Power of Runes

Chapter 26 - 26: Rune of Knowledge (3)

A/N: I feel like I need to increase the extra chapter limit… otherwise, you guys will suck me dry at this rate! ???????? But seriously, I appreciate the support—just don't turn me into a writing machine! ????✍️

Well, anyway, enjoy your extra chapter! ????????

***

The book was empty. Not a single word was written on its pages.

Ash glanced around cautiously, scanning his surroundings for any sign of prying eyes. Even after activating Omni Thought for a few seconds, he found no one nearby.

A dull ache settled in his head from the brief usage of the skill, but he ignored it.

Only then did he move.

Bringing the book closer, he bit down on his finger, drawing a small bead of blood. With a flick of his hand, the drop fell onto the stark white pages.

The book absorbed it instantly—like a sponge drinking in water.

Without hesitation, he pressed the book against his chest, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Rune of Knowledge."

The book trembled in his grasp before disintegrating, its essence seeping into his body, fusing with his very soul.

Now I just need to bear with the pain, he thought, bracing himself.

But… nothing happened.

No searing heat. No unbearable agony.

Just silence.

"Huh? There's no pain?" he murmured, genuinely confused.

I thought I'd have to go through another body reformation… but nothing happened.

He waited a moment longer. Still nothing happened.

Well, that's fine. Let's check the status and read the Rune's description.

'Status.'

Name- Ash Burn

Race- Human

Age- 12

Class- Magic Swordsman (Unique)

Rank- Novice (F-Rank)-(6%)

Affinity- Lightning

Strength- 8

Agility- 10

Vitality- 4

Intelligence- 14 --> 20

Stamina- 12

Charm- 6

Mana- 50

>Trait-

-Codex of Creation (F-Rank)

-??????-[Assimilation Rate- 50%]

>Skills-

-Omni Thought

{Skill Creation Chances- 0}

-Rune of Stability

-Rune of Knowledge

**

The first thing Ash noticed was the sudden jump in his Intelligence stat—it had increased from 14 to a whopping 20.

I thought it would increase more, but still it's good enough.

Not like it'll affect the Rune's abilities anyway.

With that thought, he continued scrolling through his status,

He turned to the bookshelves and pulled out a tome, flipping through the pages with forced focus.

If the Rune of Knowledge had given him perfect memory, then he'd use it.

If remembering hurt, then he'd drown it in more knowledge.

If emotions threatened to rise, he'd bury them beneath logic and understanding—just like he always had.

And so, without another word, he began to read.

***

A/N: Just a quick reminder—if you thought the Rune of Stability would completely prevent Ash's emotional outbursts, think again!

It only works on overwhelming negative emotions like depression and sadness, and even then, only when they pile up. So don't expect it to be an off switch for his Emotions!