The Rise of the God of Death
Chapter 52: Aura Runes
The forge burned quietly, its orange light flickering against the black stone walls.
Daimon, Darren, and Lucy stood near the door, preparing to leave for their next hunt.
"Why am I even included?" Darren grumbled. "I didn't make any contract."
"The contract is for drawing the weapon's power," Daimon replied calmly. "That doesn't mean you can't train with it."
The three stepped out into the blazing plains, ready to test their new weapons—and themselves.
---
Meanwhile, inside the forge…
Nil sat on a chair near the workbench, legs swinging restlessly.
"He told me to wait…" he muttered. "What's he even doing?"
Flashback.
"Hey, glasses kid!" Manmand's voice echoed from behind the anvil.
"Yes, Uncle Manmand?" Nil turned quickly.
"Come here. Let's prepare your weapon."
Nil's eyes shone. Manmand grabbed a measuring stick and circled him twice.
"Alright," the old man grinned. "Punch that."
He pointed at a strange, metallic device mounted on the wall — the Mana Pressure Gauge.
Nil stretched, inhaled deeply, then charged forward.
Smack!
The forge trembled lightly.
"Hah… did I… do good?" Nil asked between breaths.
"For an Overlord, that's pretty solid," Manmand said, scratching his chin.
Nil smiled weakly. "So… what are the results?"
"For pure strength, you're about… Baron rank."
Nil's smile instantly vanished. "Oh…"
"Cheer up, kid. You did great in the other two."
"Wait, really!?" Nil's eyes lit up.
"For Elemental Mastery—you're already at the pinnacle of Monarch rank."
"Whaaat?! Seriously!?" Nil nearly jumped in place.
"And as for your Aura Capacity…" Manmand paused, squinting at the readings.
His expression darkened. "What the…?"
"What's wrong? Did I score bad again?" Nil frowned.
"Quite the opposite," Manmand muttered. "Your aura capacity… is on the pinnacle of God rank!"
Nil froze. "H-Huh?!"
"But don't get too cocky," the old man continued. "You can only draw about sixty percent of it."
Nil sighed. "Figures…"
Manmand smirked. "Don't worry. Did you forget who I am?"
He straightened proudly, hands on his hips.
"Sit there—and wait!"
---
Minutes passed. Nil tapped his foot impatiently.
"What's taking him so long?"
Just then, Manmand returned, carrying a black box.
"What's that?" Nil asked.
"You'll see." Manmand placed the box down carefully. Inside were three smaller containers, each marked with ancient runes.
"Three weapons?" Nil asked curiously.
"Not weapons, idiot." Manmand glared. "Listen carefully. The first is the Dragon's Orb—an elixir made from pure dragon souls. It strengthens your physical power."
"Cool!" Nil grinned.
"The second is another elixir—this one for Elemental Mastery, especially Earth."
Nil nodded eagerly. "And the third?"
Before his hand could touch the box, smack!
Manmand slapped it away. "Not now, kid! You need to break through first."
"Break through?" Nil tilted his head. "How?"
"By consuming the elixirs," Manmand said firmly.
He motioned for Nil to sit cross-legged. "Start with the Dragon's Orb."
Nil obeyed. Manmand patted his shoulder once, then turned toward the exit.
"I'll check on the others. Do your best, Glasses."
The door closed. Nil exhaled slowly, lifted the orb to his lips—and swallowed.
Heat exploded through his body. His aura flared, then calmed, stabilizing into a sharp, controlled pulse.
After half an hour, he opened his eyes—sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Almost there," he muttered. "Just a bit more…"
He lifted the second elixir, its green glow reflecting in his eyes.
"Can't let them get ahead of me," he whispered, then drank it down.
This one was stronger—wild, unstable. His core trembled, struggling to contain the pure elemental force. His veins pulsed with blinding light, but he clenched his teeth, forcing it down.
Outside, a massive pillar of aura erupted into the sky.
---
From the others' perspective…
"I finally broke through!" Lucy shouted proudly, her aura flaring gold.
Daimon smiled. "I'm proud of you, Lucy."
"I can't believe a crybaby princess reached my level," Darren teased.
"Enough, both of you." Manmand's head turned sharply.
"…Wait. Another aura just burst out—from inside the volcano."
They all looked at each other—then ran.
---
Back at the forge
The door was blown open. Heat waves rippled through the air. Nil stood in the center, clothes tattered, aura roaring like a storm.
He had broken through—to the Pinnacle of Monarch rank.
"Oh, so everyone's catching up to me now," Darren said, crossing his arms.
"Wow, Nil also broke through!" Lucy cheered.
"Congratulations, kid," Daimon said with a smile.
"That was one solid breakthrough," Manmand sighed, scratching his head. "You nearly blew up my forge."
Nil laughed, exhausted but proud. "I did it… finally!"
"Good." Manmand grinned. "Now… for the third box."
He opened it slowly. Inside were two crimson runes edged with gray. Heavy, ancient, and strangely hollow.
"Is that my weapon?" Nil asked curiously.
"Not exactly," Manmand said. "These are Aura Runes. They won't fight for you—but they'll help you draw out your full power. Once."
Nil blinked. "So… if I use them—does that mean I'd be on par with an Archgod?"
Manmand looked at him silently for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"…Yes."
---