Chapter 219 "Runes, Blades, and Eternal Laziness"
Kae and Oris stepped out of the Primal Nexus.
Oris stretched long, his back cracking under the effort.
— "Aah… I got too much info in one day," he sighed. "My brain needs an update."
Kae raised an eyebrow.
— "Tell me about it. Come on, time to head back to the guild before I collapse too."
— "Alright, let's get back quick," Oris replied, hands in his pockets.
Kae turned his head toward him.
— "You'd better deactivate the inverted rune in your left eye."
Oris glanced sideways at him.
— "And why should I do that, Kael? Or… whatever, Kae."
— "Because if Blackstar sees it, you're screwed."
Oris shivered. The memory of some unpleasant "experiments" crossed his mind.
The runic tattoos on his body flickered faintly before glowing for a moment.
— "Fine, fine," he muttered, closing his left eye.
When he reopened it, the rune had faded.
— "There. Happy now?"
— "Very. Now, let's go."
They started walking toward HQ, but Oris suddenly stopped.
— "Wait. First stop at the guild market. I want to find materials to craft a new feather… and maybe buy a sword."
— "That works," Kae replied. "I usually fight with swords I create by solidifying my energy. I'll test a real blade to see the difference. But honestly, I think the guild ones are better."
— "Yeah, but since we're here, might as well do it all at once," Oris said with a wink.
— "Fine," Kae agreed.
They continued walking. People turned to look as they passed.
— "Look over there," whispered a young man. "That's Oris, the SS-rank hunter with the runic tattoos!"
Oris ran a hand through his black hair.
— "See that, Kae? They admire me. As expected."
— "Yeah, yeah," Kae replied flatly. "You're just lucky you've got a model's face."
A girl suddenly exclaimed:
— "And the one next to him, who's that? So handsome!"
— "That's Kael… or Kae if you prefer!" said another. "S-rank hunter, specialist in energy manipulation!"
Someone else murmured:
— "But what are two hunters of that level doing here?"
Oris placed his hand on the head of a small boy who had approached timidly.
— "Work hard, kid, and maybe you'll become a talented hunter too."
The child nodded, eyes shining.
Kae smiled faintly, amused.
— "You act all wise, but you can't even tidy your apartment."
— "It's a genius strategy," Oris replied seriously. "Disorder is my personal rune."
Soon they arrived before a massive arch engraved with glowing inscriptions.
Above it, a name was displayed:
**The Market of a Thousand Blades**
The place was noisy and bustling. Stalls filled with crystals, weapons, monster fragments, and artifacts lined the area. Hunters of all ranks bargained, laughed, or argued.
The air vibrated with spiritual energy.
Oris snapped his fingers.
— "Come on, I know a good merchant here. His name's Baryon. An old veteran of runic trade. Always honest… except when he pretends not to hear the price."
They walked into a dusty shop filled with strange objects.
— "Hello, Baryon!" Oris called out as he entered. "Been a while!"
The old man looked up, a magnifying lens over his eye.
— "By the sacred runes… Oris?! Still alive?"
— "Halfway," Oris laughed. "I'm here for my usual materials. You can deliver them straight to my place."
— "Very well, very well. And who's this young man behind you?" asked the merchant.
Kae bowed slightly.
— "Kael. S-rank hunter. But most just call me Kae."
The old man straightened, surprised.
— "Oh! Forgive this old fool. If I'd known, I'd have shown proper manners!"
— "No need," Kae replied calmly. "We're not here for that."
Oris placed a few coins on the counter.
— "Here, for the order. See you next time, Baryon. Just try not to sell me cracked crystals again."
The merchant burst out laughing.
— "No promises, kid!"
As they stepped out, Kae raised an eyebrow.
— "He calls you 'kid'?"
— "He's 140 years old. He's allowed," Oris sighed.
They resumed walking.
— "Alright, let's go find a sword. Or we could commission one from a blacksmith. Just need the materials… and the cash."
— "Cash isn't a problem," Kae replied. "I've got plenty. But rare materials might be tricky."
— "Then better to buy directly," Oris concluded.
He smiled slightly.
— "And if the seller tries to scam me… I'll curse him with a rune of eternal laziness."
