The wooden door creaked open to reveal my new quarters in the lesser spire, and I couldn't help but let out a small sigh. After the grandeur of the academy's exterior – all gleaming crystal and impossible architecture – the reality of an initiate's accommodations was decidedly... plain.

A narrow bed that could have been carved from stone occupied one corner, its thin worn-out mattress not promising any comfort. The simple wooden desk beneath the window looked sturdy enough, though the chair beside it wobbled slightly when I tested it.

At least the view was impressive – the window stretched nearly from floor to ceiling, offering a dizzying vista of clouds drifting far below the floating citadel.

"I'm just glad it's private," I murmured, thinking of the barely-concealed madness I'd seen in the other initiates' eyes. Better a cramped room than sharing space with one of those sociopaths.

I set down the intimidating stack of books the quartermaster had given me on the desk with a large thud. The room was barely large enough for one person, but it would do the job.

"And secure," Azure added. "I'm detecting multiple protective formations built into the walls. Though whether they're meant to keep threats out or keep students in..."

"Probably both." I replied as I ran my fingers along one wall, feeling the subtle warmth emanating from it. "The heating formation alone must be essential up here. I can't imagine how cold it gets at this altitude."

"The ambient temperature at this elevation would be lethal without protection," Azure stated matter-of-factly. "The air pressure alone would—"

"Right, thanks Azure," I cut him off with a small cough. Sometimes I forgot that my casual observations tended to trigger his analytical side. "Well, we'd better get started. Elder Molric expects us to understand the basics by tomorrow."

As I sat down, I looked down at the first book, it was bound in dark leather and its title embossed in silver: "Fundamental Principles of Resonance and Runic Theory."

Opening it carefully, I began to read:

"Resonance is the fundamental principle that governs all power within our realm. Unlike crude physical forces, resonance represents the harmony between practitioner and celestial energy. The red sun's power does not submit to mortal will – it must be understood, respected, and guided through proper resonant frequencies..."

"Interesting," Azure interrupted. "It's similar to how cultivation methods emphasize harmony with natural laws, but they seem much more focused on this specific energy source."

I nodded, continuing to read: "Through proper runic inscriptions, practitioners create stable resonant patterns that allow them to channel and direct the red sun's power. Each rune acts as both a focus point and a stabilizing influence, preventing the raw energy from overwhelming the practitioner's physical and mental capabilities..."

"That's definitely different from our meridians," I murmured. "We cultivate our bodies to naturally contain and process qi. They're using external tools to achieve similar results."

"Not entirely external," Azure corrected. "The runes seem to become part of their being once inscribed. It's more like... permanent cultivation formations tattooed into their essence."

I was about to respond when the next section made me pause.

Warning: Attempting to establish resonance without proper runic stabilization typically results in uncontrolled transformation or death. The few recorded exceptions (Natural Vessels) are considered anomalies and should not be used as precedent for normal training methods."

"They really want to hammer home that point about runes being necessary," I mused. "Makes me wonder how many people died trying to skip that step."

"The emphasis is warranted," Azure replied. "Their system seems to lack the gradual conditioning that cultivation provides. Without proper foundations, the energy would be far too volatile for most to handle."

"Well, they need to try harder," I muttered, remembering Vayara's casual disregard for human life. "More than half the initiates I've seen look one bad day away from massacring a village."

I then flipped through several more pages to find technical diagrams showing proper rune placement and energy flow patterns. The similarities to cultivation were striking, but there were crucial differences.

"Look at this," I said, pointing to a particular passage:

"Unlike primitive energy manipulation methods that rely on slowly expanding one's capacity, proper resonance allows practitioners to immediately access higher levels of power through careful runic regulation. This is what enables the Skybound to achieve their signature ability – unassisted flight – as early as the second rank."

"Huh. That explains how Vayara was flying around so casually," I said, thinking back to her descending on the village. "She can't be past Elemental Realm in terms of pure power, but she was moving through the air like a Stellar Realm cultivator."

"Yes," Azure confirmed. "Most cultivators spend hundreds or even thousands of years trying to reach the Stellar Realm just to achieve what these practitioners can do at their second rank. Though I suspect there are significant trade-offs for such rapid advancement."

After completing the first book, we moved onto the next, this one was titled "Ascension: A History of the Skybound Orders."

Its opening chapters were... interesting:

"The term 'Skybound' originates from the earliest days of our order, when the first practitioners discovered that proper resonance with the red sun naturally drew them skyward. This was taken as a divine sign – those worthy of the crimson light's blessing would be lifted above the common masses, closer to their celestial benefactor.

The nine ranks of the Skybound reflect the nine celestial spheres through which an initiate must pass to achieve true enlightenment. Each rank brings the practitioner closer to perfect resonance with the red sun's will, until at the ninth rank, they achieve direct communion with the celestial power itself."

"Rather grandiose, isn't it?" I commented.

"Most powerful sects have similar origin stories," Azure replied. "Though I noticed that they don't mention anything about transcending to godhood or creating universes."

