Chapter 14: Hound Rabbit
Close to 11 o'clock, the train arrived at the Sug Black Iron Mine, north of Sug Relic City. The moment Gune stepped off, the thunderous roar of steam-powered mining machinery assaulted his ears.
The entire mine was a scene of bustling activity. Towering steel steam excavators transported the unearthed ore to waiting steampunk locomotives. At the mine shafts, each twenty meters tall, high-pressure steam engines powered massive wheels and tracks, hauling vast quantities of ore from the depths. Nearby, steam pumps tirelessly drained accumulating water. Every stage of the operation—excavation, drainage, transportation—was handled by steam-powered machinery.
In Gune's previous world, coal and steam power alone could hardly sustain the complex energy needs of such a large-scale industrial operation. But this world was different. This was a world of transcendent power, extraordinary metals, and unique energy sources.
The water here, after being infused with elemental magic through specialized towers, produced steam with an almost terrifying expansion ratio and force under high pressure. Furnaces constructed from transcendent metals minimized energy loss during coal combustion, maximizing the heat transferred to the steam.
Furthermore, "Source Coal," imbued with fire elemental magic, burned with far greater intensity. Gune had even heard of "High-Source Coal," created by combining fire and wood elemental magic, which produced even more astounding amounts of energy.
This innovative and efficient energy system was the foundation of the steampunk era.
Standing before these colossal machines, Gune felt a sense of awe at their raw power and the brutal beauty of their industrial might. His classmates, though many had witnessed such scenes before, also paused to take in the spectacle.
…
After lunch, while the other students followed their teacher's instructions for wilderness preparation, Gune's team set off ahead. Once they crossed a ridge, the roar of the mining operation faded into the distance.
The jungle path was rough and treacherous. The six members of the team, each carrying a pack, advanced cautiously. The powerfully built Paul Kerchagin, wielding a machete, led the way, clearing the path. Ailee, the Shadow Artist, brought up the rear. Gune and the three girls walked in the middle.
They moved swiftly and silently, conserving their energy and focus. Experienced adventurers, they knew that the moment they entered the transcendent wilderness, they became the target of unseen eyes.
While true transcendent creatures were relatively rare, the wilderness teemed with semi-transcendent beasts. Hawks with extraordinary vision, wolves with enhanced bite force, apes with human-like intelligence—all posed a threat to the unwary. A moment of carelessness could lead to injury, serious harm, or even death.
…
By late afternoon, they reached the foot of a hill covered in gnarled, stunted trees with more thorns than leaves.
"It'll be dark soon. We'll camp here for the night," Ailee announced after scouting the area.
The group, accustomed to wilderness survival, knew their roles. The girls collected water, while the boys handled the other tasks. The division of labor was clear and efficient.
As Gune gathered firewood, he paused near Ailee.
"Did you take care of those two Withered Grass Wolves?" he asked quietly.
Withered Grass Wolves were semi-transcendent predators. Their fur, resembling dried grass, changed color with the seasons, providing excellent camouflage. They were most often encountered during the autumn months, hence their name. Occasionally, a Withered Grass Wolf King would appear among them—a true transcendent creature, as large as a calf and incredibly swift, capable of crushing a human skull with a single bite. Gune had no desire to encounter one. He had sensed two of them tailing their group earlier that afternoon.
"Took down one. The other escaped injured. They usually learn their lesson after that," Ailee replied softly.
"Good," Gune nodded.
Remaining vigilant, Gune continued gathering wood, his eyes scanning the shadows. He occasionally disappeared into hidden alcoves, emerging moments later with a medicinal herb in hand. With practiced movements, he processed the herb in seconds, storing it in a designated briarwood box.
As a potion maker with a level six Bone Essence Potion Incantation and years of experience handling herbs, Gune was a master of herbal processing.
Behind a gnarled tree, after processing another herb, Gune paused, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Interesting," he murmured.
Suddenly, a gray blur erupted from the undergrowth ten meters away, moving with blinding speed. It was a plump gray rabbit, but built like a hunting dog, with four sharp fangs, a vicious snout, and predatory eyes. Its jaws lunged for Gune's throat.
With a nimble sidestep, Gune dodged the attack. He snapped his fingers.
Crack!
Purple arcs of lightning crackled around his fingertips.
Arc Lightning, a common rune, required only two syllables to cast. For Gune, with his four Secret Crossing Runes, it was instantaneous. Unlike a typical Arc Lightning spell, which produced thin, sparsely woven strands of electricity, Gune's spell unleashed thick, ropy arcs, densely intertwined like a ball of yarn. Each level of a transcendent spell brought a significant increase in power. A level four Arc Lightning, having undergone four such transformations, was formidable.
