Having secured the invaluable Rune-scroll brimming with student data, Sebastian and Kael quickly moved to a secluded spot behind a cluster of massive jungle ferns near the trading terminal. The air still thrummed with the varied magical signatures of the nearby students, but their hidden talents kept them undetected.
"First things first," Sebastian murmured, pulling out a roll of dark, flexible material from his spatial ring. His Immortal Craftsman Hands (Legendary) glowed faintly as he worked, shaping the material with effortless precision. It was a composite fabric, woven from Grade B Shadowsilk and reinforced with strands of Grade C Ironroot Creeper, a design he'd envisioned specifically for concealment. He quickly fashioned two sets of practical, form-fitting robes and two masks that would perfectly obscure their features while allowing full mobility. The fabric was magically attuned to absorb ambient light, granting a minor stealth bonus.
"These will make it harder for anyone to identify us," Sebastian explained, handing a set to Kael. "We're not here to make friends, but we don't need to be immediately recognized either."
Kael, already donning the dark robe and mask, nodded, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Understood, My Lord."
Once disguised, Sebastian turned his attention to the Rune-scroll. He activated it, and the holographic display sprang to life, filled with a dizzying array of names, portraits, and data points. His All-Seeing Eyes (Rare) quickly parsed the information, and he began to calculate, muttering softly to himself. He focused on a specific section of the academy's public records, accessible through the scroll: academic expenses.
He factored in everything: dormitory rent, a decent food allowance, academic supplies, fees for various classes, daily necessities for two individuals over ten academic years. He ran complex simulations, projecting potential inflation and unforeseen costs. His brow furrowed in concentration, the figures swirling in his mind.
After a full hour of intense calculation, the final number solidified in his mind. "550,000 Credits," Sebastian announced, the figure dropping like a stone into the humid air.
Kael, who had been impatiently pacing, nearly stumbled. "My Lord! That's... that's an astronomical amount of Credits!" His voice was a strained whisper.
Sebastian nodded, his expression grim. "Indeed. That amount includes our expenses on everything from a comfortable dormitory and decent food to academic supplies, fees for all necessary classes, and daily necessities for our next ten years at the Mysticrium Academy. If we want to study without worrying about finances, this is the target."
Kael looked overwhelmed. "But… in six days? My Lord, how is that even possible?"
Sebastian met his gaze, his eyes burning with resolve. "It will be difficult, but not impossible. We will do everything possible to collect these Credits in the remaining six days at Trial Island Theta. We will start by hoarding materials: high-grade herbs, minerals, and Rune-Beast remains like bones, skin, blood, and cores."
"My Lord," Kael said, recalling something. "What about the 500 Rune-Beast egg incubators we traded for at the trading terminal?"
Sebastian's smile was a thin, knowing line beneath his mask. "We are going to steal eggs of Rune-Beasts with good abilities."
Kael blinked. "To trade them?"
"No," Sebastian replied, his voice firm. "We are going to keep all 500 of them ourselves. I think we will need them in the future, either to trade them for emergency Credits or to establish bonds with them when the time is right." His Beast Whisperer (Rare) talent implicitly informed this decision; the potential for a personal army of Rune-Beasts was too valuable to pass up.
"Understood, My Lord," Kael said, a new spark of excitement in his eyes. The sheer audacity of Sebastian's plan was starting to thrill him.
With their plan solidified and their identities concealed, they plunged into the deeper jungle. Sebastian's Unified Twilight Blade Art and Kael's Storm Hammer Technique were about to be unleashed.
The jungle became their hunting ground, a chaotic tapestry of life and death, constantly mapped and analyzed by Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes and Book of Beast Records. They moved as a single, efficient unit, a storm of calculated destruction. Sebastian's three active Rune-Beasts – Storm Hawk, Gale Shield Cicada, and Blairon Giant – worked in perfect sync with him and Kael.
Their targets were now specific: high-grade materials and Rune-Beasts with valuable remains or, crucially, viable eggs. Sebastian's eyes, cutting through camouflage and illusion, would pinpoint mineral veins glowing with Grade B or A resonance, or identify rare flora radiating potent magical auras. The Book of Beast Records would instantly provide their Credit value and properties.
When a Rune-Beast was spotted for the first time, the Book would instantly bring up its comprehensive profile:
[[First Encounter: "Crimson Mane Gorilla – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
* Rune Power Level: 520
* Bonding Difficulty: Adept (5 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: High
* Characteristics: Highly aggressive, territorial, immense physical strength, often found in rocky, volcanic regions. Its fur takes on a fiery hue when enraged.
