Akarsh’Ramat, the first ascendant of the Unoros kingdom, was a man who detested runes and all those who marked themselves with their ancient sorcery. For this reason, we have discarded the use of runes, although we are not blind to their many functions and uses. We simply do this in honor of our great one.
High priest Orish’kelon.
Order of winter.
Sector 2, Unoros Kingdom
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While Daruk and Andrew made their way to the Tower of Ascension, Aodhán made his way to his next class, Beginners Runic Theory. He turned a corridor and almost collided with Yurin, who gave him a toothy smile.
He glared at the smiling boy. “Is there a reason why you’re just standing here?”
“Taking in the beautiful scenery.” Yurin replied with a wave of his hands, and Aodhán turned to the bare walls and glass that surrounded them.
“I see, anyway, I’m going to the Runic laboratory; I’ve got a class in a few minutes.”
“What a coincidence, me too.”
Aodhán shook his head as they began walking. “I thought you were taking in the scenery.”
“Oh, you know me; I bore so easily. Anyway, the professor is supposedly very strict, so I’m getting ready to quit the course immediately; it becomes too much for me.”
Aodhán chuckled. “Where is all that tenacity and perseverance you’re known for?”
Yurin winked. “I prefer to save them for the battlefields.”
It took them about twenty minutes to reach the runic lab. For some reason, the lab was located on the other side of the academy grounds. A few students were already seated when they arrived, and Aodhán saw Ankaz Urdania, the older of the Calodan brothers, seated a few seats apart from the other students.
Aodhán greeted a few people whose acquaintances he’d made recently as he occupied a workbench in the second row. The lab was long, about 60 or 70 feet in length, and was entirely covered by white ceramic tiles.
Runic posters and charts littered the walls, and although Aodhán couldn’t see any runes, he could sense them all around him. On the walls, floor, and even on the workbenches scattered around the lab. A large screen hung on the front wall, displaying the words ‘Runic Theory’ in stylish text.
A small door at the corner of the front wall opened a shirt while after, and a kind-looking woman walked out, her face framed by blazing auburn hair and her skin slightly glowing with reddish light.
Yurin whistled appreciatively, and Aodhán shook his head, chuckling. The woman was dressed in a white coat, similar to that of earthly scientists, and in a firm voice, she instructed. “There are more than fifty workbenches in this lab, so I need you all to spread out. A student to a bench, please.”
“Oh crap.” Yurin muttered before moving to an empty bench in the third row. The benches were about three feet in length and were made of wood except for the top, which was covered with white tiles.
“Also, there are lab suits within the drawers. It is essential that you put them on whenever you come into the lab.” She watched them impatiently as they carried out her instructions, and after a glance at the back of the class, she rushed back to her office. “I’ll return in a few minutes; for your own good, please do not touch anything.”
Aodhán opened the first drawer on his workbench and took out a pure white lab suit. He couldn’t identify the material of the suit, but it felt extremely comfortable when he put it on. Aodhán searched the suit with core sense and found several runes of protection, mostly shields scattered around the coat, especially the areas covering his vitals.
He looked up when a group of students walked in, and he saw Lupin among them. He waved, and she waved back enthusiastically. Alesh and two other students walked into the lab a minute later, but no one else did until it was time for the class to begin, and the woman emerged once more with her auburn hair now packed in a loose bun.
There were only twenty-nine students in the lab, and the woman chuckled as her gaze swept across them. “I am not disappointed by the number of students taking this course; in fact, I fully expect at least a dozen of you to leave before the midterms.” She took out a runic chart and continued. “That being said, I must confess that I am proud of you all for taking the risk with this course. As you all know, runic theory is one of the hardest courses offered in this academy, but if you manage to see it through, trust me, you’ll be forever grateful.”
She smiled once more, revealing unnaturally white teeth as she introduced herself. “My name is Vyris Caldwell, lead professor of runic magic here at the academy. I’ll be teaching the basics of this runic theory, but I won’t be the only one teaching this class, as I’ll sometimes be assisted by my associates. Without further ado, let us begin.”
Aodhán immediately took out an empty notebook from his spatial storage, ignoring the abundance of chaotic essence that appeared with it. Professor Caldwell noticed, though, but she made no comment on the matter and simply began her lecture.
“Today, we shall embark on a journey through the intricate mesh of symbols that comprises the Runic alphabet.” Professor Caldwell raised the chart to reveal 24 extremely complex symbols, each made of several whorls, curves, and lines that were almost impossible to decipher.
