Capítulo 28: Blade Of Storm

"Hmm, so this is the Rune." I looked at the bluish crystalline slate with a circle, an eye carved into the center.

"I'll get going then," the Trow in the oversized delivery outfit said as he turned around. I closed the door behind him.

Turning back to the house, I noted that Lira had come in the morning to make breakfast and clean up. There wasn't much to clean, so she just made the food and left.

I have to do something about the hidden compartment in the kitchen. I can't afford to let anyone see it, and I certainly don't need any goons from The Crow's gang finding it.

"Haa, too much work." I dropped onto the chair, looking at the rune in my hand.

This Rune or Vault key is unique. I have the physical key, but this is also a physical key that I can use for remote transactions.

Druskmere's are very complex creatures. They can sense the blood genetics of people and then carve the biometric pattern onto a specific rock, enchanting it with their soul. Since they live for a thousand years, this process is only a fraction of their time.

[You have twelve more days. After that, you have to go back to that school of yours.] Rune imprinted itself on my wrist.

It's true. I don't know why, but Mrs. Snutter seemed to have pleaded for me, and Delhore actually agreed with her.

Is it the Ocularium Cup? I thought about it, and it seems like that's the only reason any of them would want me to still be at the academy.

The Ocularium Cup is a tournament held between the three top academies of the Megla Empire: Glumstack, Lumosar, and Eastern Dragon Academy.

One day, one challenge, and one winner.

[And what's in it for you? Or are you just going to go along with it like a pushover?] Rune imprinted its thoughts.

What is there for me? I would've turned down the offer a long time ago if it wasn't for the fact that there is something for me in it. And since I am actually disowned by my family, I'll need that thing.

Lumonara's Sword, a Mythical Grade weapon made from an unknown metal more powerful than dragon bone.

[And they are giving it out for a children's tournament? Foolishness.]

Who said they are giving it out? It's going to be on display on the day of the tournament, and I'll steal it.

[Isn't that... treason.]

It is, actually, and I don't care. I'll take the sword and leave Orath for good. Maybe with that sword, I can go down the basement. At least I'll have confidence that I can fight if something goes wrong.

[That's actually stupid. Why not just lay low, play the tournament, and then when the time comes for the second Ordeal from Middos, do it and get stronger step by step.]

Yeah, Middos too... Well, why not just take the sword and leave the kingdom since I have to find Glacia's Tomb too?

It'll be like: get the sword, go down the basement since I know there's something good under there—there has to be—and then manage to leave the Empire. Once that's done, I'll be free to do whatever I want.

[To find Mythos. You'll be free to find Mythos.]

What happens if I don't? Like if I purposely don't find that thing? Is there a punishment?

[Your soul is connected to Middos, so he can't do anything to you directly. But he'll strip you of the God Rune and then make you suffer until you die a "natural" death. Suicide.]

That's... scary.

[You realize this isn't a game, right?] Rune imprinted. [One misstep, and it's over.]

"I know," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "But what choice do I have? I can't stay here and wait for something to happen. I need to take action."

[Then make sure your actions are calculated. You have a plan, but you need contingencies. Think about every possible outcome and prepare for it.]

I nodded, the weight of the situation settling in. Stealing Lumonara's Sword was risky, but I wanted it.

I got up from my chair and walked towards a nearby shelf. I had put my sword—the one I brought from my academy locker before leaving—there. I pulled the sword out of its sheath, admiring its sleek design and slightly curved blade made of Glowsteel.

Underneath the shelf was my Sylvarite Spear, one that I bought from the guild. I grabbed it as well and walked outside the house. There weren't many houses around the mansion where I lived. It was rare to spot someone in daylight, so practicing here shouldn't be a problem.

I placed the spear on the ground and took a stance. The only thing I could always rely on was my martial arts skills. I had worked tirelessly to better myself in each of the origin sword techniques.

There are three styles of weapon mastery: Blade of Storm, The Flow of River, and The Northern Wind. Each has levels:

1. Beginner

2. Intermediate

3. Advanced

4. Saintly

5. Kingly

6. Godly

[I'm not that good in understanding human martial arts. Care to explain?]

"I'm an advanced level swordmaster in all three of the sword styles, each loop dedicated to each style," I explained.

"From beginner to advanced, it takes people a decade to learn, and a lifetime to get past saintly. Besides magic being strong, in terms of just physical prowess, it's also important."

I calmed my mind and closed my eyes, gripping the hilt of the sword as I felt the air leave my body.

"A lot of things help here, like what weapon one is using, what that weapon is made of, or what techniques are being used by the wielder."

"Here, I am using a Glowsteel Sword as an advanced level swordmaster using the Blade of Storm technique."

SWISH!

I swung the blade sideways as fast and stably as I could, hearing it slice through the air. I released the tension out of my arm and opened my eyes.

[That was good.] Rune burned on my skin.

I gulped down the saliva that had formed in my mouth as I stared at the fallen tree... more like the row of fallen trees in front of me, one, two... three.

"That one fell on the house."

One of the balconies of my house was hit by the tree. It was still hard to hear any sound for a few seconds because of the air that moved around me.

"This is Blade of Storm."