Book 6, Chapter 82 (1/2)
Rune Convention Scheduled
A short while later, Richard got the chance to witness the true power of a legendary mage once more. Less than a minute after Thor finished speaking, black light just erupted from the void and tore space apart. Richard took a subconscious step behind as they pulled open a rift, and a rather short old man jumped out from within, blue beard swaying as he roared angrily, “I’ve been stalking a black astral beast for more than a month! I almost found its nest, you old coot! You better not be lying to me!”
As he spoke, Kenny just waved his hand to disperse the magical attacks from the defensive array. Thor stared hard at him, “You think a black astral beast’s eggs can compare to a pseudo-grade-5 rune? Take a look.”
Kenny immediately grabbed the rune design and started inspecting it closely, shock spreading across his face as his forehead started leaking sweat. Richard stealthily took another step back— this man’s powers were unfathomable, and the fact that he managed to aim a portal so precisely despite being off in the void showed that his control of magic was far beyond what even Manacycle could afford.
The short old man suddenly raised his head and rushed forwards, “Kid, you made this?”
Even though Kenny was a mage, he had lightning-quick reflexes. He moved over to Richard in a flash, giving him almost no room to dodge. However, Richard himself had spent many years doing battle in the Land of Dusk; a dull red glow flooded out from his throat as he leaned backwards, lightning immediately sparking on his body as his now-bloody fingertips flew towards the legendary mage’s throat.
Kenny’s eyelids twitched as he sensed the great peril he was in, his hand suddenly stopping in mid-air and giving Richard the chance to retreat. Astonishment flashed in the legendary mage’s eyes as he sized Richard up, “Not bad, not bad. Now it’s slightly more believable that you crafted this.”
“This rune is not my design,” Richard said coldly, keeping his eyes trained on Kenny, “it was designed by Saint Lawrence. However, I can craft it as well.”
Kenny seemed to be surprised at the mention of Kenny’s name, sighing softly, “Lawrence, that little rascal… He really was talented, but such a pity about his rashness. I didn’t think I would see such runes again… It seems like there’s still potential to upgrade this?”
Looking at the hint of yearning on Kenny’s face, Richard forced a smile, “This rune is already better than most other grade 4 runes. If it was grade 5, I’m afraid…”
He didn’t have to finish. Naturally, a grade 5 Mana Armament would immediately make him a saint runemaster, someone who was famous in all of Norland.
“Heh, you have a point. Grade 4 is enough. Alright then, how much is this worth and when can you get one ready for me?”
Richard had already thought this through, “This rune costs an enormous amount in ma—”
“Two top-tier offerings or two spider crystals. My spider crystals are top of the line.”
Richard immediately shook his head, causing Kenny’s face to sour, “Three then.”
Richard still shook his head, but before he could speak Kenny turned blue and raged, “The only reason I need this is for my exploration of the Twisting Galaxy, you wouldn’t be able to find someone else willing to pay this much. Don’t bite off more than—”
Thor put a hand over the man’s mouth, glaring for a moment before turning to Richard, “I apologise, this old bastard is always very anxious. He’s been dreaming of this for more than a decade now, the Twisting Galaxy has something that is very important to him. So, what is it you wanted that this fellow stopped you from saying?”
Richard nodded, “I was about to ask for two top-tier offerings and a favour.”
“What’s the favour, say it!” Kenny shouted.
“I have a… rival, named Voidbones. He’s also a student of Her Excellency Sharon, but I don’t particularly like him. I ask that, if he appears in the Deepblue any time during the next two years, he should be chased away. It would be best if you can kill him.”
Kenny and Thor looked at each other before the latter spoke up, “I’ve heard of the kid, he’s not inferior to a legendary mage. It would be quite a challenge.”