Chapter 33: Runeth
Raven felt the golden chains retract, slithering back into the air like liquid metal. Runeth's words lingered in his mind, echoing over the icy rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Suppressing him isn't the permanent solution, kid." The old man's voice was steady, carrying the weight of centuries. "Become strong enough to surpass him. When your goals align, he'll surrender and merge with you willingly. He's an alter ego—a psychological remnant. Nothing to fear, just… something to master."
The chains vanished entirely, leaving Raven's chest tingling from their lingering warmth. He drew in a quiet breath, testing his body, and the residual energy from the seal slid away like mist. His eyes instinctively darted to the bluish humanoid figure, still sweeping its spear through the air with hypnotic precision.
"I've been staying here all this time to relay important information," Runeth said, his amber gaze drifting toward the creature. The hum of the spear's movement resonated in Raven's chest.
Raven placed a hand over the spot where the chains had been, still warm from their dissolution. "What… what is he doing?" His voice was low, edged with curiosity.
"Practicing Basic Spearmanship," Runeth replied, his finger gesturing toward the spear. "The Frozen Ender belonged to someone from the Primordial Era. Its strength grows alongside its wielder. Even if shattered, it reforms over time. And it possesses intelligence… and ice-based abilities."
Raven's mind raced. "I saw Casper activate this spear and manipulate ice, causing a disaster. So, it's true—this weapon can actually—"
"Disaster? That's an understatement," Runeth chuckled, amber eyes glinting with memory. "I've seen it freeze entire worlds. The original owner stood as an equal against the Creator himself. Watching the battle through Elapsed Time… I could feel the gaze of the Creator. That was why I planned to wield it again, in a fake reincarnation, to be reborn elsewhere. Casper's intrusion ruined everything, though—destroyed my original consciousness before I could act."
Raven's hands clenched unconsciously. Am I strong enough to handle something like this?
"Without strength," Runeth murmured, almost reading his thoughts, "you can't protect anything."
The old man's gaze softened, and his voice lowered. "Now, the illusion world. Each session lasts two hours. When the time expires, you'll be expelled. Entry opens again after twenty-two hours. Nine stages await, each with unique scenarios and constraints. A tenth exists, but even I could not access it because of the Creator's interference. You'll discover it in due time. Consider this my final gift from my previous life."
With that, Runeth's hands moved fluidly through the air, golden light condensing into a dense orb. It hovered briefly before being pushed directly into Raven's chest. A warmth unlike any other seeped into his being, mingling with the icy awareness left from the chains.
"I'm merely a will of my original consciousness," Runeth explained, fading slightly. "If not for the spear's sealed state, I would have long vanished. Perhaps in Easica World, you may find another will of mine. And this illusion world… be careful who you bring here. Imagination shapes it, and one wrong thought could warp reality." His smile lingered for a heartbeat longer. "Take care of Zera for me."
Then, like morning mist under the sun, he dissolved—translucent, fading until only the echo of his words remained.
"What… what just happened?" Raven muttered, stepping forward cautiously. The blue-skinned humanoid continued its dance of spear and shadow, each movement precise and mesmerizing. Raven's pulse thrummed in tandem, anticipation coiling tightly in his chest.
He approached the figure, hands raised instinctively. "If only I had a spear—"
An iron shaft materialized in his right hand, its weight familiar yet brimming with potential.
'So this world can shape itself to my imagination.' He gripped the Frozen Ender, letting the iron settle into his palm.
Raven mimicked the creature's movements carefully, step by step. Thrust. Sweep. Parry. Spin. A side-step to adjust stance. His body stuttered, faltered at first, but each repetition honed his motions, muscles remembering flaws he hadn't noticed before. Footwork misaligned. Grip too loose. Posture uneven. Slowly, those errors dissolved.
With each motion, the spear felt alive—responding, correcting, guiding. Ice shimmered faintly along its edge, pulsing with energy that tickled Raven's fingertips. So this is what mastery feels like… not power, but alignment.