“Runes are an ancient language, belonging to a civilization that existed long before ours. Each Runic symbol carries a deep magical meaning and reflects the worldview and values of the people who used them. To be a runic engineer is to know and understand this language of reality, to write on the tapestry, and to have reality respond to your commands.
In many ways, runes are similar to skills, but they are much broader, encompassing both elements and concepts in their applicability. Runes cover different aspects, going from divination to protection, communication, and even innovation.
Runes are extremely complex, though, and even to date, new runes are still being created, either from the combination of two or more bizarre runes or from inversion-link experiments.
Basic or initiate runes are too weak to actually alter the fabric of reality, but they could affect and transform whatever they were anchored to. Like a sword or spear. For instance, a strengthening rune would make the weapon so much stronger, and a flame rune, when activated, could imbue such a weapon with abilities related to fire.”
Aodhán nodded as Professor Caldwell continued. In many ways, the runes reminded him of Daruk’s forge ability, although Daruk wasn’t actually using runes when forging his constructs, only willpower.
Aodhán looked up from his note when Professor Caldwell suddenly asked. “Mr. Lahey, care to tell us the most important use of runes in Ragnarok?”
Yurin jerked awake, and Aodhán shook his head. Why come to the class in the first place if he had no intention of listening?
“I believe they are used in enchanting and stuff, but you would know better than I concerning such a matter.” Yurin replied awkwardly, and Professor Caldwell shook her head.
“The adoration of your classmates will only take you so far, Mr. Lahey. If you’re not interested in the class, then I suggest you leave now that you still can.” She dismissed Yurin and turned her attention back to the class. “Can anyone correctly answer the question?”
Aodhán raised his hands along with a few others, and after a moment, she motioned for him to speak. “Innovation and creation... almost everything produced in Ragnarok nowadays is covered in runic scripts.”
“5 points to you, Mr. Brystion.” She smiled, and Aodhán felt a thrill run through him when his chip flashed, and his forge points increased. He’d been accumulating points over the past few days, and now he had over eighty forge points to his name.
“What about the Sunstone kingdom?” Professor Caldwell asked, and this time it was the Ankaz’ who responded. “Divination and worship.”
“That is correct, Mr. Urdania, 5 points.” Professor Caldwell raised another chart, this one displaying a series of complex runes tattooed on a man’s body. “The Calodans use runes mostly for the augmentation of their bodies and weapons, while the people of Unoros do not use runes at all for religious reasons, favoring the Theban scripts often used in modern Wiccan and witchcraft traditions.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Today, we shall begin by familiarizing ourselves with the first runic alphabet, known as Fehu, the rune of strength and vitality. It is the easiest rune to learn, and before the next class, I expect at least half of you to have done so.”
Aodhán observed the exceedingly complex symbol, but after numerous tries, he was unable to draw a diagram that even vaguely resembled it. He called Professor Caldwell’s attention more than a dozen times, and each time she gave helpful advice and even pointed out what he was doing wrong, which was mostly the way he held his pen.
The class soon became disorganized as everyone had problems drawing the rune, and all required Professor Caldwell’s attention and advice.
By the end of the class, Aodhán’s drawings only vaguely resembled the rune, and Professor Caldwell called them a very distant cousin to the original, but Aodhán considered that a win. A distant cousin was way better than the rubbish Yurin and half the class had drawn.
Lupin and Ankaz did so much better, though, and although they didn’t exactly get the rune right, their diagrams were close enough that Professor Caldwell applauded them. Aodhán shook his head and wondered just how he was supposed to add runic practice to his already congested routine.
“The symbols may be hard to draw now, but it’ll get better with practice.” Professor Caldwell said at the end of the class. “We’ll focus on drawing the runic alphabets for the rest of the year until you perfect them. Learning to imbue and activate runes is a topic for those who’ll still be taking this course next year. Thank you for coming, and enjoy the rest of your day.”
Aodhán, Lupin, and Yurin left the hall after that, and Yurin groaned. “The practical part of the course is a little challenging, but the theory is boring.”
“I’m not surprised that you think so; in fact, I was very surprised to see you in the class.” Lupin replied with a slight look of disdain, but Aodhán was barely listening to them; his mind was on the runic alphabets and the ways he could utilize them.
His mind only returned to their conversation when Lupin asked. “What about your brother and friend? They must be done with the tower by now.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Aodhán replied as he scrolled through the leaderboards, but when he found no changes, he decided to text Daruk. If they were still in the tower, the chip wouldn’t function, and any message he sent would be left pending.
