Melvin then opened the bag and grabbed a cup of purple pomegranate juice, some other delicacies he had eaten in the market, and finally the rolled emberleaves. He removed the top container of the cup put it on the ground for the cat with a thumbs up, and put the rest close to it.
He then put the filter of the roll in his mouth, and then using his Firecaster ring from his pocket, he lit it up. With a long inhale, a cloud of smoke escaped his nostrils, dazzling the cat whose eyes were completely shining by then, "Let me try it." he said.
Melvin's grin widened even more, finding tremendous amusement in giving a cat a cigarette to smoke. "Here," He offered, "But do you know how?"
"Of course, I know because I've always wanted to try it." Mumbled the other impatiently as he raised his head to take a puff from the cigarette between Melvin's fingers.
A long inhale and two seconds later, Firrol also skillfully evacuated two bellows of smoke.
'This is hilarious!' Melvin thought, and then he grabbed a thick and small wooden plank from the pile and put the cigarette above it. "Alright, you enjoy yourself here, I gotta go do some work he said."
Firrol didn't even register his words as he alternated between drinking the juice, taking a puff of smoke, and tasting the other salty dry fruits, enjoying himself tremendously.
Smiling, Melvin picked another two small wooden staves and brought them with him to another room to the right of the hall. There, he lit up one candle for light and visibility beside him and then lit up another three to gather the soot. He had already found a metal piece along the way and with the wooden staves he brought his setup was complete.
After waiting for a while, the candles were burned to the end, and then he began scrapping off the soot into an empty bottle.
Taking the mortar he began mixing the gum, water, alcohol, and then finally the soot. That was when the magical process began once again. Arcane symbols appeared out of nowhere, but Melvin knew that they were created through him, and then they flowed into a pure energy that flowed into the ink, rendering it alive.
Once the ink was ready he put it beside him, crossed his legs, and put the folded parchment above his knee. He brought out another rolled emberleaf, lit up, took a puff, and started to write.
He found himself writing about the events that had transpired that day once again.
Although he knew that the skill had tremendous potential and he wasn't using it as it should be, he was aware of the time limitations. After all, this was just his second day there, and given enough time he was planning on exploring all of its possible venues.
However, for now, he had to emphasize the assured thing that worked to increase his strength, and thus his chances of survival.
He began writing from where he left off in the previous rune, the inn. His writing had improved a little, and he tried to engage the essence of that story in his writing by incorporating vivid descriptions and a good amount of details. He wrote about the natural fear someone like him might feel when faced with creatures such as big tigers that were seen as normal in here, and how that exact fear was the catalyst for a big fight that left a scar on his mind.
Naturally, he wouldn't forget the boys in that closed alley, and the cautiousness with which he approached the inn and kept waiting.
Then, the realization about the contradiction within him when it came to his relationships with the other boys, then his final decision, which was to help them get back on their feet and then let them go.
The chase, the roofs, the fall, the cat, the conversation, and everything else, until he lit up the cigarette that had already finished and started writing.
Once he put down the last word, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction seeing it all come to an end. At the same time, going through the previous events allowed him to gain deeper clarity and understanding of the various parts of that day.
He raised his arms up top and stretched out in pure satisfaction as a soft groan of pleasure escaped his lips.
'Alright, the moment of the truth.' He thought with much anticipation of what rune would come out of it.
Standing up, he perked his ears up trying to hear what the feline was up to. Hearing some noise in the hall, he was assured that he was safe and began.
The same process repeated itself, and once again he used 57 of his Mental Energy in the skill. Arcane symbols danced, and characters followed before they began to converge. Until finally...
[Congratulations! You have created a Rune: Indomitable Spirit]
[Rune of Indomitable Spirit:
+ 5 Strength
+ 5 Agility
+ 20% Vitality Regeneration Rate]
'Oh!' Melvin thought, clearly surprised. At first, he was slightly disappointed because the previous Endless Carnage Rune had higher stats, but then he remembered how poor the materials used in creating the Ink this time were, and even the quill and parchment were subpar relative to the previous ones. The market unfortunately didn't seem to be specialized in those items, and he only bought things to make do with.
'Wait,' He thought, noticing something interesting, 'This is till 10 Stats of both Agility and Strength, that's a lot. The last rune had mostly vitality, and if I were to compare the two, this one is more beneficial.'
Observing that, he knew that he had just created a rune better than the last one with less quality ingredients, a testament to both the story's weight and his improved writing. Reaching that conclusion, he made a yes gesture with his clenched right fist with a wide smile on his face.
Glancing at the rune that had a white figure of light riddled with arrows and still standing, he felt slightly touched for some reason.
'OK now, how to go about this?' He pondered, knowing that four runes was his limit. His eyes caught sight of a random pebble by the doorway, but he quickly dismissed it. He ran down to the bag he brought with him, and after rummaging through it he found what he was looking for.
