Chapter 2: The Relic City of Sug
The dismissal bell rang.
Gune glanced out the window. Dusk had settled, painting the sky in shades of grey. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of burning "Source Coal," a smell only alleviated by torrential rain.
"Another ordinary day," Gune muttered, stretching as he rose from his seat.
His classmates chattered excitedly as they filed out of the classroom. Most of the students at the Sug Extraordinary Academy came from affluent families, and those studying spellcasting were particularly wealthy. Magic, in all its forms, was an expensive pursuit. Potions, alchemy, enchantments, spells, mechanics, runes, elementalism—each discipline demanded significant financial investment.
Absentmindedly, Gune touched the inside of his black sleeve. Beneath the seemingly ordinary fabric lay a "Black Iron Chainmail," a flexible yet incredibly strong piece of armor. This was a rare piece of Black Iron-grade extraordinary equipment, worth a considerable sum.
Black Iron was the entry-level extraordinary metal in the hierarchy of mystical metals. Compared to ordinary iron, it possessed near-perfect properties. Its density was roughly 0.62 that of pure iron, yet its strength was five to six times greater, with exceptional ductility and toughness. These properties were the key to its classification as an extraordinary metal. Adding even a small amount of Black Iron to steel during the smelting process created "Black Iron Alloy," granting the resulting metal extraordinary strength and resilience. This was the very foundation upon which the massive steel structures of the steampunk era were built.
Gune's Black Iron Chainmail was forged by an alchemical smith using pure Black Iron, imbuing it with extraordinary properties. Ordinary weapons could barely scratch its surface.
A typical spellcaster would wear an enchanted robe or cloak. No one in their right mind would choose to wear heavy metal armor. But for Gune, wearing an obvious magical garment was like painting a target on his back, advertising his vulnerability. As a devout follower of the tanky mage path, he not only preached the philosophy but lived it. "Tanky" wasn't just a concept; it was a way of life.
He had just finished organizing his books and notes when a lithe figure blocked his path. It was Ailaire Cogin, a striking young woman with golden hair, blue eyes, and an alluring figure. She wore a deep blue robe, interwoven with glowing runes that pulsed with arcane energy. This was no ordinary garment; it was an enchanted robe, a piece of extraordinary armor offering significant protection, though less than Gune's chainmail.
Gune's heart remained unmoved as his gaze swept over her beautiful face. Ailaire Cogin was a true "whale," a term used for those who spared no expense in their pursuit of power. He had initially suspected her family owned a mine. Later, through discreet inquiries, he discovered that she not only came from a family that owned several mines but also held a noble title. While the Relic City of Sug had its share of wealthy individuals, nobility was a rarer distinction.
"What is it?" Gune asked, lowering his voice and glancing around. The classroom was almost empty.
"There's a gathering tonight, same place," Ailaire replied, her voice crisp and clear, carrying the effortless elegance of her noble upbringing.
"Understood," Gune nodded.
Ailaire studied him for a moment before turning to leave. Unlike others, she knew that Gune Laurence, with his unusual behavior, was a true believer in the tanky mage build. She had witnessed his unconventional approach firsthand. Had anyone else seen an apprentice spellcaster get smashed by a mutated elite goblin, fly fifteen meters, get up, and calmly continue casting spells as if nothing had happened? Ailaire had. Gune Laurence was a force to be reckoned with.
As Gune left the classroom, he pondered the upcoming gathering. "I wonder what they've found this time? Another forgotten tomb? A hidden cave? Or perhaps a contaminated underground ruin?"
"I'll go and see. Perhaps my Idle System's 'Serendipity' function will trigger. It's led me to some interesting finds in the past."
The gatherings Ailaire mentioned were organized by a small group of wealthy, adventurous students from the Sug Extraordinary Academy, all fascinated by mysteries and the pursuit of power. They met sporadically to share information and occasionally embarked on expeditions. The Relic City of Sug, bordering the mystical wilderness and mountains, offered ample opportunities for exploration.
Gune, from a relatively modest background, wouldn't normally be part of such a group. His inclusion stemmed from an incident three months prior, when he rescued the five members of the group from a horde of "Cursed Ghouls" in the ruins of an old fort in the wilderness. Impressed by his strength and abilities, they invited him to join their ranks. His subsequent displays of prowess during several expeditions cemented his place in the group. No one would refuse a powerful teammate and bodyguard.
