Ch 34 : Sunrise Stream

Since it was still early, Auron decided to study the basic runes in the Library of Infinite Scrolls. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere there was perfect for focusing, unlike the constant clanging and noise in the Forge of Embers, which would disrupt his concentration.

After greeting Elder Lisa, Auron made his way to the study area. He carefully read the book on basic rune inscriptions, making sure not to miss any details. The book contained seven fundamental runes: Durability, Sharpening, Cleaning, Weight Reduction, Mana Efficiency, and Impact Enhancement. These basic runes were found in almost every item and, though simple, were invaluable to any user.

Durability and Cleaning runes were applied to almost all weapons, armor, and even clothing. Sharpening runes were essential for bladed weapons like swords, sabers, axes, spears, and daggers. Impact Enhancement and Weight Reduction runes were common on blunt weapons such as hammers, shields, and maces. Lastly, the Mana Efficiency rune, while still categorized as a basic rune, was by far the most complex and expensive. The higher the efficiency, the longer a user could sustain their mana, making it highly sought after.

Since Auron hadn't bought any paper yet, he decided to practice by writing the runes in the air using his celestial aura. He started with the simplest, the Cleaning rune. Xiao Yu, his AI assistant, evaluated each attempt, pointing out any mistakes. Auron would then learn from these corrections and try again. This cycle of practice and feedback continued until dinner time.

Noticing the faint traces of mana in the library, Elder Lisa went to investigate and found that Auron was the source. Seeing him inscribing runes in the air was fascinating, and since he wasn't doing anything dangerous, she decided to let it pass. However, before Auron left, Elder Lisa approached him.

"Although you're just using mana to write in the air, I don't recommend doing it here. It's forbidden to use mana in the library, little one," she said with a gentle smile.

"I see, I'm sorry about that," Auron quickly bowed in apology before heading to the cafeteria.

Once there, he reunited with his friends, and they all sat together for dinner as usual.

"How was your first club meeting? Did you do anything interesting?" Eliot asked, remembering that Auron had attended the Forge of Embers earlier that day.

"Nothing too exciting. Teacher Garrick taught us about the materials used for rune inscription. He also gave me a book on basic runes that I need to practice and show him next week," Auron replied casually.

"That actually sounds fun," Alice said, her curiosity piqued.

"Hey, would you guys be up for a little mission tomorrow? Nothing serious—just collecting some herbs by the river. Since it's weekend, we might as well enjoy some time outside," Eliot suggested, eager for an adventure.

"That sounds like a great idea! We need some time to relax too. I'm in," Auron agreed.

One by one, the others chimed in, and soon they had all agreed to have some fun the next day, making plans for a relaxing yet adventurous outing.

Early in the morning, Auron and his friends gathered at the Trading Hall, ready for their day's adventure. They had accepted a mission to collect "sun glory flowers," a herb known for its ability to heal minor wounds like scratches and bruises. The Trading Hall provided them with two special baskets designed to keep the herbs from wilting, ensuring they remained fresh for delivery.

After securing the baskets, the group left Swamp Enclave Academy and began their journey through the nearby woods. Their destination, Sunrise Stream, was only an hour away. The mission was simple, and the rewards were modest—20 stalks for one point—but the group was more interested in having a picnic and enjoying a day outdoors than accumulating points.

Though the path wasn't dangerous, Auron remained cautious, activating his mana detection skill to scan their surroundings. His detection range had increased to 12 meters, giving him a solid sense of any potential threats. Armed with his bow and daggers, he was ready for any unexpected encounters. Fortunately, their journey to the stream was peaceful, and they arrived without incident.

Sunrise Stream was a picturesque location, with its crystal-clear waters gently flowing under the warm morning sun. The peaceful hum of crickets filled the air, blending with the sound of the stream to create a soothing atmosphere. It was the perfect spot for relaxation.

While Eliot and Walter set to work collecting the herbs, Alice and Thyra began setting up a large tent nearby. Auron, on the other hand, took on the role of scout, patrolling the area while gathering firewood for their campfire. His mana detection remained active, but the area seemed serene and devoid of any threats.

In no time, Eliot and Walter had gathered 40 stalks of sun glory flowers. They decided to stop there, mindful of the herb-picking rules that required them to leave two-thirds of the herbs in the area so they could grow and replenish. It was an important rule to ensure the sustainability of the region's natural resources.

By the time Auron returned with a stack of firewood, the tent was set up—spacious and large enough to comfortably accommodate them all. With everything in place and no signs of danger in the area, the group decided to take a break and enjoy the river.

The water was cool and refreshing, perfect for a midday dip. For an hour, they played and splashed in the river, the sounds of laughter echoing in the peaceful setting. Afterward, they stretched out on the riverbank to sunbathe, soaking up the warm rays of the sun. As the others rested, Auron kept scanning the stream, alert for any signs of danger or hidden opportunities, but everything remained calm.

Feeling hungry, Auron decided to catch some fish from the stream. Using his bow and string arrow, he skillfully shot several fish, bringing them back to the camp for lunch. While the others continued to relax, he started a campfire and began cooking the fish. During his search for firewood earlier, Auron had also found some "red berries," which he now added to their meal.

The smell of roasted fish over the fire quickly awakened everyone's appetite. They gathered around the campfire, enjoying the simple yet delicious meal Auron had prepared. After lunch, they lay down under the tent for a well-deserved nap. The soft breeze, warm sunlight, and the fresh scent of grass made for a perfect, peaceful rest.

Though Auron drifted off to sleep, Xiao Yu, his AI assistant, continued monitoring the surroundings, keeping the mana detection skill active to ensure their safety. Even in this moment of relaxation, they were well-protected.