[EXP: 1,000]
[Novice Robe of Necromancy Passive Activated: Reanimate]
[Warning: Monster incompatible]
[Soul Absorption Activated]
[Absorption Complete]
+2 Rune Creation
+10 Boost to Dexterity
+10 Boost to Mana(Due to high mana usage during battle)
+1 Twin Daggers
"Two rune creations…?"
Marcus exhaled slowly, his breath catching against the scorched air as he finally became aware of the damage his body had taken—skin blistered, nerves twitching, pain like a slow boil beneath the surface. His clothes clung to him in half-burned shreds, threads still smoldering near his shoulder where the flames had licked too deep.
He coughed out a laugh, dry and short.
"I guess it was worth it after all."
His eyes narrowed as the adrenaline wore off. The silence of the corridor, once comforting, now felt oppressive, like a storm was waiting just past the next breath.
"But it looks like this wasn't the end at all…"
His gaze swept across the dungeon—the once-shadowy corridor now blackened and cratered, the stone floor still faintly glowing with residual heat. The corpse of the assassin had already dissolved, leaving behind no trace but a scorch pattern and the faint glimmer of absorbed energy.
"Still stuck here."
With a tired grunt, Marcus sat cross-legged on the scorched stone, wincing as his joints protested. Heat still radiated from the floor beneath him, seeping into his legs like he was meditating atop the remnants of a battlefield.
"Open Rune Creation Panel."
The air shimmered faintly as a translucent screen blinked into existence in front of him—arcane symbols spiraling across the borders of the digital interface like dancing fireflies.
[Rune Creation Panel]
[Currently Learned]:
Mana Efficiency Rune (Created) (B+) (Passive)
Fire Rune (Learned) (C)
Combustion Rune (Created) (A+)
"Create new rune."
[One Free Trial Rune Creation Used]
A more complex interface expanded across his vision—diagrams, wheels, and rotating sigils layered like a celestial machine. Even now, it was daunting, clearly meant for master-level crafters. Marcus instinctively knew that attempting a manual creation here would be the equivalent of trying to carve a masterpiece with a sledgehammer.
Did this panel just get more confusing…?
"Search rune."
A search bar popped into place with a flicker. He muttered "Healing" and typed it in quickly, fingers shaky but sure.
[Available Runes]:
Healing Rune (C) [Unlocked]
Rejuvenation Rune (C+) [Unlocked]
Wound-Sealing Rune (B-) [Unlocked]
Fast Healing Rune (B) [Unlocked]
Vital Surge Rune (B+) [Unlocked]
Advanced Healing Rune (A-) [Unlocked]
True Healing Rune (A+) [Locked]
[<1/Inf> Pages]
Marcus tilted his head slightly, eyeing the locked entry at the bottom with thin curiosity.
"I wonder what the criteria is to even unlock some of them…"
His voice was soft, contemplative. But the choice was obvious—his body needed serious repair, and now. He tapped the Advanced Healing Rune without hesitation.
[Rune Creation Update]
[Currently Learned]:
Mana Efficiency Rune (Created) (B+) (Passive)
Fire Rune (Learned) (C)
Combustion Rune (Created) (A+)
Advanced Healing Rune (Created) (A-)
"Okay, this should help me recover for a while."
He grinned wearily, letting out a long sigh as he prepared to close the interface—until a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[Recommended Rune Creation]
"Another recommended one?"
A chuckle escaped his lips as he traced a line across the worst burn on his arm, channeling the healing rune. The magic flared to life, warm and soothing, knitting his flesh together with glowing threadlike tendrils. His body relaxed as tension bled out, the pain melting like wax under sunlight.
"Sure… why not."
The panel flickered again—and this time, two new entries appeared, each radiating an unnatural, divine-level glow.
[Runes]:
Spellblade Rune (SSS) [Unlocked]
Arcane Gifted Rune (SSS) [Unlocked]
Marcus' brows shot up, genuine surprise cutting through his fatigue. The tier labels pulsed with golden light—SSS-class. He leaned forward unconsciously, scanning every inch of the display.
"I have two rune creations left… I could unlock these two if I want to."
His fingers hovered over the options like a gambler choosing cards with his life on the line. But before he could decide—
[Warning: Only one rune can be chosen. Choosing one will close the other.]
"You have to be kidding me…"
His voice fell flat with disbelief, a bitter edge curling beneath the words. Of course it wasn't going to be that easy. Not here. Not in this damn world.
He sat there in silence for a long second—the glow of the runes reflecting in his eyes, flames long gone but decisions still burning.