Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Prologue
CH00: Prologue
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Prologue
[True_Sage:
Congrats on another one of your books winning a platform award.]
[System_Lord:
Thanks, Sage. Couldn't have done it without your help.
Your critiques really polished the rough edges.]
[True_Sage:
You give me too much credit.
You're the one who wrote over a million words. I just dropped a few words of comments.]
[System_Lord:
Not a few—more like ten thousand!]
[True_Sage:
Lol... was it that much? Time flies. Anyway, my point stands.]
[System_Lord:
Sage, seriously, you should write again.]
[True_Sage:
This again? We've been through this.
The platform doesn't think my work is commercially viable. The three stories I tried lacked the immediate hook today's readers want.]
[System_Lord:
Only because you refuse to follow trends. Throw in a System, an SSS-ranked cheat, and you'd get a contract.]
[True_Sage:
That's exactly why I won't.
Sure, I could fake it—hook readers with something flashy and phase it out later—but that's not the kind of story I want to tell. It'd feel like lying.]
[True_Sage:
Besides, even when I try to create a good cheat system, it either ends up over-engineered or half-baked. I shelve it every time.
I've accepted it. Writing just isn't for me.
These days, I'm content reading and helping others shine.]
[System_Lord:
Argh... I really want to read your work!
How about this; draft something and send it to me. I'll pitch it to the editors to let the readers decide.
You've got a big following as a reviewer — people would love to see what the True Sage can do.]
[Alert: System_Lord has left the chat.]
—
"This guy... He really doesn't take no for an answer."
Inside a stylish, towering condo, a man in his mid-thirties reclined in a comfortable swivel chair. The faint illumination from his expansive display screen danced across his striking, reflective expression.
On the web, he went by True_Sage — a renowned evaluator and commentator on the digital novel site.
Online fiction had molded his existence. From his early years, it served as his escape. He'd consumed tales ranging from poorly rated junk to top-tier masterpieces, ultimately developing the remarkable skill to foresee complete narratives from mere initial sections.
Once, he was convinced he could produce superior work.
He attempted it. Three books, each turned down. Not due to poor craftsmanship, but for missing commercial appeal. No instant draw. No overpowering advantages. Simply smart protagonists and gradually unfolding schemes. The reviewers noted that audiences wouldn't stick around.
Thus, he abandoned the aspiration.
Currently, he worked as a software specialist at a leading technology company, earning far more than necessary. With his income, savings, and no commitments, he could step away from work soon and enjoy a leisurely life.
Authorship remained merely a youthful fancy... better forgotten.
Ding~
"Hm?"
A private note arrived from the community board. Just admins could contact him — System_Lord likely enlisted one's aid.
"Heart_of_Pangea? Never heard of this handle before."
He opened it.
—
[Heart_of_Pangea:
You've helped many craft their stories. Will you now write your own?]
[Heart_of_Pangea:
Can you tell the tale of one who begins with nothing?]
—
True_Sage's brow furrowed. Unknown to him, a shimmering golden gleam sparked in his gaze as he responded swiftly by typing.
[True_Sage:
I know I can.]
[Heart_of_Pangea:
Would you give up everything to prove it?]
The golden radiance grew brighter. His logical thoughts faded — overwhelmed by a rush of feelings.
[True_Sage:
If given the chance... yes.]
[Heart_of_Pangea:
Then the contract is sealed.]
—
Abruptly, the space around him spun.
His display wavered, drawing him in with an unnatural pull that ignored natural laws. His form turned feather-light. Confused.
Right as darkness claimed his vision, one last note appeared.
[Heart_of_Pangea:
True Sage... In a world teetering on the brink, rise as the Sage they need. May fortune guide you.]
And just like that, he disappeared.
***