A white braided string that was holding a bundle of candles together.
He grabbed the dagger by his waistband, and using his control over the runes, he made the one inside the dagger which was Brutal Strength that gave one point of vitality and strength go into the string. Then, he controlled the rune Relentless Sea that offered one wisdom and fused it into the dagger.
Now that his body only had two runes, he gently moved his hand and touched the rune that had been dutifully following after him. Feeling the strength coursing through his body, he shivered in excitement.
Quickly opening up his interface once again to take a brief look.
***
Name: Melvin Miller(Jacob)
Age: 25(19)
Class: Rune Mythomancer(Legendary)
Class: None.
Tier: Initate Tier
Rank: 2(10%)
Titles: [The Heretic] | [The Storyteller's Charm]
Health Points, HP: 180/180
Mana Points, MP: 50/50
Stamina Points, SP: 96/96
Mental Energy, ME: 60/60
Vitality: 18
Strength: 22
Agility: 26
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 5
Available Stats Points: 0
Skills: [Storyweaver, Lv1]
Ongoing Quest: [Jacob The Snake's Death]
2% Lifesteal
Resistances: 20% Basic Poison Resistance.
***
'Oh, that is good!' He thought with a grin, 'Very good.'
Those 22 Strength and 26 Agility were especially alluring to him, and he could feel the tremendous increase in power and speed that they offered him.
However, his attention was quickly captured by something else he was feeling. He could feel this peculiar movement happening around the white string in his hand.
The rune inside of it seemed to be under a lot of pressure from a force that appeared out of nowhere, and he couldn't feel any increase in power from it.
Being the one who created it, he also knew that if this continued the rune would dissipate. He emerged out of the doorway and found that the old dark building was very well-lit because of the blue sky, and he just seemed to notice it now because he had been so engrossed in writing before. Seeing the sleeping black cat beside the wooden pile, he approached him.
He had debated before whether to work on another rune, but he really couldn't muster out any energy to write more. It was a very taxing activity that left one exhausted afterward, and though he could really use a slight increase in power he had to take his limits into consideration.
After all, he had spent more than three or four hours sitting in a weird position writing, and he reasoned that was enough for now. There was also the question of inspiration, if he wrote in his mental state he would just waste his time by writing garbage and exhaust himself even more.
"Wake up." Melvin yelled at the sleeping cat, "Time to work!"
Just as Firrol was starting to open his eyes, Melvin had already crouched beside him and started tying to white string to his swaying tail.
Noticing the suspicious figure, the feline's eyes jolted open yelling back with a nervous tone, "What are you doing to me?"
Hearing that Melvin laughed and said, "Relax, what's with that expression." He gestured toward the white string and said, "There is a small rune here it'll help you for a while."
Firrol knew that he wouldn't be getting the promised rune until he finished whatever Melvin wanted him to do. So, when he learned that he would be getting one supposedly for free, he was looking forward to it. His curled-up tail had already emerged and he gestured, "Here, here."
Melvin made sure that the string was very inconspicuous, and at the same time, it had to be reasonably tight. Once that was done, he sat down in front of the cat and asked, "Do you know a place called Black Tavern?"
He had learned from his conversations with Firrol thus far that he was very knowledgeable about the city, and he was the perfect person to ask questions such as these.
True to his expectations, Firrol seemed to know of it, but his expression was one of caution and apprehension as he asked, "What do you want to do in such a dangerous place?"
Noticing that Melvin truthfully explained his motives, "Well, I need to find out information about that group that attacked me in the Plaza. I will get my revenge, money, and get some XP. Three birds with one stone!"
"Wait," Firrol interjected with a serious expression, "You said they were wearing the same color, right?"
Melvin nodded in agreement because he had indeed told him they were all wearing deep blue uniforms when he recounted his story.
The feline chuckled as a subtle hint of mockery flashed in his eyes saying, "Well, that just means they're in the same guild, why do you have to go to such an extreme method like the Black Rose tavern? Was there a specific emblem in their uniforms?"
Registering the point, Melvin was indeed surprised and felt slightly embarrassed for such an oversight. But then again, he hardly knew anything about guilds.
However, there was another reason he emphasized going there to look for information, he had something else that he wanted to know. He needed a list of morally reprehensible priests and devoted people to gain a new skill, and as much it would have been easier to just slaughter the first one he encountered, it didn't quite sit right with him.
There were plenty of despicable people, there was no need to be imaptient and take the risk of killing someone innocent.
Quickly going through all of that, he pondered a bit before he answered the last question, "Yes I think it was, there were shapes of waves in the corner of their clothes."
Firrol continuously clicked his tongue whilst shaking his in disappointment, but he didn't say anything for a while.
"Just out with it," Melvin said.