Kae burst out laughing.
— "You're hopeless."
And the two continued their path through the noise of the Market of a Thousand Blades, under the curious gaze of the hunters around them.
Chapter 220 Scriptum Noctis et Noxbreaker
Oris guided Kae through several alleys of the market, taking precise detours, avoiding zones that were too noisy or… too shady.
They finally stopped in front of a gigantic building.
Kae looked up.
— "…You really know this place well. And I don't know why, but that worries me."
Oris shrugged.
— "Of course. Old Baryon recommended this spot. According to him, it's the safest place to buy a weapon without getting cursed for free."
— "Without getting cursed for free," Kae repeated.
— "Yes, here at least, if you're cursed, you pay for it. Professional."
They stood before a massive weapons shop, its façade made of dark stone veined with glowing red metal.
Security runes were carved everywhere, pulsing slowly, as if the building itself was watching the passersby.
Above the entrance, a huge sign floated in the air, formed of incandescent letters:
⚔ THE ROYAL OBSIDIAN ARSENAL ⚔
Two colossal statues of ancient warriors framed the door, their blades pointed toward the ground, ready to animate at the slightest problem.
Kae whistled softly.
— "Okay… this is clearly not a discount store."
— "Obviously. Here, even the weapons judge you before letting you touch them," Oris replied seriously.
They stepped inside.
Inside
The interior was even more impressive.
A vast space stretched before them, organized in circular sections.
Racks of weapons floated in the air, held by magical fields.
Some swords vibrated softly, some almost whispered.
Others radiated such heavy pressure that the air seemed denser around them.
High‑rank hunters examined the weapons in silence, under the watchful eyes of heavily armed guards.
— "…Okay," Kae murmured.
— "Yeah," Oris confirmed. "Here, even sneezing too loud is suspicious."
They were quickly greeted by a young woman, elegant, perfect posture, immaculate uniform.
— "Welcome to the Royal Obsidian Arsenal. How may I—"
She froze upon recognizing their faces.
…Oris.
…Kae.
Her mind stalled for half a second.
No. No no no. These are hunters from the elite of the Northern Pantheon.
Breathe. Smile. Be professional.
She discreetly slapped her cheeks.
— "Professional. Professional."
Oris and Kae exchanged a glance.
— "…Is she okay?" Kae murmured.
— "No idea," Oris replied. "Maybe an excessive motivation rune."
The young woman straightened immediately.
— "F-for hunters of your rank, I'll personally take care of you!"
She signaled a colleague to take her place at reception, then invited them to follow.
— "Please, come with me. I'll show you our weapon classifications."
They advanced into a more restricted, heavily secured area.
Weapon Classification
The young woman pointed to several holographic sections.
— "Here, weapons are classified into five main categories:
1. Reinforced Standard Weapons
Excellent for A and S hunters. Durable, stable, reliable.
2. Resonant Weapons
Synchronized with the wielder's energy. The stronger you are, the stronger they become.
3. Runic Weapons
Engraved with active runes. Versatile, but require precise control."
Oris nodded.
— "Logical."
— "4. Abyssal or Astral Weapons
Crafted from rare materials. Extremely powerful, but temperamental."
Kae stared at the blades in question.
— "Those look… aggressive."
— "They are," the woman confirmed with a tense smile.
— "5. Unique Weapons
Rare pieces, often with a will of their own. They choose their wielder."
Oris grinned broadly.
— "My favorites."
Kae sighed.
— "Of course."
Weapon Presentation
The young woman activated a panel, making several floating swords appear.
— "For you, I've selected a few models compatible with your profiles."
She pointed to the first blade.
✦ Energy Flux Sword – "Vectra"
Channels the wielder's raw energy without overload.
Perfect for a user like you, Kae.
Kae examined the blade. The energy around him vibrated… but the sword remained stable.
— "Interesting," he murmured.
Oris smirked.
— "It survives. Good sign."
The young woman continued.
✦ Modular Runic Blade – "Scriptum Noctis"
Adaptive runes, modifiable as needed. Can amplify, engrave, and trigger temporary runes with each impact.
Ideal for an advanced runist.
— "She speaks to me," Oris said seriously.
— "She doesn't speak to you," Kae replied.
