Chapter 29 - Runes

I returned to my room in high spirits. These two simple creations will be my first mark in this world—the mark of the man with the highest intellect on Earth. I instructed the maids and guards not to let anyone disturb me and closed the doors. I placed the gears and springs on my table and took out a crudely made magnifying glass from the drawer.

Although this world produces glass and lenses, instruments like magnifying glasses or sunglasses are not popular or widespread. Only specific professions appreciate these simple but useful tools. So, I had no choice but to make one with some primitive tools and measurements. It will be a long time before I can create a microscope and other precision instruments. Sigh… I miss my lab and equipment…

I carefully assembled the gears and springs in a round metal case I had ordered to be made. Since the watch is an instrument that relies on precision, I had to focus all my concentration on arranging the gears. Time flew by as I was fully concentrated on the assembly. It took me four hours before the final glass piece was attached and the watch made its first tick.

The only problem is the absence of a power supply. As there are no batteries or electrodes in this world, I had to make a hand-wound watch. Even though this type of device is considered ancient or primitive compared to digital technology on Earth, in this world, it will be a revolutionary product. Immense satisfaction rose within me as I looked at the ticking clock in my palm.

I swiftly attached the leather strap and wore it on my wrist. I looked out the window to see a dark night with a dull brilliance from the stars and moon attempting to pierce through the darkness. I smiled lightly at the tranquility of the outside world. I rose from the chair and opened my door.

Waving to the saluting guards, I made my way to my mother’s room to show off my new invention. But when I reached her room, I heard some whispers from the other side of the door. I strained my ears and then walked away from the room. It seems that my parents are busy trying to get me a sibling… Heh heh…

I ordered some maids to deliver food to my room and sat down on my bed. I postponed the door lock project for tomorrow to occupy my free time. As I lazily turned my head, my gaze fell upon a book stowed beneath my pillow.

Ah, this is the book given to me by the Head Elder that day. If I remember correctly, he said that this book contains basic introductory material on Runes and Rune Formations. I took it out and flipped to the first page to read it.

‘Spirit Energy can be found in abundance all around us. It exists in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the grass, the plants, the rocks—all things in nature are nurtured by Spirit Energy. Some beings in nature have developed to the extent that they can manipulate Spirit Energy for various purposes. Some absorb the Energy to make their bodies tougher, some absorb the Energy to boost their agility, and there are even beasts that developed intelligence because of the nurturing of Spirit Energy.’

‘Some abnormal existences can manipulate only a single part of Spirit Energy called Elemental Energy. Such beasts changed their existence to suit their chosen Element over time. Because of these beasts, their descendants were born with a natural affinity for the same Element. Thus, there are fire beasts, wind beasts, and even metal and wood elemental beasts.’

‘Humans, on the other hand, are not known for their tough physical capabilities or aggressiveness. They are a highly intelligent species with a high affinity for Spirit Energy. The early cultivators created their Spirit Arts by observing the Spirit Beasts and their behaviors. They came to understand the different types of affinities and created a set of Arts based on the attacks of the Spirit Beasts.’

‘After extensive research and conclusions by countless cultivators, various Spirit Arts came into existence. However, the early stages of cultivation for humans are not comparable to the strength of Spirit Beasts, as Beasts innately possess a strong physical constitution and Spirit Energy creates aggressiveness in them.’

‘After countless years of toil by many experts and geniuses, Spirit Professions were created. Even though Spirit Professions are powerful and profound, the number of cultivators practicing these professions is relatively small due to the various restrictions involved.’

‘This is how Runes and Rune Formations came into existence. Runes manipulate the Energy injected into them based on a set pattern, creating an imitation of the force the Rune represents. For example, take a Rune for a fireball. When Spirit Energy is injected into the Rune, a fireball is produced, even if the user is not a Fire Elemental.’

‘The origins of this Profession are unknown, as records are unclear about the founding fathers of Runes. However, this Profession has only two requirements for practice.’

‘The first requirement is high comprehension. Runes are imitations of forces existing in nature. Only those with sufficient comprehension levels can understand these forces and construct the Runes accordingly.’