…
The Relic City of Sug was one of the larger settlements on the frontier, tasked with defending the Yulan Empire's borders and expanding its territory into the mystical wilderness. The advent of the steampunk era had spurred human empires and federations to explore and conquer previously uncharted territories like the mystical wilderness, mountains, and plateaus, all teeming with extraordinary creatures. Most human settlements were established on the sites of pre-existing settlements, ruins, or outposts built by ancient explorers or other intelligent races. Hence the name "Relic City."
Not every Relic City thrived. Sug, however, was one of the Yulan Empire's most prosperous frontier cities, thanks to the vast Black Iron ore deposits discovered in the nearby Oto Mountains. With the arrival of the steampunk railway, large-scale mining operations began, revealing the remnants of at least four ancient civilizations of significant size and complexity, along with traces of a mysterious "Goblin Relic Civilization."
Rumors of adventurers uncovering powerful extraordinary artifacts, stumbling upon ancient treasures, or even receiving mystical inheritances after falling into hidden chasms spread throughout the Yulan Empire. These tales drew a flood of prospectors, adventurers, mercenary groups, investors, and dreamers to this burgeoning frontier city, transforming Sug into a beacon of hope and opportunity in the steampunk era.
…
The Blackrock District, located on the north side of Sug, was the domain of mercenaries and adventurers. Here, one could find a variety of materials, high-quality ores, potions, equipment, and more. Occasionally, high-end clandestine gatherings and auctions offered extraordinary materials, equipment, combat techniques, spells, and even the highly sought-after "Extraordinary Artifacts"—keys to unlocking extraordinary power, described as both angelic and demonic, both coveted and feared.
Chapter 3: The Apothecary's Identity
Gune traversed several streets before finally stopping in front of number 155, Old Stone Street, in the Black Tusk District. Black Tusk was a melting pot of society, teeming with thieves and rogues. Young, inexperienced nobles and wealthy heirs who ventured into this area often found themselves relieved of their valuables. But Gune, having lived there for sixteen years, was a local. No petty thief dared to pickpocket him. Anyone foolish enough to try would likely lose the use of that hand.
While the younger Gune might have needed Old Man Cohen's protection, the current Gune, empowered by the system and six months of diligent idling, was no longer an easy target.
He unlocked the door with his key. As soon as he stepped inside, a faint medicinal aroma tickled his nose, an aroma undetectable to the average person. But to Gune, the scent revealed the precise composition of the potion, its temperature, and the duration of its simmering. Even high-ranking alchemists wouldn't possess such an acute olfactory sense.
Gune, not yet an extraordinary individual himself, owed this extraordinary sense of smell to the "Bone Marrow Potion Incantation," an arcane text he'd been passively leveling through his system for the past six months. It was now at an impressive level six.
The Bone Marrow Potion Incantation was a method of cultivating one's taste, sight, smell, touch, and control over the blending process to enhance potion perception and increase the success rate of potion brewing. Many apothecaries practiced similar incantations to improve their craft. Even a basic understanding, a level one proficiency, was enough to qualify as a competent apothecary. Yet, out of hundreds of apprentice apothecaries, only a handful achieved this level. Many seasoned apothecaries dedicated their entire lives to the craft, only to reach a rudimentary level one proficiency. The difficulty of mastering such incantations was evident. After all, these were genuine arcane texts, their true meaning elusive to ordinary individuals.
A level two or three practitioner would undoubtedly be a core asset to any extraordinary organization. Those rare few who reached level four or five were legendary figures, their names etched in the annals of the Oya Continent.
Gune, through passive leveling, had reached level six in just six months and was well on his way to level seven. Such a level was unprecedented in the history of the continent. The power of the Idle System was truly remarkable.
From the scent alone, Gune immediately recognized the potion being brewed: Refined Healing Potion. Unlike ordinary healing potions, which simply accelerated the body's natural healing process, often at the cost of vitality, Refined Healing Potions contained potent life-restoring essences.
Refined Healing Potions were significantly more complex to brew than ordinary ones. They were among the most difficult of the basic-level potions, even surpassing some intermediate-level potions in complexity. Even Old Man Cohen, a certified journeyman apothecary, only had a fifty percent success rate. Gune, however, boasted a success rate exceeding ninety-nine percent. Consequently, Gune often handled the more challenging potions in Cohen's shop.
He opened the hidden door and descended the stone steps into the brightly lit underground alchemy lab.