A surge of comprehension hit him, almost overwhelming. Raven's mind swirled with the hum of the illusionary world. But before he could reach full enlightenment, the ground fractured beneath him. Shards of shimmering reality splintered like broken glass, tugging at his senses. A suction force yanked at his chest, and the air itself seemed to howl as he was pulled out.
…
Raven gasped, back in the master bedroom, heart racing. The familiar scent of polished wood and flickering fire returned. He pressed a hand to his chest. "Damn it… I was just about to understand the sidestepping movement."
[Are you all right, lad?] Zera's voice came, threaded with concern. [You've been unconscious for more than two hours. The spear… it radiated a familiar power, even healed the damage to your soul. How… how is that possible?]
"I entered an illusion world," Raven said, excitement lacing his voice. He recounted every detail: Runeth, the blue-skinned humanoid, the rhythm of the spear, and the insights he had gleaned.
[… He could've told me the spear's secrets before his death,] Zera muttered in frustration. [The creature you saw… blue-skinned, third eye, antennas… definitely Primordial Era. You'll discover more about it as you explore.]
Raven's gaze lingered on the window, where moonlight caught the frost along the panes. "Zera… what exactly does 'Primordial Era' mean?"
[After the universe's birth, time split into four eras, marked by major incidents. The first was the Primordial Era, from creation until one billion years ago. Many beings were born and died; most vanished. A few still roam. Then came the Age of Origin Time—chaotic, spawning paths for Divines and Mages. The Era of Past Time followed, relatively peaceful. And finally, the Era of New Time—you are living in it. The one who caused this era is the Angel of Time, known to Charles personally.]
"And the Rune Era?" Raven asked, curiosity piqued.
[That's this world's era,] Zera replied sharply. [Don't ask stupid questions about the universe. Libraries exist for that.]
Shaking his head, Raven pushed aside his thoughts and focused on practice. He left the master bedroom, descended the split staircase, and stepped into the moonlit lawn. Frost glistened under the chandelier's faint glow, wind crisp against his cheeks. The spear felt alive in his hands as he recalled the movements.
Step forward, thrust. Two steps back, steady posture. Slash, parry, spin, side-step. Each repetition refined his form, each motion resonating deeper in his muscles. Hours passed unnoticed. His body ached, chilled by winter's grip, yet every fiber pulsed with newfound control.
Finally, he paused, monocle in place, examining the spear's status.
[Name: Frozen Ender (Sealed)
Rank: Common (Evolve)
Experience Comprehension: 5.2%
Description: None
Unique skill:
Rank-1 Skill: Frozen Lance (Locked) [Requirement: Master 'Basic Spear Mastery' and activate 'Basic Aura']]
It rose by 3%… just like that? Raven's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile.
He opened his own status:
[Name: Raven Sillalus Jorvot
Age: 15
Nationality: Zenith Empire
Title: 66th Prince of Zenith Empire
Level: 6
Class: Acolyte Warlock (0th Circle)
Soul Rank: Mortal (Soul Damaged 0%)
Life Pathway: Beginner Alchemist
Health: Fatigued
Attributes:
Strength: 6.5
Agility: 5.67
Vitality: 5.56
Luck: 1.5
Spirit: 17.1
Bloodline Spells: Iron Resilience, Poison Touch, Fortuitous Finder (Completed), Blood Control, Face Morph
Additional Skills: Past Finder, Instant Memorize, Night Vision, Spiritual Scan
Affinities: Life: Low, Ice: Genius]
[Oh? Finally… Genius rank affinity!] Raven thought, a grin spreading across his face.
[I think you will get spear affinity too. What's your next plan, lad?] Zera's voice chimed softly from within the inventory.
Raven stored the spear and froze for a moment, noticing two figures at the entrance. "Jacob and Quincy! What are you doing at this hour?"
Quincy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I saw you rush downstairs. Had to follow. And… I saw something amazing."
"Are you a genius in spearmanship? I've never seen anyone improve this fast," Jacob added, nodding.