— "Not yet."
Then a final sword appeared, darker, heavier.
✦ Abyssal Convergence Sword – "Noxbreaker"
Absorbs, stabilizes, and resists unstable energy flows.
Supports very high‑level auras; the stronger the wielder, the stronger the blade.
Kae stared at it for a long time.
— "…That one."
The young woman swallowed.
— "Excellent choice."
Oris placed a hand on Kae's shoulder.
— "If it explodes, I'll write on your tombstone: 'He was right.'"
— "Thanks for the support," Kae replied.
Then Oris reached for Scriptum Noctis.
The blade vibrated violently… then stabilized.
— "Oh."
— "She accepts you," the woman said, surprised.
— "Of course," Oris replied. "I have natural runic charm."
Kae sighed.
— "Stop."
Kae stepped toward Noxbreaker.
As his fingers brushed the hilt, the air around them briefly exploded before calming instantly.
The blade absorbed the excess energy as if nothing had happened.
— "…Interesting," Kae murmured.
— "She likes you," Oris replied.
— "I don't care, as long as she holds," Kae answered.
The woman swallowed hard.
— "You just achieved two elite‑rank synchronizations… at the same time."
— "Yeah," Oris replied. "We do that often."
— "No," she corrected. "No one does that often."
Oris rested the sword on his shoulder.
— "Alright. How much?"
She announced the price.
Silence.
Kae blinked.
— "…That's expensive."
Oris nodded.
— "Very expensive."
They looked at each other.
Then Oris smiled slowly.
— "Question."
— "Yes?" the woman replied, wary.
— "Is there a 'Northern Pantheon' discount?"
She paled.
— "…I'll check with the manager."
She nearly ran off.
Kae sighed.
— "You're pushing it."
— "No," Oris corrected. "I optimize."
They waited a few seconds.
— "You know," Kae said, "in the end it was a good idea to come here."
— "I know," Oris replied. "I'm always right."
— "…No."
They burst out laughing.
And somewhere, far away,
Blackstar sneezed for no reason.
Chapter 220 — The Royal Obsidian Arsenal
Oris guided Kae through several alleys of the market, taking precise detours, avoiding zones that were too noisy or… too shady.
They finally stopped in front of a gigantic building.
Kae looked up.
— "…You really know this place well. And I don't know why, but that worries me."
Oris shrugged.
— "Of course. Old Baryon recommended this spot. According to him, it's the safest place to buy a weapon without getting cursed for free."
— "Without getting cursed for free," Kae repeated.
— "Yes, here at least, if you're cursed, you pay for it. Professional."
They stood before a massive weapons shop, its façade made of dark stone veined with glowing red metal.
Security runes were carved everywhere, pulsing slowly, as if the building itself was watching the passersby.
Above the entrance, a huge sign floated in the air, formed of incandescent letters:
⚔ THE ROYAL OBSIDIAN ARSENAL ⚔
Two colossal statues of ancient warriors framed the door, their blades pointed toward the ground, ready to animate at the slightest problem.
Kae whistled softly.
— "Okay… this is clearly not a discount store."
— "Obviously. Here, even the weapons judge you before letting you touch them," Oris replied seriously.
They stepped inside.
Inside
The interior was even more impressive.
A vast space stretched before them, organized in circular sections.
Racks of weapons floated in the air, held by magical fields.
Some swords vibrated softly, some almost whispered.
Others radiated such heavy pressure that the air seemed denser around them.
High‑rank hunters examined the weapons in silence, under the watchful eyes of heavily armed guards.
— "…Okay," Kae murmured.
— "Yeah," Oris confirmed. "Here, even sneezing too loud is suspicious."
They were quickly greeted by a young woman, elegant, perfect posture, immaculate uniform.
— "Welcome to the Royal Obsidian Arsenal. How may I—"
She froze upon recognizing their faces.
…Oris.
…Kae.
Her mind stalled for half a second.
No. No no no. These are hunters from the elite of the Northern Pantheon.
Breathe. Smile. Be professional.
She discreetly slapped her cheeks.
— "Professional. Professional."
Oris and Kae exchanged a glance.
— "…Is she okay?" Kae murmured.