"You're back!" a raspy, aged voice called out.
Old Man Cohen, his hair white but his spirit vibrant, was busy preparing a large beaker of Refined Healing Potion at his workstation, complete with distillation, simmering, separation, and mixing equipment.
"Yes," Gune replied softly. He approached the beaker, large enough to hold his head, and observed it for a few seconds before speaking. "The temperature is slightly too high. Lower it a bit, then add 180 milliliters of purified water. In twenty minutes, you'll have a perfect batch of high-quality Refined Healing Potion."
As he spoke, Gune adjusted the flame beneath the beaker and proceeded to pour precisely 180 milliliters of purified water from a nearby test tube into the beaker, leaving exactly 20 milliliters remaining. His nimble hands ensured an accuracy within one percent.
Old Man Cohen glanced over, unsurprised. He was well aware of Gune's superior skills. If Gune wished, he could easily pass the Apothecary Guild's examination and become a certified apothecary, quickly rising through the ranks to become a senior or even expert-level apothecary. However, knowing Gune's personality, Old Man Cohen knew he wouldn't seek such attention.
"Old Man, we don't seem to be short on Refined Healing Potions. Besides, we still have plenty of those… uh, diluted ones that most adventurers can't distinguish from the real deal."
"Why brew so much?"
"Heh heh…" Cohen chuckled hoarsely. "Take a look at this…"
He pointed to a copy of the Magnolia Steam Gazette on the newspaper rack. The Magnolia Steam Gazette was the leading newspaper of the Magnolia Empire, known for its timely reporting. Cohen subscribed to the extraordinary edition, which cost ten times more than the regular edition and contained information about the supernatural world, inaccessible to ordinary people.
Gune picked up the newspaper and looked at the front page. A gruesome image met his eyes. Thankfully, it was in black and white, lessening the shock. The photograph depicted a mound of human heads, piled high, reaching a man's height. The faces were contorted in expressions of agony and madness, blood soaking the ground around them. Even in death, they seemed to be suffering unimaginable torment. Behind the horrific pile lay scattered, dismembered, headless corpses.
Even Gune, familiar with the darker side of the supernatural world, felt a chill run down his spine.
A caption accompanied the image: "Over two hundred people brutally murdered and decapitated in Blacktooth Town, a border settlement in the Anko Province. Initial investigations suggest the involvement of the 'Giant God Cult' performing a 'Blood Sacrifice Ritual.' The Anko Province Extraordinary Association has launched an investigation."
"The Giant God Cult? Anko Province? That's where we are," Gune muttered, a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"Indeed," Cohen confirmed. "And Blacktooth Town is only fifty kilometers from here. Judging by the scale of this incident, there must be a considerable number of cultists involved. With its large transient population, Sug Relic City is an ideal hiding place. Some of them are bound to have fled here. In fact, some of the cultists who participated in the ritual might have originated from Sug."
"Baron Tram came by this morning. His Fourth Garrison is mobilizing to hunt down these cultists. There might be some serious fighting ahead."
"So, that's why he came to buy Refined Healing Potions. You know Baron Tram; we have a good working relationship."
"The potions he gets are the real deal," Gune quipped.
"The ones everyone else gets are real too, just… less potent," Cohen shrugged, unashamed of his shrewd business practices.
"The Giant God Cult has become this brazen? Openly committing such atrocities?" Gune frowned, pondering.
In the six months since his arrival in this steampunk world, Gune had learned much from the newspapers. The world was far from peaceful; undercurrents of chaos churned beneath the surface. The most frequent reports involved the gruesome acts of these heretical cults. However, their activities were usually clandestine, involving small numbers of victims. They rarely made headlines, and even when they did, their stories were relegated to small corners of the newspaper, easily overlooked.
This massacre of over two hundred people, coupled with a public blood sacrifice ritual, marked a significant escalation in their audacity.
"It's not just here. I've heard similar incidents are happening in other border regions, but they're not being reported," Cohen said, continuing to process his ingredients. He looked at Gune. "Things might get chaotic in the near future. Best stay put if you can."
Gune rubbed his temples, his eyes narrowed in thought. After a moment, he nodded. "I understand."
"Oh, I almost forgot. I found that Extraordinary Knight Breathing Technique you asked for," Cohen suddenly said, looking up. "It's a complete technique."
"An Extraordinary Knight Breathing Technique? A complete one?" Gune's eyes lit up with excitement.