"I… had some enlightenment," Raven replied smoothly, returning indoors. Fatigue tugged at him as he climbed to the master bedroom, collapsing onto the bed.
Long day… too many things… His mind drifted before sleep claimed him.
…
Morning arrived. Raven ate quickly with the four Sepoy Mercenaries on the day shift before retreating to the study. Maps sprawled across the table, and he traced paths with a careful finger.
'I need to learn Rune Language. Mind Space. Elemental Circlets. Spearmanship proficiency… all while preparing to find Aunt Shirley.'
"Emanuel!" he called sharply.
Seconds later, a young man in a crisp butler suit appeared.
"Yes, my lord?"
"How much money remains?"
"33 golds, 35 silvers."
Raven's eyes gleamed. "Buy a carriage. Four seats, luxurious, comfortable. Ensure a skilled coachman. Ready by afternoon."
Emanuel hesitated. "Which type, my lord?"
"Clarence. Spacious, elegant. Privacy for four."
"Understood." Emanuel bowed. "Anything else?"
"Maps. Empire map. Also, find out the shops selling Rank-1 Magical Beast corpses in Bloodstone City, Red Ember Royal Capital, and Iron Peak."
"Yes, my lord. I'll inquire through the Giaris Guild mercenaries."
Raven leaned back, fingers steepled, mind already turning over the next steps. He entered the memory library.
Raven's fingers traced the spines of countless memory tomes in the library, each one humming faintly as if eager to impart knowledge. Four hours passed in a blur of symbols and sounds, and by the end, he could read basic rune words and even form a simple sentence.
I never thought learning a language could feel this natural, he mused, stepping into the study.
[You still need a week to master the basics, lad. Don't get cocky.] Zera's voice whispered in his mind.
A soft knock echoed from the study door.
"Who is it? Come in," Raven called.
The door creaked open to reveal a black-haired woman with a triangular face and warm brown eyes. She bowed gracefully. "It's me, Stephanie, My Lord. Lunch is ready. Will you have it now, or later?"
"Oh, now. Also, invite the mercenaries in like this morning—I need to discuss something with them," Raven instructed.
"Yes, My Lord." Stephanie bowed again and left quickly.
Raven scanned the shelves, locating an empty notebook and placing it on the table.
Which Knight Technique should I assign to the mercenaries? he thought.
[Jacob and Felicity are Rangers—they already share techniques. Marcellus doesn't rely on Knight techniques. Selene's a Wizard, Reece a Beastmaster. Only Leona and Quincy remain. Quincy may need it, but it's better for Leona. She's a Pugilist, uses her body in combat, and has the highest risk of injury.] Zera analyzed.
[Planning to make them subordinates someday? If they knew your identity, they'd never refuse.]
Not the right time. Their affinities aren't strong enough.
[Affinity potions could boost them. Loyal, good-charactered candidates could be recruited immediately.]
Raven's brow furrowed. I'll decide after I recapture the town. He left the study, heading to the dining room.
…
Four mercenaries—Marcellus, Selene, Reece, and Felicity—sat at the long wooden table. Their eyes lifted as Raven entered, bows subtle but precise.
"Sit, sit," he waved them down, claiming the head of the table.
Two young girls, Briana and Kate, brought a hearty lunch of roasted meats, fresh bread, and vegetables, placing it before Raven and the mercenaries. They moved silently, then stepped back once Raven cleared his throat.
The room fell quiet. Every gaze locked on him.
"Once Emanuel returns, I plan to visit an inn in the Northern Borough. Who will join?"
"Why go to such a poor district, My Lord?" Marcellus asked, adjusting his bowler hat. "If you command, we'll handle it."
"I need to go personally," Raven replied, eyes sweeping the table. "Though there's little danger, I want a close-combat specialist nearby."
"Then Selene and I will suffice, My Lord," Marcellus added with a nod.
Raven inclined his head, then returned to his meal. The quiet murmurs of a focused lunch continued, everyone savoring the food while thinking ahead.
As the plates cleared, mercenaries exchanged brief words before rising. Marcellus and Selene gave a nod—silent confirmation of readiness.