Buzz!
The lightning surged into the creature.
Sizzle…
Sparks flew as the creature convulsed, tumbling across the ground. After a few twitches, it lay still, lifeless. Had Paul and the others witnessed this display, they would have been astonished. This wasn't Arc Lightning; it was more akin to a miniature lightning strike.
"I was worried they wouldn't catch any game. Didn't expect you to deliver yourself to us," Gune chuckled, scanning the surroundings to ensure no other creatures lurked nearby.
Chapter 15: Lurking Eyes
Gune approached the dead creature. It was a Jackrabbit, a common sight in the wilderness, its normally tawny fur almost completely scorched, parts of its body split open by Arc Lightning, revealing charred flesh. Gune pried open its mouth, revealing four sharp, yellowed teeth. Faint black lines were forming at the base of the teeth.
"Already undergoing transmutation. Halfway to becoming a transcendent creature," Gune mused. "In a couple of years, it would have become a true transcendent Jackrabbit. Double the size, increased speed, strength, and deadliness, with fur resistant to basic spells. It would have been a much trickier target then."
"Too bad… you didn't make it. Not too badly burned either. With a bit of cleaning, it'll make a decent meal."
Gathering some firewood with one hand and carrying the Jackrabbit with the other, Gune headed back to camp. Rounding a bend, he saw the others had already started a fire and were boiling water in a hollow.
"A Jackrabbit?" Ailee's sharp eyes spotted the carcass immediately. "I thought we'd be eating dry rations tonight. Didn't expect you to bag anything."
"It practically delivered itself," Gune shrugged with a smile. "We'll be feasting tonight. Jackrabbit is quite delicious."
Ailee came forward to take the Jackrabbit. As their hands brushed, Gune's expression flickered subtly. "Be careful when you dress it. There might be other semi-transcendent beasts lurking around," he said casually.
"I know," Ailee replied with his usual composure, taking the Jackrabbit to the nearby stream to clean it.
Gune discreetly examined the small pebble Ailee had slipped into his hand during the exchange. "Ailee noticed too. At least I'm not the only one. Our team's vigilance is commendable."
His eyes scanned the surroundings, cautious but not alarmed. In the transcendent world, there were countless ways to spy on others. To prevent enemies from gathering too much information, their team had a system of covert signals.
A passed pebble indicated they were being watched. Telling scary stories meant a potential attack was imminent. Shouting, "We'll fight to the death here today!" ironically meant, "We're outmatched, run!"
"I knew this wilderness expedition wouldn't be easy," Gune thought, rubbing his temples. "For now, they're just observing, trying to assess us. They're not confident enough to attack."
"My display of Arc Lightning should have sent a clear message. We're not easy prey." A calculated show of force could be an effective deterrent. Gune preferred to avoid unnecessary conflict. Battles between transcendents were swift and brutal, often ending in death or serious injury.
"Of course… there's another possibility. And if that's the case, this trip could become very dangerous." His mind raced, maintaining a high level of alertness.
He sat by the boiling water, carefully sniffing the steam to ensure it wasn't tainted. With his level six Bone Essence Potion Incantation, Gune possessed an acute sense of smell, easily detecting any soporific or toxic substances. Satisfied, he began adding various herbs he had gathered earlier to the water.
"What are those? What do they do?" Ylair Cogan asked curiously.
"Sweetreed stalks and Sunclover roots. They restore stamina and energy, and improve endurance. Consuming them regularly helps with long journeys and combat. Less potent than potions, but they have no side effects and are easy to digest," Gune explained. "Pity I haven't found any older specimens. These are only three to eight years old."
"You need older herbs?" Paul seemed surprised. "I thought alchemists didn't care about the age of ingredients for potions."
Gune stirred the pot, adding other ingredients as he explained, "Back in the Church's era, alchemy was just a side gig for mages, mainly for making mana potions. But now, with steampunk trains opening up the transcendent wilderness, we're seeing a boom in herbalism and alchemy. The deeper aspects of potion-making are being explored."
"There's more to potions than just basic, intermediate, and advanced. New theories and techniques are constantly being developed. Have you heard of Runic Potions?"
The others looked bewildered.
"I know about Runic Spells. They're a tier above Advanced spells, incredibly powerful. But Runic Potions? What are those?" Their curiosity was piqued.
"Are they like… a transcendent version of regular potions, like Runic Spells are to normal spells?" they speculated amongst themselves.
"Yes… and no," Gune replied after a moment of thought. "Regular potions are mostly single-use consumables. Like this…" He produced a basic Energy Restoration Potion. "This restores some energy, allowing us to continue our activities."