* Abilities: Volcanic Roar (AOE fire damage), Ground Pound (creates seismic tremors), Lava Skin (temporary fire resistance).
* Encounter Rate: Uncommon (10-25% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-6 months
* Lifespan: 200-500 years
* Threat Level: High ]]
A Crimson Mane Gorilla, its powerful chest pounding, charged from a thicket. Its primal roar vibrated through the trees, a challenge of dominance.
Sebastian moved with the fluid grace of his Unified Twilight Blade Art. He didn't meet the charge head-on.
- First Stance: Twilight Draw – "Heaven's Threshold"
As the gorilla closed, Sebastian drew both Twin Starfang Blades in a blindingly fast X-crossing slash. The Dawn Blade arced up in a flash of silver-white light, aimed at the gorilla's eyes, while the Dusk Blade descended in a silent, almost invisible cleave towards its powerful arm. The gorilla, momentarily stunned by the sudden flare, flinched, its guard breaking.
Kael, already positioned, moved in. His Storm Hammer Technique was raw, unbridled power, perfectly complementing Sebastian's precision. He brought his Star-Iron Warhammer down in a wide, sweeping arc, aiming for the gorilla's exposed flank. The Blairon Giant charged forward, intercepting the gorilla, its metallic fists ready to engage.
The gorilla roared in pain as the Twin Starfang Blades sliced across its arm, leaving impossibly clean wounds, and Kael's Star-Iron Warhammer slammed into its side with a sickening crunch. The Blairon Giant engaged, trading blows with the enraged beast.
"Storm Hawk, target its eyes! Cicada, provide cover!" Sebastian commanded. The Storm Hawk dove, its Electrify Talons aimed at the gorilla's already injured face, while the Gale Shield Cicada created small, distracting Windwalls to disrupt its focus.
The gorilla stumbled, momentarily blinded. Sebastian seized the opening.
- Second Stance: Radiant Fang, Fading Claw – "Eclipse Fang"
He feinted with the Dawn Blade (bright, aggressive) towards the gorilla's head, drawing its attention. As the beast raised an arm to block, the Dusk Blade followed in a curve from its blindside, a silent, deadly arc aimed at the gorilla's neck. The blade sliced through thick fur and muscle with chilling ease.
The Crimson Mane Gorilla staggered, blood gushing from the grievous wound. Kael, with a final, furious shout, unleashed his Stoneclaw Grizzly.
[[ "Stoneclaw Grizzly – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
* Rune Power Level: 580
* Bonding Difficulty: Adept (5 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: High
* Characteristics: Massive, incredibly strong, with claws capable of rending stone and thick hide resistant to most attacks.
* Abilities: Stone Claw Slash, Earth Shield, Berserker Roar (temporarily boosts strength).
* Encounter Rate: Uncommon (10-25% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-6 months
* Lifespan: 200-500 years
* Threat Level: High ]]
The Stoneclaw Grizzly tore into the gorilla, pinning it, while the Blairon Giant delivered a final, concussive blow. The Crimson Mane Gorilla collapsed, its life draining away.
Sebastian quickly assessed the fallen beast. "Good hide, strong bones, and a viable core. Kael, into the ring." He supervised Kael efficiently collecting the remains into his spatial ring. "And search for its nest, if it has one. Eggs are priority."
Their relentless hunt continued. They encountered other Rune-Beasts.
First Encounter: [[ "Ironhide Boar – Tier II (Spark Guardian)"
* Rune Power Level: 300
* Bonding Difficulty: Apprentice (3 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Moderate
* Characteristics: Stubborn, heavily armored hide, powerful tusks, charges relentlessly.
* Abilities: Iron Charge, Goring Tusks, Hardened Hide.
* Encounter Rate: Common (25-40% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 2-3 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-3 weeks
* Lifespan: 100-200 years
* Threat Level: Moderate ]]
An Ironhide Boar burst from a thicket, its tough hide shrugging off a glancing blow from Kael's hammer. Sebastian didn't waste time.
- Third Stance: Spiraling Dusk-Dawn – "Cycle Reversal"
He spun, both Twin Starfang Blades extended, creating a deadly whirlwind. The Dawn Blade slashed outwards, parrying the boar's charge, while the Dusk Blade followed in a counterclockwise spiral, cutting deep into its legs and underbelly. The boar squealed, losing its footing. Kael then moved in for the kill.
