Chapter 26. The New Spiritual Rune

Arthur immersed himself deeply in books about spiritual runes, flipping through the pages in the Academy's library. The warm glow of magical lamps illuminated stacks of tomes arranged around him on the oak table. He was fully absorbed in his research, analyzing each of the three runes that had caught his attention. Each rune offered new possibilities, but choosing one was far from easy.

The Spiritual Rune of Vital Forces

This rune was described as a symbol of endurance and resilience. Its use greatly enhanced the wielder's regeneration and stamina, making their spiritual world more robust and stable. It was particularly useful in battles, enabling quick recovery from injuries and prolonged fighting. However, one property of the rune made Arthur pause: the ability to draw life energy from the surrounding nature. While this power could give him a crucial advantage when his spiritual energy was depleted, he feared its impact on the natural balance of his spiritual world. The forests he cherished might suffer—a prospect that clashed with his goal of making them the core of his magic.

The Spiritual Rune of Roots

The second rune captivated Arthur with its versatility. The ability to sense and control tree roots seemed incredibly valuable, especially in a world covered by vast forests. Additionally, this rune would greatly amplify his wood and earth magic, opening new paths for both offensive and defensive spells while enhancing the two spells he had already mastered. Arthur imagined the roots in his spiritual world growing, intertwining, and becoming not only his weapon but also a natural barrier against enemies.

The Spiritual Rune of Blooming

The third rune surprised Arthur with its peaceful yet powerful potential. It could accelerate the growth of plants, offering tremendous opportunities to foster and sustain life within his spiritual world. With it, he could transform his forests into thriving, energy-filled oases. Moreover, the rune strengthened healing and purification magic, making it invaluable for aiding others. However, Arthur realized that the Blooming Rune was more suited for support and growth than for combat. If he chose it, his battle capabilities would remain limited, forcing him to find other ways to compensate.

Putting it all together, Arthur saw that each rune served different purposes. The Rune of Vital Forces offered endurance and rapid recovery but risked harming his spiritual world's nature. The Rune of Roots provided control over his environment and synergized perfectly with his current plans. The Rune of Blooming promised long-term growth but lacked combat advantages.

Arthur closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He understood that his choice would shape his path, and a rushed decision could cost him dearly in the future. "What matters more—protection, growth, or control?" he wondered, weighing the options in his mind.

In the end, he decided to return to his spiritual world to visualize how each rune would manifest in his domain. Arthur focused, closed his eyes, and soon his consciousness arrived in the familiar space. Forests, mountains, and plains stretched before him, brimming with potential. He began to walk through his world, picturing how each rune would reshape it.

If he chose the Rune of Vital Forces, he could draw energy from the trees, enduring longer in battles—but the sight of withered, lifeless plants around him brought unease. On the other hand, the Rune of Roots would empower the forests, making them stronger and turning them into his allies. It felt efficient and aligned with his current strategy. Yet, he also saw the image of the Blooming Rune: vibrant trees, magical fruits rich with energy, and a spiritual world teeming with life and abundance.

After long contemplation, Arthur returned to reality. He realized that his choice had to align with his immediate goals. He still had debts to repay, and to do so, he needed to strengthen his combat abilities. After careful thought, he concluded that the Rune of Roots was the most logical choice for his situation. It would grant him control over the forests and greatly amplify his magic, aiding both in battle and future growth.

***

With his decision made, Arthur began studying the rune in earnest. He spent days in the library, copying diagrams and patterns into his notebook, then returned to his spiritual world to prepare a place for its inscription. The work was long and exhausting, but he knew it would be worth the effort.

Seated cross-legged on a small clearing within his spiritual world, Arthur barely noticed the soft breeze swaying the grass around him. His thoughts were focused solely on the core of his world—the central point where energy currents converged, containing his power and potential. This place was more than an energy center; it was a reflection of his essence, his personality, and his growth as a mage.

He closed his eyes, slowing his breath until he entered a deep meditative state. Arthur envisioned his consciousness diving into the structure of his spiritual world. Soon, he felt a gentle warmth radiating from the center—the core of his world. It appeared as a massive crystal, shimmering with a soft golden light. Upon its surface was already engraved his first rune—the Rune of Stable Space—emitting a steady, calming aura that kept his world intact, even during moments of chaos.

Now, Arthur faced the task of carving the second rune—the Rune of Roots. This challenge was far greater than the first. The initial rune had been easy to place; it naturally found its spot within the core. However, each additional rune required direct interaction with the core, presenting significant risks. Moreover, the more runes he inscribed, the greater the core's resistance became, drastically increasing the difficulty and energy consumption of the process. A single mistake could result in catastrophic consequences—from losing a portion of his power to the complete collapse of his spiritual world.

Arthur focused deeper, attuning his consciousness to the core's pulse—a steady, powerful rhythm, like the beating of a heart. He understood that altering the core demanded not only precision but absolute control over his own power.

He mentally projected the rune's design, carefully recalling every detail he had studied. The Rune of Roots was complex but simpler than his first rune. Its lines resembled an intricate web of roots stretching out and converging at a central point. Each line had to be cut perfectly to allow the free flow of energy.

Gathering his will, Arthur began. He directed his spiritual energy like a finely honed chisel against the crystal's surface. The first line was the hardest—it marked the moment the core's energy was disrupted for the first time. Arthur felt the crystal's resistance but maintained his composure, guiding his power with a jeweler's precision. As soon as the first line was complete, he sensed the core accepting it, and the resistance lessened slightly.

With each subsequent line, his concentration deepened. The process became smoother as his confidence grew, and he lost track of time—hours or perhaps days slipped away as he meticulously crafted the rune's pattern.

When the final line was carved, a sudden surge of energy erupted. The core burst into a brilliant green glow, and the rune came to life. The etched lines filled with luminous magic, spreading like roots drinking from a spring. Instantly, Arthur felt the flow of energy ripple through his entire spiritual world.

The forests responded—trees seemed to breathe, and he could feel every branch, every root, every leaf. The world and he became one, connected in a perfect symbiosis. It was a sensation unlike any he had experienced before—a union of power, control, and harmony.

However, the exhilaration was short-lived. Arthur felt his physical body weakening—returning from such a deep meditative state always required care. Slowly, he began to withdraw his consciousness from the core, reconnecting with his physical form. His breathing steadied, and his pulse slowed as he carefully returned to awareness. Finally, he opened his eyes, drained but deeply satisfied.

For a few minutes, he sat still, regaining his strength. His body felt weak, but within him surged a new, vibrant power. A smile formed on his lips. His efforts had paid off. The Rune of Roots had not only enhanced his wood magic but had also granted him a profound connection to his world's nature.

His spiritual world had grown stronger—just as he had.