"Or a Berserk Potion, for a temporary boost in speed, strength, and aggression. Or a Purified Healing Potion, to mend wounds."
"But… what if there was a potion that permanently increased our strength? Our spirit? Our Source Pool capacity? Our physical agility? Even our thinking speed?"
The others stared at him in astonishment.
"Permanently increase physical strength? That's…" Paul stammered, speechless.
"Sounds incredible, doesn't it?" Gune smiled. "Actually, some factions are already exploring this. By using complex brewing methods and aged transcendent plants—usually centuries old, since normal plants don't live that long—they can create extremely rare Runic Potions."
"Different types of Runic Potions grant different benefits, directly enhancing strength, spirit, Source Pool capacity, physical resilience… Some high-end potions can even directly boost a transcendent's rank."
"As Runic Potions become more developed, they will revolutionize the landscape of transcendent power."
"If such potions truly become widespread, they will fundamentally change society and the transcendent community," Paul, the Philosopher Knight, agreed.
"This era of change isn't just about massive steampunk trains and ships," Gune said, his eyes gleaming. "Potions, alchemy, even the transcendent equipment we wear are all evolving. It's a dangerous time, full of uncertainty, but also a time of immense possibility."
Chapter 16: The Blood Curse Master
The group stared at Gune, their gazes lingering before finally breaking away. As children of affluent families, some even of noble lineage, they had access to information far beyond the reach of ordinary people, granting them a broader perspective on the world.
Since the dawn of the Arcane Steampunk Era on the Oya Continent, mysterious cults had become increasingly active, sowing chaos and discord. Powerful ancient professions were being rediscovered and revitalized, while new ones were constantly emerging. Strange and wondrous artifacts, once unheard of, now occasionally appeared in the Arcane Steam Daily or were discussed in high-level arcane gatherings. Steam trains, turbine ships, firearms, cannons, alchemy, potions, rune arrays—all these and more were rapidly transforming their world. An unpredictable era of change had begun, and no one could say for certain what the future held.
Undeniably, as Gune had said, it was the worst of times, but also the best of times.
"Haha… after all that, the most important thing for us is to improve our own strength," Gune's hearty laughter broke the pensive silence.
"Yes, increasing our strength is our primary goal," Ailee agreed, approaching with the processed Hound Rabbit carcass. He seemed to have overheard Gune's remark. "After all, that's why we're venturing deep into the transcendent wilderness."
Gune had already prepared the broth. He added the chopped Hound Rabbit meat to the pot, stoked the fire, and soon the pot bubbled merrily, filling the air with a savory aroma.
"You five rest well tonight. I'll take the first watch," Ailee said casually while the stew simmered.
The others didn't object. Ailee was a novice Shadow Artist. Gune had heard he possessed a mid-level transcendent text for "Shadow Source Energy," a rare and valuable asset for even wealthy families. This unique source energy allowed him to recover his strength and spirit in darkness. While other novice practitioners needed sleep, darkness was a Shadow Artist's restorative blanket. Cultivating in darkness was more beneficial for them than sleep, nourishing their spirit, body, and source energy.
After a satisfying meal, they extinguished the fire and retired to their tents.
The wind whispered through the wilderness. Night descended, draping the landscape in silver moonlight.
Howls, roars, and strange cackles echoed through the night, a symphony of wild beasts and transcendent creatures, composing the night music of the arcane wilderness.
Inside his small gray tent, Gune sat in meditative practice. While Ailee cultivated in the darkness, drawing upon his Shadow Source Energy, Gune relied on his powerful spirit to restore himself, eliminating the need for sleep. His strong spirit and robust physique made this possible.
He focused on the rune inscriptions within his body: Secret Crossing Runes, Repetition Runes, and Acceleration Runes. These were among the most important runes for a Rune Caster. Gune possessed four Secret Crossing Runes and three Repetition Runes, but no Acceleration Runes. His goal was instant spellcasting, achieved by accumulating enough Secret Crossing Runes to bypass the need for acceleration. The Repetition Runes were preparation for future dual-casting.
Thanks to the Cyberna Source Pool and Pious Knight Breathing Technique he was idling, Gune's physical strength had increased dramatically. While his size remained unchanged, his weight had increased by at least five percent due to increased muscle density, a clear sign of physical enhancement.
Ranks one and two were considered Basic Transcendent, where the body began its transformation from ordinary flesh to a transcendent physique. Ranks three and four were Intermediate Transcendent, a period of rapid physical growth. Ranks five and six were High Transcendent, where the body stabilized and gained incredible abilities.