"We'll be ready to leave once Emanuel returns, My Lord," Marcellus assured.
Raven nodded. "I trust you. Prepare for departure when the carriage is ready."
The group dispersed. Raven called after Stephanie.
"Yes, My Lord?" she appeared instantly, bowing.
"Hire a girl named Rebecca immediately if she seeks employment. She's from Claw Ville and works in a factory. Train her and Ronald in basic etiquette and groom them personally," Raven instructed.
"Understood, My Lord."
"And keep an eye on Emanuel. If anything seems odd, report to me immediately."
Stephanie's eyebrows lifted slightly at the name, but she stayed silent. "Yes, My Lord."
Raven walked past her toward the study. Thirty minutes later, a knock sounded.
Is it time already? He slipped on his monocle, donned his boots artifact, and covered his face with a top hat.
Emanuel waited patiently. "The carriage is ready outside, My Lord. Marcellus and Selene await."
"Good. Let's not waste time."
Outside, a sleek black Clarence carriage gleamed under the afternoon sun. Its understated design spoke of nobility without ostentation. Marcellus checked the harnesses while Selene leaned against the carriage, arms crossed, eyes scanning the street.
Marcellus opened the door. "Everything is set, My Lord. Ready to depart."
Raven climbed in, the interior plush with dark wood paneling. Selene sat across from him. Marcellus mounted outside beside the coachman.
"Let's go," Raven ordered.
The horses' hooves clattered over cobblestones, and the carriage lurched forward. The roads were smooth here, but Raven knew the Northern Borough awaited with rougher terrain.
He peeked through the curtain and touched the monocle, activating a status scan on Selene.
…
[Name: Selene
Age: 35
Race: Human
Nationality: Zenith Empire
Title: None
Rank: Acolyte Wizard (Seventh Circle)
Pathway:
Level: 7
Attributes:
Strength: 7.4
Agility: 7.2
Vitality: 7.1
Luck: 4
Spirit: 16
Class Spells: Shadow Bind, Wrath Form, Blink
Affinities: Shadow – High, Space – Intermediate, Dream – High]
Among all members, she's the only one with two high-level affinities.
"How did you become a Wizard, Miss Selene?" Raven asked.
Her hesitant glance faded. "I don't deserve the title. Expelled five years ago for interfering in mortal affairs… rogue Wizard now. I had to save my family from bandits."
"Tell me about the academy's rules. How did you know your family was in danger?"
"I dreamt it for a week straight—my village burned by men in black. I left secretly, killed the bandits, but my teacher revoked my certification."
[It's her Dream affinity, lad. Dream connects past, present, and future. The Chaos Scroll you have is from a Dream Walker.] Zera added.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "Chaos Scroll?"
[The Nightmare Loop Spell. One of the Chaos Scrolls.]
Selene continued. "The Crow's Misery Academy's rules are strict. Once enrolled, you can't leave without permission for five years. You also can't engage in mortal affairs until becoming an Official Wizard."
Raven nodded silently. Reasonable rules, yet she broke them to protect her family.
The carriage slowed. Northern Borough's streets grew uneven, factories cropping up, life rougher and more industrial.
"Red Apple Inn, Albert Street," Raven instructed.
"Yes, My Lord."
The modest inn appeared, faded red paint flaking from the walls, its wooden sign swaying. The coachman parked, and Marcellus opened the door. Raven and Selene entered.
Inside, the lobby bustled with over ten patrons, tables arranged neatly, and four servants scurrying.
A young blonde-haired man with russet eyes rushed forward. "How may I help you, sir?"
Palmer… Raven smirked. He passed him and approached a middle-aged man with a chevron mustache.
"Mr. Franco. Nice to see you. Remember me?" He displayed a badge painted with a cockscomb flower.
Franco's eyes widened.
'He can change his face… an artifact?' He hesitated, sensing the power emanating from two people behind Raven—a Radiant Knight and an Acolyte Wizard.
Politeness overtook surprise. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon, Mr. Holmes."