Chapter 4: The Idle System
Ever since Gune transmigrated six months ago and figured out his Idle System, he'd been subtly suggesting to Old Cohen that his mind had suddenly become sharper, leading to rapid progress in his study of the Bone Marrow Potion Incantation. He'd expressed a desire to learn more advanced arcane texts.
Once Gune began demonstrating his accelerated progress, Old Cohen started providing him with more texts. Over the past six months, Gune had received two common spellbooks, a fragmented arcane spell scroll, and a common knight's breathing technique manual.
Thanks to his Idle System, Gune could passively train in these techniques, achieving a level of proficiency far exceeding that of a typical apprentice spellcaster or knight.
Gune understood the vast difference between common and arcane texts. He didn't possess an arcane relic and wasn't a true extraordinary individual yet. However, with the Idle System, he could rapidly cultivate these arcane techniques. He craved access to arcane spells and breathing techniques to further enhance his strength.
After all, beneath the calm surface of this world, dangerous undercurrents constantly churned. Even in the relatively safe Relic City of Sug, potential dangers lurked. In the event of an arcane catastrophe, those without sufficient strength would be swept away and perish.
Even with Old Cohen's connections, acquiring arcane texts required a substantial amount of gold pounds. Therefore, Gune leveraged his system to cultivate the Bone Marrow Potion Incantation, honing his potion-making skills to a high level. This allowed him to brew rare and expensive potions, which he then sold to earn the necessary funds.
Over the past six months, thanks to Gune's ability to concoct various rare low-tier, mid-tier, and even a small number of high-tier potions, the sales of Old Cohen's Dewwood Potion Shop had multiplied several times over.
Today, Gune was finally reaping the rewards of his entrepreneurial success.
"Here's the complete arcane text for a knight's breathing technique," Old Cohen said, retrieving a sealed black box—a Blackthornwood Casket—from a corner of the bookshelf. The casket's opening was secured with a runic seal. As a container for arcane texts, it was itself considered an extraordinary item. In this world, lower-tier extraordinary items tended to lose their potency over time. Therefore, airtight containers were essential. The Blackthornwood Casket, crafted from Blackthornwood, was ideal for this purpose.
"This Basic Knight's Breathing Technique focuses on absorbing natural source energy and using it to temper the body. You'll understand the specifics once you establish a catalytic bridge and fully absorb the knowledge," Old Cohen explained as he handed the casket to Gune.
"A Basic Knight's Breathing Technique that directly tempers the body with absorbed energy?" Gune was surprised. As an aspiring tank mage, he had researched body tempering techniques extensively and understood the general training methods for different tiers of knight breathing techniques.
Typically, basic arcane knight breathing techniques relied on high-intensity physical training to strengthen the body. This aligned with the principles of human physiology. Intermediate techniques started incorporating energy tempering. The technique in Gune's hands, despite being basic, employed an intermediate method. This meant either the training was exceptionally difficult or the technique had some hidden flaw.
"I'll know why it's considered basic despite using an intermediate method once I use the catalyst and absorb the text," Gune thought.
While Gune savored the acquisition of the new breathing technique, Old Cohen continued, "I also need you to prepare 150 doses of Purified Healing Potion. The apprentices have pre-processed the ingredients for you."
"No problem. I'll place the finished potions in the storage vault," Gune replied.
"Good," Old Cohen nodded and turned to leave. Potion brewing required intense concentration, stamina, and endurance. Being older, Old Cohen usually rested after assigning tasks to Gune.
"Wait," Gune called out as Old Cohen reached the other staircase leading out of the alchemy lab. "Did you find out who stole the batch of potions?"
A week ago, a batch of older potions had gone missing from the storage vault. If it weren't for Gune's meticulous memory, the theft might have gone unnoticed.
"Yes," Old Cohen replied without turning back, his steps slow as he climbed the stairs. "It was young Sibo. He was a good lad... such a shame." His voice was tinged with regret.
By the time he finished speaking, Old Cohen had disappeared into the shadows of the stairwell, followed by the sound of a closing door.
"Indeed, a shame," Gune echoed, shaking his head. Besides Gune, three apprentice potioneers assisted him in the Dewwood Potion Shop. Sibo, a bright and perceptive fourteen-year-old boy, was one of them.
