Chapter - 18

'He sure likes to get into his role...' (Rex)

Rex was pleased to meet one of his Guild members. He had worked hard for the Guild and in the process, he had found many other friends to help him to realize his goal. Their Guild had become famous in its own right but they had never tried to get into Guild competitions and had always been neutral.

'Well it's not like we didn't get into a Guild War....but...we did kinda decimate them.....*chuckle*, THAT was fun.' (Rex)

Rex kept walking down the various flights of stairs until he arrived at what he assumed to be the 'basement' of the library. In front of him was a massive room filled with various bookshelves arranged in an orderly manner. There were a few people milling about too.

'Clearly this place is less populated....and it seems the majority of these people are old or rich...' (Rex)

Rex got down to work. He started his search in the languages section. He didn't find any subject related to Runes there, so he surmised that it had a subject dedicated to itself.

'Actually....wasn't Nox supposed to guide me there? Don't tell me he's slacking off.....nah....no way....that guy would never slack off....Rohan on the other hand....haa...' (Rex)

While thinking such thoughts, Rex managed to locate the section on Runes. However, he ran into an unexpected problem.

'Is that....an Ork? No...he seems different...a hybrid? No....he's a halfling....never mind that. What's with this!? It's soo huge! How am I supposed to learn all that!?' (Rex)

"Oh? I'm sorry, I didn't see you over there young one. Am I obstructing your way?" (???)

"Ah...no. Not at all. Um...Mister...?" (Rex)

"Norval. Norval H'arr. I am an Ice Ork. I can see the question in your eyes." (Norval)

"Is that so? I did not mean to be rude. You simply looked....um...different..compared to the Orks I have seen on the street. My name is Rex. Rex Vagus." (Rex)

"I see. Well, Rex, are you here to learn about Runes?" (Norval)

"Yes....but.." (Rex)

"Surprised by the volume of information? Indeed, Runes have existed for a long, long time. And, therefore, the records on them is extensive. This library is one of ten throughout the continent that has some semblance of proper information on them. While the history of Runes may be vast, deciphering them is another thing." (Norval)

"I see. Then, what are you doing with all of this?" (Rex)

"Haha! I could ask the same of you. Well, I am an archeologist of sorts....a historian. My fascination lies with legends of the past....those Travelers that existed twenty millennia ago." (Norval)

"Is-is that so? Well, my field is of Enchanting. Could you help me?" (Rex)

"Enchanting? I am sorry, but, I cannot help you in this matter. It seems you will have to comb through these books to find what you seek. However, if it is translation you need help with, then I will gladly help." (Norval)

"Thank you. I'll just get a chair for myself." (Rex)

'Agh....and hard work commences...' (Rex)

Three hours later....

"*Yawn*" (Rex)

"Tired?" (Norval)

"I'm not sure...I feel like my head is stuffed with knowledge....but....I still don't understand a way to apply it." (Rex)

"Is that so? What did your master say?" (Norval)

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"*Snort* 'Master' is hardly a term for him. No. He didn't give me the specifics. He simply told me to learn some Runes. However, he never specified which. Why are their so many different Runes?" (Rex)

"Ah! A good question. Runes are considered a, well, user specific language." (Norval)

"Huh?" (Rex)

"Well....for spellcasting, for instance, if you are a Rune Mage, or a Rune Warrior, like me, then, the usage of which Runes you use is up to you. The Runic language must not be the user's spoken tongue. Are you familiar with how magic skills or spells are made?" (Norval)

"No. Wait...is it....the image?" (Rex)

"Yes! The image and the proceeding action. You see? It means Mental Strength. Tell me, why, if spellcasting requires only the 'image', do Amateur or F-Rank Mages fail to do high ranking spells?" (Norval)

"Is it because of...umm...Mana Capacity?" (Rex)

"You and I both know that Mana Capacity can be overcome with External Mana Manipulation." (Norval)

"*Mumbles* So that's what it's called....." (Rex)

"Oh? It seems you're quite a talented spellcaster to be familiar with the phenomenon without being aware of it beforehand." (Norval)

"I simply felt it was natural." (Rex)

"Haha! Anyway, the correct answer is Mental Strength and Mana Affinity. Your Affinity and Mental Strength are integral to your control of a Mana type. Having a higher Affinity makes it easier. While Mental Strength does the same thing, the only difference is Mental Strength plays a more integral part in External Mana Manipulation. Do you understand?" (Norval)

Rex felt like he had just gained insight into something very important. From what he just learned, he could see the infinite possibilities of combining his magic into a combat style. It would mean that he would be able to manipulate Mana effortlessly once he had the highest affinity. 

"Good. It seems you understood something. However, there are some 'Elements' in the world which are not capable of being externally manipulated. The Higher Elements are difficult, but not impossible. Take my 'Ice' for example. As you may have noticed I am paler than most Orks and have Runes tattooed on me. These Runes are something I have made for myself. However, there are some Elemental Halflings who are born into this world with their own Unique Runes. That is a different topic. As I was saying, Deviant Elements are not something that you can control externally. Internal Mana Manipulation is a requirement  for controlling such powerful forces." (Norval)

"I see...." (Rex)

"Now then, it seems I have wandered off topic....where were we? Ah, yes. Runes, also, require visualization. An image, of sorts. A Rune user will need to understand what each letter means or denotes and visualize the meaning. Do you understand now? You don't need these Runes. You need your Runes." (Norval)

".......I see. Thank you. I've learned a lot. I will take my leave now." (Rex)

"Oh? Will you go back to your master now?" (Norval)

"Hmm? Yes. But before that, I think, I'll go do some hunting in the city outskirts." (Rex)

"*Chuckle* You seem eager to try something." (Norval)

"Yes, yes I am. Thank you, again. I hope we meet again, Norval H'arr." (Rex)

"Indeed. May fate be with you, Rex Vagus." (Norval)