— "No idea," Oris replied. "Maybe an excessive motivation rune."
The young woman straightened immediately.
— "F-for hunters of your rank, I'll personally take care of you!"
She signaled a colleague to take her place at reception, then invited them to follow.
— "Please, come with me. I'll show you our weapon classifications."
They advanced into a more restricted, heavily secured area.
Weapon Classification
The young woman pointed to several holographic sections.
— "Here, weapons are classified into five main categories:
1. Reinforced Standard Weapons
Excellent for A and S hunters. Durable, stable, reliable.
2. Resonant Weapons
Synchronized with the wielder's energy. The stronger you are, the stronger they become.
3. Runic Weapons
Engraved with active runes. Versatile, but require precise control."
Oris nodded.
— "Logical."
— "4. Abyssal or Astral Weapons
Crafted from rare materials. Extremely powerful, but temperamental."
Kae stared at the blades in question.
— "Those look… aggressive."
— "They are," the woman confirmed with a tense smile.
— "5. Unique Weapons
Rare pieces, often with a will of their own. They choose their wielder."
Oris grinned broadly.
— "My favorites."
Kae sighed.
— "Of course."
Weapon Presentation
The young woman activated a panel, making several floating swords appear.
— "For you, I've selected a few models compatible with your profiles."
She pointed to the first blade.
✦ Energy Flux Sword – "Vectra"
Channels the wielder's raw energy without overload.
Perfect for a user like you, Kae.
Kae examined the blade. The energy around him vibrated… but the sword remained stable.
— "Interesting," he murmured.
Oris smirked.
— "It survives. Good sign."
The young woman continued.
✦ Modular Runic Blade – "Scriptum Noctis"
Adaptive runes, modifiable as needed. Can amplify, engrave, and trigger temporary runes with each impact.
Ideal for an advanced runist.
— "She speaks to me," Oris said seriously.
— "She doesn't speak to you," Kae replied.
— "Not yet."
Then a final sword appeared, darker, heavier.
✦ Abyssal Convergence Sword – "Noxbreaker"
Absorbs, stabilizes, and resists unstable energy flows.
Supports very high‑level auras; the stronger the wielder, the stronger the blade.
Kae stared at it for a long time.
— "…That one."
The young woman swallowed.
— "Excellent choice."
Oris placed a hand on Kae's shoulder.
— "If it explodes, I'll write on your tombstone: 'He was right.'"
— "Thanks for the support," Kae replied.
Then Oris reached for Scriptum Noctis.
The blade vibrated violently… then stabilized.
— "Oh."
— "She accepts you," the woman said, surprised.
— "Of course," Oris replied. "I have natural runic charm."
Kae sighed.
— "Stop."
Kae stepped toward Noxbreaker.
As his fingers brushed the hilt, the air around them briefly exploded before calming instantly.
The blade absorbed the excess energy as if nothing had happened.
— "…Interesting," Kae murmured.
— "She likes you," Oris replied.
— "I don't care, as long as she holds," Kae answered.
The woman swallowed hard.
— "You just achieved two elite‑rank synchronizations… at the same time."
— "Yeah," Oris replied. "We do that often."
— "No," she corrected. "No one does that often."
Oris rested the sword on his shoulder.
— "Alright. How much?"
She announced the price.
Silence.
Kae blinked.
— "…That's expensive."
Oris nodded.
— "Very expensive."
They looked at each other.
Then Oris smiled slowly.
— "Question."
— "Yes?" the woman replied, wary.
— "Is there a 'Northern Pantheon' discount?"
She paled.
— "…I'll check with the manager."
She nearly ran off.
Kae sighed.
— "You're pushing it."
— "No," Oris corrected. "I optimize."
They waited a few seconds.
— "You know," Kae said, "in the end it was a good idea to come here."
— "I know," Oris replied. "I'm always right."
— "…No."
They burst out laughing.
And somewhere, far away,
Blackstar sneezed for no reason.
Chapter 221 — The Price of Power
A few moments later, the young woman returned, accompanied by the store manager.
A well‑dressed man, his gaze tired but professional.
He bowed respectfully before the two hunters.
— "Welcome… it is an honor to receive you. Normally, we never give discounts, but for hunters of your rank…"
He paused dramatically.
