Power of Runes Chapter 437: Last Rune Acquisition

[A Few Days Prior]

With nimble and swift steps, Snow dashed through the expansive living room, her melodic laughter resonating within the open expanse as she pursued Eva. Eva, maintaining a slight distance ahead, seemed to effortlessly elude Snow's grasp, periodically ascending higher or darting sideways at the last instant, transforming the chase into a seemingly unending game. Their movements were fluid and unhindered within the unusually large room.

A serene warmth permeated the living room, bathed in a soft, uniform golden luminescence from above. The polished floor mirrored their fleeting shadows, and along the indistinct walls, numerous doors stood closed, each a portal to a different, expansive section of the shop. This design contributed to a sense of infinite depth, providing ample room for Snow's sprints without any feeling of constraint.

"Hey... wait... that's not fair...!!" Snow exclaimed between laughs, lunging forward, her hand outstretched, narrowly missing Eva by the slimmest of margins.

Eva executed an effortless mid-air pirouette, her laughter clear and jubilant. "You almost caught me... almost, but not quite."

Snow let out a small, feigned pout, though her smile remained vibrant. She pivoted rapidly and resumed her pursuit, her steps quickening as she attempted to intercept Eva's path rather than chase directly. Her movements were astonishingly agile, far beyond what one might expect from someone of her apparent youth. This was understandable, given her Mythical rank.

However, for the moment, she was intentionally holding back her full capabilities to prolong their playful interaction.

"Just stay still for one second...!!"

"Why on earth would I do that...?" Eva countered without hesitation, drifting backward just enough to maintain their distance, her tone still filled with mirth. "That's precisely the one thing I'm not supposed to do."

Snow leaped, reaching higher with increased vigor, her fingertips grazing the very space Eva had occupied moments before.

"BIG SISTER EVAAAAA...!!"

This only amplified Eva's laughter as she floated further across the room, gliding past a distant door before looping back. Her spectral form moved with graceful ease, as if the entire domain were hers to command.

"Come on, you're slowing down... what's wrong...?"

"I am NOT slow...!!"

Immediately, Snow accelerated once more, her strides regaining their swiftness and steadiness. She continued her pursuit without reservation, her laughter intertwining with Eva's as they traversed the vast space. Their energetic movements filled the otherwise silent chamber, imbuing it with a lively and unrestrained spirit that made the environment feel vibrantly alive.

From a distant couch, Ash observed them silently, his gaze tracking their every move without interruption as he leaned back slightly.

For some time, he remained quiet.

Simply watching.

Then, his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as a persistent thought resurfaced.

The prolonged silence was beginning to weigh on him. Even if Snow had failed to acquire the Rune, he still needed to know what had transpired.

His attention followed her as she darted past another section of the room, and finally, he broke the silence.

"Snow, were you successful in obtaining the Sacred artifact of the Mermaids..??!!"

Snow halted mid-stride, her momentum naturally decreasing as she turned towards him. Her breaths were slightly labored from running, and a broad smile graced her adorable features.

Eva also reduced her speed, her form hovering near Snow.

For a fleeting instant, the entire living room was enveloped in stillness.

Snow blinked once upon hearing his question, her expression momentarily frozen as if the words were just settling into her consciousness. Then, her eyes suddenly widened as realization dawned.

"Ah...!!"

She raised her hand and gently tapped her forehead, playfully sticking out her tongue.

"I completely forgot..."

Before either Ash or Eva could respond, she lifted her hand subtly, causing the air before her to shimmer.

In the very next moment, a trident materialized in her grasp as though it had always belonged there. The instant it appeared, a soft yet potent radiance emanated outward in a gentle wave, seamlessly filling the expansive living room. The vast floor, the distant walls, and even the closed doors along the far boundaries were bathed in a tranquil fusion of azure and gold.

The very atmosphere shifted, becoming palpably heavier and denser, as if the gravitational pull had intensified manifold.

The trident dwarfed Snow in height, yet it rested effortlessly in her small hand, seemingly devoid of weight. Its shaft was crafted from a deep azure metal that subtly shimmered under the light, reminiscent of a placid ocean captured in form. Intricate golden patterns, like fine filigree, flowed across its surface, glowing with a steady luminescence. These patterns extended from the base to the three sharp prongs at the apex, which gleamed with a cold, unwavering brilliance.

Eva remained frozen mid-air, her preceding smile stretching wider as her eyes fixated on the trident, an unspoken anticipation building within her, as if waiting for the inevitable unfoldment of events.

