NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Three months had passed in the blink of an eye. Leylin's daily routine had settled into a predictable rhythm—morning lectures, afternoons spent in the library, evenings dedicated to assisting in experimentation, and late nights filled with meditation. His days were meticulously structured, and as a result, his progress in cultivation had surged forward at an astonishing rate.
Even among the many promising acolytes of the Academy, his talent did not go unnoticed. Dorotte, his mentor, had grown particularly fond of him. It was rare to find an apprentice who excelled in both theory and practical application. Leylin's aptitude for meditation was exceptional, his assistance in experiments was invaluable, and his alchemical knowledge expanded at an impressive pace. The old mentor often watched him with a glint of approval in his dark eyes, remarking more than once that Leylin was shaping up to be a remarkable acolyte much to the annoyance of Jayden who himself wasn't bad, the top prospect of his batch but when pitch against Leylin he definitely fell short.
For the first few weeks, Leylin had focused entirely on familiarizing himself with the Academy's vast curriculum. The job of an acolyte, the history of the Magi World, the hierarchy of magical societies—he absorbed all of it like a sponge. He also took time to understand the merit system, which governed the economy of knowledge and resources in the Academy, as well as the available missions that could earn him magic crystals.
Leylin took a few easy jobs recommended by Dorotte to earn few magic crystals. Magic crystals are the currency of this world and he had none of it, fortunately Dorotte advised him a bit to gain some income but ultimately he needs to breakthrough to Acolyte Level 2 before he can take higher paying mission. He had much to buy to no magic crystals.
The acolyte marketplace fascinated him, stocked with everything from low-grade magic scrolls, some potions to rare herbs and alchemical materials.
However, Leylin knew that to truly rise above the rest, he needed to specialize in something. He needs a craft for himself, with that in mind, he spent weeks studying different magical disciplines.
He explored body modifications, delving into the techniques of enhancing physical attributes through magical means. The idea of strengthening oneself permanently was appealing, but the process was grueling, and mistakes could lead to grotesque mutations.
He examined metal infusion, the art of binding magical properties into various metals and integrating them into body, creating a body as durable as powerful weapons and armor. It was an intriguing field, but not one that called to him deeply.
He briefly considered beast experimentation, a dark and morally ambiguous field where creatures were modified through magic to create new hybrid species or improve their natural abilities. The subject fascinated him, but he knew it would require immense resources to master.
Then there was potion-making, an advanced branch of alchemy that he was already excelled back in Wizard world, but he would need to again dedicate much of his life.
Potions were useful, practical, and profitable, but it was not his ultimate calling.
At last, after weeks of searching, Leylin found himself enthralled by a single subject—Rune Crafting.
As he sat in a secluded corner of the library, surrounded by candlelight and stacks of ancient tomes, he turned the pages of A Magi's Introduction to the Various Crafts of Alchemy, his mind utterly captivated.
Runes. Mystical symbols imbued with magic, capable of enhancing objects, protecting their bearers, or even manipulating the very forces of nature. Unlike spellcasting, which relied on momentary bursts of magical energy, runes can be temporary or permanent. Like the hastening spell rune on his magical ring was a permanent rune, hence much more expensive than a temporary singe use artifacts.
Single use rune artifacts were a bit easier to create and cheaper, usually the ones found in the market was also such magical artifacts. Leylin has yet to see a genuine magical artifacts, because even single use magical artifacts are in high demand.
Runes are a fascinating field, it could be inscribed onto weapons, armor, scrolls, or even the human body itself. A well-crafted rune could empower its user indefinitely, without the constant drain of magical energy.
The deeper he read, the more he realized that rune crafting wasn't simply about drawing symbols. Each rune carried ancient knowledge, an encoded form of magic that had to be understood, controlled, and perfected. The process required delicate precision, a steady hand, and an intricate understanding of magical energy flow.
Leylin leaned back, exhaling slowly. His thoughts drifted to his Voldemort days—the dark figure he had once been in another life. The Dark Lord had mastered countless forms of magic, but among them, his two great strengths had been curses and modifications. If he had known about rune crafting in his past life, could he have mastered or even created spells more powerful than the Unforgivable Curses? Could he have engraved his very soul into runes instead of relying on fragile Horcruxes?
The thought sent a shiver of excitement through him. Determined, Leylin spent the next few days gathering materials with whatever little magic crystals he had, he even gave classes to weaker student about the topic discussed in free lecture classes to earn extra magic crystals.
Rune crafting required not only knowledge but also specialized tools. He used all of his accumulated magic crystals to acquire a basic engraving set, which included a set of enchanted chisels, fine-tipped quills for inscribing on parchment, and a selection of low-grade magical inks.
His first attempt was simple—inscribing a basic reinforcement rune onto a small iron plate. This rune is the most basic and easiest spell to study, Leylin has the right as Dorotte personal apprentice to request an advanced lesson from him for free, he used to opportunity to learn about rune crafting.
Dorotte aware od his interest for alchemy gave him a piece of bone, that looked as if one of his finger and told Leylin to place it near his glabella.
After following his instructions, Leylin felt an intense pain, as if his head was being hammered. Many information drilled into his head including the basic knowledge of rune crafting and some basic rune spells.
The basic reinforcement rune itself was ancient, originating from pre-Academy civilizations, and was meant to strengthen objects against physical damage.
He steadied his hand, focusing his magic through the engraving chisel. As the tip met the metal, a faint hum of energy resonated from the surface. He carefully traced the rune's intricate lines, feeling the flow of magic channeling through each stroke.
But just as he neared completion, a sudden resistance pushed back against him.
A sharp crack split the air.
The iron plate fractured, the rune destabilizing before his eyes. The energy within fizzled out, leaving behind nothing but a useless scrap of metal.
Leylin scowled, but his frustration was short-lived. He had expected failure—after all, mastery was never achieved in a single day.
He retrieved another plate and started again failing many times but processing at an incredible speed.
His mentor, Dorotte observed Leylin's persistence with keen interest. Few apprentices took to rune crafting—it was a difficult path, requiring patience, precision and alot of resources. Most preferred flashy spells or destructive magic, but Leylin was different.The boy's talent was undeniable, Leylin genius was his biggest assest, just a bit over three months have passed since he became a Level 1 Acolyte and he was on the verge of another breakthrough.
Quite honestly many Magi families would be very eager to finance Leylin pursuit of rune crafting valuing his Magi talent, but Dorotte wanted him to purse this path on his own, at least for the initial phase.
Dorotte stroked his chin, a smirk playing on his lips. "This one… will go far."