Two days flew by in the blink of an eye, and Charles now stood in front of Arthur, holding out a small, delicate ring.
"Arthur, take this," Charles said, his voice steady and serious.
"This is a Storage Ring—it can hold anything non-living."
"Just inject Rune Force with the item when storing, and do the same when retrieving it."
"Inside, you'll find gold coins for Solgard City purchases and even some basic weapons."
"But keep this secret; Storage Runic Treasures aren't meant for everyone."
"And, you'll be leaving with Benjamin for the academy soon."
Without giving Arthur a chance to respond, Charles added with a wry smile, "Just hope that old geezer's bad luck doesn't follow you."
"Bad luck?" Arthur blinked, clearly confused.
"Never mind," Charles replied dismissively, before producing a circular token from thin air.
"This is an Insignia—a pass for any ruin in this world," Charles explained.
Arthur glanced at the Insignia, its surface dark, almost as if it was made of impure iron.
Charles paused for a moment before instructing, "Now, inject your Rune Force into the Insignia."
Arthur focused, channeling his Rune Force.
In an instant, everything on the Insignia glowed with intense blues, purples, and golds, radiating mystical energy.
The Insignia pulsed with overwhelming power, its fully activated form shimmering in vibrant hues.
At each of its four corners stood four creatures: the Fire Lion, its mane ablaze with golden flames; the Snow Leopard, radiating a chilling, icy aura; the Devil-like Wolf, wreathed in eerie, dark energy; and the Spike-covered Bear, armored in jagged, mystical plating.
At the center, a magnificent energy dragon coiled tightly around the sword, its ethereal form glowing with swirling magic, its presence dominating the insignia.
"Display this insignia when trouble comes, and they'll leave you be,"
"But remember: if all the symbols light up for more than five seconds, the Insignia will vanish," Charles said gravely.
"Only light the sword, the Fire Lion, and the Snow Leopard for the time being."
Arthur nodded, carefully controlling his Rune Force to settle the symbols back.
Charles's eyes flickered with hidden astonishment, though he kept his expression neutral.
"I have nothing to give except these two things," Charles said, his tone steady. "Remember, never let this storage ring fall into another's hands, and never light more than three symbols on the Insignia."
He paused for a moment, then added, "Have you packed your belongings yet?"
"Yes," Arthur replied.
"Good," Charles said curtly before turning and retreating into his room.
"You can leave now," he called, and with that, the door shut behind him.
Arthur stood for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. "Goodbye, Dad. I'll see you after graduation."
"Go!" Charles's voice came sharply from the room.
"I'm not going to see you off," he added, his tone blunt, but underneath it, there was a sadness that Arthur could feel.
...
"Arthur, let's go," Benjamin called from outside.
Arthur nodded and stepped forward, adjusting the small pack slung over his shoulder.
From the doorway, a heavy shadow fell—Charles stood there, silent.
His tired eyes, always distant, now shimmered with unspoken words. He didn't move, didn't call out. He simply watched as his son walked into the light.
On the road, Benjamin reached out and ruffled Arthur's hair.
"Tell me, boy."
"Do you hate leaving the village… or that old, drunken father of yours?"
Arthur hesitated, then answered softly, "A bit of both."
Benjamin chuckled, though there was something wistful in his eyes.
"You're sharper than my useless grandsons."
"Honestly, I wish you were my own."
"But Charles… that bastard's luckier than he knows." His voice grew lighter, yet carried a weight beneath.
"Out there, the world is vast."
"At university, you'll meet all sorts—make friends, gain knowledge. And when you become a Runic, the kingdom will grant you a stipend. Your family will finally have a proper life."
Arthur listened calmly.
"Grandpa," he asked after a moment, "what's the university really like?"
Benjamin's eyes brightened, as if recalling a time long past.
"The university is a place of learning—of power."
"Our village is granted one scholarship spot each year, though it's been ages since we've sent anyone."
"Scholarships cover tuition and accommodation fees, but they don't cover everything."
"You have to cover your meals and living expenses, usually by doing small jobs, like sweeping classrooms."
"It's nearly free for those who work while they learn. But for folks like us, securing the funding is always a struggle."
Benjamin added with a teasing note, "I suppose your drunken father should have saved a bit for you, shouldn't he?"
Arthur merely smiled, glancing at the worn copper ring on his finger.
...
"After Primary University, you'll need to attend Intermediate University—and that costs a fortune," Benjamin said patiently, glancing at Arthur as they walked.
"But since you've got Inborn Rune Force, boy, I already see you as a Runic in the making."
Arthur frowned, brow furrowed.
"Intermediate University? I thought there was only one University for Runes. Aren't they all the same? Just schools teaching people how to use Runes?"
Benjamin gave a small, knowing smile. "No, lad. They're nothing alike."
He paused, as if thinking about how best to explain it.
"Primary University is where it all starts."
"It's for children—kids whose genes have only just awakened."
"They focus on the basics—shaping your Rune Force, learning to control it, understanding simple Runes."
"That's six years of study."
"Even after six years, you haven't shown promise, you'll end up an ordinary Runic, for the rest of your life."
Arthur's eyes narrowed in thought.
"But if someone's talented—really talented—they can move on to Intermediate University. That's where things get serious."
Benjamin's voice deepened as he spoke, like a man who had seen too many dreams break along the way.
"Intermediate University teaches advanced techniques, powerful Runes, and high-level gene control."
"You stay there until you're eighteen."
"But make no mistake, Arthur—the challenges there are nothing like the ones at Primary."
"If you can't keep up, if you can't pass the trials, they'll toss you out before you ever touch real power."
Arthur blinked, absorbing every word.
"So…" he hesitated, thinking aloud, "is there something beyond Intermediate? Like an Advanced University?"