Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 664: The Intellectual Romantic II

CH664 The Intellectual Romantic II

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"Actually, I think it might be a good idea for you to learn [Zaxan’s Transmutation]."

Eleanore continued,

"I remember you complaining that you did not receive the knowledge for the Energy Transmutation method you encountered during your Stele Trial, while the rest of us received at least part of the inheritances or techniques we encountered in ours. I have a feeling that [Zaxan’s Transmutation] may be the foundation needed to help you recover that missing knowledge."

Alex’s eyes immediately lit up.

Not receiving the knowledge for Energy Transmutation had been a significant disappointment for him.

After thinking about it for a long time, he had eventually come to a conclusion about why that might have happened.

Unlike the others, who had directly ’met’ the original creators or owners of the inheritances they later received, Alex had only encountered a series of phantom images during his own Stele Trial.

At the time, he had concluded that those images were some form of recorded memories—either memories held by the hall where the trial took place, or perhaps memories of the Plane itself, preserving the most significant advancements in the field throughout its history.

Either way, the key issue remained the same.

Even if those entities had witnessed the Energy Transmutation method being used, that did not necessarily mean they understood how it had originally been created.

Back in his previous life, phones and computers were everywhere. Countless videos existed online explaining how they were made. But simply watching those videos did not mean the viewer truly understood the manufacturing principles behind them.

And if that viewer were a complete layman, it would be impossible for them to accurately pass on that knowledge to someone else.

The situation with the Stele Trial—and his failure to receive the inheritance—could be viewed in much the same light.

"You are not wrong," Alex said, voicing his thoughts as he fell into contemplation.

"What alchemists refer to as Plant Essence can loosely be described as a more potent form of chemical energy already existing within the plant itself. However, each plant possesses its own unique Plant Essence, much like how each plant has its own distinct chemical profile.

"If we assume that a specific chemical profile gives rise to a unique form of chemical energy—which we describe as Plant Essence—then at its core, [Zaxan’s Transmutation] is essentially an energy conversion process that shouldn’t naturally be possible."

His eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts deepened.

"And if the process works for all forms of Plant Essence—chemical energy—then what happens if we expand its scope beyond that? If we can convert Plant Essence into another form of energy, then we should, in theory, be able to push it further and convert different forms of energy into one another as well."

"My thoughts exactly," Eleanore said with a nod. "However, based on what you described earlier about the original process requiring Legends, I suspect the command of Laws would be necessary to properly facilitate it.

"I am not confident I could ever master a Law with that level of utility. In fact, I am not even certain such a Law would be particularly useful to me in my chosen paths. But whatever the case, the limitation does not exist for you... or rather, for OmniRune."

Alex looked at her, realisation dawning.

"I see... you are referring to the relationship between consciousness and Law comprehension that I theorised some time ago."

"Yes," Eleanore confirmed. "Along with OmniRune’s natural processing advantage. I suspect both comprehending the process and actually applying it would require an absurd amount of understanding and computational power. It may very well be something beyond even the brainpower of a single Legend. However—"

"Processing power is not a problem for OmniRune," Alex finished for her.

Eleanore smiled.

"So? Are you interested now?"

Alex gave a helpless, wry smile.

"Fine. You got me. I am interested," he admitted. "Though realistically, it is not something I am likely to make progress on anytime soon."

"Nor am I expecting immediate results," Eleanore replied.

After all, this was something that seemed to belong firmly within the realm of a Legendary-level projects. In truth, considering Alex was attempting to approach it largely alone, it might be more accurate to classify it as an Epic-level undertaking.

’The ability to convert one form of energy into another at will...’ Alex thought inwardly.

’If OmniRune could truly master such a function, the utility of that ability... I cannot even begin to imagine the full scope of its versatility.’

A faint smile formed inside his mind.

But then, another thought followed immediately behind it.

’Given the universe’s apparent obsession with equilibrium… would such a thing even be permitted to exist?’ Alex pondered inwardly.

Nevertheless, a moment later, he dismissed the thought with a shake of his head.

’No… the equilibrium the universe enforces—or perhaps the equilibrium it is subjected to—is not one that promotes stagnation. Its purpose is to ensure the system continues to function soundly and does not abruptly collapse due to its own inherent contradictions.

’Achieving the desired outcome would prove challenging, as it would necessitate shattering established paradigms. However, since the universe itself is in a constant state of flux, those paradigms would inevitably yield to accommodate genuine progress.

’Therefore, it is not the destination that is unattainable… only the path leading to it will be arduous.’

Alex's line of reasoning solidified within his consciousness.

A slow smile began to grace his features.

’Well… life would be rather dull otherwise, wouldn’t it?’

Eleanore observed him silently as he sank into contemplation, mulling over the feasibility of that far-off ultimate objective and the myriad of stages required to attain it.

She refrained from interrupting his reverie.

Instead, she simply watched him, a tender, affectionate smile gracing her lips.

Alex possessed numerous facets, each capable of being deemed impressive, remarkable, or even captivating.

Yet, to her, Alex shone brightest when he was engaged in creation—when he was experimenting, innovating, or striving to manifest a novel concept through sheer tenacity, ingenuity, and what he himself would label as a touch of madness.

She felt that if one were to divest him of all his other titles—nobleman, mage, commander, silver-tongued orator, business magnate, and all the rest—one fundamental aspect would invariably remain.

Something intrinsically his, unassailable by any external force.

His innate curiosity.

His unyielding drive to comprehend, to enhance, and to bring forth new creations.

At his very essence, it was his intellect that captivated her—nay, that continually captivates her, even to the point of utter devotion at times. These moments, in particular, amplify that feeling.

Perhaps it was because, having grown up accepting the likelihood of a future devoid of marital love, Eleanore had unconsciously redefined her own perception of what romance entailed.

While others envisioned leisurely strolls, shared repasts, bouts of laughter, romantic outings, and placid domestic contentment… she had consciously cultivated an appreciation for something distinct.

Intellectual kinship.

Most crucially, the capacity for collaborative endeavor—for co-creation—for achieving significant intellectual milestones together, side by side.

In her view, embarking on a grand-scale research endeavor such as this—one with the potential to revolutionize their very understanding of the world—constituted, in itself, the most profound romantic gesture a partner could offer.

And by that benchmark… Alex was the most romantic individual she had ever encountered.

Possibly, the most romantic person she would ever come to know.

Eleanore’s gaze wavered slightly as this realization fully imprinted itself upon her heart.

She understood then, in the deepest recesses of her being, that her decision had already been made.

Her resolve was firm, unalterable.

Meanwhile, Alex remained entirely unaware of the silent transformation unfolding beside him.

For approximately the next thirty minutes, the duo engaged in a detailed discussion of their strategic plans, meticulously refining each step until mutual satisfaction was achieved, signaling their readiness to commence.

And it was about time.

Urgent intelligence relayed from Raven Horn soon reached Alex, confirming that the BattleBanes were already en route back to BloodIron—transporting a shipment that was, with near certainty, the coveted divine statue.

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