Ch 24 : Primordial Fire

In the massive library, the peaceful ambiance permeated the entire space, making it an ideal setting for focused study. A child sat engrossed in a book, their enthusiasm evident in their concentrated gaze.

Auron read through his book on spell structure, which covered four main components: imagination, form, fuels, and intentions. A theory had emerged among scholars suggesting a potential fifth component—heavenly runes. Since heavenly runes could be carved onto the mana core, the question arose: Why couldn't they be integrated into the spell structure itself? The research, concluded years ago, indicated that spells and heavenly runes operated on different scales or dimensions of magic. Heavenly runes represented the laws of the world—the very essence that composed reality—while spells were mere derivations or interpretations of these runes. Integrating the origin (heavenly runes) with something derived from it (spells) would disrupt the established order.

However, the mana core, a pure concentration of mana, was a different matter. Carving or integrating heavenly runes into the mana core allowed the core to adopt the characteristics of the runes, enhancing its capabilities.

"This is why when I attempted to integrate heavenly rune fragments into the spell structure, it collapsed. Searching for answers in the library is far more productive than trying to figure it out alone. Libraries are the pinnacle of civilization, holding the accumulated wisdom of countless sages," Auron mused, a smile forming as he recognized the reason for his previous failure.

"But if I can't integrate heavenly runes directly into spells, I can derive spell enhancements from the runes themselves. With Xiao Yu's guidance and the Celestial Codex, I should be able to achieve that," Auron contemplated silently.

He returned the books to the shelf and proceeded to the section on heavenly runes. He selected a book titled "Heavenly Runes Classification" and settled at a study table to delve into it.

The book detailed various heavenly runes discovered either by accident or through deep research, all classified under several categories: mana reserve, mana potency, mana recovery, mana control, and elemental affinity boost.

These runes could only be integrated if the person had an affinity for the associated elements. For instance, a fire mana potency rune would make the mana core exhibit ferocity, increasing the user's damage output. However, scholars had attempted to carve elemental runes onto mana cores without the user's corresponding affinity, aiming to expand their elemental capabilities. These experiments, unfortunately, ended in tragedy, with the mana cores exploding and high-tier magi losing their lives.

"This is tragic. I must be very cautious in selecting the heavenly runes to carve. Being in the Celestial Awakening phase, with only my lower dantian unlocked, requires careful planning. As I progress and unlock my main, support, and hidden dantians, I need to ensure my mana cores are mapped with the right heavenly rune characteristics," Auron reflected.

Xiao Yu's voice resonated in his mind, offering guidance: "I suggest carving the first heavenly rune once you thoroughly understand its power. From the cultivation novels of your past lives, supreme daos such as divine, infernal, beginning, end, life, death, omniscient, folly, chaos, order, creation, and oblivion are considered ultimate corner of the heavenly dao. Carving primordial runes into your lower dantian could mark the beginning of your magical journey."

Auron nodded in agreement, feeling reassured and inspired by the guidance as he prepared for the path ahead.

It was already dark outside when Auron finished his studies. Feeling the hunger gnaw at him, he headed straight to the cafeteria. As he entered, he spotted his friends already enjoying their dinner. After collecting his food, he sat down with them.

"Where did you disappear to, Auron? The library again?" Eliot asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I was searching for some explanations about spell structures," Auron replied between bites. "There's a lot of interesting info and tricks in there. It seems that Teacher Eleanor forgot to give us the Arcane Circulation manual this morning. That manual could help us control our mana more smoothly."

"Is that so? Looks like we've got another thing to focus on," Alice sighed, resting her chin on her palm.

"What about your club meeting? Anything interesting happen?" Auron asked, curious.

"Not really," Eliot replied, shaking his head. "Just a brief intro to the club committee. They showed us how to feed some beasts, but nothing exciting."

After they finished their dinner, the group parted ways and headed back to their rooms. Auron took a shower and changed into fresh clothes. Afterward, he washed his laundry and began working on his "homework." In this case, it was practicing basic spell structure control. He didn't actually cast the spell but instead focused on forming and maintaining shapes with his celestial aura. Casting spells in the dormitories was forbidden.

When he finished, Auron sat down to meditate on the heavenly rune. He remembered Xiao Yu's suggestion about the Primordial Fire and focused on it. Slowly, as he delved into his Celestial Codex, a new heavenly rune began to take shape. Waves of heat radiated from the rune, raw and ferocious—the purest embodiment of fire, unbridled and destructive. Adjusting his focus, Auron started to comprehend its nature, aided by Xiao Yu's guidance.

Eliot, returning from outside, noticed Auron deep in concentration and paused. The room was charged with energy. Seeing Auron's dedication, Eliot felt a wave of guilt for slacking off earlier. He pulled out his own Grimoire, recently received from his club, and tried to cultivate. However, he found it difficult to concentrate, and after a while, he gave up, crawling into bed and letting sleep take over.

Auron, still oblivious to Eliot's struggle, continued meditating. The initially obscure sensation of the heavenly rune became clearer with every passing moment. An hour later, he hit a wall—progress halted.

"I've reached my limit for now," Auron whispered to himself. "I'll focus on cultivating my soul next." He quietly extinguished the lights, ensuring Eliot could sleep in peace, and settled into another round of deep meditation. Hours passed before sleep finally claimed him.

---

Deep in the heart of the Gloom Woods Forest, a group of seasoned hunters was battling a Gloomwood Direbear. The beast, towering with thick, dark fur and bulging muscles, was a formidable foe. Despite its immense strength, the hunters, working together with precision, finally brought the Direbear down.

As they began to collect the beast's valuable parts, an ominous presence crept up behind them. A large, hulking creature, with a grotesque, hunched back and acidic saliva dripping from its misshapen mouth, stalked the unsuspecting hunters. Just as it prepared to strike, a sharp whistle cut through the air—the sound of an arrow.

The arrow struck the creature in the head and exploded on impact. The force was enough to send the beast reeling backward, crumpling into a lifeless heap. The hunters spun around, horrified at how close the creature had been, unaware of its presence until the last moment.

"Quickly, gather what you can and leave this place. It's becoming more dangerous around here," a voice called out. Old Tim stepped forward, his bow still in hand. "Make sure you warn the others, too. We can't afford to lose anyone."

The group, shaken but grateful, hurriedly gathered the Direbear parts and made their way out of the forest. Old Tim watched them leave, his face darkened with concern.

"I hope it's not them," he muttered under his breath. "The catastrophe last time was bad enough, and we're still not prepared. We don't have enough fighters if it's happening again."