Surprisingly, Daruk replied only a moment later.
We had to wait while the 2nd and 3rd years made use of the tower first. They are out now, and we should be taken into the tower in a few minutes.”
Aodhán conveyed the message to his companions, and Yurin cheered. “Perfect; we won’t be missing anything after all.” He immediately created a platform of light wide enough to fit them all, and they zoomed towards the arena.
They arrived at the arena about three minutes later, and perhaps due to the fact that several classes were still ongoing, the arena was only occupied by a few people, mostly 1st years, alongside a smattering of 2nd and 3rd years.
The trio immediately moved to a part of the arena with the best view of the screen. A group of first-year students sitting several rows below them waved, and Aodhán responded in kind. He only recognized a few of them; one was the girl who’d sat beside him in Valerie’s class until Meredith sent her packing, while the other was a diminutive boy he’d met in control training class yesterday.
The holographic screen appeared a minute later, which meant the participants had finally entered the tower. There were fifteen of them, each with their current tier and the number 0 boldly written beside their names.
Daruk’s name was located towards the bottom of the list alongside Andrew's, which wasn’t surprising considering their tier of advancement. Unlike most of the students in the 1st year, Andrew and Daruk were still at the 17th tier of advancement.
It wasn’t really a problem, as they could just absorb the rugwort cores they had left, but for some unspoken reason, everyone else had stopped at the 18th tier. Personally, Aodhán was just waiting to accumulate enough energy to push himself into the 24th tier at once, but he knew that the other students had different reasons for remaining at their tier.
Most had decided to remain in the 18th tier in order to hone and sharpen their energy control, as it was much easier to manage now than in the latter tiers. Besides, like Daruk, many of them had rushed through the early tiers of advancement, and their control was now playing catch-up.
The bell rang a minute later, and all the participants immediately ascended to the first level. It was a little strange to be the one watching this time, as he could easily imagine what Daruk and Andrew were going through within the tower.
Unsurprisingly, the participants breezed through the first few levels and only began slowing when they got to the 10th tier. Still, their progress was swift, but just as he had predicted, the first sign of a lag or delay came a few minutes later when a boy, Luthir Evane, spent an extra five minutes in the 14th tier while the others ascended to the 15th.
“What a shame. Would you like to bet on how soon he’ll be exiting the tower?” Yurin asked, and Aodhán snorted. “I’d rather not bet, but I believe he’s due any minute now.”
Luthir exited the tower a few minutes later, still at the 14th tier, and although there were no boos, the disappointment of the audience was palpable.
Yurin shook his head. "Unimpressive, really; he’s at the 18th tier, but he can’t even defeat a creature four tiers below him.”
The boy shamefully made his way out of the arena with his head down and shoulders slumped in embarrassment. Aodhán returned his attention to the screen without commenting on the matter. Things had slowed down considerably, with the participants now ranging from levels 15 to 17.
Aodhán focused his attention on Daruk and Andrew. Both of them were currently at the 16th level, and although they weren’t lagging behind the others yet, it was obvious that they’d begun experiencing some difficulties.
A chorus of disappointment rang out about ten minutes later when two students simultaneously exited the tower at the 15th level. Aodhán shook his head as Yurin booed loudly and the audience lamented.
Aodhán sighed in disappointment. Even at tier 16, he’d easily defeated creatures of the same tier, let alone those three tiers below him.
“It’s not a matter of control any longer; these students are weak,” Lupin responded. In a whisper, she added. “We are weak.”
Only a single student exited the tower at the 16th level: a girl, Celeste Reginald, who was supposedly the daughter of a high noble. She was at the 17th tier, and although she had failed to defeat a creature a level below her, she was still treated to a chorus of light applause. Shamelessly, the girl bowed and giggled as she left the stage.
“Rubbish.” Yurin muttered, and Lupin glared in response. “I understand your disappointment, but that is the daughter of the Marquis of Covlentia; you would do well to mind your speech.”
Aodhán smirked, while Yurin chuckled. “I’m sorry, love, but I’ve never been one to respect people just for the sake of their titles, let alone their father’s title.”
“You are so annoying, Yurin.” Lupin responded and turned her attention back to the screen. Aodhán wisely refrained from speaking, as that would only complicate the matter and make things worse for him. After all, he was trying to get on her good side.
There were eleven participants left in the tower, and Aodhán breathed a sigh of relief when Daruk and Andrew ascended to the 18th level without hitch.