Old Cohen was no ordinary man. He had a deep background, strong principles, and a ruthless side. Since he'd identified Sibo as the culprit, the boy had likely been dealt with. Perhaps his body was dumped in the sewers, or he was imprisoned in some underground laboratory for arcane experimentation. He might even have been drained of his blood and his heart harvested. Heart transplants were becoming increasingly sophisticated in the field of arcane human anatomy. Wealthy noble knights seeking stronger bodies would gladly pay a hefty sum for a young, healthy heart.
Gune glanced at the clock. 5:35 PM.
"The small gathering usually starts around 8:30. I have three hours. 150 doses of Purified Healing Potion should take about an hour and a half, leaving plenty of time to study the breathing technique."
With that, Gune began brewing the potions.
…
A little over an hour later, all the prepared ingredients had been processed and refined. Before Gune sat 162 doses of Purified Healing Potion. Different potioneers extracted different amounts of essence from the same quantity of ingredients, resulting in varying yields. Gune, however, was a master of extraction. While a typical potioneer might produce 145 to 155 doses from enough ingredients for 150, Gune consistently yielded 160 to 165, all of exceptional quality.
He placed 155 doses in the storage vault, pocketing the extra 7.
With the potions taken care of, Gune returned to his private meditation chamber.
…
Within the quiet darkness of the chamber, Gune sat cross-legged.
"Breathe..."
After a few minutes of focused meditation, he opened his eyes.
"System!"
A translucent azure screen materialized before him. The rectangular screen was realistic in style, displaying crisp text that Gune could manipulate with his mind. While he could project the system interface into his mind, he preferred having it displayed visually.
The Idle System had two main functions: [Idle] and [Serendipity].
[Idle] allowed Gune to passively train in techniques by placing their corresponding texts in "idle slots." The system would then cultivate the technique 24/7, accumulating experience and increasing its level without any further input from Gune. The knowledge, spell proficiency, and physical enhancements gained through idle training were perfectly integrated into Gune's being, as if he had earned them through rigorous practice. Moreover, there were no side effects. Normally, cultivating the fragmented arcane spell scroll caused him soul pain and sometimes induced hallucinatory whispers from mysterious forces. Certain knight breathing techniques also placed a heavy strain on his physical and mental energy. However, the system's idle training bypassed these negative effects entirely.
[Serendipity], the other function, was equally powerful. In this world of arcane wonders, rare and valuable treasures existed, sought after by adventurers, explorers, and the pioneers of the new steampunk-powered age of exploration. [Serendipity] allowed Gune to perceive hidden opportunities and fortuitous encounters within a certain radius.
Gune had first activated [Serendipity] while exploring a mountain canyon. It led him to his first serendipitous discovery: a 300-year-old Dragon Source Fruit. Consuming the fruit, combined with his training in the common knight's breathing technique, had significantly boosted his physical prowess in a short time. He was now as physically strong as a typical shield knight.
The emergence of [Serendipity] alongside the basic [Idle] function suggested that the system held even more potential, waiting to be unlocked.
After reviewing the system, Gune picked up the Blackthornwood Casket.
"While this common knight's breathing technique is decent, its potential is limited compared to a true arcane one. Its upper limit might not even reach the lower limit of a true arcane technique," he mused, his gaze fixed on the casket.
Chapter 5: The Transcendent Knight's Breathing Technique
Gune opened the black briarwood box. Inside, nestled on a roll of parchment, a silvery light shimmered. Simple lines on the parchment depicted figures in meditative poses. Upon closer inspection, faint, luminous threads, like flowing veins, pulsed beneath the surface of the sketched figures, causing the light to flicker and dance.
As with any conventional transcendent text, simply deciphering the images and words wouldn't unlock its true power or understanding. Accessing transcendent information required a mediating conduit, a bridge for comprehension—a process known as "Catalytic Reception."
Gune, a novice spellcaster on the path of becoming a咒法师 (pronounced "Zhou Fǎ Shī," meaning "Rune Caster"), used his knowledge of rune inscription as his conduit. Lowering his head, he softly recited an incantation in the Lanyemi tongue. With each syllable, subtle magical fluctuations rippled around him.
As the recitation continued, a portion of the light emanating from the parchment, containing the Knight's Breathing Technique, transformed into a swirling, stream-like channel as thick as a thumb, connecting to Gune's forehead. The luminescence flowed into the depths of his mind.
