Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Consciousness, in the instant the Ring of Fate was formed, seemed to once again soar into the sky as if in a dream, beholding the entire world and touching upon the world's veins. Compared to an individual soul, the vast world was unfathomably deep, terrifyingly formidable, and overwhelmingly immense...

Yet before anything more could be discerned, it immediately returned to the body, making Shard seated on the sofa realize what he was doing.

Without looking back again, the meanings of the two Spirit Runes became known instinctively. These runes represented the traits of the soul and the world's recognition of existence, which would not lie.

"The Core Rune located at the very center of the Ring of Fate could only be a brass Enlightenment Rune, at least for ordinary humans, because the greatest strength of humans lies in civilization, nothing particularly special about themselves.

But for believers favored by the gods, depending on the gods' camp, it's possible to receive a gold Miracle or a silver Desecration Core Spirit Rune when inaugurated, and such people are usually called the gods' Electorate or the Saint Heir; whereas Circle Sorcerers who become so through certain special and imperfect inauguration processes, with the aid of the power of Relics, may obtain the Black Iron Whisper Spirit Rune, but this poses a great hidden danger to the soul."

The doctor was explaining, his low voice gradually pulling Shard back to reality.

Since Shard's inauguration was completed, Miss Luisa regained the qualification to speak, and she added:

"Of course, there are other exceptions, such as powers inherited from ancestors and the like, but these have nothing to do with us ordinary folk."

Shard nodded, and upon seeing him look at the two, Dr. Schneider gestured for Shard to take a sip of tea:

"Your complexion is very poor, which is normal. The forging of the Ring of Fate is the transformation of the soul, and feeling pain is very normal. It takes a few days of rest to alleviate this. I felt nothing at the time, but I was in so much pain that night that I couldn't sleep; it was as if someone was knocking on the gas pipes in my head."

Although Shard didn't feel his condition was bad, he still picked up the teacup as the doctor advised, letting the warm steam mist his face:

"So, Mr. Schneider, Miss Luisa, the number of Core Runes..."

Because of the voice in his head, the Outlander didn't dare to confidently assert that he was normal, and therefore couldn't be certain of the normal number of Core Spirit Runes.

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At this moment, Shard was trying hard to suppress the joy of successfully making contact with the mysterious, yet maintaining the most basic sense of reason and vigilance. He had already gained trust and could not show any abnormality in himself.

The doctor showed a "you were bound to ask this" expression:

"Generally, there are no more than three Core Spirit Runes, but according to the Academy's data, over eighty percent have two. After all, a soul cannot possess only one outstanding characteristic, but there are also uncommon cases.

The highest record is approximately from the beginning of the Sixth Era in the year 306 of the Common Era Calendar, when Zaras Literary Academy once had a Circle Sorcerer with 7 Core Spirit Runes."

No longer needing to pretend, Shard genuinely showed a look of surprise:

"What level of Circle Sorcerer did he eventually become?"

The blonde Miss Writer shrugged:

"Don't know, this person was just a minor character in history, not even his proper name was accurately recorded. Oh, I get what you mean, but the number of Core Runes doesn't correlate much with the height of achievement. The doctor here is an example of the common situation..."

The doctor then revealed his complete Ring of Fate, at the center of which were two brass Spirit Runes, Light of the Mind and Dream.

"Let me translate, these are Dream and Light of the Mind. Generally speaking, the simpler the concept, the easier it is to interpret multiple meanings, to develop and create all kinds of Arcane Techniques, and the stronger it is. So personally, I find Dream to be somewhat more powerful."

Because Spirit Runes do not use contemporary language, Dr. Schneider had translated it; he was unaware that Shard had deciphered it at a glance.

"I have three, but they're not that special."

As she spoke, white steam mist emerged behind Miss Luisa. Accompanied by the booming hammering, a spinning brass-colored circle with a square cross-section appeared, on which were three Core Spirit Runes: [Writer] [Role Playing] [Another Princess].

She explained the meaning of the three Core Runes, and thought that "Writer" was her most useful Core Rune, which matched her profession as a writer well. Miss Luisa was proficient in the brass-colored [Enlightenment] element, adept at finding strength in stories and legends.

"The language used in Spirit Runes is that of bygone times. If one cannot find a way to translate them, one must ask the owner of the runes, who instinctively understands their meaning. So, Shard, what about your Spirit Runes?"

Both the doctor and the writer had actively demonstrated their powers, partly to put Shard at ease so he would not feel the need to conceal his own. After all, Core Spirit Runes are related to which academy and major one is assigned to after admission.

"Space-Time, Silvermoon."

Shard thought for a moment and decided there was no need for concealment. After he uttered the two words, indeed, he saw astonishment and curiosity on the faces of Dr. Schneider and Miss Luisa. He couldn't say he felt smug, but at the very least, he had a pleasant surge of emotion because of it.

"Both are rather broad concepts, which is good... The academy has many records on [Silvermoon] Arcane Techniques, and [Silvermoon] is easily developed into various new Arcane Techniques. This Spirit Rune is quite rare but not obscure. [Space-Time]... Are you certain it is [Space-Time], and not [Time] or [Space]?"

Dr. Schneider leaned forward to confirm.

"Positive."

Shard nodded, and although he hadn't experienced the ordeal of blowing up the test Crystal Ball due to an excessive talent, clearly his talent was not an ordinary one. Shard restrained his emotions, displaying just the right amount of curiosity, and not deeper contemplation. These two Core Spirit Runes seemed to be a curious coincidence.

Especially [Silvermoon].

"Don't you dare laugh,"

he told himself inwardly.

"[Space-Time] has never appeared before?"

He inquired aloud, as Dr. Schneider and Miss Writer exchanged glances before the latter explained:

"Of course, it has appeared, but it is exceedingly rare, exceptionally so. The documented cases of individuals possessing this Core Rune, added together, would not exceed five. And Circle Sorcerers who obtained [Space-Time] Spirit Runes after coming into contact with the mystical and historical knowledge, and upon assuming their roles, historically are likely fewer than a hundred."

Dr. Schneider looked at Shard somewhat hesitantly:

"If it were only [Silvermoon], we would suggest you join the School of Mathematics, where you could become an expert in Arcane Techniques and a master of Spell Words. But since it is [Space-Time], you will surely choose the History Academy, become part of the Investigator team, joining the quest to explore the secrets of the past.

Even if I do not recommend it, the professors of the History Academy would definitely not allow you to join another academy. No one else could be more suitable for this profession than someone with [Space-Time]. As you tread into the time gone by, you will face more dangers, but you will also learn more secrets... secrets about the fallen Old Gods."