Chapter 39: Victoria Murray
"Woah!" Kyle couldn\'t help but exclaim out loud after seeing the text before me.
He looked around to observe if he\'d get scolded, as he had spoken too loudly but noticed that everyone around him was continuing with their activities, not even sparing a glance at him.
"Haha. I forgot about this orb," Kyle remembered but still didn\'t trust the orb, opting to keep all his system-related thoughts within him.
\'I can\'t believe I can assimilate knowledge like this... I wonder if this applies to all books,\' Kyle pondered.
\'It should, first, it was the Spell Scroll, now this. I think these are the only books I\'ve touched since coming here.\' Kyle realized.
Kyle looked at the options before him and sighed. \'If only I had more skill points.\'
He immediately selected [No] in resignation. "I guess I\'ll have to read the old, normal way."
Kyle turned and directed his eyes to the Author\'s name, memorizing it.
\'Alaric Thorne.\'
He was met with a question from the first page.
*What is a Rune?
A rune is a magical symbol, carefully crafted to harness, direct, and store magical energy. In its simplest form, a rune can be thought of as a tool, a way to stabilize magic, amplifying or modifying its output depending on the design.
Runes are ancient. Many believe that they were the first form of magical expression, long before spellcasting as we know it was discovered.
By inscribing a rune, you create a permanent form of magic, something that can last without constant effort or energy from the mage. This makes runes invaluable for the creation of enchanted objects, defensive wards, and even complex rituals.*
Kyle understood the more he read. Before, he didn\'t have much knowledge of Rune making, but the book was certainly helping.
*The Importance of Runes.
Without runes, most modern enchantments wouldn\'t exist. Runes form the main structure upon which enchantments are built. Think of them like the scaffolding of a building.
A rune provides the framework and support needed to hold and maintain magic. Without a properly drawn rune, magic would be unstable.
Runes allow mages to focus their power efficiently. By engraving runes onto weapons, armor, or structures, a mage can ensure that the object channels and sustains the magic, enhancing its strength or providing continuous protection.*
The explanation was surprisingly straightforward, and Kyle found himself following along.
*How Runes Are Created.
To create a rune, one must first understand that it is not simply about drawing a symbol; the shape, intent, and magical energy must all align perfectly. Each rune is designed with a purpose, and that purpose dictates its structure.
The process begins with an understanding of magical flow. A rune channels and directs magic, so it must be carved or drawn with absolute precision. Even a slight deviation in its form can lead to catastrophic failure, causing the magic to backfire or dissipate entirely...*
Bzzz!
Kyle was interrupted by the buzz from his comm, signifying the alarm he had set earlier.
"Damn, 12:53 PM. Time really flies!" Kyle exclaimed, quickly picking up the textbook and hurrying out of the Library.
He made sure not to forget to borrow the book, taking it away for 2 weeks, the maximum time permitted.
Kyle looked through his comm, and it didn\'t take long before he found out the location of the hall. Thankfully, it wasn\'t so far away, and he managed to reach there in about five minutes.
He stepped through the large doors of the Rune making hall, impressed by its high ceilings, glistening walls and welcoming aura.
Kyle observed to see some students there already, while some continuously passed through the large doors.
He took a seat in the middle front row, a row that was devoid of any students at the moment.
He brought out the textbook— the one which he had borrowed from the library— his notebook and a pen, placing them on the desk. He knew how serious this course was, as it was a new territory for him.
Kyle didn\'t feel like reading the textbook, as he was tired already, so he took some time to scour through the hall, observing to recognize any familiar faces.
Unfortunately, he didn\'t. From his observations, there were about thirty students in the hall at that moment, which made sense as many were still coming in, after all, there had been a a break before this class.
\'They must have lost track of time... Been there,\' Kyle thought.
His thoughts were interrupted when the vibrant atmosphere in the hall was immediately replaced with a chilling silence.
Everyone turned their heads to the door in unison, as if pre-programmed to do so.
She was unlike any teacher he\'d expected, she looked young... so young, like a lady in her late teens.
Tall and slender, she moved with grace, her long, black hair twisted into a thick braid that hung over one shoulder.
She had brown eyes, her skin was dark like ebony, and her hourglass figure looked too heavy for her slim figure.
Kyle was thrown out of his trance when he saw her slam the doors, and in one swift motion, locked it.
"I believe those here are my students, we\'re complete. Take your seats," she commanded in a sharp tone, walking to the teacher\'s desk.
\'What? How could such an angel be so mean?\' Kyle thought, still entranced by the instructor.
"Good morning, students. My name is Victoria Murray. You\'re all here to learn the craft of Rune crafting. Welcome and thank you for being here on time."
Instructor Victoria greeted them after they took their seat.
"One, two, ... thirty-one." she counted. "I want all your names, ID and elements on this sheet I\'ll pass to you. I don\'t want any intruder to join in on our classes," she said with an icy smile.
Instructor Victoria handed them a sheet, which they passed on to their neighbors, writing their names on it once it got their turn.
Until...
"How despicable. You don\'t have stationaries? Get out!"
"S- sorry ma. I forgot," the poor girl held her head in embarrassment.
"I won\'t spare you if you forget to close the door upon going out."
The girl stood up and took her leave in tears, running out of the class, making sure not to try the teacher by leaving the door open.
"Nice. I believe we\'re done?" she turned to the class and asked, her demeanor already replaced with a cheerful one.
"Yes."
Kyle swallowed hard and answered, his thoughts trailing to his first class in the academy.
"Now," she said, walking back to her desk with the sheets. "Let\'s begin."