A typical novice Rune Caster would require at least thirty seconds, sometimes even forty or fifty, to receive a basic transcendent spell or text. Gune, however, severed the rune-forged conduit in under ten seconds, having completed the Catalytic Reception of the Transcendent Knight's Breathing Technique flawlessly in a mere seven or eight.
He quickly returned the parchment to the briarwood box, sealing it with a runic lock. "The energy expenditure was minimal. I could perform another reception, maybe even two," Gune thought, considering the potential profit from reselling the technique to Knight students at the academy.
He then turned his attention to examining the breathing technique within his mind. Moments later, he understood why this seemingly intermediate-level technique only produced basic-level results.
The "Pious Knight Breathing Technique" wasn't solely a physical exercise. It intertwined the breath of the body with the breath of the soul. For a knight or warrior with devout faith, or an ascetic with unwavering willpower, the technique would be incredibly potent.
However, the rise of the Steam Revolution across the Oya Continent over the past three hundred years had spurred the growth of arcane studies. The mystical aspects of religious faith were increasingly dissected by scholars, revealing their connection to the transcendent power system. As the veil of religious mystery lifted, faith dwindled. This decline was further exacerbated by the growing power of the monarchy, beneficiaries of the Steam Revolution, who actively suppressed the influence of the church. Some radical scholarly societies even propagated the "Divine Parasite" theory, claiming that gods were merely entities feeding on the faith of the masses.
While the major churches condemned these heretical theories, the waning of religious and divine authority was undeniable. Consequently, the ranks of devout Templars and ascetic devotees had thinned considerably.
"A strong will, a strong body, a dual breathing method…" A smile crept across Gune's face. "This… is perfect for me."
As a spellcaster, Gune possessed undeniable strength of will. His physical conditioning, thanks to his dedication, rivaled that of a typical Knight. The Pious Knight Breathing Technique seemed tailor-made for him.
He opened the system's "Idle" interface. Several rows of slots appeared, each with five positions. In the first row, four slots were illuminated, while the fifth was accumulating energy, soon to be activated.
The four active slots contained: Bone Essence Potion Incantation, Firebolt, Ring Bombardment, and Bull's Bellow Breathing Technique. Every ten seconds, each slot generated experience. The Bull's Bellow Breathing Technique, currently at level four, generated 5 experience points with each tick, representing both the technique's growth and the equivalent physical conditioning it provided to Gune.
Now that he had a superior breathing technique, the Bull's Bellow had become obsolete. Gune removed it from the fourth slot and replaced it with the Pious Knight Breathing Technique.
Ten seconds later, a "+8" appeared briefly above the new technique's icon. A starting gain of 8 experience points! The Bull's Bellow had taken him over three months to reach level four and 5 experience points per tick. The Pious Knight Breathing Technique started at 8 and promised even greater gains as it leveled up, potentially reaching 10, 20, or even higher. Moreover, its potential for physical enhancement far surpassed that of the Bull's Bellow.
"Inhale… exhale…" Gune's slight elation subsided as he returned to his usual calm demeanor. "I can already feel a slight improvement in my body's absorption of natural source energy. The effect is immediate. Truly worthy of a Transcendent Knight's Breathing Technique."
"In ten days or half a month, once it reaches level two, my physical strength will surge again. A strong body ensures survival, and survival allows me to fight another day."
His gaze shifted to his incomplete transcendent spell, "Ring Bombardment," and the standard spell, "Firebolt."
"Although Ring Bombardment is at level five and Firebolt at level four, both possessing considerable power, enough to kill an average spellcaster with a single cast, or even ambush and potentially kill or severely injure a mid-level spellcaster… I am still not a true transcendent Rune Caster."
"I can't access the deeper aspects of Rune Casting—the Source Pool, Secret Crossing, Acceleration, and Repetition techniques that grant true power. Old Man Coen hasn't found any information on the Rune Caster's 'Transcendent Artifact' either."
"The path of transcendence is arduous," Gune sighed. "If I haven't found any leads on the Artifact by graduation, I might have to reveal my alchemy skills and join the Magnolia Transcendent Association. They're bound to have the Rune Caster's Artifact." He rubbed his fingers thoughtfully. He would prefer to avoid such a powerful organization, but he might not have a choice.
After a brief meditation, Gune left his cultivation chamber. He couldn't miss the small gathering later that evening. It wasn't just about forming an adventuring party. These wealthy and noble young men and women were valuable sources of resources. In simpler terms, they were the rich kids and the connected elite. Gune had traded with them before, acquiring many useful items.