— "…I will grant you an exceptional reduction."
Inside, the manager was crying.
They will ruin me. I know it. I feel it.
But outwardly, he wore a perfect smile.
— "Both weapons together normally cost 48 million thunes."
Kae blinked.
— "…"
— "With the 50% discount, that will be 24 million thunes."
Kae slowly turned his head toward Oris.
His look clearly said: Do we rob him now or later?
Oris noticed immediately.
— "What? I'm not a monster who ruins an honest merchant."
He calmly placed a hand on the manager's shoulder.
— "We are elite hunters. We earn more than enough. There's no need for a discount."
The manager froze.
…What?
— "Do you prefer I pay in cash or virtual?" Oris added.
The manager took two seconds to react.
It was the first time in his career a hunter refused a discount.
— "C-cash… if possible."
— "Perfect."
A runic tattoo on Oris's forearm began to glow. A space rune.
He placed his hand in the air.
Reality tore slightly, revealing a dark, deep storage space. Oris plunged his arm inside and pulled out a massive bundle.
48 million thunes, perfectly aligned.
He placed them on the counter.
The manager swallowed hard.
— "Th-thank you… truly."
— "You're welcome," Oris replied simply.
Once the formalities were complete…
Kae retrieved Vectra and placed it on his back. The blade vibrated slightly, as if recognizing its new wielder.
Oris, meanwhile, took Noxbreaker, weighed it.
— "Perfect," he murmured before storing it away.
Kae turned to him.
— "I have a question. Old Baryon… is he really an expert in runes? Can he do what you do? Alter reality itself?"
Oris thought for a moment.
— "Not exactly."
He crossed his arms.
— "I have innate runic compatibility. My body and mind can withstand runes engraved directly on me. Most people wouldn't even survive that."
— "You mean… explode?" Kae asked.
— "Vaporize," Oris corrected.
"Important nuance."
Kae nodded.
— "I also have an instinctive understanding of primordial script. I don't read runes. I understand them naturally."
— "While others…"
— "Must study, recite, analyze them for years. For me, it's like breathing."
He paused.
— "And above all… I have tolerance for the inversion rune. Most users can't even approach it without dying."
— "So Baryon…"
— "Uses runes differently. Through objects, scrolls, artifacts. He is skilled… and mysterious."
Oris smiled faintly.
— "Maybe he's capable of incredible things. But directly affecting reality like me? I doubt it."
Kae nodded.
— "I understand better."
— "I've known him for a long time," Oris added.
— "Before the events?"
— "Long before."
Kae looked around.
— "That explains why you know this place by heart. Well… now that everything's settled, let's head back to the guild."
— "Yeah," Oris replied.
"Before Blackstar decides to drop on us for fun."
---
Meanwhile — Blackstar's side
Blackstar slowly sheathed his Astral Eclipse blade.
— "Good. Aeris, we're going back."
He turned slightly.
— "King Azevran Tempesthorn. You're coming too."
The blade brushed once more against the king's throat.
— "Only because you'll be useful to Aeris. Otherwise, I would have already eliminated you."
The king began to sweat heavily.
Blackstar slowly withdrew his blade…
before dissolving the remaining energy into the atmosphere.
— "Alright. Let's leave."
He opened a portal with a simple gesture.
— "To the guild."
The portal closed behind them in heavy silence.
Chapter 222 — The Return of the Hunters
Seline, after absorbing the yin and yang energy of the portal, felt the flow dissipate. The light faded slowly, like a flame being blown out.
She rose calmly… and saw Kronn.
Standing.
Eyes closed.
Asleep.
— "…"
— "He'll never change," she murmured.
The yin‑yang mark on her forehead vanished in a faint glow.
— "Alright, Kronn, let's go back."
No answer.
— "Kronn?"
Still nothing.
— "Seriously… he's such a pain."
She sighed, rubbed her forehead, then approached him.
— "Fine, this time I'll take us back to the guild."
She reached out to grab him, ready to accelerate—
But suddenly…
Her feet left the ground.
— "Huh…?"
Before she understood, Kronn, still asleep, had lifted her and placed her on his shoulders as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
— "NOT AGAIN—!!"
