Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 576: The Weapon of War and Survival

CH576 The Weapon of War and Survival

***

Upon entering the trial space, Alex discovered himself positioned in a pitch-black void of utter nothingness.

Perplexed, he could only stand there, anticipating the customary voice from the Heaven and the Earth that would reveal the trial's essence.

Luckily, the wait proved brief.

The voice resounded right away.

"The Heaven and the Earth represents an endless battlefield—a toxic cauldron where every inhabitant is cast in and compelled to vie with each other. An immense conflict, an unceasing rivalry, in which solely the mighty—typically those lacking deadly flaws—manage to endure and triumph."

"Becoming a Legatee of the Heaven and the Earth means embracing the truth of this perpetual combat that has molded the Heaven and the Earth, along with all its inhabitants."

"Becoming a Legatee of the Heaven and the Earth means being prepared to contend in this endless contention."

"Becoming a Legatee of the Heaven and the Earth means discarding every flaw to persist and dominate in this timeless arena."

"O seeker of the Legacy of the Heaven and the Earth... demolish your frailties and rise among the Mighty!"

The concluding proclamation thundered through the emptiness.

Abruptly, several silhouettes emerged in front of Alex.

Imposing energy manifestations materialized in the obscurity, each displaying vague facial outlines but sharply outlined bodies.

Each manifestation clutched a unique armament.

Sword. Spear. Halberd. Hammer. Axe. Bow. Knife. Staff. Whip. Baton...

The manifestations loomed above Alex, each emitting a formidable presence that appeared fused with the armament they grasped.

It was evident that each had devoted their whole existence to perfecting their selected armament.

Even motionless, their grip on the armaments exuded a horrifying degree of expertise.

Every one of them projected the undeniable sense that, armed with their chosen weapon, they were unmatched under the heavens.

Then, simultaneously, the manifestations lifted their armaments and directed them at Alex.

Hum—!

An overwhelming pressure erupted outward.

The might from the armaments assaulted Alex’s form and psyche at the same time.

'Weapon Intents!' Alex comprehended in an instant.

Driven by reflex, he summoned his Spiritual Force and countered the diverse weapon intents seeking to penetrate his essence, repelling them with all his strength.

Evidently, these featureless beings weren’t deploying their utmost power.

Nevertheless, Alex sensed he was teetering on the edge of breakdown.

At last, after what seemed like forever, he succeeded in repulsing the domineering might of the armaments.

Well... nearly every one.

All but a single one.

Alex fell to one knee while this remaining weapon intent kept bearing down on him, unyieldingly subduing his physique and essence.

The rest of the weapon intents receded.

Their manifestations faded away quietly, abandoning only the one whose weapon intent Alex couldn’t fend off.

Now, just that colossal manifestation lingered in the void alongside the aspiring Legatee.

Through pure tenacity and unyielding resolve, Alex withstood the oppression a bit more and compelled himself to gaze upward at the enormous form.

Abruptly, a spark ignited in the manifestation’s hazy eyes.

The spark exploded into a dazzling radiance that overwhelmed Alex’s sight, compelling him to close his eyes.

-

In the following instant, Alex sensed a breeze sweeping over his face.

The atmosphere felt invigorating.

But markedly rarer than the norm he knew.

Gradually, he parted his eyelids.

He realized he was perched on a stunning mountain summit.

The location evoked a comparable ethereal vibe to the Heaven–Earth Concordance Stele Mountain, the site of their ongoing trials.

However, it also felt... distinct.

Alex occupied a solitary summit amid a sprawling range of rugged crests.

Every mountain ascended like a dagger thrust boldly skyward, their pointed tips slicing through the clouds.

Yet the summit under Alex’s feet stood out as the only anomaly.

Unlike its neighbors, it lacked a typical crest.

Rather, it created a flawlessly flat platform.

It resembled less a product of nature and more the lingering mark from a mythic blow.

As if some primordial Sword Immortal had once severed the mountain’s top with one inconceivable stroke.

In the heart of this evidently man-made platform rose an archaic sword.

It was plunged deeply into the soil.

The blade itself appeared aged and modest—nearly ordinary—yet it exuded an ineffable aura of gravity.

That might explain why Alex had intuitively viewed the mountain in that light.

Suddenly, a spectral figure manifested next to the sword.