Melvin then opened the bag and grabbed a cup of purple pomegranate juice, some other delicacies he had eaten in the market, and finally the rolled emberleaves. He removed the top container of the cup put it on the ground for the cat with a thumbs up, and put the rest close to it.
He then put the filter of the roll in his mouth, and then using his Firecaster ring from his pocket, he lit it up. With a long inhale, a cloud of smoke escaped his nostrils, dazzling the cat whose eyes were completely shining by then, "Let me try it." he said.
Melvin's grin widened even more, finding tremendous amusement in giving a cat a cigarette to smoke. "Here," He offered, "But do you know how?"
"Of course, I know because I've always wanted to try it." Mumbled the other impatiently as he raised his head to take a puff from the cigarette between Melvin's fingers.
A long inhale and two seconds later, Firrol also skillfully evacuated two bellows of smoke.
'This is hilarious!' Melvin thought, and then he grabbed a thick and small wooden plank from the pile and put the cigarette above it. "Alright, you enjoy yourself here, I gotta go do some work he said."
Firrol didn't even register his words as he alternated between drinking the juice, taking a puff of smoke, and tasting the other salty dry fruits, enjoying himself tremendously.
Smiling, Melvin picked another two small wooden staves and brought them with him to another room to the right of the hall. There, he lit up one candle for light and visibility beside him and then lit up another three to gather the soot. He had already found a metal piece along the way and with the wooden staves he brought his setup was complete.
After waiting for a while, the candles were burned to the end, and then he began scrapping off the soot into an empty bottle.
Taking the mortar he began mixing the gum, water, alcohol, and then finally the soot. That was when the magical process began once again. Arcane symbols appeared out of nowhere, but Melvin knew that they were created through him, and then they flowed into a pure energy that flowed into the ink, rendering it alive.
Once the ink was ready he put it beside him, crossed his legs, and put the folded parchment above his knee. He brought out another rolled emberleaf, lit up, took a puff, and started to write.
He found himself writing about the events that had transpired that day once again.
Although he knew that the skill had tremendous potential and he wasn't using it as it should be, he was aware of the time limitations. After all, this was just his second day there, and given enough time he was planning on exploring all of its possible venues.
However, for now, he had to emphasize the assured thing that worked to increase his strength, and thus his chances of survival.
He began writing from where he left off in the previous rune, the inn. His writing had improved a little, and he tried to engage the essence of that story in his writing by incorporating vivid descriptions and a good amount of details. He wrote about the natural fear someone like him might feel when faced with creatures such as big tigers that were seen as normal in here, and how that exact fear was the catalyst for a big fight that left a scar on his mind.
Naturally, he wouldn't forget the boys in that closed alley, and the cautiousness with which he approached the inn and kept waiting.
Then, the realization about the contradiction within him when it came to his relationships with the other boys, then his final decision, which was to help them get back on their feet and then let them go.
The chase, the roofs, the fall, the cat, the conversation, and everything else, until he lit up the cigarette that had already finished and started writing.
Once he put down the last word, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction seeing it all come to an end. At the same time, going through the previous events allowed him to gain deeper clarity and understanding of the various parts of that day.
He raised his arms up top and stretched out in pure satisfaction as a soft groan of pleasure escaped his lips.
'Alright, the moment of the truth.' He thought with much anticipation of what rune would come out of it.
Standing up, he perked his ears up trying to hear what the feline was up to. Hearing some noise in the hall, he was assured that he was safe and began.
The same process repeated itself, and once again he used 57 of his Mental Energy in the skill. Arcane symbols danced, and characters followed before they began to converge. Until finally...
[Congratulations! You have created a Rune: Indomitable Spirit]
[Rune of Indomitable Spirit:
+ 5 Strength
+ 5 Agility
+ 20% Vitality Regeneration Rate]
'Oh!' Melvin thought, clearly surprised. At first, he was slightly disappointed because the previous Endless Carnage Rune had higher stats, but then he remembered how poor the materials used in creating the Ink this time were, and even the quill and parchment were subpar relative to the previous ones. The market unfortunately didn't seem to be specialized in those items, and he only bought things to make do with.
'Wait,' He thought, noticing something interesting, 'This is till 10 Stats of both Agility and Strength, that's a lot. The last rune had mostly vitality, and if I were to compare the two, this one is more beneficial.'
Observing that, he knew that he had just created a rune better than the last one with less quality ingredients, a testament to both the story's weight and his improved writing. Reaching that conclusion, he made a yes gesture with his clenched right fist with a wide smile on his face.
Glancing at the rune that had a white figure of light riddled with arrows and still standing, he felt slightly touched for some reason.
'OK now, how to go about this?' He pondered, knowing that four runes was his limit. His eyes caught sight of a random pebble by the doorway, but he quickly dismissed it. He ran down to the bag he brought with him, and after rummaging through it he found what he was looking for.