Ash slowly rose to his feet, his steps measured and deliberate as he advanced towards Snow, his demeanor calm and collected, though his thoughts were clearly occupied by a singular focus.

Indeed, the Trident itself possessed a fused Rune, and such Runes were incapable of being stored within ordinary storage artifacts, rendering its sudden appearance exceptionally peculiar. Furthermore, with his Status Window inaccessible, he could no longer monitor any new abilities Snow might have developed, casting a veil of uncertainty over the situation.

Consequently, he activated his Eye of Omniscience, directing its focus squarely upon Snow, seeking any latent abilities that might elucidate this anomaly.

Simultaneously, his attention shifted towards the Trident, intent on scrutinizing its particulars as well.

Then, as if perceiving something imperceptible to the others, Ash offered a faint smile, the resolution dawning upon him. He halted directly before Snow, gently stroking her head, his touch conveying a silent assurance.

Without further discourse, he relieved Snow of the Trident. The instant it departed her grasp, it transmuted into a cascade of light, dissolving seamlessly before vanishing into his Soul Space.

Thus, Ash secured the Final Rune present within Akumia.

The oppressive aura that had permeated the chamber dissipated with its departure, the air gradually reverting to its natural state.

Ash effortlessly lifted Snow into his arms, bestowing kisses upon her cheeks before tenderly pinching them between his fingers, his playful interaction imbued with an unspoken, profound affection.

A soft peal of laughter escaped Snow, her earlier excitement returning spontaneously as she regarded him.

"You performed admirably, little one. My pride in you for accomplishing such a perilous task single-handedly is immense; it must have been arduous. I felt a pang of guilt, entrusting such a mission solely to you, but you surpassed all expectations. Therefore, I shall bestow a reward. Name your desire, and it shall be granted," he articulated, his voice tranquil and tender, his thumb caressing her head in a subtle gesture of comfort.

Even Evangeline observed from the periphery, a gentle smile gracing her lips, her projected form hovering silently, her gaze fixed on Snow with a flicker of intrigue, eager to witness Snow's eventual request.

Snow blinked, clearly taken aback by the suddenness of the question, her expression shifting to one of mild uncertainty as she absorbed his words.

"I may ask for... anything?" she inquired softly, a hint of trepidation coloring her voice as her eyes briefly met his.

Ash offered a decisive nod.

"Anything."

Snow fell silent thereafter.

Her fingers slowly intertwined before her as she fidgeted subtly, her gaze dipping momentarily before resurfacing, then straying as if grappling with how to articulate her wish. Her demeanor betrayed a rare hesitation, uncharacteristic of her usual self.

"I..." she faltered, then glanced at him again, "...may I..."

She paused once more, her small body shifting minutely as she marshaled her thoughts, her fingers clenching almost imperceptibly.

"...remain with you always? I do not wish to be separated from Papa."

Ash's heart swelled at her words, an almost surreal wave of emotion washing over him, akin to a gentle breeze carrying warmth. His gaze rested upon Snow's small, tentative face, a profound sense of release stirring within him. His eyes momentarily welled, though he held back the tears.

Ash drew Snow into a fervent embrace, holding her near, his hand lightly stroking the back of her head as he murmured, "Fear not, from this moment forth, you and I shall remain eternally together. I shall not abandon you as I did before," his voice low and steady, yet imbued with a solemnity that transformed his words into an unshakeable vow rather than mere solace.

Snow's delighted laughter erupted, her prior uncertainty vanishing as she encircled him with her small arms, unreservedly. "I love you, Papa!"

"I love you too, little one," Ash whispered, his voice now softer as he held her a fraction tighter.

Yet, beneath the surface of this tender moment, another emotion began to stir within him.

A sharp, unyielding guilt that refused to dissipate.

The thought echoed relentlessly in his mind, growing heavier with each repetition, as he held her, his fingers unconsciously tightening their grip.

He continued to reprimand himself, his internal monologue growing more severe with every passing second. Despite this, he failed to acknowledge a simple fact: for a time, he had not been in his correct state of mind. Nevertheless, he chose to shoulder all the blame without reservation.

But alas, he felt that even that state of mind was, in some way, his own fault.

A few moments later, he slowly loosened his grip on her. Yet, his hand still rested upon her head, his fingers moving gently as if seeking stability.

Then, his expression transformed subtly. The inherent warmth remained, but it was now tinged with a hushed gravity as he gazed at her once more.

"Snow, would you mind recounting every hardship you endured? I cannot simply overlook such matters. Tell me if anyone bullied you, and I will ensure they face the same treatment in return," he stated, his voice level yet laced with an underlying chill.

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