Chapter 24 - Runic symbols!

Blood splattered onto Ailith's lips, staining them crimson. Her condition continued to worsen, and a sense of panic surged within me. The runic symbols resisted my attempts to control them, slipping through my grasp like water between clenched fingers.

However, a strange transformation washed over me, causing my panic to shift into a twisted, amused smile. I couldn't help but laugh internally, finding a disturbing satisfaction in the chaos.

"Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!"

"Satisfying!"

Ignoring the dark desires that filled my thoughts, I pressed on, delicately and meticulously guiding the runic symbol away from the source of her mana. Each movement triggered violent coughs from Ailith, forcing out spatters of blood.

My thoughts turned dark and destructive.

"Yes, like that, she will die in no time."

To interrupt these thoughts, I altered the sound produced by the flute, which somewhat blocked their influence. An internal sigh of relief washed over me as I regained a momentary respite from those tormenting thoughts. Returning my focus to Ailith's figure, I steeled myself to confront the task at hand.

Despite the unsettling sight and sound of her coughing, my determination to help her remained steadfast. Manipulating the swirling energies of the runic symbol, I began guiding it out of her body, layer by layer. It was as if I was peeling back the enigmatic and intricate layers of her essence, dismantling the misplaced force within her.

With each layer unravelled, I could sense the weight of the symbol's pressure on her mana lessened, gradually alleviating the burdens she carried. Her body started to regain its normalcy, and her once-bloated abdomen began to bring down.

Through this experience, I came to realize the limitations of my knowledge as I delved further into the realm of magic. There was no clear guidance on how to expel such energy from the body.

I found myself questioning the extent of my abilities, lacking the stored mana necessary to fully comprehend the intricacies of this manipulation.

Nevertheless, fueled by unwavering determination, I propelled forward, seeking answers within the complex patterns of the runic symbol. I painstakingly dissected its path, scrutinizing each movement it made within Ailith's body. And then, like a sudden revelation, a realization struck me – the runic symbol had entered her body through her very skin.

With newfound caution, I embarked on the process of guiding the runic symbol to gradually emerge from her delicate skin. As it broke free from its confinement, a remarkable metamorphosis ensued.

The once unassuming blue symbol now shimmered with a deep hue of crimson, akin to molten metal forged under the searing heat of an unforgiving forge.

At this point, my intrusive thoughts had ceased, and I began playing a sweet melody on the flute. My entire attention now focused on the runic symbols, as they continued their mesmerizing transformation, changing colors before my eyes.

With newfound caution, I began the delicate process of guiding the runic symbol to gradually emerge from Ailith's skin. As the symbol broke free from its confinement, a metamorphosis seemed to take place.

Once blue and unassuming, the symbol now shimmered with a deep hue of crimson, reminiscent of molten metal forged in the searing heat of an unforgiving forge.

At this point, my intrusive thoughts ceased, playing a sweet melody that filled the air. My entire attention was now focused on the runic symbols as they transformed and changed their colours.

This transformation brought about a mix of awe and apprehension. I marvelled at the power contained within that tiny runic symbol, as it revealed itself with an intensity that seized my attention. The sight of the symbol ablaze with vibrant hues instilled both respect and trepidation.

As the runic symbols continued to emerge from Ailith's skin, the surrounding flesh seemed to fluctuate, yielding to an unseen presence. The red-hot glow intensified, casting an ethereal radiance that permeated the air around us.

At this moment, I realized that my journey had only just begun. The revelation of the runic symbol's fiery transformation left me hungry for further understanding, eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead. With newfound determination, I embarked on the next phase of this remarkable and perplexing journey, bracing myself for the profound discoveries yet to come.

Ailith's figure returned to normal, her once blood-stained skin now glowing pale. Her blood itself started evaporating from her body, but the red-stained sheet of the sofa remained as evidence of the event.

However, my focus was not on her figure; my thoughts were consumed by the ever-changing runic symbol hovering around me as I continued to play the flute. How could they transform their colours? Lost in deep contemplation, I played with focused and mesmerized energy, and the runic symbol began shifting and transforming in puzzling and dazzling ways.

Intrigued and compelled, I dedicated all my attention and energy to the runic symbols, willing them to reveal their secrets to me. Raising the pitch of my melody, the symbols began to dance and swirl with greater intensity, resembling a thousand vibrant fireflies released from my instrument.

Moving with fluid grace, the symbols formed a giant, glowing ring beside me, pulsing with a deep, rich crimson glow that illuminated the room like a beacon. The circle rotated, its speed and intensity increasing with each passing moment, filling me with almost uncontrollable excitement.

But then an idea struck me: what if I could change the colour of these mysterious and powerful symbols at will?

Without hesitation, I sent forth my intentions toward the runic symbols with fierce and focused intent. And to my amazement, one by one, the symbols began to change their colour, morphing from blazing red to a vibrant and captivating green.

The effect was stunning - the room was filled with a rich, luminous green that flowed and pulsed with a life of its own. The symbols continued to dance and swirl with mesmerizing grace and energy.

As I watched and listened to the spellbinding progression of colour and sound, I was struck by the raw power of these enigmatic symbols and the endless possibilities they seemed to suggest. My mind was alight with wonder and magic, knowing that this moment would change everything.