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"Exactly," I said, thinking about what I knew of cultivation. "Their ultimate goal seems to be communion with the red sun, not surpassing it. It's like they're deliberately limiting themselves."

After finishing the history book, I turned to the third book, "Crafting Your Fundamental Rune.”

Unlike the dense theoretical works before it, this one was filled with practical diagrams and step-by-step instructions. I leaned forward in my chair, suddenly much more alert – this was the knowledge we'd actually need to use.

"Now this is more like it," I muttered, opening to the first chapter:

"The design of one's Fundamental Rune is perhaps the most crucial decision an initiate will make. This pattern will serve as the foundation for all future advancement, influencing everything from elemental affinity to technique compatibility.

While the basic structure must follow certain universal principles to maintain stability, the specific imagery incorporated into the design shapes the practitioner's path.

Common motifs include:

* Flames: Enhances fire affinity and aggressive techniques

* Waves: Promotes fluid energy movement and water manipulation

* Mountains: Strengthens defensive capabilities and earth attunement

* Lightning Bolts: Increases speed and electrical conductivity

* Leaves/Vines: Improves life force manipulation and growth techniques"

I studied each example diagram carefully, noting how the basic runic structure could be modified to incorporate these different elements. The flame designs were all sharp angles and upward spirals, while the wave patterns flowed in graceful curves. Each variation seemed to channel the red sun's power in subtly different ways.

"A tree design would make sense," I said, tracing one of the leaf patterns with my finger. "It aligns perfectly with the Genesis Seed, and Elder Molric clearly understands how to work with wood-element runes. Having a master who's already walked this path...that kind of guidance could definitely speed up the process."

"A good choice," Azure agreed. "The Genesis Seed processes energy in patterns similar to these botanical designs. We can base the design of the Fundamental Rune on one of them."

Flipping the page, I found what we'd been looking for, a chapter titled "The Forging of the Fundamental Rune."

"To create your Fundamental Rune:

* Achieve deep meditation state

* Allow the red sun's power to flow naturally through your body

* Observe the natural patterns it creates

* Using blood and essence, trace these patterns while incorporating your chosen design

* When the pattern stabilizes, imprint it upon your chosen location (typically the forehead) WARNING: This process cannot be reversed. Choose your design carefully."

"That's the problem," I sighed, closing the book. "If I imprint it on this body, the power stays here when I return, which would defeat the purpose of this trip.”

"Look in your inner world," Azure suggested, and I recognized that subtle shift in his voice that meant he'd figured something out. "I've noticed something interesting."

Curious, I closed my eyes and turned my attention inward to my inner world.

The Genesis Seed was there as always, but as I watched more closely, I noticed what Azure had spotted – the red sun's energy that the seed had purified wasn't just sitting there anymore. It was moving, flowing into strange configurations before breaking apart, like it was trying to form patterns but couldn't quite hold them.

"It's attempting to create a Fundamental Rune on its own?" I asked, fascinated.

"Not exactly," Azure explained. "It's more like... the energy naturally wants to form these patterns, but lacks the proper framework. If we learn the correct method here..."

"We could create a Fundamental Rune directly in the inner world," I finished, excitement building. "One that would stay with us when we return."

"Precisely. Though I suspect it will be significantly more difficult than the standard method."

I nodded, turning back to study the diagrams more carefully. "Then we'd better understand exactly how this works."

Hours passed as I pored over the books, taking careful notes on resonance theory and runic principles. The red sun's light faded to a dim glow, replaced by the steadier illumination of the blue sun. My eyes grew heavy, but I forced myself to continue – there was too much to learn, and too little time.

"Master," Azure interrupted my reading sometime later, "you should rest. It will be dawn soon, and these texts suggest that the first day of training will be particularly demanding."

I glanced at the stack of books I'd barely started. "How long was I reading?"

"Approximately six hours. The red sun has set, and the blue sun will rise soon."

I rubbed my eyes, feeling the strain of the day catching up with me. Between the flight, the elder council, meditation, and studying, I'd pushed this mortal body to its limits.

"Can you add these books to your database while I sleep? We might need to reference them later."

"I'll analyze and index them thoroughly."

"Okay, I’ll get some rest then," I sighed, moving to the small bed. "Wake me before dawn?"

"Of course, Master."

I lay down on the thin mattress, not bothering to change out of my new robes. They were uncomfortable, but I was too tired to care.

Yet even as exhaustion pulled at me, my mind wouldn't stop turning over everything we'd learned. The Skybound system was fascinating – more limited than cultivation in some ways, but with unique advantages we might be able to exploit. If we could successfully create a Fundamental Rune in my inner world...

"Rest," Azure cut through my messy thoughts. "You can theorize about breaking their system tomorrow."

I closed my eyes, knowing he was right. But as sleep finally began to take hold, one last thought drifted through my mind:

"I really hope Elder Molric isn't the 'experiments on his students' type of unorthodox master..."