‘The second requirement is Elemental Affinity. This requirement is somewhat negligible but provides a qualitative leap for Runes. A cultivator with a Fire Elemental affinity constructing a fire Rune will create a more powerful Rune compared to one made by a non-elemental cultivator. However, this difference is only in the creation process. Anyone can use a Rune Artifact, whether they are cultivators or common people.’

‘The only drawback for artifacts used by common folk is that they must recharge the Energy Reservoir in their artifacts after a certain number of uses. However, a cultivator can use the same artifact any number of times until the Runes are damaged or worn off. The quality depends on who created the artifact and the materials used in the creation process.’

Ohhhh… unexpectedly, this is great. Runes, huh… If I can learn this profession, maybe I can understand the differences between Earth and this world more deeply. My knowledge can be applied more efficiently after adapting it to the current environment, and the changes in variables can be accounted for by the differences between this world and Earth.

I immediately started paying more attention to the workings and descriptions of Runes and Rune Formations. I fell asleep deep into the night after completing the introductory phase of the book on Runes. A basic understanding began to take shape in my mind about various phenomena in this world that don’t exist on Earth. I have to wait another 15 days for the reactivation of LILY, and then I can simulate the workings of the Runes based on my understanding and theories.

Time slowly passed, as my lazy life continued. My days were filled with plants, food, and Runes. It was a peaceful time, and I thoroughly enjoyed these moments, knowing that one day I would have to leave these comforts and protections to forge my own path under the harsh conditions of the open world. This gave me all the more reason to cherish these simple moments.

After 15 days, as I was studying the functioning of Fire Runes and their differences from basic Runes, a ping resounded in my head, accompanied by a mechanical notification.

[“Program Assimilation Completed. Restart Completed. Integration with Host Confirmed. Activating Integrated AI System, LILY. Activation Successful.”]

[“Master…”]

[“Welcome back, LILY.”]

[“Just a second, Master. Activating physical manifestation.”]

With that announcement, a silver light flashed before me, and a small fairy appeared in that light. Although there were no physical changes, the manifestation seemed more prominent, like a real being rather than just an Energy Construct.

“Master. I am so happy to see you again,” a cute, childish voice said as she flew to land on my shoulder, hugging my neck tightly with her little arms. I felt a tickling sensation and involuntarily gave a small laugh.

“Alright, LILY. It seems that some changes have occurred due to my Awakening. Did you finish the report on the changes?”

“Ah, yes, Master. Would you like to hear it, or should I directly transport it to your memory?”

“No, let’s hear it directly from you.” I smiled, knowing she enjoys talking to me directly.

“Hehe, Master is the best. Report: Changes in the constitution of the physical body's element detected. The Element has become more aligned with the input of Energy, and new circuit pathways have been detected. Resistance to Energy has decreased significantly due to the new circuit paths. Immediate effects: Boost in processing speed, high-speed memory transfers, and calibration of sensors has become more sensitive. Overall performance increase: 13%.”

“Battery Capacity has increased. It is now possible to compress additional Energy for storage as an Auxiliary Energy Source. Boost in Battery Capacity: 11%.”

“Battery Recharge Protocols have been upgraded and configured. Autonomous recharge can be activated. Awaiting authorization from the Master. Current Battery Levels: Reserve Battery Levels: Completely Charged. Main Battery Level: 35%. Auxiliary Battery Level: 11% of Complete Battery Levels. Activate Autonomous Recharge Protocols?”

“Activate. Authorization Code: Johnny Stark.”

“Brain Wave Pattern: Confirmed. Activating Autonomous Recharge. Complete Recharge Estimate: 12 days.”

“Threshold of Battery Levels Detected. Main processing unit can be accessed. Memory Banks can be accessed. Wireless communication devices activated. Sensors calibrated and activated. Searching for surrounding VPNs and APNs. Search Results: No active networks.”

Oh, she has finally activated her Autonomous Recharging. With this, she can become self-sufficient for her future energy needs. And the Element of her physical body has undergone another evolution. Now it supports more processing speed as well as Energy compression capabilities. This is a pleasant surprise for me. The rest of the day was spent discussing LILY’s new configurations and protocols.

As for my parents' reactions to the wristwatch, my mother was first shocked, but her shock quickly turned into pride and happiness. As for my father, it seems that Mr. Feran had already reported my designs to him that same day, so he knew in advance. But I could see that he was also happy and proud of my little invention. All in all, today was a great day…