Thirty minutes later, a total of six participants had exited the tower between levels 17 and 19, and only five participants were left, all between levels 20 and 21.
A few minutes later, Urzaz Urdania, the younger Calodan brother, exited the tower to great applause. He was in the 18th tier and had managed to defeat an opponent two tiers above him. It didn’t make him an elite, but it was respectable—much better than the average student.
Only four students were left in the tower, and although he prayed for some sort of miracle, he knew that Andrew’s time was coming to a close. Unsurprisingly, he exited the 20th level a few minutes later, to much cheer and applause.
Aodhán was surprised; he’d expected Andrew to fight up two tiers at most, but three was much better. It still didn’t make him elite material, but it made him far better than the average foot soldier.
Andrew groaned in frustration when he appeared on stage, stopping angrily even as a few healers rushed to heal his numerous injuries. Aodhán waved when Andrew’s eyes began roaming the stands, and with a frustrated huff, he began climbing towards them.
They cheered as Andrew approached them, but he groaned. “No cheers, please; you’re depressing me.”
“What do you mean? Fighting up three tiers is no joke.” Yurin responded, and Aodhán agreed. “True; besides, we’ve only begun training. You’ll definitely become stronger in a few more weeks.”
His words seemed to penetrate Andrew's haze of anger and frustration, and after a while, he nodded. “You’re right; thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.” Aodhán smiled and returned his attention to the screen. Only three participants were left: Daruk, a girl named Azul Fetherson, and another named Yvonne Wyvernwood, all of whom were currently at the 21st level.
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see Daruk fight up four levels, but Aodhán predicted this was his limit. Fighting four tiers was definitely elite material, and Aodhán was sure people were already taking notice of the fact.
Yurin shifted in his seat and muttered. “Your brother told me he wasn’t strong, yet here he is, fighting up four tiers.”
Aodhán smiled. “And you believed him?”
“He was very convincing; I know now not to trust any word he speaks ever again.”
Aodhán chuckled as he returned his gaze to the screen and was surprised to see Daruk’s name ascend to the 22nd level. He exited the tower almost immediately, coated in a thick layer of ice designed as armor.
Cheers rang out as he appeared on the stage, and Aodhán shouted in excitement, although his voice was overshadowed by the hoarse shouting of his companions.
Daruk smiled widely as the healers tended to his injuries, and when they were done, Aodhán and Andrew waved from their seats to signal their position.
Daruk rushed towards them, his entire body buzzing with excitement. “I did it! I don’t curse, but I really want to right now.”
“I’ll do it for you.” Andrew grabbed Daruk’s shoulders and cheered. “Congratu-fucking-lations, I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Aodhán shook his head in amusement and congratulated his brother, while Yurin glared at him suspiciously. “You truly do plan to destroy the forge list, don’t you? I need to start taking you seriously.”
“Us.” Andrew corrected while Lupin gave Daruk a hug. “The next time I challenge this tower, I’m coming out first.”
As they celebrated, another cheer rang out as Yvonne exited the tower at the 22nd level, leaving Azul Fetherson, who ascended to the 23rd level a few minutes later. She exited the tower about fifteen minutes later, completely clean and uninjured. Her clothes were unruffled and smooth, and she looked like she just stepped out of the shower instead of fighting a creature four tiers above her.
The girl was beautiful, with azure hair streaked with every color of the rainbow, and her eyes were a mesmerizing swirl of colors similar to that of principal Zatya. Aodhán had seen her a couple times since resumption, but never had her physical aesthetic been so pronounced, which meant she must have made a sort of breakthrough within the tower.
While the crowd cheered, Aodhán turned his attention to the newly updated leaderboards.
Leaderboards.
-Tower of Ascension (1st year)
• Cyrus Valerion, Level 23 — 1st. [02: 12]
• Lilith Bloodmoon, Level 23 — 2nd [01: 42]
• Alesh Vilaris, Level 23 — 3rd. [01: 13]
• Grendar Bladewynn, Level 23 — 4th [01: 09]
• Azul Fetherson, Level 23 — 5th. [01: 02]
• Aodhán Brystion, Level 23 — 6th [00: 59]
• Yurin Lahey, Level 22 — 7th [00: 37]
• Daruk Brystion, Level 22 — 8th. [00: 31]
• Isis Anvindr, Level 22 — 9th. [00: 22]
• Eren Thornhill, Level 21 — 10th [02: 43]