After fully mastering Fireball, Ron returned once more to the path of rune fusion. His focus was absolute as he began testing how to merge two basic Wind Runes into one.
Ten failed attempts passed before he finally saw the truth. The two Wind Runes could indeed merge, it was possible. That was enough.
There was no need to rush into studying derivative runes. The complexity of those structures was monstrous, far beyond what his current spiritual capacity could handle. But if three identical Wind Runes could merge to form a second-tier Wind spell, then his research path would be clear. He could push off deeper study until his mental strength grew, his mind faster, his energy vast and unshakable.
Days passed as he repeated his trials again and again. Failure was his companion, persistence his weapon.
Then, on the third afternoon, success arrived.
A deep hum filled his mind.
The two runes locked together perfectly. No collapse, no explosion, just a sudden pull of energy, draining the power equal to two Wind Blades in an instant.
The air before him shimmered, and three sharp blades of wind materialized. Each identical in shape and size to his usual Wind Blades.
They cut through the sea like divine swords, slicing three perfect scars into the water's surface.
Ron's lips curled into a grin. "It worked."
Joy surged through him, sweeping away fatigue and pain.
Two runes, three blades. The result wasn't true second-tier magic, but a strengthened first-tier spell, faster, deadlier, wider. Three blades flying in a triangle pattern could trap any foe within their storm.
And if they were merged with Fireball… they would form Multiple Fire Edge.
The thought alone sent his blood racing. He could already picture the scene, the sky burning, the sea splitting, his enemies consumed by wind and flame.
"Someone like Captain Klu wouldn't even last a second," he murmured, eyes alight. "Even his crew would vanish in that storm."
From Wind Blade to Fire Edge, and now Multiple Fire Edge. Each step was a leap, the power multiplying beyond expectation.
He clenched his fists, feeling the energy within his soul thrum like a heartbeat.
Was it arrogance?
No, it was the awakening of pride.
A magician's heart does not crave chaos like a berserker's. It longs for greatness.
A true mage walks with elegance, yet his power commands awe. To be respected, to be feared, to stand as the supreme being of his age that is the instinct buried in every magician's soul.
This world would soon learn to tremble before magic.
Ron's breath steadied as the rush of power faded. His mental strength had risen slightly again, almost imperceptibly, but it was there.
"Even this enhanced Wind Blade holds twice, maybe thrice the strength of a normal spell," he muttered. "A real second-tier spell will be far beyond that… maybe five times stronger."
That thought ignited a new obsession.
He began testing the fusion of three runes. Again and again he tried, yet the result was the same. Even when he nearly completed the structure, the runes collapsed in a flash of light, refusing to bond.
The second-tier spell was still out of reach.
As Ron continued his relentless experiments, Nami's small ship finally reached the destination marked on the treasure map.
Nami held up the parchment, comparing it to the island ahead. "This is it."
The island was barely more than a sandbar, small, lonely, with a few tufts of grass and a shore of soft golden sand.
"Let's go," Ron said, leaping lightly from the ship and landing on the beach.
His studies would wait. The best way to grow stronger now was through achievements. The system rewarded progress, not patience. If luck was on his side, this treasure would be worth at least one point.
Nami stepped forward, scanning the map. "According to this, it should be right… here."
She stumbled suddenly over a broken plank half-buried in sand.
Ron reacted instantly, catching her before she fell.
For a moment he almost expected to hear the system's chime, but none came. He smiled faintly. "Figures." Still, it wasn't a bad moment.
Nami showed no embarrassment, simply brushed off the sand and studied the map again. "There. That's the spot."
She tossed Ron a small shovel. The two began digging, the sand soft and easy to move. Within moments, a half-meter pit appeared beneath them.
Then came a metallic clang.
Ron froze. He and Nami exchanged glances.
They dropped the shovels and began brushing the sand away with their hands. Slowly, a rust-covered iron chest emerged from the earth.
Together, they cleared its edges and lifted it free. The weight was deceptive, heavy, yet strangely hollow.
Their excitement dulled a little. Something about it felt empty.
Ron swung his shovel down and smashed the corroded lock. The chest creaked open.
Inside was not emptiness, but a smaller wooden box tightly wrapped in layers of waterproof oilcloth.
A familiar sound echoed in Ron's mind.
[Achievement Unlocked: Treasure Seeker — Reward: 1 Achievement Point]
He smiled as the sea breeze brushed against his face. The scent of salt filled the air, mingling with the thrill of discovery.
Each step, each achievement, each spark of growth everything was building toward one truth.
Soon, he would no longer just survive in this world.
He would conquer it.
______________________________
If you're enjoying this story and want to read more advanced chapters, you can support me on Patreon: patreon.com/PurgatorialPoet. Your support helps keep the translations coming faster.