The Runic Alchemist

Three Sacrium swords. One to Lucian, one to Sam, and one to Einar. Each imbued with effects that either reflected their fighting style or covered their greatest weakness.

Sam’s sword carried the lightning spell. Unlike the other swords Damian had made for him so far, this one would not break, even if he used it continuously for twenty years straight. And with a few uses per day, the sword would gain a lifespan transcending centuries.

Einar’s sword held the Firebird spell—an advanced and far more powerful version. She had not disappointed him. She had mastered the spell he had imbued in her last sword. Those were just the primary spells, though. There were others woven into all three blades. Some of the shared spells included a wormhole spell powered by their mana and intent, allowing them to escape any dire situation, and a healing spell that could restore them as much as they desired.

And Lucian..

Damian had spent a long time deliberating over what would be best for her. In the end, he chose to grant her the Waygate spell. But this one was different. It had no restrictions—anyone could use it, and anyone could be found through it. Just in case. If he didn’t make it back, she would be able to take them all home. And, perhaps one day, back to their own world.

He cast the Analyze spell and let them examine their swords in private.

As for Maelor, he had no need for a weapon—his unique skill made one unnecessary. Instead, Damian handed the group three steel mana cubes, each locked to their individual IDs so only they could activate and collect liquid mana from them. They would need it in battle. They already had steel containers and knew how to use the liquid mana efficiently.

At last, Damian pulled Elias aside and brought him into the Dreamlight alone. He had not failed to notice Elias’s shift in demeanor over the past months. Damian had been too busy—and perhaps, if he was honest with himself, avoiding this conversation. But now, it was finally time.

The boy looked up at Damian’s towering figure, his eyes still holding that familiar mix of hesitation, respect, and fear.

Damian placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You know who I am, right?”

Elias looked away. “Yes,” he murmured.

“I don’t know how our parents raised you.. but to me, they didn’t even try.”

Elias immediately shot him a sharp look, ready to defend his family, but Damian simply raised a hand to stop him.

“It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me,” Damian continued. “The point is, I don’t particularly care about House Sunblade. But you.. You are special to me, little brother.”

Elias’s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as he saw Damian’s smile. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to fall.

Damian simply patted his shoulder and gestured around the ship. “You already have experience flying this thing. I fixed the generators. Only people from our family can use them. Ask Reize to help teach you everything about piloting. You and Lumi already know about the many runic tools we have in the armory—again, only you will be able to open it and activate most of them. Use the ship and everything in it wisely. Help them when they need you. It’s yours now.”

Elias shook his head vigorously. “No, broth—Damian, I can’t.. You put so much effort into making this, and it was for.. for..”

Damian just smiled. “Reize is just a friend now. And I can make another. Actually, I will make another soon. Use this in the war. If you’re lucky, you can take it back to your house.”

Elias’s eyes widened as realization dawned. The mana generators.. The invaluable flying mechanism.. The unparalleled runic machine. Damian had given it to him—not just as a tool for war, but as a means to save his family.

Elias couldn’t hold back his tears any longer. His slightly chubby cheeks streaked with them as he charged forward and hugged Damian tightly.

Damian ruffled his hair and let him be.

At last, when Elias released him, Damian said farewell and turned to leave. As he reached the first mechanical steel step, Elias’s voice rang out from behind.

“They didn’t abandon you.”

Damian halted.

“I don’t know what happened,” Elias continued, voice trembling, “but at least.. I don’t think they did. Ever since I was little, whenever someone mentioned your name.. the grief on our mother and father’s faces was real. They love you. They’ve always loved you.”

Damian’s eyes widened slightly.

But he did not turn back.

He simply nodded before climbing down the stairs. He was a child, and the difference between grief and guilt was not that big.

At the base of the steps, the three he had gifted swords to were waiting. All of them held their blades with the utmost care, as though they were made of the finest, most fragile glass.

“Damian, this is..” Lucian began.

“It’s a greater treasure than most dungeon relics!” Einar finished. “Wars have been fought for far less than this.”

Sam remained silent, but the hesitance in his gaze spoke volumes.

Damian just shrugged. “Highswords could wield these weapons far better than any of you. We all know that. If you want, you can hand them over to them. It’s your choice now. But I didn’t give them to the Highswords—I gave them to you three. Why? Because I know that only you—and the people behind you—are worthy of them. Do what you feel is right. I’m going to do the same.”

Sam nodded first, followed by Lucian and Einar. Then, in unison, they bowed their heads.

It was barely audible, but Damian heard them whisper, “We won’t let you down.”

He smiled, walking past them and patting Sam’s shoulder. He had asked Lucian to leave with the others before he came here—there was no need for her to follow him where he was going. The place was too unpredictable. She could level up by hunting black pigmen and help Sam and the others instead.

One by one, they all said their farewells and boarded the ship.

When Lumi came up to say goodbye, Damian let her take a few steps away before calling her name. She turned, and he tossed her a small mana cube.

Before she could protest, he ruffled her hair and gestured for her to stay silent.

Wide-eyed, she clutched the cube tightly, walking like a penguin as she struggled to contain her emotions.

Damian whispered, “Become the best mage ever..”

The mana cube may have looked like a standard steel one, but Damian had made it specifically for her—using a fragment of leftover Sacrium.

Only she could use it.

And if she wielded it wisely, it would last her a century.

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