Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 693: Alex’s Troubles II

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’The true extent of what I’ve accomplished with Spirit Magic is essentially channeling the responsibility of managing a conjured spell-form from myself to another entity. In the instance of the Five-Clawed Divine Dragon, that specific entity was AetherKindle.’

’Regrettably, AetherKindle stands as the sole entity I can currently conceive of possessing this capability. Ideally, I would have preferred for OmniRune to independently manage the spell constructs post-conjuration. However, that is clearly unfeasible. OmniRune still depends on my personal mental energy and cognitive processing, rendering it no different from me directly controlling the spell-form. This completely negates the fundamental objective of Spirit Magic.’

Another notion entered his mind.

’Furthermore, there seems to be a distinct limitation concerning which entities can assume control of particular spells. AetherKindle performed adequately solely because it shares a fire-aligned nature with the [Five-Clawed Divine Dragon], which itself is fundamentally a fire-elemental spell construct.

’Should I attempt the same maneuver utilizing a water-aligned spell, AetherKindle would likely falter in its control—it simply wouldn’t comprehend the nature of what it was handling.

’Or at the very least... that’s the impression AetherKindle conveyed to me.’

Alex adjusted his posture slightly, his index finger rhythmically striking the tabletop.

’Another crucial factor... assuming command of the spell-form appears to forge a form of shared sensory link between the commanding entity and the construct itself,’ Alex dissected internally.

His thoughts involuntarily returned to the moment Brock Peyton had severed the Divine Dragon’s limb.

AetherKindle had emitted a cry as if it had genuinely endured pain.

’Such a reaction should not logically occur. The Divine Dragon is merely a conjured construct made of mana—precisely the reason AetherKindle could regenerate the limb afterward.

’However, if a type of trauma transfer is indeed occurring between the construct and the entity in command... then I must exercise extreme caution when developing or employing this method further.’

His tapping momentarily ceased as a new idea emerged.

A beat later, the rhythmic tapping recommenced as he thoroughly considered the ramifications.

’It becomes increasingly evident that Spirit Magic hinges upon some form of metaphysical entity to commandeer the conjured spell-form. Consequently, unless I can secure a sufficiently varied repertoire of such entities... Spirit Magic, in its present condition, will remain severely constrained.’

Alex released a prolonged sigh, tending to his temples.

“In that scenario, I suppose Spirit Magic represents a dead end for the moment,” he voiced aloud. “It would be wiser to set it aside and dedicate my focus to something more fruitful.”

He was far from content with that conclusion.

The method undeniably held immense potential. Unfortunately, in its current form, there were simply too many variables beyond his command.

To stubbornly persist would only lead to squandered time he could ill afford to lose.

Lightly shaking his head, Alex consciously redirected his thoughts to alternative subjects.

’Another domain worthy of concentration is the [Zaxan’s Transmutation] Formation. I should be capable of further refining the conversion process while simultaneously guaranteeing the resultant essence retains the utmost purity possible.

’But extending beyond that... there might exist a more profound connection concealed within the formation itself—potentially even a gateway towards genuine Energy Transmutation.’

Alex’s eyes narrowed in contemplation.

’That particular avenue of research would undoubtedly demand a substantial investment of time... yet even so, it would still represent a significantly superior allocation compared to attempting to force Spirit Magic through brute strength in its present state.’

Nevertheless, after arriving at that judgment, Alex paused.

A moment later, he once again shook his head.

’No... there exists something even more pressing than that.’

Resting his chin upon his hand, his thoughts underwent another shift.

’Rune Tattoo Soldiers... and Rune Tattoo Sets.’

’I have already initiated the process of identifying individuals possessing innate aptitudes conducive to Rune Tattoo compatibility. However, not all of them exhibit exceptional cultivation talent. This presents a challenge regarding their standing within what is intended to be an elite contingent.’

Alex’s brow furrowed slightly.

’The perspectives of external parties hold little significance for me. Yet, I cannot entirely disregard the psychological repercussions those viewpoints might inflict upon the individuals I have selected—particularly those with lesser cultivation potential.

’To stand alongside monstrous talents and prodigies on a daily basis could ultimately diminish their self-assurance... or worse, lead them to believe they will never truly belong.’

He had already made attempts to address this particular concern.

Alex had articulated his broader vision to them and even presented figures such as Kavakan and Mogal as illustrations—evidence that overwhelming talent was not the sole determinant of strength.

However, he was aware that mere words were insufficient.

‘Unless I can forge actual Rune Soldiers and showcase undeniable results, their skepticism will persist.’

Yet, that very notion provoked a new layer of apprehension in Alex, one that hinted at a potential fundamental weakness inherent in Rune Tattoos themselves.

‘Fortuna alone currently boasts sixty members. Should we expand, that number could swell to three hundred. But I am merely one individual.

‘Even operating at peak capacity, I might manage to create just a single Rune Tattoo Set each day. At such a pace, outfitting even three hundred individuals would demand a considerable duration. And this calculation assumes standardized sets.

‘If unique, customized variations become a necessity, the production timeline will stretch even further. There is a finite limit to what I alone can produce within a reasonable timeframe.’

Alex vigorously massaged his temples, a picture of escalating frustration.

‘I truly needed to devise a magical platform that only I could operate…’ he lamented with a bitter sigh.

‘There must be a method to replicate or mass-produce Rune Tattoo Sets while retaining their intended effectiveness. Whether in the present or the future, this problem demands a solution if I wish for Rune Tattoos to achieve the widespread adoption I envision.’

The more he deliberated, however, the more elusive the answers became.

He yearned to set the matter aside for the time being, yet he understood the impossibility of ignoring it indefinitely. As he had already surmised, prolonged postponement could ultimately sow discord within the party itself—even if the probability remained remote.

‘Sigh…’

Alex pitched forward, resting his forearms on the table, and exhaled a long, weary breath.

‘So much to accomplish… and precious little time to do it.’

Knock. Knock.

As Alex remained engrossed in contemplating his research priorities, the distinct sound of knocking shattered his concentration. He immediately righted himself, returning to an upright seated posture.

The visible frustration, the underlying uncertainty, and the palpable fatigue from moments before seemed to evaporate almost instantaneously.

In their stead, the familiar calm assurance and the gentle smile he habitually displayed towards his consorts and subordinates resurfaced.

‘Enter,’ he called out.

A short while later, Eleanore and Sugud graced the room with their presence.

The instant Alex perceived the expressions on their faces, an inward sigh escaped him.

They were almost certainly on the verge of adding even more tasks to his already overburdened schedule.

‘No respite for the exhausted…’

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