First Encounter: [[ "Shadowfang Panther – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
* Rune Power Level: 600
* Bonding Difficulty: Adept (5 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: High
* Characteristics: Extremely stealthy, nocturnal predator, capable of brief shadow-teleportation, agile and deadly.
* Abilities: Shadow Step, Pounce, Vicious Claws, Stealth Veil.
* Encounter Rate: Uncommon (10-25% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-6 months
* Lifespan: 200-500 years
* Threat Level: High ]]
A Shadowfang Panther, its form barely visible in the deepening twilight, attempted to ambush them from above. Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes pierced its Stealth Veil.
- Fifth Stance: Serenade of Light and Silence – "Dual Tranquility"
As the panther descended, Sebastian rotated slowly, his breathing calm, his energy signature almost non-existent. The Dawn Blade flashed, reflecting the panther's claws like a mirror, deflecting its attack. Simultaneously, the Dusk Blade absorbed and redirected the force of the pounce, subtly guiding the panther past him. Kael, alerted by Sebastian's shift, was already preparing his counter-attack with the Blairon Giant and Stoneclaw Grizzly. The panther landed off-balance, directly into their ambush.
Days blurred into a relentless cycle of hunting, gathering, and strategic avoidance of other students. Sebastian and Kael became spectral hunters, their movements precise, their strikes decisive. Every valuable material, every Rune-Beast carcass, every discovered egg went into their spatial rings, expanding their Credit hoard.
Sebastian, observing the terrain and patterns of Rune-Beast activity with his All-Seeing Eyes, found himself drawn to high, rocky spires that scraped the sky. These untouched areas often held the most valuable resources.
First Encounter: [[ "Storm Roc – Tier IV (Arcane Protector)"
* Rune Power Level: 1050
* Bonding Difficulty: Expert (7 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Very High
* Characteristics: Gigantic aerial predator, capable of generating localized storms, nesting on high peaks. Its feathers shimmer with static electricity.
* Abilities: Cyclone Gust, Lightning Strike, Sky Dive, Sonic Screech.
* Encounter Rate: Rare (3-10% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 4-5 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 6 months - 2 years
* Lifespan: 500-1000 years
* Threat Level: Very High ]]
They ascended a treacherous cliff face, Kael clambering with his Titan Strength while Sebastian, aided by his War God Body, moved with impossible agility, anchoring them with the Rootsnare Whip. At the summit, they found it: a colossal nest, woven from lightning-scorched branches and embedded with glowing Grade A Fulgurite Crystals. Inside, nestled amongst ancient bones, were three eggs, crackling with raw electrical energy.
But the Storm Roc, a truly massive Tier IV Arcane Protector, was returning. Its shadow swallowed the sun, and the air crackled with nascent lightning.
"My Lord, a Roc!" Kael gasped, his Boulder Fang appearing beside him.
[[ "Boulder Fang – Tier IV (Arcane Protector)"
* Rune Power Level: 950
* Bonding Difficulty: Expert (7 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Very High
* Characteristics: Massive, heavily armored wolf-like beast with crystalline fangs, capable of manipulating earth and stone with powerful attacks.
* Abilities: Earth Shatter, Crystalline Fang, Stone Armor, Tremor Sense.
* Encounter Rate: Rare (3-10% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 4-5 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 6 months - 2 years
* Lifespan: 500-1000 years
* Threat Level: Very High ]]
"Eggs first!" Sebastian commanded. He was already moving, scooping up the Storm Roc eggs (Grade B Epic) into his spatial ring. Kael, with his newly acquired Star-Iron Warhammer, prepared to defend.
The Storm Roc descended, unleashing a furious Cyclone Gust that threatened to rip them from the peak. Kael braced himself, Boulder Fang roaring defiance. Sebastian, however, was already reacting.
- Fourth Stance: Horizon Split – "Sundering Line"
Holding both Twin Starfang Blades horizontally—Dawn above his head, Dusk low by his hip—Sebastian executed a sudden, linear dash attack. He wasn't targeting the Roc directly, but rather its powerful wings as it tried to maneuver in the confined space of the peak. He sliced through the air with a parallel twin strike, one from above and one from below, his blades cutting through the powerful winds generated by the Roc itself. The strike was so fast, so precise, that it disrupted the roc's flight, sending it spiraling momentarily.
