.
A fractured blade embedded profoundly in the monster's throat—it was clearly slain.
Beside the inert beast rested a youth, no elder than Melissia, prone on the soil. Blood-soaked wrappings encased his body, and dark, greasy matter adhered to his hide.
His silver-white mane was tangled and stained with gore, and his ripped, crimson garments draped slackly over his damaged physique.
Though marred in look, his form was wholly sound.
He seemed locked in profound repose, his torso lifting and dropping in even, calm rhythms.
***
Author Notes:
Hey everyone! ✨ Don't forget to check out the Human Ranking System I posted in the Author's Note section and Announcement Chapter—it's crucial for understanding the world Ash is navigating! 🔥
And guess what? Starting next week, I'll be posting 2 chapters per day! 📚🎉 So hang tight, and be patient this week as we ramp things up!
Thank you for your amazing support! 🙌💥 Stay tuned for more adventure!
**