Power of Runes

Chapter 25 - 25: Rune of Knowledge (2)

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The journey to the library was longer than expected.

Damn it… that took way too long.

Despite having access to a detailed map of the entire academy through his Academy Watch, navigating through the vast campus proved to be more confusing than he had anticipated.

Every corridor looked identical.

The grand marble halls, lined with intricate carvings of past heroes and scholars, all seemed to blur together.

Courtyards, training fields, and dormitory complexes stretched endlessly.

At first, he had tried following the signs.

Whoever designed this place must have been either a sadist or a fan of mazes—because nothing made sense.

North Wing? South Wing? Why was the library not just in the center?! he thought with frustration.

By the time he finally arrived, more than an hour had passed.

It was exhausting.

And frustrating.

Still, as he finally stood before the massive structure, he couldn't help but pause for a moment.

It was huge, about seven stories tall.

The exterior of the library was unlike any building he had seen before. The walls glowed faintly with golden runes carved into the surface.

These runes weren't just for decoration; they were protective enchantments, ensuring that the vast knowledge within was kept secure.

Heh. They think this is impressive?

Ash's lips curled into a smirk.

He recognized the runes for what they were—cheap imitations. A crude attempt to replicate something far beyond mortal understanding.

He had read about it in the novel.

Runic Magic… They took fragments from ancient texts that mentioned the Runes and called it a new branch of magic. Funny.

But unlike the scholars who barely understood their own re

It looked no different from the rest, filled with old, worn-out books whose covers barely held their titles anymore.

But Ash crouched down, running his fingers along the spines, his touch light but deliberate. As he subtly nudged each book, feeling for any irregularities.

Then—his fingertips brushed against something odd.

A book, identical in size and color to the others, but… slightly heavier.

Ash grasped it and carefully pulled it free.

The moment he pulled it, there was no surge of mana, no hidden mechanism—just the weight of an ordinary, forgotten book resting in his hands.

But he knew better.

This wasn't just any book.

This was the Rune of Knowledge.

He let out a slow breath. It really was this easy…

Opening it wouldn't unleash a wave of power. There were no riddles to solve or trials to pass.

The Rune of Knowledge had always been hiding in plain sight, mistaken for a mundane book no one bothered to read.

And now, it was his.

His lips curled into a small smirk as he opened the book.

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A/N: A massive shoutout to [Herbwick], my very first Patreon supporter! ???????? Your support truly means the world to me, and I can't express how much I appreciate it. Thanks to you and all my amazing readers, I can keep writing and bringing Ash's journey to life. This story wouldn't be the same without you all—so once again, thank you! ????✨