A white braided string that was holding a bundle of candles together.
He grabbed the dagger by his waistband, and using his control over the runes, he made the one inside the dagger which was Brutal Strength that gave one point of vitality and strength go into the string. Then, he controlled the rune Relentless Sea that offered one wisdom and fused it into the dagger.
Now that his body only had two runes, he gently moved his hand and touched the rune that had been dutifully following after him. Feeling the strength coursing through his body, he shivered in excitement.
Quickly opening up his interface once again to take a brief look.
***
Name: Melvin Miller(Jacob)
Age: 25(19)
Class: Rune Mythomancer(Legendary)
Class: None.
Tier: Initate Tier
Rank: 2(10%)
Titles: [The Heretic] | [The Storyteller's Charm]
Health Points, HP: 180/180
Mana Points, MP: 50/50
Stamina Points, SP: 96/96
Mental Energy, ME: 60/60
Vitality: 18
Strength: 22
Agility: 26
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 5
Available Stats Points: 0
Skills: [Storyweaver, Lv1]
Ongoing Quest: [Jacob The Snake's Death]
2% Lifesteal
Resistances: 20% Basic Poison Resistance.
***
'Oh, that is good!' He thought with a grin, 'Very good.'
Those 22 Strength and 26 Agility were especially alluring to him, and he could feel the tremendous increase in power and speed that they offered him.
However, his attention was quickly captured by something else he was feeling. He could feel this peculiar movement happening around the white string in his hand.
The rune inside of it seemed to be under a lot of pressure from a force that appeared out of nowhere, and he couldn't feel any increase in power from it.
Being the one who created it, he also knew that if this continued the rune would dissipate. He emerged out of the doorway and found that the old dark building was very well-lit because of the blue sky, and he just seemed to notice it now because he had been so engrossed in writing before. Seeing the sleeping black cat beside the wooden pile, he approached him.
He had debated before whether to work on another rune, but he really couldn't muster out any energy to write more. It was a very taxing activity that left one exhausted afterward, and though he could really use a slight increase in power he had to take his limits into consideration.
After all, he had spent more than three or four hours sitting in a weird position writing, and he reasoned that was enough for now. There was also the question of inspiration, if he wrote in his mental state he would just waste his time by writing garbage and exhaust himself even more.
"Wake up." Melvin yelled at the sleeping cat, "Time to work!"
Just as Firrol was starting to open his eyes, Melvin had already crouched beside him and started tying to white string to his swaying tail.
Noticing the suspicious figure, the feline's eyes jolted open yelling back with a nervous tone, "What are you doing to me?"
Hearing that Melvin laughed and said, "Relax, what's with that expression." He gestured toward the white string and said, "There is a small rune here it'll help you for a while."
Firrol knew that he wouldn't be getting the promised rune until he finished whatever Melvin wanted him to do. So, when he learned that he would be getting one supposedly for free, he was looking forward to it. His curled-up tail had already emerged and he gestured, "Here, here."
Melvin made sure that the string was very inconspicuous, and at the same time, it had to be reasonably tight. Once that was done, he sat down in front of the cat and asked, "Do you know a place called Black Tavern?"
He had learned from his conversations with Firrol thus far that he was very knowledgeable about the city, and he was the perfect person to ask questions such as these.
True to his expectations, Firrol seemed to know of it, but his expression was one of caution and apprehension as he asked, "What do you want to do in such a dangerous place?"
Noticing that Melvin truthfully explained his motives, "Well, I need to find out information about that group that attacked me in the Plaza. I will get my revenge, money, and get some XP. Three birds with one stone!"
"Wait," Firrol interjected with a serious expression, "You said they were wearing the same color, right?"
Melvin nodded in agreement because he had indeed told him they were all wearing deep blue uniforms when he recounted his story.
The feline chuckled as a subtle hint of mockery flashed in his eyes saying, "Well, that just means they're in the same guild, why do you have to go to such an extreme method like the Black Rose tavern? Was there a specific emblem in their uniforms?"
Registering the point, Melvin was indeed surprised and felt slightly embarrassed for such an oversight. But then again, he hardly knew anything about guilds.
However, there was another reason he emphasized going there to look for information, he had something else that he wanted to know. He needed a list of morally reprehensible priests and devoted people to gain a new skill, and as much it would have been easier to just slaughter the first one he encountered, it didn't quite sit right with him.
There were plenty of despicable people, there was no need to be imaptient and take the risk of killing someone innocent.
Quickly going through all of that, he pondered a bit before he answered the last question, "Yes I think it was, there were shapes of waves in the corner of their clothes."
Firrol continuously clicked his tongue whilst shaking his in disappointment, but he didn't say anything for a while.
"Just out with it," Melvin said.