Too late.
KABOOM.
Kronn vanished in a deafening roar, charging at full brute speed toward the guild, leaving behind a corridor of shattered air.
— "I SWEAR WHEN YOU WAKE UP I'LL—!!"
But the wind drowned out her voice.
---
On Dervan and Veyra's side.
They calmly stepped out of the portal.
Veyra was talking.
Again.
— "You know, I was thinking that sanctuary wasn't so bad after all, except for the undead, and the traps, and the creepy atmosphere, but—"
— "…"
— "Are you listening?"
— "A little."
— "Liar."
She looked at him, smiled, then asked:
— "Do we rush to the guild or not?"
Dervan shrugged.
— "Up to you."
— "Perfect."
She snapped her fingers.
Gravity around them was nullified.
The two began to float gently, rising into the air.
— "There, see?" she said, stretching. "Might as well enjoy the scenery."
Dervan, hands in his pockets, looked at the sky.
— "…Acceptable."
— "Wow. Compliment validated. Day complete."
---
On Harlan and Nyss's side.
They stepped out of the dimensional portal.
Harlan spoke in a neutral tone:
— "I freed that king from his suffering. Without pain."
Nyss nodded, sipping calmly.
— "Clean. Efficient. I like it."
She smiled.
— "Alright, let's head back to the guild. This time, you take us."
— "Very well."
Harlan, hands in his pockets, opened a perfectly stable dimensional portal.
— "After you."
They entered calmly.
---
At the guild.
A portal opened.
Blackstar, Aeris, and Azevran appeared.
Blackstar stepped forward.
— "Portal complete."
Lysandra, already seated, looked up.
— "You're back, Blackstar."
Then she turned her gaze to Aeris.
— "I can sense you've progressed. I suppose your experience was… formative."
Aeris lowered his head slightly.
— "Yes… it was beneficial."
Lysandra then looked at Azevran.
Her gaze darkened.
An invisible pressure fell across the room.
— "And him?"
Azevran swallowed.
— "I am Azevran Tempesthorn, king of the Storm Wardens. I am here to help Aeris master his new powers."
Silence.
Then Lysandra sighed.
— "Since Blackstar brought you… I suppose you're not a problem."
She stood.
In an instant, she placed a hand on Azevran's shoulder.
— "But if you scheme anything…"
Her aura rose a notch.
— "…it will end very badly for you."
Azevran thought instinctively:
She's fast.
Lysandra smiled.
— "I know."
She released the pressure and sat back down.
— "Alright. I trust you, king."
Azevran remained still for a few seconds.
— "…Noted."
Another portal opened.
Nyss and Harlan appeared.
— "Yo, everyone," Nyss called.
"And him, who's that? I don't know him."
Aeris answered timidly:
— "That's Azevran. He's going to teach me to master my powers."
— "Oh! Great!" Nyss said.
"So tell me… are you strong?"
Harlan sighed.
— "Stop, you're tiring him. It's obvious."
The door opened.
Oris appeared.
— "Interesting," he said, looking at Aeris.
"I see you're determined to reach rank S."
Kae arrived behind and placed a hand on Aeris's head.
— "Don't turn into this walking scam."
— "WHAT?!?" Oris protested.
"I bought you a weapon!"
— "And you nearly robbed the store."
— "I PAID. IN CASH."
The door slammed open.
BAM.
Veyra entered.
— "Dervan and I are back. Portal cleared. Easy."
Dervan walked in behind her, hands in his pockets.
— "Confirmed."
Lysandra smiled.
— "You're almost all here."
Suddenly—
— "LET ME GO!!"
— BOOOOM.
A human‑shaped hole appeared in the wall.
Kronn had just crashed, still asleep.
He was carrying Seline on his shoulder.
He set her down gently.
— "I HATE YOU," she muttered, cursing him in every known language.
Kronn didn't react.
He was still asleep.
Standing.
Lysandra pinched the bridge of her nose.
— "Why… does no one use the door?"
Seline sighed.
— "It's Kronn."
Kronn yawned.
Then continued sleeping.
Silence.
— "…"
— "…"
— "Well," Veyra said. "At least everyone's alive."
Blackstar crossed his arms.
— "For now."