"Blairon Giant, engage! Thunderjaw Wyvern, now!" Sebastian roared, deploying his Tier IV Arcane Protector.
[[ "Thunderjaw Wyvern – Tier IV (Arcane Protector)"
* Rune Power Level: 1100
* Bonding Difficulty: Expert (7 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Very High
* Characteristics: Agile aerial predator with powerful electrical attacks and a hardened, lightning-infused hide.
* Abilities: Thunder Breath, Static Field, Wing Gale, Lightning Dash.
* Encounter Rate: Rare (3-10% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 4-5 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 6 months - 2 years
* Lifespan: 500-1000 years
* Threat Level: Very High ]]
The Thunderjaw Wyvern materialized in a flash of blue lightning, a crackling spear of scales and muscle. It shot straight for the Storm Roc, meeting it in mid-air, a clash of electrical fury. Sebastian and Kael, with their ground-based Rune-Beasts, would handle any attacks that reached the peak.
The battle raged above them, two Tier IV Arcane Protectors tearing at each other in a storm of lightning and wind. The Blairon Giant and Boulder Fang deflected projectiles and kept the perimeter clear.
Sebastian needed to end this quickly. The longer they fought a Tier IV beast, the more attention they'd draw. He looked at the Roc, battered but still formidable. It tried to unleash a Lightning Strike at him, but Sebastian sidestepped, letting the Blairon Giant absorb the blow.
- Sixth Stance: Falling Sun, Rising Moon – "Twilight Ascendancy"
Sebastian leaped into the air, driven by his War God Body. He crossed the Dawn Blade downward in a flash like a descending sun, aiming for the Storm Roc's back as it passed overhead. Before it could recover, he followed with an ascending slash from the Dusk Blade, mimicking the rise of the moon, targeting its underbelly. The combined, dual strike sent the enormous bird tumbling downwards, its cries echoing as it crashed into the jungle canopy below.
"Too much noise," Sebastian muttered. "Quickly. We gather what we need and move." They retrieved the Roc's core and a few valuable feathers, then vanished from the peak.
The days passed, marked by the steady accumulation of Credits. Their strategy of targeted hunting and egg theft proved devastatingly effective. They had managed to collect dozens of high-grade Rune-Beast eggs, each stored safely within their new incubators in Sebastian's ring. Their combined Credit score was steadily climbing towards their ambitious goal.
At the Mysticrium Academy's Grand Assembly Hall, the scene was far from calm. The Headmaster, along with the Senior Professor and Master of Blades, the Heavenly Blade Emperor, and the other 500 professors, watched the Rune-Screen with an ever-growing mixture of awe, concern, and utter bewilderment.
The Credit scoreboard showed Sebastian and Kael's numbers skyrocketing. They weren't just participating; they were dominating.
"Their Credit growth is unprecedented," one professor murmured, eyes wide. "They've already surpassed students who usually take weeks to reach such numbers."
"And the sheer audacity!" another exclaimed. "Egg theft on this scale? From Tier III and even Tier IV beasts?"
The Heavenly Blade Emperor, however, was not focused on the Credit tally. His eyes, usually sharp and critical, were now wide with excitement, a bright smile gracing his face. He watched the feeds, specifically focusing on Sebastian's movements. Every time Sebastian engaged, every time his Twin Starfang Blades flashed, the Heavenly Blade Emperor leaned forward. He saw the fluid transitions, the deceptive feints, the brutal power, and the effortless grace. He saw the Unified Twilight Blade Art.
"Remarkable!" the Heavenly Blade Emperor breathed, a rare display of emotion from the usually stoic master. "Truly remarkable! He's not just using the blades; he's become the twilight. That precision, that duality… it's almost an art form!"
Another professor, baffled, looked at the Blade Emperor. "Master, he's just collecting resources at an alarming rate. What's so special about his technique?"
The Heavenly Blade Emperor chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "You see a student fighting, Professor. I see a masterpiece in the making. Watch his footwork, the subtle shift of his weight between strikes. The way one blade distracts while the other delivers the killing blow. It's unique. It's a style born not just of talent, but of genuine genius. He understands the core principle of duality. He is a natural. A true Blade-Seer."
The Headmaster, observing the Blade Emperor's rare enthusiasm, allowed a small, knowing smile to touch his lips. He had suspected as much. Sebastian Stormwright was proving to be far more than just a powerful recruit. He was a phenomenon. And the trial was only just beginning.