'No...'

Alex amended his thought.

'That’s not a specter.'

Alex gazed into the eyes of the robust yet toned middle-aged individual facing him and instantly understood. He wore a sleeveless practice outfit akin to those from the East in Alex’s former life.

This wasn’t a specter like those from prior trials.

Behind those eyes dwelt a lucid consciousness, a unique determination... and possibly even a spirit.

"Welcome to my Sword-Cut Peak, Legacy Seeker," the individual stated serenely.

The individual extended his hand and seized the sword lodged in the ground, yanking it out with a effortless pull.

Observing this, Alex abruptly experienced an odd sensation.

It just seemed fitting.

As if the sword was destined to reside in that grasp.

And that grasp was destined to encircle the sword’s hilt.

The individual and the blade appeared ideally matched.

'No...'

Alex revised inwardly.

'The individual and the sword aren’t simply matched... they are genuinely unified.'

Alex pressed his palms together in respect and gave the middle-aged individual a slight bow.

"May I have the privilege of learning Your Excellency’s name?" he inquired courteously.

"And could Your Excellency kindly inform me of what I must undertake?"

"My name holds no importance," the individual answered, tilting his head faintly. "I am just a remnant from a forgotten time."

Then, as if recollecting, he halted.

After a short pause, he reconsidered.

"You can address me as the Sword Emperor," he declared.

"For during my era, no one between the Heaven and the Earth could rival me wielding a sword."

Alex’s gaze flickered faintly.

He appeared to comprehend the situation.

Still, he remained silent and waited composedly.

The Sword Emperor went on.

"Your presence here stems from your flaw being pinpointed."

He gestured with his hand.

A sword appeared floating over his palm.

With a relaxed flick, the sword darted ahead and sank into the earth right in front of Alex’s feet.

"Of the origin weapons, your vulnerability is with the sword," the Sword Emperor stated.

"This trial aims to eradicate that vulnerability and transform you into a skilled swordsman."

"Grasp the sword."

The order was straightforward and unequivocal.

Alex’s forehead creased.

"I am no swordsman," he responded steadily.

"And I harbor no desire to become one. I find no justification for taking up a sword."

"No justification for taking up a sword...?" the Sword Emperor echoed.

"Haha...!!!"

He erupted into booming laughter suddenly, as if Alex had shared the funniest quip imaginable.

Alex’s brows knitted tighter.

Once the Sword Emperor ceased laughing, the mirth in his eyes dissolved.

His stare grew icy.

When he addressed Alex once more, his tone resonated not just in Alex’s ears but straight into his thoughts.

"Between the Heaven and the Earth exists a merciless forge."

"A field of slaughter or perish."

"A perpetual conflict of endurance and demise."

"In this blaze of warfare, myriad armaments have been shaped and wielded by fighters."

"Yet beyond question—without the slightest hint of uncertainty—the sword rules as the monarch of all armaments."

"Do you understand why?"

Without pausing for Alex’s reply, the Sword Emperor pressed forward.

"For the sword is the sole authentic tool of combat and slaying."

"It serves a single function."

"It persists for one sole cause."

"And in that function, it dominates utterly."

"War... and killing!"

The Sword Emperor’s stare turned oppressively weighty as it weighed upon Alex’s shoulders.

"You pursue the Legacy of the Heaven and the Earth."

"Rivalry. Combat. Warfare."

"These shall define your Destiny and your Destiny."

"Whatever route you select, you cannot wholly evade the sword."

"The sword embodies war."

"The emblem of strength."

"And the emblem of endurance."

Then, as abruptly as it emerged, the suffocating stare evaporated like an illusion.

"Now, a decision confronts you. When the moment arrives inevitably for you to seize a sword..."

"Will you do it then—lacking knowledge of its use?"

"Or will you do it now—while you retain the chance to master it?"

"The decision belongs to you, Seeker."

Though the Sword Emperor framed it as a decision, the atmosphere surrounding him held a pressure strikingly akin to Jared’s.

And if this middle-aged figure truly harbored the same unshakeable determination as that steadfast pillar...

Alex came to a realization.

No genuine choice existed here.

Not in truth.

Alex exhaled deeply.

Then he stooped and lifted the armament he had never planned to handle—the armament he had never envisioned requiring.

'Let’s finish this quickly.'

***