Ranks seven, eight, and nine were the realm of Transcendent Masters, individuals of immense power and influence in any organization. While firearms and cannons posed a threat to lower-ranked transcendents, they were less effective against Masters. Despite the rise of firearms as the dominant force in modern warfare, powerful transcendents remained a force to be reckoned with, requiring equally powerful individuals to counter them.
Gune exhaled softly and focused his mind. "It's been a while since I tried to condense another Secret Crossing Rune. I think I'm ready for a fifth."
…
Deep within the moonlit forest, atop a bare, black volcanic rock, stood a young elf. He wore a withered yellow robe and hood, the symbol of the Ancient Tree of Life embroidered on his chest. His face was snow-white, his features elegant and sharp, his pointed ears tipped with crimson. He was a Bloodear Elf.
Beside him stood a Komo Direwolf, a Rank Two transcendent creature as tall as a horse, radiating wild, predatory power. Its white fangs gleamed menacingly in the moonlight. Yet, it displayed utter obedience to the elf.
Leaves rustled behind the elf as a petite female Bloodear Elf landed gracefully beside him.
"Any sign of them noticing our surveillance?" the male elf, Bloodlong, asked, his voice smooth and cultured.
"No. They seem oblivious," the smaller elf, Shimo, replied, her voice clear and bright. "But the Shadow Artist is quite alert."
"Unsurprising. Shadow Artists possess heightened senses. It's natural for him to sense something amiss. My Soul Spectre has them locked down regardless."
They fell silent for a moment.
"Is it worth all this trouble, luring this adventuring team here with the key?" Shimo asked hesitantly.
Bloodlong chuckled. "You underestimate the cunning of Grif, the transcendent Blood Curse Master. Even three hundred years after his death, the remnants of his power could easily kill us. You are only Rank One, and I am but Rank Two."
"Was this Blood Curse Master truly that terrifying?" Shimo asked, surprised.
"Terrifying doesn't begin to describe it," Bloodlong's voice dropped to a low, almost reverent tone, a hint of fear in his eyes. "He was a cataclysm."
Chapter 17: Vigilance!
"The Blood Curse Master, Grif, once held a forbidden zone within our ancestral grounds, his Blood Curse Territory. No one was permitted entry," Shimo began, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of fascination and fear.
"Later, in his pursuit of powerful artifacts, Grif left the ancestral grounds alone and vanished without a trace. For over three hundred years, the Blood Curse Territory remained untouched. Then, about thirty years ago, when the clan decided to expand and develop the ancestral grounds further, the elders finally succumbed to temptation and opened the territory."
"Initially, nothing seemed amiss. But then… strange things began to happen. The Bloodear Elves who entered, including a seventh-rank Grand Elder, began to experience inexplicable blood loss. It was as if an invisible bloodsucking bat was clinging to them, draining their life force."
"Soon, the first group of twenty or so Bloodear Elves succumbed to blood exhaustion, their bodies withered into desiccated husks. The seventh-rank Grand Elder was not spared. No healing method, diagnostic technique, or even ancient ritual could identify the cause or offer a cure. The only temporary solution was blood transfusion, which merely delayed the inevitable."
"In the end, the exploration of the Blood Curse Territory ended with the deaths of over two hundred Bloodear Elves who had ventured inside."
Shimo's voice trailed off, a shiver running down her spine. Such a mysterious and insidious power was truly terrifying.
"Is that why the Blood Curse Territory remains sealed to this day?" Gune asked.
"Yes," Bloodlung confirmed with a nod. Then, a smile spread across his face. "But who would have thought… that using a key found within the Blood Curse Territory, we would discover Grif's hidden sanctuary near Howling Canyon?"
Bloodlung's eyes flickered with a reddish light, his excitement palpable. "Legend has it that Grif was defeated by another transcendent master wielding an artifact. Seeking revenge, Grif began his quest for artifacts and left the ancestral grounds. Later, rumors surfaced that he had amassed a considerable collection. After that, he disappeared completely."
"It's highly likely that this sanctuary is Grif's final resting place. If so, its depths must hold numerous artifacts and transcendent equipment."
"A place of such importance, given Grif's nature, is bound to be riddled with traps, deadly formations, and perilous terrain. Entering recklessly would be suicidal." Bloodlung paused for a moment before continuing, "Competition within the clan is fierce. Even talented members sometimes fall victim to sabotage. If we can obtain these artifacts and high-rank transcendent equipment, our strength will increase dramatically, granting us the power to protect ourselves."
"Therefore, we must exercise extreme caution when exploring Grif's sanctuary. A meticulous and well-planned approach is essential. Charging in blindly with our current strength would be a death sentence."
