The moment the essence fully settled into my body, another ding echoed in my head.
[Runic Ascent: Level 3 → Level 4]
I stared at the message for a few seconds, letting it sink in. The internal pressure had already stabilized, and yet, the resonance of that runic skill still hummed across my bones like a quiet engine ready to push further.
[Runic Ascent Level 4]:
[Node 1 Activation]
All stats increased by 4.5%.
Activation cost: negligible Essence drain and physical strain.
[Node 2 Activation]
All stats increased by 9%.
Activation cost: moderate Essence consumption and mild muscle strain.
Can be sustained for several minutes before strain accumulates.
[Node 3 Activation]
All stats increased by 18%.
Activation cost: extreme Essence consumption and severe physical strain.
Activation time limited to minutes before risking injury and Essence backlash.
