Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 645: Renewed Hope

CH645 Renewed Hope

***

Later that evening, Raven Horn made a discreet entrance into the Fortuna mansion, seeking Alex for a private conversation.

"You intend to make a move against the , don't you?" Raven Horn inquired directly, bypassing pleasantries.

"You already know the answer, so why the question?" Alex responded with a nonchalant shrug. "If someone wars against you, do you simply remain idle and let them?"

"Of course not," Raven Horn conceded.

Alex's eyes suddenly narrowed, fixing the man with a penetrating gaze.

"What is it?" Raven Horn raised an eyebrow.

"How much assistance can you offer?" Alex asked point-blank.

"The Black Scar Syndicate is the largest—"

"I'm not referring to the Black Scars," Alex cut in. "I'm asking about you. With your personal authority and sway, what level of support can you provide?"

Raven Horn observed him for a moment before answering.

"How confident are you in confronting Brock Peyton and his associates?"

"Around sixty percent," Alex stated without hesitation. "However, with your backing, I could elevate that confidence to ninety-five percent."

"You place that much faith in me?" Raven Horn asked, a touch of amusement in his voice.

"I don't," Alex replied, shaking his head with a slight, playful smile. "But others do. Your endorsement allows me to leverage that perception and draw more allies to my cause."

"Ah... I comprehend," Raven Horn nodded slowly. "You aim to harness the influence of the Black Scar Syndicate without incurring its full cost."

"Precisely," Alex confirmed.

Raven Horn studied the young man before him, noting the frankness with which his intentions were laid bare.

'Intriguing...'

A soft chuckle escaped him.

'His strategy resembles those cunning old strategists, yet his method is far more... direct. And surprisingly refreshing.'

"It so happens that I've been fully empowered to manage our assets within BloodIron," Raven Horn disclosed.

"So?" Raven Horn leaned forward slightly. "What do you require?"

Alex, though momentarily taken aback, quickly regained his composure, prepared for negotiation.

He proceeded to articulate his needs clearly and concisely.

Raven Horn listened, then tilted his head.

"Is that all? Don't hesitate to ask for more. This presents an excellent chance to make those old fools suffer some losses," he suggested with a subtle smirk.

Alex gave him a peculiar look.

He couldn't help but ponder what transgressions those 'old fools' had committed against Raven Horn to elicit such a casual encouragement for an outsider to exploit their own organization.

The offer was undeniably appealing.

Nevertheless, Alex shook his head.

"Now is not the opportune moment to exploit the situation," he stated calmly.

'When the time is right... they will be the ones pleading to surrender everything they possess,' he mused internally.

"Very well," Raven Horn acknowledged with understanding.

"Here," Alex said, pushing a boxed device across the table. "This is a communication device—a Rune Phone. I will reach out to you when the moment is right."

"The instructions are included in the case, though it's quite user-friendly. You should find it easy to operate."

Raven Horn inspected the box with evident interest before giving a slight nod.

Shortly after, he departed.

The instant Raven Horn left, the mansion was plunged into a complete lockdown... creating the appearance of preparing for an imminent assault.

In truth, this was merely a meticulously crafted illusion, intended to mislead external observers, especially the , into believing Fortuna was on the defensive rather than initiating an attack.

Meanwhile, Alex assembled the uninjured members of the Fortuna Company—primarily Pangeans who had accompanied him on the interplanar journey—and led them into the hidden escape tunnels beneath the mansion.

The injured and those still recovering from the raid were left behind to perpetuate the image of vulnerability and to secure the estate.

Moving with haste through the subterranean passages, the group eventually emerged within a warehouse situated in a less frequented district of the city.

They remained within the building.

Instead, Alex guided them toward the rear section, where an elaborate formation had been meticulously inscribed upon the ground.

He stepped forward and turned to face the assembled group.

"When we first arrived on this plane, and discovered that our sole means of returning—the Interplanar Orb—was damaged, I made you all a vow. I promised that once I restored the functionality of my Rune-Tech platform, I would devise a method for our return."

He gestured to the formation behind him.

"This... stands as the initial testament to that promise."

A brief silence ensued before he continued.

"This is a Spatial Gate Formation. Consider it a scaled-down version of the Interplanar Gate's grand array. Through it, we can travel to any location within this plane—provided that the destination has been pre-marked."

Initially, the assembled group displayed visible excitement.

However, as the full implications became apparent, a contemplative mood settled over several of them.

A few had already begun to discern the inherent flaw within the array they were observing.

Noticing their reactions, Alex remained entirely unperturbed, a smile gracing his lips.

"Let us not forget, the Interplanar Gate is categorized as a Tier V formation. Setting that aside, what we have here is merely an incomplete rendition of a proper spatial gate. Nevertheless, despite being a Tier III artisan, I managed to devise this entire formation utilizing only runes, without recourse to the supplementary materials essential for a true Interplanar Gate.

"More significantly... this was conceived during my moments of leisure, in between dedicated research on my primary undertaking," he elaborated.

Viewed from this perspective, the nascent disappointment within the group swiftly dissipated.

In its stead, a new realization began to take root—an insight Alex confirmed in the very next instant.

"Due to the comprehension gained while designing this formation, I can now state with absolute certainty that, provided with the requisite supplementary materials—and roughly six months of uninterrupted effort—I will be capable of constructing a fully operational Interplanar Gate."

A surge of exhilaration coursed through the group.

Smiles illuminated their faces as hope was rekindled within their hearts.

Alex allowed the burgeoning excitement to settle... before presenting his crucial concluding point.

"However, for that objective to be realized, I require absolute non-disturbance for those six months. Should interruptions such as these persist, then our return to Pangea will inevitably face further delays.

"Therefore—let us resolve these bandits with haste. Do we have an accord?"

Instantly, the surrounding atmosphere underwent a palpable shift.

The gazes of the group sharpened, burning with resolute intent.

"Fear not, boss. We shall obliterate them and affix their skulls to the mansion gates as a stark deterrence to any other foolish souls," Kavakan declared, a cruel grin twisting his features.

"Ah—perhaps we should refrain from such displays. It could prove detrimental to our business operations," Alex responded with tranquility.

Kavakan paused mid-motion, then released an awkward chuckle.

The others, catching on quickly, erupted into amused laughter directed at his expense.

Turning his attention back to the formation, Alex raised his hand and initiated its activation.

A spatial rift tore open before them—initially unstable, it rapidly stabilized into a doorway-like construct of vibrant, shimmering energy.

"Let us proceed," Alex commanded.

Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped through the shimmering portal.

One after another, the remaining members followed suit.

As the very last individual crossed the threshold, the gate imploded upon itself, the intricate formation beneath disintegrating not long thereafter.

The path for retreat had vanished.

What lay ahead was undoubtedly...

War.

***