"Indeed," Shimo agreed, her small frame tense. The thought of the Blood Curse Master's terrifying and insidious methods sent chills down her spine. She gripped her dark iron alloy dagger, its edge honed to a razor sharpness, further enhanced by her Shadow Source energy. However, she knew it was only a near-dark iron grade weapon. Above it were the dark iron grade, possessing greater durability and sharpness, the enchanted bronze grade, imbued with transcendent properties, and the秘银 (mìyín, meaning "secret silver," translated here as "mythril") grade, boasting exceptional destructive and defensive capabilities.
A bronze dagger or boots would significantly enhance her combat prowess. A mythril dagger would be a game-changer. Grif's sanctuary presented a golden opportunity to acquire such treasures. After all, the Blood Curse Master was a renowned alchemist.
"Blood Curse Master, Grif," Shimo repeated the name silently, etching it into her memory.
She looked at Bloodlung again. "That small team isn't particularly strong. We can easily eliminate them when they come out."
"But what if they… don't come out?"
Bloodlung gazed into the depths of the jungle, his expression calm and elegant. "Wouldn't that prove the wisdom of our decision to send them in first?"
Shimo's eyes widened in understanding. If they didn't come out, it meant the sanctuary held insurmountable dangers. The scouting party was merely expendable bait.
"Regardless of the outcome, I will seal and camouflage the entrance again with a sealing formation after they're done. We'll return after the Savage Saint's plan in Sug Relic City concludes and formulate a long-term strategy. A sanctuary belonging to a Blood Curse Master can't be fully explored in a short time, even with cannon fodder paving the way."
"Understood," Shimo nodded obediently. Then, her curiosity piqued, she asked, "Is the Savage Saint's plan truly as important as the elders claim?"
Bloodlung looked up at the night sky, stars twinkling brightly under the clear moonlight.
"This plan… is likely far more significant than we imagine. The Titan Church, the Face Flower Cult, the Soul Shepherd Church, and even several rival wilderness tribes are involved. If it succeeds, the Magnolia Congress will pay a heavy price, and their ambitions to expand into the Northern Mountains will be severely crippled. Their greed, and that of the Grand Dukes, knows no bounds."
"And if it fails?"
Bloodlung chuckled softly, then his expression turned serious, his voice low and melodious, like an ancient ballad. "You must understand, the Savage Saint… he is a hero born of this era."
…
The following day, as dawn broke, Gune exhaled softly inside his tent.
"Almost there. Another week, and the fifth Secret Crossing Rune should be condensed," he mused. "My soul has been growing at an incredible rate lately. I wonder if it's because of the Pious Knight Breathing Technique and the Cyberna Source Pool."
The damaged transcendent text of Ring Bombardment, due to its incomplete nature, constantly subjected its practitioner to intense spiritual pain. Conventional training with such a text risked mental instability and even collapse. The Idle System, however, negated the negative effects, leaving only the benefits. The agonizing pain and risk of mental breakdown were gone, replaced by rapid soul growth and enhancement. The system's unique properties made this otherwise impossible growth rate a reality for Gune. This was the reason he had managed to condense four Secret Crossing Runes in just four or five months and was on the verge of condensing a fifth.
He opened the tent flap. The pre-dawn wilderness was eerily silent. Gune quickly scanned his surroundings. His sharp senses took in every detail.
Nearby, Ailee sat against a thick tree trunk, a dark iron twin-bladed dagger in one hand and a piece of red wood in the other, meticulously carving something. Dexterity was essential for a true Shadow Artist, and woodcarving honed Ailee's fine motor control and precision.
"Anything?" Gune asked softly as he approached.
"All clear. Chased off a hungry cheetah earlier," Ailee replied.
"Good," Gune nodded.
By the time the first rays of sunlight touched their camp, they were packed and ready to move.
"Howling Canyon is not far now. Two hours at most," Ailee said, his voice carrying its usual air of precocious seriousness. "We must be careful on the way and avoid any mishaps."
The others murmured their agreement.
Sunlight bathed Gune's face, the morning air fresh and invigorating. But as he fingered the small stone Ailee had just handed him, a chill settled over him.
He had spent the night attempting to condense his fifth Secret Crossing Rune while remaining vigilant for any enemy approach. He was ready to unleash a devastating barrage of spells at the slightest provocation.
However, the enemy had remained silent.
And just now, as they were breaking camp, that faint, unsettling feeling of being watched returned. The worst-case scenario began to take root in his mind.
They were being followed. They had walked into a trap. This entire expedition was a setup, a carefully laid snare waiting for them to spring it.